The Sword Dancer by Jeannie Lin is a historical romance novel set in the Tang Dynasty period of China. The story follows the characters of Wen Li Feng, a skilled sword dancer with a mysterious past, and Zeng Hao Han, a determined thief catcher. Their paths cross as Han suspects Li Feng's involvement in a theft case, leading to a cat and mouse game full of action, intrigue, and forbidden romance. The book is praised for its rich historical details, vibrant settings, and well-developed characters, offering a unique blend of adventure and romance in a historical Chinese setting.

Characters:

The characters are well-crafted, with depth and development, challenging traditional romantic tropes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging and cinematic, seamlessly blending exciting action with historical details, creating an immersive reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative features a chase between two characters—one a thief catcher and the other a skilled sword dancer—set against a backdrop of romantic tension and adventure.

Setting:

The setting in Tang Dynasty China is richly depicted, contributing to the story's unique charm.

Pacing:

The pacing can feel rushed, particularly in the development of relationships, though action scenes are prevalent.

A lone reed flute sang the opening melody. It was enough to hush the gathered crowd into silence. A dancer stood, still and patient, at the centre of the circle. The long sword poised in her hand capt...

Notes:

The Sword Dancer is set in historical China during the Tang Dynasty.

The story features a unique romance between a sword dancer named Li Feng and a thief catcher named Han.

Li Feng is portrayed as strong, clever, and skilled, defying typical romance novel stereotypes.

Han initially finds Li Feng plain but grows to appreciate her beauty in movement and character.

The book involves action, including sword fights, acrobatic sequences, and a murder mystery.

The relationship between Li Feng and Han flips traditional gender roles, with Li Feng often taking the lead in their physical relationship.

The story develops over a short span of about two weeks, which some readers felt was too fast-paced.

While labeled as historical romance, the book has a focus on action and adventure rather than deep historical details.

It includes themes of family, reconciliation, and questions of duty and justice.

The book can stand alone even though it's part of a larger series about the Tang Dynasty.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of crime, family betrayal, and government corruption, which may require moderate caution for sensitive readers.

Has Romance?

The romance between the main characters is significant and forms a central core of the narrative.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

The thief who stole his heart

Sword dancer Li Feng is used to living life on the edge of the lawa woman alone in the dangerous world of the Tang Dynasty has only her whirlwind reflexes to trust. She will discover the truth about her past, even if that means outwitting the most feared thief-catcher of them all.

Relentless, handsome and determined, Han sees lifeand loveas black and white. Until he finally captures the spirited, courageous Li Feng, who makes him question everything he thought he knew about right and wrong. Soon he's faced with an impossible choice: betray the elusive sword dancer he is learning to love, or trust his long-disregarded heart and follow her to dangerous, tempting rebellion.

What can you read after
The Sword Dancer?

See the list (20 books)

About the Author:

Jeannie Lin grew up fascinated with stories of Western epic fantasy and Eastern martial arts adventures. When her best friend introduced her to romance novels in middle school, the stage was set. Jeannie started writing her first romance while working as a high school science teacher in South Central Los Angeles. Her first two books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and The Dragon and the Pearl was listed among Library Journal's Best Romances of 2011.

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The Sword Dancer

Jeannie Lin

Book 4 in the series:Tang Dynasty