A Dance With Fate by Juliet Marillier

A young woman who is both a bard--and a warrior--seeks to repay her debts and settle scores in this thrilling historical fantasy series.

The young warrior and bard Liobhan has lost her brother to the Otherworld. Even more determined to gain a place as an elite fighter, she returns to Swan Island to continue her training. But Liobhan is devastated when her comrade Dau is injured and loses his sight in their final display bout. Blamed by Dau's family for the accident, she agrees to go to Dau's home as a bond servant for the span of one year.

There, she soon learns that Oakhill is a place of dark secrets. The vicious Crow Folk still threaten both worlds. And Dau, battling the demon of despair, is not an easy man to help.

When Liobhan and Dau start to expose the rot at the center of Oakhill, they place themselves in deadly danger. For their enemy wields great power and will stop at nothing to get his way. It will take all the skills of a Swan Island warrior and a touch of the uncanny to give them a hope of survival.

MY REVIEW: 4.5 Stars ⭐️ 

This second book was sooo good!! I mean I generally love Juliet Marillier books anyway so there’s that. There were a few animals things as y’all know I don’t condone, hence the 4.5 stars. 

The story is told in the three POV’s of Liobhan, Dau and Brocc and a few chapters with the POV of Eirne. 

One day during a practice, Dau gets hurt and loses his eyesight. The powers that be on the island had no idea not to contact Dau’s father. Poor Dau had a horrific childhood and ran away. BUT, his family is coming for him and ultimately bring him back home. Liobhan goes with him for reasons. Turns out it’s still horrific because of a certain family member. That person is beyond cruel and I so wanted this persons slow death, but I digress. 

Liobhan and Dau find out things are worse then they thought and with the help of Brocc and the crow people, justice will be done or they will die trying! 

I love these characters so much and I felt the book didn’t suffer from second book syndrome. If you enjoyed the first book then you should enjoy this book as well! 

**Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for a digital copy of this book. 

Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