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Wind Dancer #1
The Wind Dancer
A hidden killer...a conspiracy of treachery...and two people caught in the most desperate game of all...
In Renaissance Italy, intrigue is as intricate as carved cathedral doors, but none is so captivating as that surrounding the prized Wind Dancer, the lost treasure of a family--and of the man who will stop at nothing to reclaim it. Lionello Andreas is bound by his vow to guard the exquisite statue. But to recover what is rightfully his, he will need the help of a thief--one he can control body and soul. He finds his answer on the treacherous backstreets of Florence, in a sharp-witted young woman whose poverty leaves her no choice. But in the end, the allure of the Wind Dancer, and the ruthlessness of those who would possess her, will catapult them both into a terrifying realm where death may be the most merciful escape.
In Renaissance Italy, intrigue is as intricate as carved cathedral doors, but none is so captivating as that surrounding the prized Wind Dancer, the lost treasure of a family--and of the man who will stop at nothing to reclaim it. Lionello Andreas is bound by his vow to guard the exquisite statue. But to recover what is rightfully his, he will need the help of a thief--one he can control body and soul. He finds his answer on the treacherous backstreets of Florence, in a sharp-witted young woman whose poverty leaves her no choice. But in the end, the allure of the Wind Dancer, and the ruthlessness of those who would possess her, will catapult them both into a terrifying realm where death may be the most merciful escape.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
369 people are currently reading
3129 people want to read
About the author
Iris Johansen
230 books7,391 followersIris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.
IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.
http://www.irisjohansen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
March 16, 2021
The story is set in the medieval Italy and features a political struggle between the Italian city -states' nobility and a love story between the ruler of Mandara and his newly acquired slave that unfolded during those turbulent times... Suffice it to say, that this is one of those RARE books where the author not only made me fall irrevocably in love with BOTH main characters but also wrote amazing multi-dimensional secondary characters thus not sparing me the excrutiating pain of seeing so many of them die at the end. ☠🚬🚬
On the positive side, the story kept me happy, content and serene for the most part.
For example, that's me watching how the sensual and cruel beast of a hero Lion lets his closest friend and an assassin all in one Lorenzo and the sweet heroine and a thief in one person Sanchia troll his dangerous self throughout the whole goddamn book:
Me watching how Lorenzo manages to mock everyone with his tongue that "has the sting of a scorpion" and intimidate every living soul in the story:
I loved Lion but damn Lorenzo... my babe Lorenzo. Sarcastic, smart and dangerous men who speak only to make mock of people and themselves are my ultimate weakness and I need this sexy man reincarnated, brought to my doorstep and...
The way he was shippin' the main couple like a mad man, tho?
The heroine in this book can easily give tutorials on how to be a strong and independent woman. Let me tell ya that this slave girl is braver and more free-spirited than 90% of the modern-day heroines who are an embarrassment to the whole female population.
I could easily understand why the hero was smitten with Sanchia to the point of no return. I kind of was smitten with her too. Poor man was accustomed to giving orders and only Lorenzo's stunts could prepare Lion for a little hellion he got as his other half. LOL. I could picture vividly the hero's reaction to some of her tantrums and bold speeches.
The most precious part of this book is how the women are being portrayed in the story. They all were so different, from their social status (whores/slaves/noble women) to personality traits and life priorities, but they all possessed the qualities that ure usually attributed to men, which is a shame. The other woman in this story, ambiguous as her role turned out to be, ended up being one of the wealthiest and the most influential women in Florence. It's not very often that I come across an "evil" other woman's transformation from a regular whore and a whorehouse' owner to a rich and successful businesswoman!!!
For someone who claims to NOT like historical romance, I have a suspicious number of books in this genre that I consider my all time favourites: Comanche Moon, Lemonade, The Silver Devil, Gone with the Wind, Just Imagine, Whitney, My Love, just to name a few. (*GO READ THEM*).
P. S. The Silver Devil is in a category of its own, being very dark, disturbing and unique in so many aspects, so I wouldn't compare these two books. They are, indeed, very different.
On the positive side, the story kept me happy, content and serene for the most part.
For example, that's me watching how the sensual and cruel beast of a hero Lion lets his closest friend and an assassin all in one Lorenzo and the sweet heroine and a thief in one person Sanchia troll his dangerous self throughout the whole goddamn book:
Me watching how Lorenzo manages to mock everyone with his tongue that "has the sting of a scorpion" and intimidate every living soul in the story:
I loved Lion but damn Lorenzo... my babe Lorenzo. Sarcastic, smart and dangerous men who speak only to make mock of people and themselves are my ultimate weakness and I need this sexy man reincarnated, brought to my doorstep and...
The way he was shippin' the main couple like a mad man, tho?
The heroine in this book can easily give tutorials on how to be a strong and independent woman. Let me tell ya that this slave girl is braver and more free-spirited than 90% of the modern-day heroines who are an embarrassment to the whole female population.
I could easily understand why the hero was smitten with Sanchia to the point of no return. I kind of was smitten with her too. Poor man was accustomed to giving orders and only Lorenzo's stunts could prepare Lion for a little hellion he got as his other half. LOL. I could picture vividly the hero's reaction to some of her tantrums and bold speeches.
The most precious part of this book is how the women are being portrayed in the story. They all were so different, from their social status (whores/slaves/noble women) to personality traits and life priorities, but they all possessed the qualities that ure usually attributed to men, which is a shame. The other woman in this story, ambiguous as her role turned out to be, ended up being one of the wealthiest and the most influential women in Florence. It's not very often that I come across an "evil" other woman's transformation from a regular whore and a whorehouse' owner to a rich and successful businesswoman!!!
For someone who claims to NOT like historical romance, I have a suspicious number of books in this genre that I consider my all time favourites: Comanche Moon, Lemonade, The Silver Devil, Gone with the Wind, Just Imagine, Whitney, My Love, just to name a few. (*GO READ THEM*).
P. S. The Silver Devil is in a category of its own, being very dark, disturbing and unique in so many aspects, so I wouldn't compare these two books. They are, indeed, very different.
May 28, 2025
THIS is how you write a book. This is how you write plot twists. This is how you write memorable characters. This is how you write a romance. The emotion. The banter. The betrayals. The love. This was a masterfully written tale. Damn. I am feeling wrung out. I was not expecting the author to go scorched earth with the villainy. I should dock a star, but she made me feel and I can't remember the last time I cried for more than a minute while reading a book except Prince of Eden by Marilyn Harris. The writing was not as sophisticated as Jan Cox Speas' in My Lord Monleigh, Natasha Peters' in The Masquers, or Teresa Denys' in The Silver Devil, but nevertheless this author has skill. I was not expecting her to play with my emotions like this.
*deep breath
This reminded me much more of Game of Thrones than the The Silver Devil. I got Arya Stark vibes from the heroine, the Hound vibes from Lorenzo (hands down one of the best side characters I've ever read. Other authors need to take note), and this author pulled tragedy on the same level as what's found in Game of Thrones. Caterina was amazing. This is how you write strong heroines and strong female supporting characters in books - even Giulia was great.
I may come back later to add my favorite quotes.
4.5 stars, rounding up.
*deep breath
This reminded me much more of Game of Thrones than the The Silver Devil. I got Arya Stark vibes from the heroine, the Hound vibes from Lorenzo (hands down one of the best side characters I've ever read. Other authors need to take note), and this author pulled tragedy on the same level as what's found in Game of Thrones. Caterina was amazing. This is how you write strong heroines and strong female supporting characters in books - even Giulia was great.
I may come back later to add my favorite quotes.
4.5 stars, rounding up.
July 21, 2017
While my TBR pile is collecting dust, I'll continue rereading and reviewing the romance novels of my teenage years.
The first in the series, The Wind Dancer is set during the time period of the Italian Renaissance. Sadly, my knowledge of this particular time is rudimentary at best. Something I'll rectify eventually as I've always found it intriguing.
Anyway, The Wind Dancer.
A few warnings before I delve deeper into the book:
- Like Storm Winds, this book is not for the faint of heart
- Sanchia, the heroine, is 16. A slave, forced to steal for her 'owner'.
- Lionello Andreas, or Lion, is about 28ish. A warrior and, as such you can imagine, he's not necessarily the most sensitive of heroes. Add to that that he has quite a few classic bodice-ripper qualities, and I wouldn't be surprised if readers DNF'ed this book rather quickly.
- There's also the so-called forced seduction, aka rape. I'm not going to sugar coat it. Sanchia may experience orgasms, but under today's - correct - standards, it's rape.
- Lion is married. All I'll say to that, though, is that there's more to that.
- This book is full of angst. Proper angst.
Lion buys her from her owner to steal the Wind Dancer statue that has been in the Andreas family for centuries. She's not given a choice. Not if she wants to undertake such a dangerous mission; not if she wants to sleep with Lion.
I won't defend rape, but as a reader I can put it into its historical context. It doesn't make it right or easier; it's just reminds me that standards were different 500 years ago.
All that said, though, Iris Johansen wrote another heroine with a spine made of steel. Even at the beginning, when she's still a indentured, when she's still yearning for any kind of affection, even Lion's 'forced seductions', Sanchia shows qualities that belie her young age. No wonder when her upbringing is considered.
Her mission to steal the Wind Dancer is successful but she's captured by the villain and is tortured. Thankfully, t's not gratuitous but it isn't nice either.
If Sanchia was a strong character before her horrible ordeal, she becomes an adversary to be reckoned with after her recovery. And Lion doesn't know what's hit him. Their interactions become a battle of wills and Sanchia's resolve is a wonder to behold, even if she gives in eventually. It's a romance novel, after all. But she puts up a fight and doesn't hesitate to play dirty if necessary. Lion, again, is not as thoroughly fleshed out as Sanchia is. Probably because it's a pre-2k phenomenon not to question a hero's motivation further than his lust and obsession. That said, once Sanchia resists him, he is willing to show his other side which is his saving grace. But overall, I'd say their romance falls a little short due to his behaviour. But The Wind Dancer is not all about the romance.
Another aspect that makes this book worthwhile is the ensemble of secondary characters. Starting with little Pietro to Bianca, Marco, Caterina and Lorenzo Vasaro, Lion's friend. I won't disclose what happens but let me say this: I wish, I truly, truly wish today's HR's authors would give their secondary characters as much depth as they have in The Wind Dancer. Their stories alone are worth reading this book. They broke my heart 20 years ago, and they broke it again when I reread it. There's a secondary and actually a third (!) romance that had me all teary eyed again.
As stated above, I'm not an expert of Italian Renaissance so I don't know if the titles were used correctly. They did sound strange at times.
But that aside, I wish writers and publishers nowadays would show the guts that Iris Johansen showed writing The Wind Dancer, minus the 'forced seduction'.
The first in the series, The Wind Dancer is set during the time period of the Italian Renaissance. Sadly, my knowledge of this particular time is rudimentary at best. Something I'll rectify eventually as I've always found it intriguing.
Anyway, The Wind Dancer.
A few warnings before I delve deeper into the book:
- Like Storm Winds, this book is not for the faint of heart
- Sanchia, the heroine, is 16. A slave, forced to steal for her 'owner'.
- Lionello Andreas, or Lion, is about 28ish. A warrior and, as such you can imagine, he's not necessarily the most sensitive of heroes. Add to that that he has quite a few classic bodice-ripper qualities, and I wouldn't be surprised if readers DNF'ed this book rather quickly.
- There's also the so-called forced seduction, aka rape. I'm not going to sugar coat it. Sanchia may experience orgasms, but under today's - correct - standards, it's rape.
- Lion is married. All I'll say to that, though, is that there's more to that.
- This book is full of angst. Proper angst.
Lion buys her from her owner to steal the Wind Dancer statue that has been in the Andreas family for centuries. She's not given a choice. Not if she wants to undertake such a dangerous mission; not if she wants to sleep with Lion.
I won't defend rape, but as a reader I can put it into its historical context. It doesn't make it right or easier; it's just reminds me that standards were different 500 years ago.
All that said, though, Iris Johansen wrote another heroine with a spine made of steel. Even at the beginning, when she's still a indentured, when she's still yearning for any kind of affection, even Lion's 'forced seductions', Sanchia shows qualities that belie her young age. No wonder when her upbringing is considered.
Her mission to steal the Wind Dancer is successful but she's captured by the villain and is tortured. Thankfully, t's not gratuitous but it isn't nice either.
If Sanchia was a strong character before her horrible ordeal, she becomes an adversary to be reckoned with after her recovery. And Lion doesn't know what's hit him. Their interactions become a battle of wills and Sanchia's resolve is a wonder to behold, even if she gives in eventually. It's a romance novel, after all. But she puts up a fight and doesn't hesitate to play dirty if necessary. Lion, again, is not as thoroughly fleshed out as Sanchia is. Probably because it's a pre-2k phenomenon not to question a hero's motivation further than his lust and obsession. That said, once Sanchia resists him, he is willing to show his other side which is his saving grace. But overall, I'd say their romance falls a little short due to his behaviour. But The Wind Dancer is not all about the romance.
Another aspect that makes this book worthwhile is the ensemble of secondary characters. Starting with little Pietro to Bianca, Marco, Caterina and Lorenzo Vasaro, Lion's friend. I won't disclose what happens but let me say this: I wish, I truly, truly wish today's HR's authors would give their secondary characters as much depth as they have in The Wind Dancer. Their stories alone are worth reading this book. They broke my heart 20 years ago, and they broke it again when I reread it. There's a secondary and actually a third (!) romance that had me all teary eyed again.
As stated above, I'm not an expert of Italian Renaissance so I don't know if the titles were used correctly. They did sound strange at times.
But that aside, I wish writers and publishers nowadays would show the guts that Iris Johansen showed writing The Wind Dancer, minus the 'forced seduction'.
May 7, 2026
Bulgarian review first, followed by the English translation below
Ренесансова Италия на Борджиите и Макиавели. Сред лютите схватки между градовете-държави една малка крадла, продадена в робство (имало го е в Ренесансова Европа, и още как) се опитва с този извънреден приход да закърпи финансовото положение на още няколко свои близки, безпомощни в мизерията. Докато не посяга към грешната поредна чужда кесия със златни дукати.
Така се озовава наета да отмъкне скъпоценна и прочута статуетка, произлизаща още от времето на Ахил и Еней. Начинанието е успешно, но от него произтичат куп усложнения от сорта на любовна връзка с женен аристократ, близко познанство с методите за разпит на инквизицията, близко запознанство с една от аристократичните фамилии, които си управляват собствен град-държава, близка среща с върлуващата чума, една локална война, и разбира се - хепи енд, който обаче хич не идва лесно.
Адски ми хареса покрай мръвките история за Ренесанса и камарата приключения и различните великолепно оформени герои. Днешен редактор на любовни романи би получил благопристоен инсулт… Както е написала друга читателка, ако някой иска да види истински силен женски характер в действие в брутално реалистична средновековна обстановка, с хепи енд, и без нито един влудяващ политкоректен момент в стил “презадоволена, невежа, скучаеща, градска мацка, пренесена в миналото раздава праведни поучения и припадъци”, тук е добра възможност.
4,5⭐️
Ренесансова Италия на Борджиите и Макиавели. Сред лютите схватки между градовете-държави една малка крадла, продадена в робство (имало го е в Ренесансова Европа, и още как) се опитва с този извънреден приход да закърпи финансовото положение на още няколко свои близки, безпомощни в мизерията. Докато не посяга към грешната поредна чужда кесия със златни дукати.
Така се озовава наета да отмъкне скъпоценна и прочута статуетка, произлизаща още от времето на Ахил и Еней. Начинанието е успешно, но от него произтичат куп усложнения от сорта на любовна връзка с женен аристократ, близко познанство с методите за разпит на инквизицията, близко запознанство с една от аристократичните фамилии, които си управляват собствен град-държава, близка среща с върлуващата чума, една локална война, и разбира се - хепи енд, който обаче хич не идва лесно.
Адски ми хареса покрай мръвките история за Ренесанса и камарата приключения и различните великолепно оформени герои. Днешен редактор на любовни романи би получил благопристоен инсулт… Както е написала друга читателка, ако някой иска да види истински силен женски характер в действие в брутално реалистична средновековна обстановка, с хепи енд, и без нито един влудяващ политкоректен момент в стил “презадоволена, невежа, скучаеща, градска мацка, пренесена в миналото раздава праведни поучения и припадъци”, тук е добра възможност.
