Genre: Spiritual Memoir/Self-Help

Reviewed for the Australian Women Writers' Challenge


In her thirtieth year, teacher and holistic counsellor Nicole Gruel experienced what she describes as a ‘meltdown’ – a physical, emotional and spiritual crisis that pushed her to the edge. During this intense three-day period, Nicole came face to face with her shadow selves – ‘dragons’ as she likes to call these underworld guides – that forced her to assess her life and confront childhood traumas, including the tragic death of her father when she was only fourteen.

But don’t be mistaken – this is not a ‘misery memoir’ – far from it! Nicole emerged from her crisis with a clear vision, in greater alignment with her authentic self. The book is a culmination of that journey, and a guide for fellow travellers to help them along their own paths to wholeness.

Dancing with Dragons is honest, beautifully structured, and clearly written, using the Seven Chakras as a framework for her personal story and ideas. The author is an old soul – wise beyond her years – but there is a youthful exuberance to her prose that is very refreshing. I have been reading books in this genre for a very long time now and thought there was nothing new under the sun, but after reading Dancing with Dragons I felt like I got a fresh perspective on a number of issues, including archetypes, the power of forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

Nicole published her book through Balboa Press, the self-publishing arm of Hay House. This opened my mind to the possibilities of self-publishing, showing me that a book can be produced through less conventional methods and still be of a professional standard.