This is definitely the most unique setting I've read about in a historical novel. In 1503 Italy, Lionello Andreas is seeking to regain a treasure that was stolen from his family - the Wind Dancer - and to do it, he is on the search for a great thief. His search brings him to Florence where he makes the acquaintance of Sanchia, a slave and pickpocket who impresses Lion with her talent. He immediately buys her papers and helps her settle the children she has taken under her wing. Sanchia, grateful for Lion's generosity in settling this matter and knowing that she must do his bidding, doesn't put up any fight when he reveals his plan to her - or when he sets out to seduce her. But when the plan doesn't go as Lion predicted and Sanchia is made to bear the brunt of the failure, can he regain the trust and love they were beginning to find?I really enjoyed this book, although it didn't captivate me as much as the first IJ book I read The Lion's Bride, but enough that I'm interested in reading the next books that feature the Wind Dancer statue and Lion & Sanchia's descendants, Storm Winds (set in Revolutionary France) and Reap the Wind (a contemporary suspense). The main problem I had with this one was the pronunciation of the protagonists' names! In Italy, Lion would be pronounced LEE-own, but since lion is obviously an English word I kept pronouncing it like that in my head. Same with Sanchia - which should be pronounced Sahn-KEE-ah, but it sounded wrong so I kept thinking San-CHEE-ah instead. I don't know if the Italian pronunciations were what Iris Johansen had in mind, but boy I had a hard time keeping them straight. Note to all other authors: when you write a book set in a non-English-speaking country, please don't use names that either (a)look like an English word and aren't supposed to be pronounced that way, or (b) use consonants together in a way that have different pronunciations that English does. It distracted me so much from the story!B
I found this book when I was twelve years old in my mothers old trunk. I've been an avid reader since I could start sounding out my words, so I didn't think anything about digging into this one. For a twelve year old it was probably a little much( ok it was way to much), but I still was so enthralled in the story that the more intimate parts were not hard to look over. Now as an adult I can not only appreciate the amazing story line, but also the hot and steamy scenes. I'm not sure how many times I've read this book, but at least once a year I sit down and start all over again. This was so well written, and the emotions ran high till the very last page. My copy is now yellow with age and the pages are starting to rip, but I refuse to buy a new one. I'm sure I'll give in one day, but for now some tape and a little glue are all I need for a day or so of some really awesome daydreaming.
What do You think about The Wind Dancer (2006)?
NOTE: TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK, DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW...IT WILL BE A SPOILER ALERT!Most intriguing Johansen I've read to date. I LOVE the 15th century costume and European setting. I could see Lion, Lorenzo and Sanchia!!! I hated Caterina when she was first introduced, but I came to love her and all she did for Sanchia before her death. I only wished she had survived the black death and been able to save Mandara. I also wished Lorenzo had brought the city back to full vitality before the book ended. Very great work Iris Johansen. I about to embark on another of her works of art.
—Renee Comage
THE WIND DANCER - GJohansen, Iris - StandaloneLegend held that whoever possessed it would rule the destinies of nations.Renaissance Italy, where intrigues were as intricate as carved cathedral doors and affairs of state were ruled by affairs of the bedchamber ... where the rustling richness of silk hid the quick glint of deadly stilettos, and poison vied with port as the favored drink to offer guests....From the spellbinding pen of Iris Johansen comes her most lush, dramatic, and emotionally touching romance yet--the captivating story of the lovely and indomitable slave Sanchia and the man who bought her on a back street in Florence.... Passionate, powerful condottiere Lionello Andreas would love Sanchia and endanger her with equal wild abandon as he sought to win back the prize possession of his family--the Wind Dancer.Italy, a thief, a statue, the plague and the Brogias: this was a good, enjoyable read.
—LJ
This book started out with so much promise. I was completely enthralled with it from the first chapter. That lasted all of another 3-4 chapters. Sanchia started out so interesting. She was clever, insightful, and pragmatic. Then (view spoiler)[she sleeps with Lion (hide spoiler)]
—Katrina