4,5⭐️
Renaissance Italy of the Borgias and Machiavelli. Amidst the fierce skirmishes between city-states, a young thief sold into slavery (it existed in Renaissance Europe, and how!) attempts to use this extraordinary income to patch up the financial situation of several relatives, helpless in their misery. That is, until she reaches for the wrong purse filled with gold ducats.
This is how she finds herself hired to steal a precious and famous statuette dating back to the time of Achilles and Aeneas. The venture is successful, but it triggers a heap of complications: a love affair with a married aristocrat, close acquaintance with the Inquisition's interrogation methods, an intimate look at one of the noble families ruling their own city-state, a brush with the raging plague, a local war, and of course – a happy ending, though one that certainly doesn't come easy.
I absolutely loved the grit of the Renaissance history mixed with a mountain of adventure and brilliantly crafted characters. A modern-day romance editor would likely suffer a polite stroke... As another reader wrote: if anyone wants to see a truly strong female character in action within a brutally realistic medieval setting—with a happy ending and without a single infuriatingly politically correct moment in the style of "a pampered, ignorant, bored city girl transported to the past to dispense righteous lessons and fainting spells"—this is a great opportunity.
4.5⭐️
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March 26, 2019
I picked this up chiefly because I was hoping for something like The Silver Devil. It wasn't anything like that; and I should have known it, because that book is one of a kind. Still, The Wind Dancer is well-written and I quite liked Lion and Sanchia, although I didn't fall in love with them.
It had a number of tropes I secretly love, namely: the slave/master trope with its glorious dubcon; mistress trope (with the hero still married); hero madly chasing heroine; and more. Unfortunately the setting, despite being an unusual 16th-century Italy, didn't come to life in the way I was hoping it would. But on the plus side, there was astoundingly NO OW/OM ANGST. Crazy, right?! I'd almost recommend this book for that alone.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
It had a number of tropes I secretly love, namely: the slave/master trope with its glorious dubcon; mistress trope (with the hero still married); hero madly chasing heroine; and more. Unfortunately the setting, despite being an unusual 16th-century Italy, didn't come to life in the way I was hoping it would. But on the plus side, there was astoundingly NO OW/OM ANGST. Crazy, right?! I'd almost recommend this book for that alone.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
March 7, 2021
Bodice ripper with besotted H!
October 3, 2021
RTC. I hate underage heroines which is why I’ve put this off for so long. I really enjoyed this, but I imagined she was like 21 and hero is 25. Which is still so young 🤣 but seriously there was really no point to have her be 16. Some early sentences creeped me out. Will share in full later. I’m also not sure how old Lion is. Lorenzo is 44 and considered older than Lion.
***FULL REVIEW***
Ok so what I've been craving has really been beautifully constructed sentences to snatch me out of my reality and into a fictional one, which explains my romance slump. I've been reading contemporary, historical but haven't found anything to really grip me. You know the feeling - one where you have to, must finish the book right that second!
Iris Johansen's The Wind Dancer did it for me and who would have thought in Borgia's Italy! This is why I will always return to the historical romance because I love the rich cadence that this type of narrative can offer, when it is not too purple hehe.
The opening chapters fly in The Wind Dancer. One of the best heroine thieves I've read. Lion is possessive, obsessive. Also, slave girl-master pairing too. Although Sanchia is resigned to her fate in the beginning, she still talks back and has pluck, so that was fun.
I really do not have anything to say other than the age gap, which is just not my preference. Sanchia does not act like a teenager, she doesn't give off those naive ward vibes. I use the guardian-ward example because that is my extent of experience reading age-gap romances, and sometimes the ward truly is a child. So, Sanchia is an adult, very reasonable and practical, to all intents and purposes, and so for me, I just wonder, what does it add that she is this age?
There were some lines early on where Lion thinks, she looks like a child but her [insert body part] is adult, and that made me uncomfortable. There is not too much of that, but perhaps 1-3 instances of this. I don't even know how old Lion is. If anyone has figured it out, I'd be curious.
The romance between Sanchia and Lion does settle into a warmth, as the politics of the story take over.
***FULL REVIEW***
Ok so what I've been craving has really been beautifully constructed sentences to snatch me out of my reality and into a fictional one, which explains my romance slump. I've been reading contemporary, historical but haven't found anything to really grip me. You know the feeling - one where you have to, must finish the book right that second!
Iris Johansen's The Wind Dancer did it for me and who would have thought in Borgia's Italy! This is why I will always return to the historical romance because I love the rich cadence that this type of narrative can offer, when it is not too purple hehe.
The opening chapters fly in The Wind Dancer. One of the best heroine thieves I've read. Lion is possessive, obsessive. Also, slave girl-master pairing too. Although Sanchia is resigned to her fate in the beginning, she still talks back and has pluck, so that was fun.
I really do not have anything to say other than the age gap, which is just not my preference. Sanchia does not act like a teenager, she doesn't give off those naive ward vibes. I use the guardian-ward example because that is my extent of experience reading age-gap romances, and sometimes the ward truly is a child. So, Sanchia is an adult, very reasonable and practical, to all intents and purposes, and so for me, I just wonder, what does it add that she is this age?
There were some lines early on where Lion thinks, she looks like a child but her [insert body part] is adult, and that made me uncomfortable. There is not too much of that, but perhaps 1-3 instances of this. I don't even know how old Lion is. If anyone has figured it out, I'd be curious.
The romance between Sanchia and Lion does settle into a warmth, as the politics of the story take over.
March 13, 2021
4.5 stars.
It has been years since I’ve read this one, but I still remember the story 😍.
If you love age gap and an antihero, this 17th century setting would be perfect for you 😘.
The heroine is fabulous too and very strong heroine for such a young woman.
Also, the story setting in Italy. The other story that I love so much and similar like this, is The Silver Devil also setting in Italy ❤️.
I want to reread it again, soon! 😻
It has been years since I’ve read this one, but I still remember the story 😍.
If you love age gap and an antihero, this 17th century setting would be perfect for you 😘.
The heroine is fabulous too and very strong heroine for such a young woman.
Also, the story setting in Italy. The other story that I love so much and similar like this, is The Silver Devil also setting in Italy ❤️.
I want to reread it again, soon! 😻
February 27, 2017
The Wind Dancer (Original 90's Version)- first in a trilogy has always been a favorite of mine. It’s the setting you see. One you don’t get often in Hist-rom. The setting in this book- the settings in the entire series really- is the thing I fell in the deepest love with, because it’s what sets the books apart.
In the late 1400’s early 1500’s Italy, the power of the dukes and popes are waning and so, to keep that power, they desire one thing. The Wind Dancer.
A Pegasus made of Gold that gives the possessor an almost mystical power of invulnerability. Yet no matter whose hands have had it, It has always made its way to the Andreas family- even from the times of Troy. But a scheming triumvirate of evil wants it, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it- even murder of entire village.
Our story starts with the heroine, a desperate girl who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she love. Even thievery. It’s as thief that she comes to the attention of the rich and powerful Lionello Andreas.
Lion has a duty to his family and to the golden statue which has been in his family for centuries. The Wind dancer- stolen out from under him- is about to be recovered, but he needs a thief to help him accomplish it.
Sanchia is young, but she’s no dummy. She’ll use whatever it takes to keep herself and those she’s adopted as family safe. She agrees to help Lion, even though as a slave she really has no choice.
In the end Lion will demand much more of her then her skill on the streets- he’ll demand her heart, body, and soul. And she’ll give it. But not before they both lose so much more...
Okay, here’s the thing. Sanchia is only 16. It never really bothered me before, because she had to be 16 in this setting. I figured, otherwise it wouldn’t be truthful. But now, reading it with my over 40 yr old eyes. Oy vey.
Worse is Lion’s reaction to her. He manipulates her innocence, even though she does indeed desire him. But something about it this go around pissed me off. Idk,it probably has to do with the fact that many marriages around me are busting up and I look on in horror as I watch men my age only date women 20 yrs younger then them. I Just. Don’t. Get. It.
