Princess Ai Li, the sixth child of the Emperor of China, flees from an arranged marriage upon discovering her betrothed is a traitor. Armed with her butterfly swords, she meets Ryam, a blue-eyed foreigner, and convinces him to help escort her back to the Imperial city. As they travel together, Ai Li and Ryam form a deep bond, navigating through dangerous situations and facing their growing attraction amidst the backdrop of Tang Dynasty China. The plot is filled with adventure, romance, and sensuality, set in a unique historical setting that offers a refreshing change from typical historical romance novels.

The story unfolds with intricate details of Tang Dynasty politics and the challenges faced by the protagonists as they fight against societal norms and personal obstacles to be together. The characters of Ai Li and Ryam are well-rounded, each possessing unique qualities that complement and attract one another. Their journey towards love and overcoming the odds is intertwined with fast-paced action, sensual encounters, and engaging sword fights, making "Butterfly Swords" a compelling historical romance that immerses readers in a vivid and vibrant world.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Ai Li being a strong, independent warrior and Ryam as an honorable barbarian, whose contrasting backgrounds enhance their romance.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is immersive and descriptive, effectively capturing the Tang Dynasty setting while balancing action pacing and character tension.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Ai Li, who escapes her treacherous fiancé to alert her family, encountering Ryam along the way. Their dangerous journey together unfolds with romance and challenges.

Setting:

The setting is richly depicted in Tang Dynasty China, providing an engaging cultural backdrop that enhances the story.

Pacing:

The pacing is mostly fast-paced and engaging, with occasional slower periods for character backstory.

Ailey woke with the first hint of daylight, blinking up at the sky in disbelief. It took a moment before she had enough command of her muscles to sit up. Though she couldn’t see any stones now, she ha...

Notes:

Butterfly Swords is set during the Tang Dynasty in 758 AD China.

The protagonist, Ai Li, is a strong female character trained in the ancient art of butterfly swords.

Ai Li escapes an arranged marriage to Li Tao, who is revealed to be a traitor and responsible for her brother's death.

She disguises herself as a young man to avoid capture and warn her father of the impending danger.

Ryam, a foreign mercenary, saves Ai Li when she is attacked and becomes her protector during her journey.

The story highlights themes of honor, family loyalty, and the struggle between personal desire and societal expectations.

Ai Li's character showcases a blend of femininity and strength, challenging traditional gender roles of the time.

Ryam and Ai Li experience a forbidden romance, navigating the complexities of their different social statuses.

The novel features action, adventure, and a rich portrayal of Tang Dynasty culture and politics.

Jeannie Lin's writing brings historical details to life, immersing readers in the setting and dynamics of the era.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, betrayal, and elements typical for historical romance such as arranged marriages and the consequences of societal expectations.

Has Romance?

The romance between Ai Li and Ryam is a major focus of the story, characterized by strong chemistry and emotional depth.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

During China's infamous Tang Dynasty, a time awash with luxury yet littered with deadly intrigues and fallen royalty, betrayed Princess Ai Li flees before her wedding.

Miles from home, with only her delicate butterfly swords for defense, she enlists the reluctant protection of a blue-eyed warrior....

Battle-scarred, embittered Ryam has always held his own life at cheap value. Ai Li's innocent trust in him and honorable, stubborn nature make him desperate to protect her-which means not seducing the first woman he has ever truly wanted....

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Butterfly Swords

Jeannie Lin

Book 1 in the series:Tang Dynasty