The Wind Dancer

I read "The Wind Dancer" a long time ago. Well, actually I didn't get all the way through it. I read as far as I could stand; I hated it. What I hated most was how Sanchia was such an obedient slave. At the time, I wasn't thinking about how she grew up a slave and thought to always be one, for her mother told her to simply accept it. I was outraged by how Lion had so much control over her. Sickened. Well, not too long ago as I was cleaning, I found this book and thought that maybe I should give another attempt at reading it, considering the fact that I actually paid money for it. I read and read; I couldn't put it down. Sanchia's attitude towards her enslavement definitely does change. Sanchia also becomes a very strong woman. I felt that she grew much wiser after that unfortunate incident at Solinari (sp?). This book is definitely a must read! I felt connected with the characters, and every single one of the characters were as every bit as interesting as the hero and heroine, Lion and Sanchia. However, Lorenzo is by far my favorite character. Perhaps it's his witty words that bring him out the most. At first, you think he's emotionless and hides behind his jokes and sarcasm. But is he? Near the end your have an entirely different attitude towards him. He really does show his true colors. Beware that this book has many unfortunate events, some almost unbelieveably outrageous. Your reaction may be-- "NO WAY! How could Johansen possibly do this to us?!" You should definitey get this book! And I hope I didn't give too much away in this review :/

This book shouldn't be classed as a "romance novel", because it's much better than what usually passes for that genre: it's a real novel, with complex characters, genuine development and transformation, none of the shameless, embarrassing features that bring the level down. The hero is not perfect, and is not a knight in shining armor; no one is entirely good or entirely evil, just complex people in a primitive time, trying to live and be happy. This makes the characters so much more intricate, convincing, and fascinating - - and the book a much more engrossing read. I wasn't expecting this at first read, and it took me a while to adjust; I found the secondary characters more likeable and compelling than the primary couple. Re-reading, I found them all fascinating, although I quite agreed with the 'official' review above - - the Lorenzo character steals the show. The best feature: the human relationships. The author shows how historical and personal events often/always spring from the simple human motives: jealousy, spite, lust, love, mastery, competition, desire to win the fair maiden. These are the forces that shape history.

This is my favorite book in the series. Lion and Sanchia are magic together, sexually, emotionally, verbally, everything! The author has dreamt up a world fraught with danger and treachery but also one full of out-of-this-world larger-than-life passion and love and made this reader want to abandon everything to jump into that world. Iris Johansen's heroes are the absolute best in the genre. No one can write a hero with more charisma, more power, more intelligence and sexual magnetism. I can't get enough of them frankly. Iris please go back to your 'sensual' romance days and write us up some more of them!! P.S Other readers- if you love this book you'll also love The Tiger Prince another heavy hitting grand-scale epic romance with equally magnetic leading couple.

There was something new and happening on every page to lure you to continue reading. It's that kind of book that you can't wait to know the story and yet feel a sense of loss when you do.I enjoyed the story every much and marveled at the plot twists. There was good character development too. As the story progressed, you found out more about the inner feelings of the characters through the events that happened. All characters were very well developed, Sanchia, Lion, Lorenzo, Caterina, even Marco and Bianca. I particularly liked the sense of humour of Lorenzo. The unfolding events will grip you and send you feeling the anguish and horror experienced by the characters. Unlike a war, the casualties may be faceless victims, but the author had built the characters so well that you will empathise with their grief, mourn their loss and admire their courage.Other than the tormenting unfortunate events in the story, the love between Lion and Sanchia was full of tormenting anguish and frustration with the circumstances. Oh, I so love the lead characters!Unforgettable.....

The first and best of the Wind Dancer trilogy, this book contains all the Iris Johansen ingredients for a good read - a tough hero, a resourceful heroine, betrayal and suffering - with a happy ending. Plus steamy scenes. Iris Johansen does tend to manipulate history (see Storm Winds for a good example) but always in a believable manner and always leaving the reader with a feeling that it could have happened that way.I like Johansen because her characters are not static - they evolve throughout the story - becoming stronger all the time. She's not too squemish about revenge either.What I regretted was the manner in which nearly all the supporting characters were killed off, especially little Paolo - It seemed so cruel but it was actually crucial for the plot and for demonstrating the ruthlessness of the Borgias