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Dancer #1
Fire Dancer
Rheba the fire dancer and her friend, Kirtn, search the universe for a new home after the destruction of their planet and are captured by slave traders
204 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
76 people are currently reading
400 people want to read
About the author
Ann Maxwell
37 books69 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author
aka Lowell Charters, Elizabeth Lowell, A.E. Maxwell individually and with co-author/husband Evan Maxwell and Annalise Sun.
Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one non-fiction book. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. The novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery to suspense.
Writing as Ann Maxwell, she began her career in 1975 with a science fiction novel, Change. Since then, seven of her nine science fiction novels have been recommended for the Science Fiction Writers of America Nebula Award; A Dead God Dancing was nominated for what was then called TABA (The American Book Award).
In 1976 Ann and Evan (as A. E. Maxwell) collaborated with a Norwegian hunter and photographer, Ivar Ruud, on The Year-Long Day, a nonfiction work that was condensed in Reader's Digest and published in four foreign editions and three book club editions. In 1985, the first A. E. Maxwell crime novel featuring a couple called Fiddler and Fiora was published by Doubleday. The Frog and the Scorpion, received a creative writing award from the University of California. The fourth book in the series, Just Enough Light to Kill, was named by Time magazine as one of the best crime novels of 1988.
Ann and Evan (writing as Ann Maxwell) have published four suspense novels, the most recent of which is Shadows and Silk. These novels appeared on nation-wide bestseller lists.
In 1982, Ann began publishing romances as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994). Since July of 1992, she has had 30 novels on the New York Times list. Her most recent book is BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER.
(1)romance author
aka Lowell Charters, Elizabeth Lowell, A.E. Maxwell individually and with co-author/husband Evan Maxwell and Annalise Sun.
Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one non-fiction book. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. The novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery to suspense.
Writing as Ann Maxwell, she began her career in 1975 with a science fiction novel, Change. Since then, seven of her nine science fiction novels have been recommended for the Science Fiction Writers of America Nebula Award; A Dead God Dancing was nominated for what was then called TABA (The American Book Award).
In 1976 Ann and Evan (as A. E. Maxwell) collaborated with a Norwegian hunter and photographer, Ivar Ruud, on The Year-Long Day, a nonfiction work that was condensed in Reader's Digest and published in four foreign editions and three book club editions. In 1985, the first A. E. Maxwell crime novel featuring a couple called Fiddler and Fiora was published by Doubleday. The Frog and the Scorpion, received a creative writing award from the University of California. The fourth book in the series, Just Enough Light to Kill, was named by Time magazine as one of the best crime novels of 1988.
Ann and Evan (writing as Ann Maxwell) have published four suspense novels, the most recent of which is Shadows and Silk. These novels appeared on nation-wide bestseller lists.
In 1982, Ann began publishing romances as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994). Since July of 1992, she has had 30 novels on the New York Times list. Her most recent book is BLUE SMOKE AND MURDER.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 6, 2011
I read this book in only a few hours, and I really enjoyed it. I must say I wasn't expecting much from 80s sci-fi romance, but this book was really well written and the world building was pretty interesting, even if some of the emo is a bit annoying at times. I thought the symbiotic (for lack of a better word) species of Bre'n and Senyasi were intriguing and I liked that the book had an actual plot, as well as bringing up some complicated relationship issues, though at times I thought it strayed very close to the edge of the last-of-their-species/pair-bonded-since-childhood romantic-angst line. I'm interested to see where the other two books in the trilogy go, as the author set the stage for some interesting-ness in the last few pages.
June 27, 2013
I can remember reading this book in the mid 1990's, and it is one of the many oldschool sci-fi books that has stuck with me. For the time I was intrigued by how unrestrained the Fire Dancer was. It was quite a contrast to how the women of Pern were treated in Anne McCaffrey's books.
Want to read
July 26, 2025Please add the paperback edition with this cover, GoodReads. Thanks!
