Title: Dancers of The Dawn
Author: Zulekhá A. Afzal
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Rock The Boat
Pages: 320
Release Date: 6 June 2024
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Hello fellow booklovers! Today I’m sharing my review of Dancers of The Dawn by Zulekhá A. Afzal. A sweeping and deliciously rich, epic YA fantasy about dancing assassins, deadly secrets, friendship and betrayal that I found wonderfully enthralling.
Synopsis
Dancer. Warrior. Executioner.
Deep in the desert a storm is brewing.
Under the blazing sun, an elite troupe of dancers are trained to harness their magic. They are the queen’s most formidable assassins. Aasira has one of the rarest talents – for she is a flame-wielder. Feared by all and envied by some, she uses her power to execute enemies of the crown.
Aasira’s greatest wish is to serve her queen. But on the eve of her graduation, with tensions rising among the dancers and secrets stirring in the shifting sand dunes, she begins to question whether she was truly born to kill…
Review
This was such an enjoyable read! The worldbuilding was beautifully lush with an undercurrent of danger that I found impossible to resist. But it was the unique, the dance based magic system that really got my attention; and as soon as I heard the premise (magic wielding dancers who double up as assassins taking out the enemies to their Queen’s rule) I knew I had to get my grabby little hands on a copy.
And I’m glad I did as Zulekha A. Afzal has woven a tale that’s more than just a story about dancing assasins. With an in depth, emotionally compelling protagonist whose complicated bonds of friendship may hinge upon the secrets they ultimately carry; court intrigue lovers are going the absolutely eat this up!
I loved Aasira, whose unrelenting drive to prove herself and her devotion to her country (despite how emotionally draining her role is) was absolutely astounding! I pretty much loved her from the moment she’s introduced and enjoyed delving into the mystery surrounding her past, and her conflicting) fractured memories of her mother (who everyone despises.)
Her fellow dancers were also interesting to meet, though they aren’t quite as detailed as Aasira (who is our sole POV character.) I did really enjoy getting to know their individual personalities, motivations, and magical abilities. Particularly Sahi, Aasira’s closest friend and confidante who we get to know is quite well.
My only real gripe is describing this as a slowburn romantasy, as that’s really not what this story is. Though it does have a hint of romance (love interest Emir was actually really sweet), I don’t think it’s prevalent enough to be considered a main plot point. Perhaps things will change in the sequel book but right now, if you’re heading into this expecting Carissa Broadbent levels of romantic tension — you’re probably gonna be a little disappointed.
Overall a suspenseful, plot twisty and powerfully emotional read that epic fantasy lovers definitely don’t want to miss.
Also, a huge thank you to Rock The Boat for the stunning proof copy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
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