"Griffin subtly shows us the disparity between men and women, and the reduction of even the most powerful women to sexualization by mere mortals." - Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite
Another GLOWING review from Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite! I want to express my sincerest gratitude to my reviewer for taking the time to truly digest and mull over the topics I presenting within my debut epic fantasy novel.
"My favorite character is Evengel. The theme of the power of womanhood is undiminished and made even more authentic when she, a female with budding magic power and worthy of respect, is still subjected to the harassment of men."
When I first set out to write an adult fantasy novel, I knew that I wanted to entertain certain topics within my writing. My goal was the subtly discuss topics on sexuality, feminism, misogyny, and the distribution of power and control in society. I am truly honored to have found a reader that not only enjoyed my story, but also found a greater feminist conversation happening within the tale.
Please enjoy the review in its entirety below!
"Of Water and Dance by Leslie Griffin is a high fantasy novel that revolves around the themes of destiny and fate, and how the paths we take can alter not just our own lives, but potentially the lives of everyone around us. The book begins with a woman attempting to save a man she loves and the meeting it elicits. A revelation is made and the woman, Liliat, is given another future by a powerful Leviathan. The story then shifts to Bane, an ill prince from a cursed family in a matriarchal realm who must, for the salvation of the line, find a true queen with true power. Magic is drying up, as the home of those who harbor it is shrinking after a division between the mortal humans and the Gods. When the “glowing children” are separated, a cataclysmic revelation is the powder keg that rocks the Royals and the realm to its core.
Oops. That was my response when I finally finished and put Of Water and Dance down. Leslie Griffin writes beautifully and her skill at developing lifelike characters is really good. The pacing occasionally felt a little slow but when there's a twist, all the details that seemed superfluous at the time come together. It's unexpected and brilliant. My favorite character is Evengel. The theme of the power of womanhood is undiminished and made more authentic when she, a female with budding magic power and worthy of respect, is still subjected to the harassment of men. Griffin subtly shows us the disparity between men and women, and the reduction of even the most powerful women to sexualization by mere mortals. This is a wonderful novel that ticks all the boxes and I am certain others who read it will feel the same. Highly recommended." - Jamie Michele, Readers' Favorite
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