Just learned that some people, in the comment at least, of this article consider this one of the first Romantasy books.
Just learned that some people, in the comment at least, of this article consider this one of the first Romantasy books.
May 22, 2022
I admit I bought this at the fleemarket after a quick glance at the front and back only. I thought I'd like it but this is not my style at all. I love fantasy but not this kind of. There was just too much that put me off and I cannot put it really into words why. I didn't like how women are portrayed, I didn't like the absolutely over the top things happening in these worlds.. also the story lacked interest for me. Oh well, onto the next.
December 17, 2020
Rheba, a Fire Dancer, and her Guardian, Kirtn, are all who remain of their homeworld, Deva. Together, they journey across the various worlds of the Concord trying to locate survivors whilst maintaining their exceptional bond. When they are enslaved on the planet Loo, Rheba’s power begins to grow along with her frustrations. Kirtn tries to focus her skills before passion and fire consumes them all…
Fire Dancer is science fiction/fantasy at its most lyrical. From the very beginning, the writing is magically descriptive and underpinned by a seam of poetry which is maintained to the very last sentence. Ms Lowell chooses her language to unfold the story but also to utilise the sheer beauty of words. There are some lovely, intricate metaphors, ‘Satin laughed, a sound as sleek and cold as polished chrome’. The exquisitely worked prose gives the story an ironic complexity and combined with the depth of Ms Lowell’s imagination, Fire Dancer is an all-encompassing, clever and unique read. Personally, I would have liked more plot-time spent traversing the different worlds and, in places, the narrative is a touch dense; it could be argued the book is slightly long. Reading Fire Dancer is like gazing into a prism of intense rainbow light; it can become a bit overwhelming. However, the relationship between Rheba and Kirtn literally glows with unspoken intensity, both emotionally and sexually charged. Their attachment is sentient, all-encompassing and well-realised. Kirtn inhabits his role as Protector effortlessly, aided by his physical size and strength. Ms Lowell hits the correct note with Rheba; naïve, vulnerable yet teetering on the cusp of something that few can explain. As the novel progresses, she becomes ever more aware and questing while still retaining a level of credible innocence, especially in regard to Kirtn.
For me, the standout character was Fssa, the polyglot snake. I thought he was brilliant - incredibly visual, vain and humorous. Aside from the developing and deep connection between Kirtn and Rheba, the premise of the Fire Dancer is how base and vile society can be; enslaving and degrading those who are perceived to be in a weaker position. It is Rheba, despite her callow youth who rightfully and stubbornly clings to the thought of emancipation from both the mental and physical slavery on the planet Loo.
Fire Dancer was originally released nearly forty years ago, it feels fresh but with a retrospective texture (due in no small part to the excellent cover) that is very current. It is a rich and vivid work of fantasy; absorbing, intelligent and visionary. Highly recommended.
Fire Dancer is science fiction/fantasy at its most lyrical. From the very beginning, the writing is magically descriptive and underpinned by a seam of poetry which is maintained to the very last sentence. Ms Lowell chooses her language to unfold the story but also to utilise the sheer beauty of words. There are some lovely, intricate metaphors, ‘Satin laughed, a sound as sleek and cold as polished chrome’. The exquisitely worked prose gives the story an ironic complexity and combined with the depth of Ms Lowell’s imagination, Fire Dancer is an all-encompassing, clever and unique read. Personally, I would have liked more plot-time spent traversing the different worlds and, in places, the narrative is a touch dense; it could be argued the book is slightly long. Reading Fire Dancer is like gazing into a prism of intense rainbow light; it can become a bit overwhelming. However, the relationship between Rheba and Kirtn literally glows with unspoken intensity, both emotionally and sexually charged. Their attachment is sentient, all-encompassing and well-realised. Kirtn inhabits his role as Protector effortlessly, aided by his physical size and strength. Ms Lowell hits the correct note with Rheba; naïve, vulnerable yet teetering on the cusp of something that few can explain. As the novel progresses, she becomes ever more aware and questing while still retaining a level of credible innocence, especially in regard to Kirtn.