But then the setting arises, the plague happens and suddenly, Sanchia is no longer 16 yrs old but a woman who endured death and lived! And Lion is the man who walks out of the fire with her and helps her seek her revenge. That is why I love this story- and that is why I will probably keep rereading it. Because, no matter the ass-hattery of men who think trading in their strong wives for a younger, more malleable, model is just the thing... A strong and noble woman is a thing to behold at any age. And the man who loves her? Well, he has my heart too.
In the late 1400’s early 1500’s Italy, the power of the dukes and popes are waning and so, to keep that power, they desire one thing. The Wind Dancer.
A Pegasus made of Gold that gives the possessor an almost mystical power of invulnerability. Yet no matter whose hands have had it, It has always made its way to the Andreas family- even from the times of Troy. But a scheming triumvirate of evil wants it, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it- even murder of entire village.
Our story starts with the heroine, a desperate girl who will stop at nothing to protect the ones she love. Even thievery. It’s as thief that she comes to the attention of the rich and powerful Lionello Andreas.
Lion has a duty to his family and to the golden statue which has been in his family for centuries. The Wind dancer- stolen out from under him- is about to be recovered, but he needs a thief to help him accomplish it.
Sanchia is young, but she’s no dummy. She’ll use whatever it takes to keep herself and those she’s adopted as family safe. She agrees to help Lion, even though as a slave she really has no choice.
In the end Lion will demand much more of her then her skill on the streets- he’ll demand her heart, body, and soul. And she’ll give it. But not before they both lose so much more...
Okay, here’s the thing. Sanchia is only 16. It never really bothered me before, because she had to be 16 in this setting. I figured, otherwise it wouldn’t be truthful. But now, reading it with my over 40 yr old eyes. Oy vey.
Worse is Lion’s reaction to her. He manipulates her innocence, even though she does indeed desire him. But something about it this go around pissed me off. Idk,it probably has to do with the fact that many marriages around me are busting up and I look on in horror as I watch men my age only date women 20 yrs younger then them. I Just. Don’t. Get. It.
But then the setting arises, the plague happens and suddenly, Sanchia is no longer 16 yrs old but a woman who endured death and lived! And Lion is the man who walks out of the fire with her and helps her seek her revenge. That is why I love this story- and that is why I will probably keep rereading it. Because, no matter the ass-hattery of men who think trading in their strong wives for a younger, more malleable, model is just the thing... A strong and noble woman is a thing to behold at any age. And the man who loves her? Well, he has my heart too.
July 29, 2009
This is definitely the most unique setting I've read about in a historical novel.
In 1503 Italy, Lionello Andreas is seeking to regain a treasure that was stolen from his family - the Wind Dancer - and to do it, he is on the search for a great thief. His search brings him to Florence where he makes the acquaintance of Sanchia, a slave and pickpocket who impresses Lion with her talent. He immediately buys her papers and helps her settle the children she has taken under her wing. Sanchia, grateful for Lion's generosity in settling this matter and knowing that she must do his bidding, doesn't put up any fight when he reveals his plan to her - or when he sets out to seduce her. But when the plan doesn't go as Lion predicted and Sanchia is made to bear the brunt of the failure, can he regain the trust and love they were beginning to find?
I really enjoyed this book, although it didn't captivate me as much as the first IJ book I read The Lion's Bride, but enough that I'm interested in reading the next books that feature the Wind Dancer statue and Lion & Sanchia's descendants, Storm Winds (set in Revolutionary France) and Reap the Wind (a contemporary suspense).
The main problem I had with this one was the pronunciation of the protagonists' names! In Italy, Lion would be pronounced LEE-own, but since lion is obviously an English word I kept pronouncing it like that in my head. Same with Sanchia - which should be pronounced Sahn-KEE-ah, but it sounded wrong so I kept thinking San-CHEE-ah instead. I don't know if the Italian pronunciations were what Iris Johansen had in mind, but boy I had a hard time keeping them straight. Note to all other authors: when you write a book set in a non-English-speaking country, please don't use names that either (a)look like an English word and aren't supposed to be pronounced that way, or (b) use consonants together in a way that have different pronunciations that English does. It distracted me so much from the story!
B
In 1503 Italy, Lionello Andreas is seeking to regain a treasure that was stolen from his family - the Wind Dancer - and to do it, he is on the search for a great thief. His search brings him to Florence where he makes the acquaintance of Sanchia, a slave and pickpocket who impresses Lion with her talent. He immediately buys her papers and helps her settle the children she has taken under her wing. Sanchia, grateful for Lion's generosity in settling this matter and knowing that she must do his bidding, doesn't put up any fight when he reveals his plan to her - or when he sets out to seduce her. But when the plan doesn't go as Lion predicted and Sanchia is made to bear the brunt of the failure, can he regain the trust and love they were beginning to find?
I really enjoyed this book, although it didn't captivate me as much as the first IJ book I read The Lion's Bride, but enough that I'm interested in reading the next books that feature the Wind Dancer statue and Lion & Sanchia's descendants, Storm Winds (set in Revolutionary France) and Reap the Wind (a contemporary suspense).
The main problem I had with this one was the pronunciation of the protagonists' names! In Italy, Lion would be pronounced LEE-own, but since lion is obviously an English word I kept pronouncing it like that in my head. Same with Sanchia - which should be pronounced Sahn-KEE-ah, but it sounded wrong so I kept thinking San-CHEE-ah instead. I don't know if the Italian pronunciations were what Iris Johansen had in mind, but boy I had a hard time keeping them straight. Note to all other authors: when you write a book set in a non-English-speaking country, please don't use names that either (a)look like an English word and aren't supposed to be pronounced that way, or (b) use consonants together in a way that have different pronunciations that English does. It distracted me so much from the story!
B
December 23, 2025
Amazing writing and story telling 🤩
Don’t get to attached the the side characters 😭💀
Don’t get to attached the the side characters 😭💀
January 1, 2025
Excellent story with an unusual setting … early 16th century in the areas around Florence, Pisa and briefly in Rome with the background of a rare treasure, a gold statue of a horse known as the Wind Dancer.. and the main characters a young slave girl, Sanchia and Lion the aristocrat, head of his family. The secondary characters, especially Lorenzo are just as intriguing!
Overall, there’s plenty of plot twists, dark and horrifying moments, and a slowly building romance. It did bog down a bit in the middle, but by the end there are plenty of nail biting moments. Splendid writing with realistic characters for the time period, and it was interesting to see real historical figures included. A richly rewarding read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall, there’s plenty of plot twists, dark and horrifying moments, and a slowly building romance. It did bog down a bit in the middle, but by the end there are plenty of nail biting moments. Splendid writing with realistic characters for the time period, and it was interesting to see real historical figures included. A richly rewarding read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 8, 2022
Read;6/4/2020
Very good, but has it's dark moments. Be prepared to read a fantastic book that is very realistic at the same time.
Very good, but has it's dark moments. Be prepared to read a fantastic book that is very realistic at the same time.
August 28, 2016
Amazing Love Story...Masterfully Woven Tale!
This is the first in the wind dancer trilogy (THE WIND DANCER, STORM WINDS—and the contemporary, REAP THE WIND) and it is amazing--truly a "keeper" romance, one you'll read and re-read.
Set in early 16th century Northern Italy (1503), it tells the story of Lionello Andreas oldest son of an Italian family that has held as its most treasured possession a small golden statue of the winged horse Pegasus that, according to legend, was given to their family at the fall of Troy. The statue, known as the Wind Dancer, has been stolen from their city state of Mandara by Lion's enemy, Francisco Damari. In his effort to recover the statue, Lion decides to hire a thief and travels with his erstwhile companion, Lorenzo, to Florence where he buys a 16 year old slave girl, Sanchia, who is known an an expert at lifting men's gold. Lion quickly realizes he wants more from the brave and clever young woman than her thieving talents and takes her as his mistress. Believing she has no ability to resist, she complies as any good slave would. Then she helps Lion steal the key to the place the statue is being kept, but in the process and in an act of great courage, Sanchia leads Damari away from Lion only to be captured by the demented and sadistic man. By the time Lion recovers her, she has been tortured and believes Lion did not honor his promise not to leave without her. As a result, she now believes her debt to Lion has been paid and demands her freedom. But Lion, whose feelings for her have grown into an obsession, doesn't want to let her go.
