David Dalglish’s Shadowdance series might not be the most intellectually demanding fantasy you’ll encounter, but it certainly sets a stage where unseen forces and hidden agendas pirouette in the shadows—a veritable “Dance Of Ghosts.” While this review focuses on the series as a whole, it’s important to note that these observations are primarily drawn from engagement with the initial books in the sequence.
One of the most prominent figures in this shadowy ballet is Hearn, the Watcher. It’s hard to miss the echoes of a certain caped crusader in his description: prowling rooftops, draped in black and grey, hood obscuring all but his chin, targeting the city’s criminal underbelly. The resemblance to Batman is uncanny, save for Hearn’s rebellion against his father rather than vengeance for him, and his preference for swords over gadgets. However, this character, while intriguing in concept, lacks the nuanced depth that makes Batman so compelling. He moves through the narrative like a phantom, but his steps, while purposeful, don’t always resonate with profound impact.
Alyssa, positioned as a woman of significant wealth and influence, unfortunately stumbles through the narrative like someone lost in the dark. Her repeated misjudgments and lack of foresight are perplexing for a character supposedly groomed to manage a vast family empire. She appears blind to the subtle “dance of ghosts” unfolding around her – the replacement of her guards, the looming threats, and the basic need for self-preservation. Despite having an assassin as a close confidante, Alyssa remains remarkably inept at self-defense, constantly needing rescue. Her decisions often seem to propel the plot forward through sheer impulsivity rather than strategic thinking, making her actions feel disconnected from the intricate “dance of ghosts” that should be influencing her world.
Thren, another key player in this shadowy world, begins to reveal his motivations, offering a glimpse into the potential for deeper character development. He possesses the capacity to evolve beyond his initial portrayal, and moments like his assumption of the Watcher’s mantle in a previous book hint at this latent growth. Hopefully, future installments will grant Thren more narrative space to fully realize his potential and step more deliberately into the “dance of ghosts” that surrounds him.
The King, in contrast, embodies a different kind of shadow – one of cowardice and ineffectual rule. His constant fear and avoidance of responsibility make his position as a leader unconvincing. In a world rife with danger, his lack of magical defenses or competent advisors strains credibility. He remains hidden behind walls, seemingly oblivious to the “dance of ghosts”—the subtle takeover of his city and potentially his kingdom by unseen adversaries.
Zusa presents herself as an interesting, if somewhat elusive, character. Her tendency to vanish at crucial moments is balanced by an intriguing ambiguity. Like many others in this narrative, she seems to participate in the “dance of ghosts” without fully grasping the choreography, driven by personal desires rather than a comprehensive understanding of the larger game.
Interestingly, it’s Ghost, a minor character, who demonstrates the most significant personal growth. This suggests that the true “dance of ghosts” might be happening on the periphery, among characters operating outside the central spotlight. Dalglish excels at crafting layers of subterfuge. While the Watcher and Thren focus on immediate threats, the real power plays, the intricate steps of the “dance of ghosts,” occur behind the scenes. The lines between “good” and “bad” become blurred as motivations are revealed to be complex and goals divergent. Thren seeks criminal dominance, the Watcher desires peace, Alyssa craves security, and Zusa yearns for belonging. The Darkhand’s criminal empire is revealed to be merely a piece in a far grander, more spectral game – a true “dance of ghosts” orchestrated by unseen hands.
Ultimately, the Shadowdance series offers an accessible and undemanding reading experience, comparable in complexity to Raymond Feist’s Riftwar Saga. It may not challenge you intellectually, but if you seek an engaging narrative with shadowy intrigue and a sense of hidden depths—a subtle “dance of ghosts”—this series is worth exploring.