For me, the standout character was Fssa, the polyglot snake. I thought he was brilliant - incredibly visual, vain and humorous. Aside from the developing and deep connection between Kirtn and Rheba, the premise of the Fire Dancer is how base and vile society can be; enslaving and degrading those who are perceived to be in a weaker position. It is Rheba, despite her callow youth who rightfully and stubbornly clings to the thought of emancipation from both the mental and physical slavery on the planet Loo.
Fire Dancer was originally released nearly forty years ago, it feels fresh but with a retrospective texture (due in no small part to the excellent cover) that is very current. It is a rich and vivid work of fantasy; absorbing, intelligent and visionary. Highly recommended.
January 8, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of Fire Dancer by Elizabeth Lowell in exchange for an honest review through Lola's Blog Tours, to read and review after my participation in the blog tour for this title. Unfortunately I let my winter schedule get out of hand, so this review is getting in just under the wire, but it was worth it! Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity. This has not swayed my opinion. My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.
If you'd like to give this review a little love on my blog, click here: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Or to see that tour stop from November: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Rheba is one of the last of her kind, a fire dancer from Deva, traversing the Cordcord with her protector Kirtin in a search for fellow survivors. Their journey takes them to the slave world Loo, and it's here that Rheba's powers really begin to take shape and her relationship with Kirtin blossoms. Can she control it? Can they escape? Are there others left?
This book is absolutely beautifully written. If Elizabeth Lowell decided to release a collection of poetry, I'm sure it would be just as well-received as her fiction novels. Sometimes I come across flowery prose writers who lose the plot in search of the perfect way to phrase each sentence, but that's not the case here. Lowell's writing is beauty with function, in perfect balance.
Rheba's growth from a naïve and inexperienced girl into a wisened young woman is so natural and rewarding to read. This book is her story, the plot's arc is her arc, and everyone else is just along for the ride (even the ones enslaving her.) Notable mentions go to Kirtin, of course, and to the snake Fssa, who provided a lot of much-needed humour in otherwise tense and dark moments.
Now, while the beautiful writing style of the prose in this book did not get in the way of the plot at all, sometimes the worldbuilding did. At 227 pages in standard print length, it's already on the short side for science fiction, but at points it did feel like it could have been shorter. I'll concede that perhaps what I'm feeling is a more dated way of writing the genre. Some of the reviews I've seen on Amazon are simply excited to see this book again, having read it in the 80s. That's a decade or so before I started reading science fiction and fell in love with the genre.
Overall this was a very worth-while and enjoyable read, and I would encourage all fans of the genre, new and seasoned, to check out this title.
If you'd like to give this review a little love on my blog, click here: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Or to see that tour stop from November: https://www.westveilpublishing.com/?p...
Rheba is one of the last of her kind, a fire dancer from Deva, traversing the Cordcord with her protector Kirtin in a search for fellow survivors. Their journey takes them to the slave world Loo, and it's here that Rheba's powers really begin to take shape and her relationship with Kirtin blossoms. Can she control it? Can they escape? Are there others left?
This book is absolutely beautifully written. If Elizabeth Lowell decided to release a collection of poetry, I'm sure it would be just as well-received as her fiction novels. Sometimes I come across flowery prose writers who lose the plot in search of the perfect way to phrase each sentence, but that's not the case here. Lowell's writing is beauty with function, in perfect balance.
Rheba's growth from a naïve and inexperienced girl into a wisened young woman is so natural and rewarding to read. This book is her story, the plot's arc is her arc, and everyone else is just along for the ride (even the ones enslaving her.) Notable mentions go to Kirtin, of course, and to the snake Fssa, who provided a lot of much-needed humour in otherwise tense and dark moments.