This is a story of passionate love, of finding love in an unlikely place and then denying it when honor would suggest another path be taken. The story is well told, the dialog gripping and the twists and turns complex. You will feel like you are there in Renaissance Italy. The physical relationship between Lion and Sanchia is explosive and sensual and Johansen does a superb job of describing it. Like a tapestry with many threads coming together, Johansen has woven many lives into the story in a convincing manner. She has also created (once again) a great cast of secondary characters with their own passions and unique qualities. Lorenzo Vasaro, Lion's stalwart friend and an assassin with a jaded past and a wisdom that insists reality be pursued even if costly, adds a richness to the tale. I highly recommend this one!
This is the first in the wind dancer trilogy (THE WIND DANCER, STORM WINDS—and the contemporary, REAP THE WIND) and it is amazing--truly a "keeper" romance, one you'll read and re-read.
Set in early 16th century Northern Italy (1503), it tells the story of Lionello Andreas oldest son of an Italian family that has held as its most treasured possession a small golden statue of the winged horse Pegasus that, according to legend, was given to their family at the fall of Troy. The statue, known as the Wind Dancer, has been stolen from their city state of Mandara by Lion's enemy, Francisco Damari. In his effort to recover the statue, Lion decides to hire a thief and travels with his erstwhile companion, Lorenzo, to Florence where he buys a 16 year old slave girl, Sanchia, who is known an an expert at lifting men's gold. Lion quickly realizes he wants more from the brave and clever young woman than her thieving talents and takes her as his mistress. Believing she has no ability to resist, she complies as any good slave would. Then she helps Lion steal the key to the place the statue is being kept, but in the process and in an act of great courage, Sanchia leads Damari away from Lion only to be captured by the demented and sadistic man. By the time Lion recovers her, she has been tortured and believes Lion did not honor his promise not to leave without her. As a result, she now believes her debt to Lion has been paid and demands her freedom. But Lion, whose feelings for her have grown into an obsession, doesn't want to let her go.
This is a story of passionate love, of finding love in an unlikely place and then denying it when honor would suggest another path be taken. The story is well told, the dialog gripping and the twists and turns complex. You will feel like you are there in Renaissance Italy. The physical relationship between Lion and Sanchia is explosive and sensual and Johansen does a superb job of describing it. Like a tapestry with many threads coming together, Johansen has woven many lives into the story in a convincing manner. She has also created (once again) a great cast of secondary characters with their own passions and unique qualities. Lorenzo Vasaro, Lion's stalwart friend and an assassin with a jaded past and a wisdom that insists reality be pursued even if costly, adds a richness to the tale. I highly recommend this one!
June 1, 2019
I expected this to be a bodice ripper, but it definitely wasn't. The hero was very alpha, but the storyline never descended into awesome bodice ripper madness.
The beginning of this story was engrossing. I loved the writing, and the hero and heroine were electric together in every single scene. Then came a plot twist, and it rather emotionally disconnected me from both the characters.
It took me till near the end of this book to get back into the story, but when I did, I was completely engrossed once again.
There was a rather large death count in this historical romance, along with some torture and illness, which was surprising. I didn't expect this book to be so gory, but I'll honestly take something as depressing as this book over a fluffy Tessa Dare historical romance any day.
I must admit that the ending brought tears to my eyes. Can't really handle children dying.
Lots of grief came upon both the heroine and the hero, but the story ultimately ends in a bittersweet, perfect way. I really loved both of these characters, but my favorite person in this novel has to be Lorenzo. It really sucks that he never got his own book.
If you don't mind reading a dour, gloomy romance, then I recommend this novel. The love story is incredibly passionate yet tender, and I'm glad I read it.
TW: Non graphic torture.
The beginning of this story was engrossing. I loved the writing, and the hero and heroine were electric together in every single scene. Then came a plot twist, and it rather emotionally disconnected me from both the characters.
It took me till near the end of this book to get back into the story, but when I did, I was completely engrossed once again.
There was a rather large death count in this historical romance, along with some torture and illness, which was surprising. I didn't expect this book to be so gory, but I'll honestly take something as depressing as this book over a fluffy Tessa Dare historical romance any day.
I must admit that the ending brought tears to my eyes. Can't really handle children dying.
Lots of grief came upon both the heroine and the hero, but the story ultimately ends in a bittersweet, perfect way. I really loved both of these characters, but my favorite person in this novel has to be Lorenzo. It really sucks that he never got his own book.
If you don't mind reading a dour, gloomy romance, then I recommend this novel. The love story is incredibly passionate yet tender, and I'm glad I read it.
TW: Non graphic torture.
August 23, 2018
Legenda Dansatorului este o carte foarte bine scrisă, cu mult mister, aventuri, pericole, trădări, conspirații și o pasionantă poveste de dragoste, toate petrecute pe fundalul unei perioade fascinante din istorie, Renașterea.
Recenzia mea:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/leg...
Recenzia mea:
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/leg...
September 5, 2015
I read The Wind Dancer as a precursor to Storm Winds (the second book in this series) which was the Vaginal Fantasy alt for July. I should've just skipped it, as I realized after dialoguing with some other VF readers and Felicia (who mentioned that she read the summary for this first book, and thought it looked stupid and realized that it was unnecessary to the plot of the second one, which was really chosen for its placement during the French Revolution, the theme for July). But I only made that realization after actually reading it. It started off promising, and then devolved steadily from there.
Sanchia is a lowly street rat/slave/thief, working for a man who copies documents and books in Renaissance Florence. While dealing with the drunken anger of her owner, she also protects three children that she's assumed care of. But that carefully balanced act is thrown for a loop when Lion enters her life, and steals her away from her previous owner in an effort to utilize her skills as a thief to regain ownership of a family heirloom: The Wind Dancer, a statue of a horse. (Okay, it's described much more romantically and even magically in the book, but really, it's a statue of a horse. And it has little to nothing to do with the plotline in the end anyway.) But something intrigues Lion about Sanchia, and he just can't seem to keep his hands off of her. Even when she asks him to. Because the man has literally no self control. But we'll get there. Of course, they eventually get the statue back, after everyone decent has died from the plague.
Obviously this was a really uplifting read, as you can tell from the outcome. I have a lot of vitriol in my heart for this book, so let's just jump right in. Sanchia. We barely see her thief skills, and in fact, the first time—aka the only time—that we see her thieving, she almost gets caught. Not exactly the great example of her acclaimed abilities that one would hope for. I liked her protectiveness over the other children, although I don't really understand the point of laying all that out when they disappear for her life (almost forever) in the first 25 pages of the book. Then we find out that Sanchia also has this photographic memory, which is convenient, and not used that much either. There's all of this development and setup for Sanchia to be just a badass lady, and then the exact opposite happens. Like many other reviewers on Goodreads, I felt a bit disappointed that Sanchia seems as though she's going to be an independent, skilled, compelling character, but then quickly falls flat when she gets sold to Lion.
Also, Lion? Really?
Of course, Lion falls immediately in lust with this 15-year-old girl—even though he's at least twice her age—because that's how they did it during the Renaissance, folks. But even barring that little detail, this book gives 50 Shades a run for its money where abusive and unhealthy relationships are concerned. The power dynamics of him literally owning her, and her being submissive, I had a big problem with. It made me reflect on something like Kushiel's Dart, where she is a sex worker but has agency in her work. Here, Sanchia has no control over how or why Lion treats her a certain way. As we'll see later, this leads to a particularly emphatic form of Stockholm Syndrome.
When Lion realizes his lust for Sanchia, he tells her that he's going to wait for her to want him, but then doesn't actually wait for that point, and engages her in romantic liaisons before she is really ready. (I'd argue that she's not ready for any sort of intimate entanglement with the messed up man that is Lion, but whatevs.) As I mentioned before, he has literally no self control, and indeed makes this clear to Sanchia—along with making clear that he's her owner, so he can make her do whatever he wants, with or without her desire, and shouldn't he get a pat on the back for not forcing her to do those things? Here's his first speech to her about her duties: "I'm going to touch you whenever I like." He slipped the material of the gown off her shoulders. "When it pleases me, I'll bare this pretty flesh and fondle you. No matter where we are. No matter who is watching." (58) In a situation where the power dynamics are different, this might have been a hot statement. Not so here. And here's Lion introducing Sanchia to his lack of self control: "My appetites are great. Sometimes it's like a frenzy, a madness. You must not fight me or I might injure you." (86) And another: "When I need you, then you must take me into you. There will be many occasions when I won't be able to wait until we find a bed." (104) I have no words.
