Step into the shadowy streets of Veldaren, where the Shadowdance series by David Dalglish weaves a thrilling tale of assassins, intrigue, and redemption! This dark fantasy saga follows Aaron Felhorn, a young man groomed to inherit his father’s criminal empire, as he grapples with loyalty, morality, and a city teetering on chaos. With its fast-paced action and morally gray characters, Shadowdance is a must-read for fans of gritty fantasy.
Blending the cunning of thieves with the heart-pounding stakes of epic fantasy, Shadowdance immerses readers in a world where every dagger’s edge could shift the balance of power. Let’s explore how this captivating series came to life, its gripping books, and why it continues to enthrall readers.
How Shadowdance Began
David Dalglish, a mathematics graduate turned fantasy author, self-published his first novel in 2010, but it was Shadowdance that caught the eye of Orbit Books in 2013. Inspired by R.A. Salvatore’s dark elf tales and Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Dalglish crafted a world of thieves and assassins in the city of Veldaren. His love for morally complex characters and high-stakes action shaped Shadowdance into a standout series, blending gritty realism with fantastical flair.
The Heart of Shadowdance
The Shadowdance series spans seven books, with the core trilogy—A Dance of Cloaks, A Dance of Blades, and A Dance of Death—setting the stage. In A Dance of Cloaks, Aaron Felhorn, son of master assassin Thren Felhorn, is sent to kill a priest’s daughter but chooses to protect her, sparking a rebellion against his father’s empire. A Dance of Blades sees Aaron, now Haern the Watcher, hunted by mercenaries as Veldaren’s streets erupt in violence. A Dance of Death takes Haern south to confront a copycat killer, unraveling a city steeped in corruption and looming war.
The series’ themes dive deep into power, betrayal, and redemption. Veldaren, a city ruled by thieves’ guilds and wealthy nobles, mirrors medieval Europe’s brutal underbelly, with Dalglish’s vivid world-building bringing its dark alleys to life. The morally ambiguous characters, like Haern’s struggle between duty and conscience, keep readers hooked, while the relentless pacing and intricate plots evoke a Dungeons & Dragons campaign gone rogue. Fans praise the series for its action-packed fight scenes and nuanced anti-heroes, making it a gritty gem in the fantasy genre.
Why Shadowdance Resonates
Shadowdance has carved a niche in dark fantasy, appealing to readers who crave complex characters and high-stakes drama. Its blend of grimdark cynicism and glimmers of hope—seen in Haern’s quest for justice—sets it apart from traditional fantasy epics. The series’ influence extends to Dalglish’s broader work, connecting to his Half-Orc series and inspiring fans to explore his world of Dezrel. Its cult following lauds its accessibility, with no prior reading required, making it a gateway to Dalglish’s storytelling.
Despite not reaching the fame of George R.R. Martin’s works, Shadowdance’s loyal fanbase and critical praise highlight its lasting appeal. Reviewers note Dalglish’s growth as a writer across the trilogy, with each book refining his craft and deepening character arcs. For fantasy lovers, Shadowdance remains a thrilling, under-the-radar adventure.
- Publication Years: 2010–2015
- Number of Books: 7 (including prequel and sequels)
- Genre: Dark Fantasy
- Setting: Veldaren, in the world of Dezrel
Grab A Dance of Cloaks and dive into Shadowdance’s dark, thrilling world! Whether you’re a fan of assassins, epic battles, or morally gray heroes, this series will keep you turning pages late into the night.