Now, while the beautiful writing style of the prose in this book did not get in the way of the plot at all, sometimes the worldbuilding did. At 227 pages in standard print length, it's already on the short side for science fiction, but at points it did feel like it could have been shorter. I'll concede that perhaps what I'm feeling is a more dated way of writing the genre. Some of the reviews I've seen on Amazon are simply excited to see this book again, having read it in the 80s. That's a decade or so before I started reading science fiction and fell in love with the genre.
Overall this was a very worth-while and enjoyable read, and I would encourage all fans of the genre, new and seasoned, to check out this title.
March 8, 2014
I bought it as a cheap pocket in the 80s and it's still there on the shelf. It has survived several book clean-outs! The fantasy is amazing...
June 27, 2018
"Renew, release, let go. Yesterday’s gone. There’s nothing you can do to bring it back. . ." I believe is the old saying? I vaguely remember swiping a copy of this book back when I was still in school from my mother's library stack. Perhaps then it seemed more "forbidden" back then (after all my mother was (and still is) a heavy reader in the famed "bodice ripper" genre of romance novels. Back then all of her books were like taboo fruits I had to get my little tweeny hands on (who needed health class when you had a Johanna Lindsey book (with shirtless Fabio(s) OH MY) covertly secreted off to school in your lunchbox).
So I guess I went into this with those nostalgic feels of past precocious me expecting heavy romance. Surprisingly, that was not the case? I mean the romantic elements were really quite mild, and honestly don't even take place until nearly the end of the book. Which was fine, however it left me with something of an unsatisfactory finish for the plot climax. I know that this is a series and I'll have to finish the reading, but for now this read was just like an "ok" sci-fi adventure. I say "just ok", because the descriptive elements and world building, were a bit lacking (and not just because the book is dated). I'm truly not even sure what might have made it better. Maybe a glossary of terms? Some background on the universe it's self. I found myself struggling to figure out how some alien species actually looked (a problem I have never experienced from a science fiction novel before).
All in all it's a classic, worth at least a one time read if you're looking for a light space adventure that reads fast and doesn't demand too much from the mind in way of visualizations.
So I guess I went into this with those nostalgic feels of past precocious me expecting heavy romance. Surprisingly, that was not the case? I mean the romantic elements were really quite mild, and honestly don't even take place until nearly the end of the book. Which was fine, however it left me with something of an unsatisfactory finish for the plot climax. I know that this is a series and I'll have to finish the reading, but for now this read was just like an "ok" sci-fi adventure. I say "just ok", because the descriptive elements and world building, were a bit lacking (and not just because the book is dated). I'm truly not even sure what might have made it better. Maybe a glossary of terms? Some background on the universe it's self. I found myself struggling to figure out how some alien species actually looked (a problem I have never experienced from a science fiction novel before).
All in all it's a classic, worth at least a one time read if you're looking for a light space adventure that reads fast and doesn't demand too much from the mind in way of visualizations.
November 10, 2017
The first time I read this book I was 11 and had just been given access to the teen collection on the adult floor of the public library. Right beside Teen was Science Fiction. I had read a few children's and teen sci-fi stories before this, but had not really read any adult sci-fi, although I watched as much of it as I could. I was in love instantly with the genre.
I was a bit nervous about rereading it because sometimes our loves as young people just don't stand up to the test of time, and this was a pulp sci-fi novel of the early eighties. However, I still love it. The world-building is amazing. The characters are incredibly nuanced and I can't wait to read the rest of the story (which I never have since my library did not have it). Hooray to the glory of interlibrary loan!
I was a bit nervous about rereading it because sometimes our loves as young people just don't stand up to the test of time, and this was a pulp sci-fi novel of the early eighties. However, I still love it. The world-building is amazing. The characters are incredibly nuanced and I can't wait to read the rest of the story (which I never have since my library did not have it). Hooray to the glory of interlibrary loan!