Beyond that lack of interest in Sanchia's consent or enjoyment, Lion says some pretty creepy things. Like when they're engaging, he says to her, "You're so small it was like handling a child and yet you're a woman here." (93) Ugh, dude. Could you be any more grotesque?
Eventually, Sanchia actually starts to be into the romantic encounters (aka just sex, nothing romantic about it), but then is kidnapped and tortured when they are attempting to recover the Wind Dancer. After her three day confinement, when she is rescued, she emphasizes that she doesn't believe it's right for one person to own another person—even though that's been hammered into her throughout her entire life by everyone in her life, and even though that was perfectly acceptable given the time period. Three days is all it takes to change lifelong beliefs. Noted. It's after this point that Lion thinks to himself, oh, this is unacceptable. I paid for this girl and I will get my due. He refuses to listen to her when she says that she's not interested in sharing his bed anymore, and makes him so desperate that he even proposes to her in order to get her to succumb to his "charms." Finally, in an effort to convince her, Lion says, "It must be love. I told you I had feeling for you. What else could it be?" (269) Um, horniness? Jackassery? Rape tendencies? Then there's this romantic proposal: "I want you to live in my home and sleep in my bed, not only now but for the foreseeable future. I wish you to bear my children. In return I will give you your freedom, honor, and respect. What do you say to that?" (222) What a deal! He adds later, "I suppose you're going to try to leave me again. Well, I won't permit it. If you want me to tear up your bondage papers, you must wed me." He glanced away from her. "It will not be a bad life. If you do not anger me, I'll try to be gentle with you." (342) Oh well, I'll work hard on trying not to anger you. I definitely don't have anything else in life to worry about, like the plague that's sweeping the continent. And you have such an even temperament, I'm sure it won't be a problem.
Even the other people who are observing this relationship basically tell her to get her shit together and just give into him. Lion's long time friend, and someone who Sanchia admires, tells her that the house she's occupying (which used to house Lion's father's mistresses) could be hers "if you'd stop worrying about being free and start worrying about how to please Lion." (187) Oh, I knew I forgot to put something on my to-do list.
Spoiler alert: she realizes that she "loves" him (aka, finally succumbs to Stockholm Syndrome) and they leave Italy for France, in order to escape all of the death and destruction behind them. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that basically everybody who is a halfway decent human being dies of the plague? Great. Sanchia's youngest kid from Florence is kidnapped by the bad guy, exposes him to the plague, then sends him to Sanchia. That kid dies. Then all of Lion's family dies, including his golden child brother, Marco, and Lion's wife and mother. (Oh, also, Lion is married. Not a big deal, guys. Everyone was having affairs back then. Plus, she's "simple" as they used to say, and she's in love with Lion's brother Marco. So it's not like they even had a real relationship. Because real relationships center on sexual interactions, everyone knows that.)
We deal with issues like this skewed power dynamic a lot in romance and specifically in Vaginal Fantasy. This book felt like an extremely heightened version of it, and to be fair, it wasn't even a pick for Vaginal Fantasy, but rather the first in the series of the alt pick. Tertiary to the club at best. But it makes me wonder again what women find appealing about a "relationship" like this. The average rating of this book is 3.96 stars (out of 5) on Goodreads. That's quite good. Are readers willing to forgive some questionable treatment because it takes place 500 years in the past? Is this a type of safe wish fulfillment, that women want to see what it would be like to be completely submissive to somebody else? Is it an overly exaggerated version of the manly, dominant man that woman "want"? Further, Lion's lack of self control when it comes to sex perpetuates stereotypes of men who don't know how to human and can't control themselves; who, without restrictions in place, would devolve to raping and pillaging at will. By and large, these books are read predominantly by women, so it's not catering to the perceived male desire for female submission. I find the whole thing fascinating, in the most disturbing and destructive way possible.
Sanchia is a lowly street rat/slave/thief, working for a man who copies documents and books in Renaissance Florence. While dealing with the drunken anger of her owner, she also protects three children that she's assumed care of. But that carefully balanced act is thrown for a loop when Lion enters her life, and steals her away from her previous owner in an effort to utilize her skills as a thief to regain ownership of a family heirloom: The Wind Dancer, a statue of a horse. (Okay, it's described much more romantically and even magically in the book, but really, it's a statue of a horse. And it has little to nothing to do with the plotline in the end anyway.) But something intrigues Lion about Sanchia, and he just can't seem to keep his hands off of her. Even when she asks him to. Because the man has literally no self control. But we'll get there. Of course, they eventually get the statue back, after everyone decent has died from the plague.
Obviously this was a really uplifting read, as you can tell from the outcome. I have a lot of vitriol in my heart for this book, so let's just jump right in. Sanchia. We barely see her thief skills, and in fact, the first time—aka the only time—that we see her thieving, she almost gets caught. Not exactly the great example of her acclaimed abilities that one would hope for. I liked her protectiveness over the other children, although I don't really understand the point of laying all that out when they disappear for her life (almost forever) in the first 25 pages of the book. Then we find out that Sanchia also has this photographic memory, which is convenient, and not used that much either. There's all of this development and setup for Sanchia to be just a badass lady, and then the exact opposite happens. Like many other reviewers on Goodreads, I felt a bit disappointed that Sanchia seems as though she's going to be an independent, skilled, compelling character, but then quickly falls flat when she gets sold to Lion.
Also, Lion? Really?
Of course, Lion falls immediately in lust with this 15-year-old girl—even though he's at least twice her age—because that's how they did it during the Renaissance, folks. But even barring that little detail, this book gives 50 Shades a run for its money where abusive and unhealthy relationships are concerned. The power dynamics of him literally owning her, and her being submissive, I had a big problem with. It made me reflect on something like Kushiel's Dart, where she is a sex worker but has agency in her work. Here, Sanchia has no control over how or why Lion treats her a certain way. As we'll see later, this leads to a particularly emphatic form of Stockholm Syndrome.
When Lion realizes his lust for Sanchia, he tells her that he's going to wait for her to want him, but then doesn't actually wait for that point, and engages her in romantic liaisons before she is really ready. (I'd argue that she's not ready for any sort of intimate entanglement with the messed up man that is Lion, but whatevs.) As I mentioned before, he has literally no self control, and indeed makes this clear to Sanchia—along with making clear that he's her owner, so he can make her do whatever he wants, with or without her desire, and shouldn't he get a pat on the back for not forcing her to do those things? Here's his first speech to her about her duties: "I'm going to touch you whenever I like." He slipped the material of the gown off her shoulders. "When it pleases me, I'll bare this pretty flesh and fondle you. No matter where we are. No matter who is watching." (58) In a situation where the power dynamics are different, this might have been a hot statement. Not so here. And here's Lion introducing Sanchia to his lack of self control: "My appetites are great. Sometimes it's like a frenzy, a madness. You must not fight me or I might injure you." (86) And another: "When I need you, then you must take me into you. There will be many occasions when I won't be able to wait until we find a bed." (104) I have no words.
Beyond that lack of interest in Sanchia's consent or enjoyment, Lion says some pretty creepy things. Like when they're engaging, he says to her, "You're so small it was like handling a child and yet you're a woman here." (93) Ugh, dude. Could you be any more grotesque?
