This is a novel about the restrictions of a "woman's" place as well as the maturation of a hero. Anne Logston has a unique style. She is easy to read as well as captivating. She sucks you in. I started reading this book at midnight and a 3:45 I finished and went to bed. Her books seem to end without ending, like there are more to the tale, sort of setting up for a series. There is history that is unknown and future left to be told. I have only read Waterdance and Firewalk, but have enjoyed both.
Waterdance is about a girl who lives the free life in the plains. She is betrothed to her best friend (whom is gay so therefore there will not be any passion in this relationship). He encourages her to gain sexual experience. She does, and in the process she awakens her small magical powers, not enough to really do anything, just enough to get her in trouble. Having discovered her talents her family decides her clan will be better served with her in court as heir to the throne. She doesn't take to this well. She is a swordswoman, and loves it best of all. She can't stand to be encased in walls. On her way to her fate, while scouting ahead she rescues a man, who turns out to be an enemy who leads into enemy territory (its the whole kingdom/border/religious thing). While together they do the usual, get in and out of trouble and fall in love(since its forbidden because they are "enemies"). Its a good novel with a good plot.
The characters are developed well, with Peri the outspoken manly female, whose strength is physical strength, swordplay, horsemanship, and strategy. With her rescued enemy, being a mage and more of a caring feminine man. It really flips the "gender" roles a bit. In this novel, it works especially since it allows for conflict since the territory they are in is a male dominated society, with restrictive rules.
I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel.
Recommended:
