Title: A Dance of Death
Author: David Dalglish
First published April 1, 2011
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.06
Overview
In the land of Aramoor, two powerful forces collide. Thren Felhorn, the deadliest assassin in the realm, seeks to seize control of the entire nation while Haern, the King’s Watcher, is tasked with protecting it from the shadows.
As Thren’s campaign of terror intensifies, Haern is sent on a dangerous mission to stop him. But when he arrives, he finds a city in chaos, plagued by corruption and violence.
To restore order and prevent a full-blown war, Haern must face off against Thren and his army of ruthless killers. The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance as the two deadly foes engage in a dance of death, each determined to emerge victorious.
Editoral Review
“A Dance of Death” by David Dalglish is a gripping fantasy novel that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Dalglish, an American author known for his numerous works in the fantasy genre, published this book on April 1, 2011.
The story takes place in the fictional city of Veldaren, where the ruthless thief guild is in power. The guild’s leaders, Thren Felhorn and his wife, are in a constant struggle to maintain their dominance while also fending off their enemies, particularly the Trifect, a group of powerful mages.
Amidst this dangerous landscape, the reader is introduced to numerous characters such as a wise-cracking assassin, a conflicted mage, and a soldier with amnesia. The plot follows their individual journeys as they attempt to navigate the political intrigue, magic, and violence that surround them.
Dalglish’s writing style is fluid and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the city of Veldaren to life. The pacing is fast-moving, which keeps the reader hooked throughout the 437-page novel.
The characters are well-developed and nuanced, each with their own backstory and motivations. The plot structure is complex and layered, with numerous plot twists that will leave readers surprised and breathless.
Although the book is strictly fictional, it draws some historical context to form its plot. Dalglish introduces the concept of a thief guild that runs Veldaren, which has historical relevance as there were instances of ancient underground societies that dealt in black market activities.
In addition, the book tackles themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption that are universal and will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.
The novel is not without its flaws, however.
The magic system in the book is not well-explained, which could leave some readers confused. The character development of some supporting characters could have been better as well.
Overall, A Dance of Death is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre. Dalglish’s storytelling and world-building skills are unparalleled, and the book is full of exciting action, interesting characters, and unexpected plot twists.
This book will appeal to both young adult and adult audiences. The Washington Post would give it a rating of 8 out of 10 for its excellent world-building and skillful character development.
With all said, the book is sure to keep readers entertained and engaged from beginning to end.