Eventually, Sanchia actually starts to be into the romantic encounters (aka just sex, nothing romantic about it), but then is kidnapped and tortured when they are attempting to recover the Wind Dancer. After her three day confinement, when she is rescued, she emphasizes that she doesn't believe it's right for one person to own another person—even though that's been hammered into her throughout her entire life by everyone in her life, and even though that was perfectly acceptable given the time period. Three days is all it takes to change lifelong beliefs. Noted. It's after this point that Lion thinks to himself, oh, this is unacceptable. I paid for this girl and I will get my due. He refuses to listen to her when she says that she's not interested in sharing his bed anymore, and makes him so desperate that he even proposes to her in order to get her to succumb to his "charms." Finally, in an effort to convince her, Lion says, "It must be love. I told you I had feeling for you. What else could it be?" (269) Um, horniness? Jackassery? Rape tendencies? Then there's this romantic proposal: "I want you to live in my home and sleep in my bed, not only now but for the foreseeable future. I wish you to bear my children. In return I will give you your freedom, honor, and respect. What do you say to that?" (222) What a deal! He adds later, "I suppose you're going to try to leave me again. Well, I won't permit it. If you want me to tear up your bondage papers, you must wed me." He glanced away from her. "It will not be a bad life. If you do not anger me, I'll try to be gentle with you." (342) Oh well, I'll work hard on trying not to anger you. I definitely don't have anything else in life to worry about, like the plague that's sweeping the continent. And you have such an even temperament, I'm sure it won't be a problem.
Even the other people who are observing this relationship basically tell her to get her shit together and just give into him. Lion's long time friend, and someone who Sanchia admires, tells her that the house she's occupying (which used to house Lion's father's mistresses) could be hers "if you'd stop worrying about being free and start worrying about how to please Lion." (187) Oh, I knew I forgot to put something on my to-do list.
Spoiler alert: she realizes that she "loves" him (aka, finally succumbs to Stockholm Syndrome) and they leave Italy for France, in order to escape all of the death and destruction behind them. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that basically everybody who is a halfway decent human being dies of the plague? Great. Sanchia's youngest kid from Florence is kidnapped by the bad guy, exposes him to the plague, then sends him to Sanchia. That kid dies. Then all of Lion's family dies, including his golden child brother, Marco, and Lion's wife and mother. (Oh, also, Lion is married. Not a big deal, guys. Everyone was having affairs back then. Plus, she's "simple" as they used to say, and she's in love with Lion's brother Marco. So it's not like they even had a real relationship. Because real relationships center on sexual interactions, everyone knows that.)
We deal with issues like this skewed power dynamic a lot in romance and specifically in Vaginal Fantasy. This book felt like an extremely heightened version of it, and to be fair, it wasn't even a pick for Vaginal Fantasy, but rather the first in the series of the alt pick. Tertiary to the club at best. But it makes me wonder again what women find appealing about a "relationship" like this. The average rating of this book is 3.96 stars (out of 5) on Goodreads. That's quite good. Are readers willing to forgive some questionable treatment because it takes place 500 years in the past? Is this a type of safe wish fulfillment, that women want to see what it would be like to be completely submissive to somebody else? Is it an overly exaggerated version of the manly, dominant man that woman "want"? Further, Lion's lack of self control when it comes to sex perpetuates stereotypes of men who don't know how to human and can't control themselves; who, without restrictions in place, would devolve to raping and pillaging at will. By and large, these books are read predominantly by women, so it's not catering to the perceived male desire for female submission. I find the whole thing fascinating, in the most disturbing and destructive way possible.
Read
May 14, 2025DNF, но вече започвам да ги маркирам като прочетени, за да не се излъжа да ги започна втори път.
Иначе ако се питате - защо я заряза? Има крадци, има Флоренция по времето на Борджиите?!
"Лион я вдигна високо във въздуха и я хвърли на леглото" - това беше началото на еротичната сцена. Това изречение може би е звучало секси в главата на авторката... в моята - не.
Същият главен герой, първо отиде да си провери коня дали е добре вчесан след езда, върна се в стаята, метна главната героиня на леглото (както вече уточнихме) и без да си сваля или сменя ръкавиците, с които е ПИПАЛ коня, реши да я гали по детеродните органи.
Ew, brother, EWWWW.
Толкова можах да понеса, стига ми.
Иначе ако се питате - защо я заряза? Има крадци, има Флоренция по времето на Борджиите?!
"Лион я вдигна високо във въздуха и я хвърли на леглото" - това беше началото на еротичната сцена. Това изречение може би е звучало секси в главата на авторката... в моята - не.
Същият главен герой, първо отиде да си провери коня дали е добре вчесан след езда, върна се в стаята, метна главната героиня на леглото (както вече уточнихме) и без да си сваля или сменя ръкавиците, с които е ПИПАЛ коня, реши да я гали по детеродните органи.
Ew, brother, EWWWW.
Толкова можах да понеса, стига ми.
August 8, 2020
I read this novel because I really enjoy Johansen's suspense thrillers and her extensive use of dialogue to move plots. Reading her writing is like taking a free clinic in how to do it. She started as a romance writer, moved to historical romance, neither of which genres particularly interest me. This book marks her first effort to expand her range beyond those two genres and is therefore where I want to start in my study of her writing.
The novel is 50% historical fiction, 40% romance/historical romance, and 10% action/suspense thriller. The historical fiction component is superb. The late Italian Renaissance is a period and setting too rarely seen in our novels and Johansen really surprises with the depth and accuracy of her research of the period. I had no idea popes and the Vatican were this corrupt. The action/suspense was okay, especially the scene when the protagonists were trying to escape a maze, but there was not enough of this. The romance was the main surprise in that it was better than I expected.
I knew there would be an element of romance in this work since it was all Iris Johansen had tried her hand at up until this point in time, but I had hoped it would be less. Nevertheless, I found I didn't mind after all that there was so much. The romance was a very different sort of love story than I've ever seen before, which made it interesting. The only part I didn't care for was that it was often more graphic than I needed in its portrayal of the love scenes. Sensibilities have changed since the last century and scenes that graphic are mostly saved for erotica (or porn) these days where those who want to read that sort of thing know they can find it and not be disappointed. In the 1960s through 1980s, before the internet era, graphic erotica was less commonly obtainable, especially of any quality, and therefore found its way more into mainstream fiction. This book is an example. Johansen has changed with the times, but it's still unpleasant to see this unnecessary gratuitousness.
Many women, I see, object to the difference in power between the love interests, automatically applying today's standards to call their relationship rape, at worst, or harassment, at best. Nonsense. The truth is that in 1504 women weren't equal, yet sex happened. It isn't possible to portray love in that period authentically as being between equals except in the silliest form of infantile wishful fantasy thinking that could only satisfy the most naive reader. Equality in love relations didn't exist then, and I believe it's not as common even today as many women like to assume it is. I don't approve; I just recognize. Johansen left that young audience far behind for this work. She wanted to elevate her game, and succeeded.
This novel is shorter than the next in the series, which takes place in revolutionary France, an era that has never interested me much. So many Louis's, so little sense. However, the next book is more highly regarded. Therefore, in a month or two I will be taking it up. Maybe she can change my mind about this period of French history.
The novel is 50% historical fiction, 40% romance/historical romance, and 10% action/suspense thriller. The historical fiction component is superb. The late Italian Renaissance is a period and setting too rarely seen in our novels and Johansen really surprises with the depth and accuracy of her research of the period. I had no idea popes and the Vatican were this corrupt. The action/suspense was okay, especially the scene when the protagonists were trying to escape a maze, but there was not enough of this. The romance was the main surprise in that it was better than I expected.
I knew there would be an element of romance in this work since it was all Iris Johansen had tried her hand at up until this point in time, but I had hoped it would be less. Nevertheless, I found I didn't mind after all that there was so much. The romance was a very different sort of love story than I've ever seen before, which made it interesting. The only part I didn't care for was that it was often more graphic than I needed in its portrayal of the love scenes. Sensibilities have changed since the last century and scenes that graphic are mostly saved for erotica (or porn) these days where those who want to read that sort of thing know they can find it and not be disappointed. In the 1960s through 1980s, before the internet era, graphic erotica was less commonly obtainable, especially of any quality, and therefore found its way more into mainstream fiction. This book is an example. Johansen has changed with the times, but it's still unpleasant to see this unnecessary gratuitousness.
Many women, I see, object to the difference in power between the love interests, automatically applying today's standards to call their relationship rape, at worst, or harassment, at best. Nonsense. The truth is that in 1504 women weren't equal, yet sex happened. It isn't possible to portray love in that period authentically as being between equals except in the silliest form of infantile wishful fantasy thinking that could only satisfy the most naive reader. Equality in love relations didn't exist then, and I believe it's not as common even today as many women like to assume it is. I don't approve; I just recognize. Johansen left that young audience far behind for this work. She wanted to elevate her game, and succeeded.
This novel is shorter than the next in the series, which takes place in revolutionary France, an era that has never interested me much. So many Louis's, so little sense. However, the next book is more highly regarded. Therefore, in a month or two I will be taking it up. Maybe she can change my mind about this period of French history.
July 25, 2015
I have only read the second book from the series before and loved it. This book is the first one in the series. I liked the first half well enough and couldn't put it down. This all but changed in the second half.
Lion the hero is painted a possessive man with "strong appetite". That's fine. Sanchia the heroine, is portrayed as someone "unique" for her station in life, being born into servitude. Strangely when Lion was "just obsessed", I thought the book was better. After Lion started going on and on about he could not live without Sanchia, my irritation rose quickly. Sanchia, being 16 years old, demonstrated strength that is well beyond her years. I usually admire such traits but in Sanchia it seemed fake.
This book is not a historical romance I think. It's a historical fiction with limited sensual details. Obsession equals love. I am just not convinced why Lion is obsessed with Sanchia.
But the book is written well. The story is complex and intriguing. I think it outshines a lot of romance novels out there but in terms of fluffy romance this book is sorely lacking. It's a preference thing I guess.
Lion the hero is painted a possessive man with "strong appetite". That's fine. Sanchia the heroine, is portrayed as someone "unique" for her station in life, being born into servitude. Strangely when Lion was "just obsessed", I thought the book was better. After Lion started going on and on about he could not live without Sanchia, my irritation rose quickly. Sanchia, being 16 years old, demonstrated strength that is well beyond her years. I usually admire such traits but in Sanchia it seemed fake.
This book is not a historical romance I think. It's a historical fiction with limited sensual details. Obsession equals love. I am just not convinced why Lion is obsessed with Sanchia.
But the book is written well. The story is complex and intriguing. I think it outshines a lot of romance novels out there but in terms of fluffy romance this book is sorely lacking. It's a preference thing I guess.
June 25, 2015
DNF at 25%. It's not you, book, it's me. While I love the Italian Renaissance setting (very assassin's-creed-y), the dynamic dialogues, beautiful writing and of course Lorenzo, I don't think this is the story I was looking for. I was hoping for a battle of wills among two equals, not a master/slave relationship between a 16-year-old girl, mouthy as she is, and a giant of a man who can think of nothing else but to possess her body and soul. I suposse things bet better along the way, but I'm not exactly looking forward to tortures and pain.
September 27, 2010
Enjoyable and a worthwhile read.
This is not a typical romance novel. It has romance but it is more about political intrigue, murder and suspense. Although there is revenge, justice and a happy ending, there were too many loved ones who died which makes it too sad for me. Aside from that, it is well written with intriguing characters. There is heroism and great love. Sexual content: mild.
This is not a typical romance novel. It has romance but it is more about political intrigue, murder and suspense. Although there is revenge, justice and a happy ending, there were too many loved ones who died which makes it too sad for me. Aside from that, it is well written with intriguing characters. There is heroism and great love. Sexual content: mild.
Read
January 8, 2026Още помня как преди години така харесах поредицата, че реших да я подаря на приятелка, но питайки за нея все ми казваха не(едно време имаше цели сергии с подобни романи) и накрая една приятелка не издържа и каза: "Нищо вихрено няма на тази сергия, да вървим!"
June 19, 2015
This book started out with so much promise. I was completely enthralled with it from the first chapter. That lasted all of another 3-4 chapters. Sanchia started out so interesting. She was clever, insightful, and pragmatic. Then , and turns in to a naïve child that expects nothing bad will happen to her. Less than half way in to the book, she experiences yet another profound change in character
I also had somewhat of an issue with the sex scenes.
Bottom line: It was a story with the potential to be the best thing I've read in the last year that quickly fell to become one of the worst.
I also had somewhat of an issue with the sex scenes.
Bottom line: It was a story with the potential to be the best thing I've read in the last year that quickly fell to become one of the worst.
July 6, 2008
THE WIND DANCER - G
Johansen, Iris - Standalone
Legend held that whoever possessed it would rule the destinies of nations.
Renaissance Italy, where intrigues were as intricate as carved cathedral doors and affairs of state were ruled by affairs of the bedchamber ... where the rustling richness of silk hid the quick glint of deadly stilettos, and poison vied with port as the favored drink to offer guests....
From the spellbinding pen of Iris Johansen comes her most lush, dramatic, and emotionally touching romance yet--the captivating story of the lovely and indomitable slave Sanchia and the man who bought her on a back street in Florence.... Passionate, powerful condottiere Lionello Andreas would love Sanchia and endanger her with equal wild abandon as he sought to win back the prize possession of his family--the Wind Dancer.
Italy, a thief, a statue, the plague and the Brogias: this was a good, enjoyable read.
Johansen, Iris - Standalone
Legend held that whoever possessed it would rule the destinies of nations.
Renaissance Italy, where intrigues were as intricate as carved cathedral doors and affairs of state were ruled by affairs of the bedchamber ... where the rustling richness of silk hid the quick glint of deadly stilettos, and poison vied with port as the favored drink to offer guests....
From the spellbinding pen of Iris Johansen comes her most lush, dramatic, and emotionally touching romance yet--the captivating story of the lovely and indomitable slave Sanchia and the man who bought her on a back street in Florence.... Passionate, powerful condottiere Lionello Andreas would love Sanchia and endanger her with equal wild abandon as he sought to win back the prize possession of his family--the Wind Dancer.
Italy, a thief, a statue, the plague and the Brogias: this was a good, enjoyable read.
July 9, 2021
Re read 2021.
Note to self. Pet peeves. Slow burn. Hero finds her ugly & smelly.
Heroine- Plain Jane (ugly ducking), poor, skinny, smells like rotten corpse. Brown/auburn hair chopped off shorter than boys hair, feline features, amber eyes, 16. Slave. strong/tough, expert thief with photogenic memory. She’s very likable.
Hero- alpha, rich, big, influential, manly, married, not handsome, her master.
Basic plot:
He buys the heroine, a professional thief, from her master to steal an important statue that’s been in his family called the wind dancer, and because he’s a possessive man, he becomes crazy, OTT obsessed with the h because he owns her.
After she’s cleaned up, he desires only her.
First reading 20 yrs ago, don’t remember much of anything plot wise, but I remember liking the obsessed hero. This might be an ugly duckling type of story.
Note to self. Pet peeves. Slow burn. Hero finds her ugly & smelly.
Heroine- Plain Jane (ugly ducking), poor, skinny, smells like rotten corpse. Brown/auburn hair chopped off shorter than boys hair, feline features, amber eyes, 16. Slave. strong/tough, expert thief with photogenic memory. She’s very likable.
Hero- alpha, rich, big, influential, manly, married, not handsome, her master.
Basic plot:
He buys the heroine, a professional thief, from her master to steal an important statue that’s been in his family called the wind dancer, and because he’s a possessive man, he becomes crazy, OTT obsessed with the h because he owns her.
After she’s cleaned up, he desires only her.
First reading 20 yrs ago, don’t remember much of anything plot wise, but I remember liking the obsessed hero. This might be an ugly duckling type of story.
January 3, 2015
Finely aged cheese! I don't know what it says about me , that I liked Iris Johensen's bodice-ripper-y early work a lot more than the Eve Duncan series... No, wait, maybe I do; it means I'm sick to death of Eve Duncan. I read Wind Dancer and a few other historical romances by this author way back in the day, so I can't comment on any specifics. I recall some interesting sex scenes, though, which sadly went missing in later series. Maybe I'd have liked Eve Duncan & Co. a lot more if there had been some throbbing euphemisms, a la Sandra Brown's modern stuff.
June 19, 2022
This wasn't bad, but after two months of me going back and forth on whether or not to finish this with about 80 pages left, I am going to finally mark this as a dnf. The age-gap and power dynamic in this one was too squicky for me. Mainly in the end this didn't hold my interest. The romance was also not super believable. The villain was too old timey and cartoonish and the plot was very predictable.
May 21, 2008
After years of searching for a copy of this book, I finally got my hands on one. I could not put this book down. It was much different from Iris Johansen's other stories. I loved the time setting of the book. This was another book that I was sad to have end. I felt so much for the characters. I can't wait to read the other 2 books in the series.
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