August 24, 2018
The world-building is lacking enough that the reader isn't really sure what the hell is going on. The Bre'ns (Kirtn) and the Senya's (Rheba) have some kind of symbiotic relationship but how it works or why is never actually explained. And I had no idea why Rez was so catastrophic as again this concept wasn't explained. Unfortunately this is written as if the reader has inside information on this alien reality. As this is the first book in a new series, I believe these things needed to be explained in order to allow the reader to understand what was going on and why. I won't be continuing this series.
May 7, 2024
WOW!!
Exciting, mysteries, engaging and vengeful. My kind of good read. Entertaining with a touch of romance some bigotry, a superiority complex and a violent end to the bad guys. Works for me. An old book made in the '70s I think originally. About two beings with out home looking for and hoping to find others of their two species. Nice reading good character formation and slightly romantic. I liked it so will be reading the next installment. Hope you this one.
Exciting, mysteries, engaging and vengeful. My kind of good read. Entertaining with a touch of romance some bigotry, a superiority complex and a violent end to the bad guys. Works for me. An old book made in the '70s I think originally. About two beings with out home looking for and hoping to find others of their two species. Nice reading good character formation and slightly romantic. I liked it so will be reading the next installment. Hope you this one.
August 13, 2024
I adore this series of 3 books
Despite what Amazon says, there are only 3 books in the series. The author intended to write more but the publisher wasn’t paying so she turned to other books. Even though the series is incomplete, the sheer artistry of her writing and the unique characters and world-building make this so worthwhile. Her fans read and re-read these 3 Fire Dancer books over and over again; the books are that good.
Despite what Amazon says, there are only 3 books in the series. The author intended to write more but the publisher wasn’t paying so she turned to other books. Even though the series is incomplete, the sheer artistry of her writing and the unique characters and world-building make this so worthwhile. Her fans read and re-read these 3 Fire Dancer books over and over again; the books are that good.
April 13, 2025
Stands the test of time
Elizabeth Lowell is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her storytelling always amazes me in its flowing prose, complex plots, character depth, and world building.
Fire Dancer is a fantasy book that stands the test of time. It fits as well today as it did when it was first published.
Elizabeth Lowell is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her storytelling always amazes me in its flowing prose, complex plots, character depth, and world building.
Fire Dancer is a fantasy book that stands the test of time. It fits as well today as it did when it was first published.
July 13, 2021
As a retired English teacher, with almost 30 years of classroom experience, I tell you this: I can, and others like me can, teach people where to put commas and periods and when to start new paragraphs, but I can't teach creativity. An individual either has it, or not, and Ann Maxwell has it.
June 25, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the variety and breadth of the creatures in the book and their variety of attributes and skills. I believe, today, many elements of this book could be triggering to some, so if you are sensitive on storyline content you may want to steer clear.
June 13, 2017
Great worldbuilding, great characters, plenty of thrills and twists. What a fun way to spend an afternoon!
Read
May 5, 2020Very imaginative, interesting world building.
July 23, 2022
Never know how it will go with these fabulous 80s cover art, quite good actually a sci fi fantasy blend. (Cover is whitewashed fyi)
August 17, 2024
I wish this series was complete.
This is one of my favorite books. I wish it was longer and that this series had been completed because it's so good and entertaining
This is one of my favorite books. I wish it was longer and that this series had been completed because it's so good and entertaining
June 3, 2025
Wonderful story
An amazing story as part of an amazing universe where beings of such diversity are constantly evolving towards an incredible future
An amazing story as part of an amazing universe where beings of such diversity are constantly evolving towards an incredible future
Read
October 23, 2025Rheba is the sole survivor of a blaze that destroyed her planet, and Kirtn is the Bre'n warrior sworn to protect the exquisite, sensual fire dancer on a perilous journey to a far-off planet. Reprint.
February 1, 2012
BLURB:
Firedancer is the story of a young girl who has lost her planet and people in the supernova of her system's sun. As far as she knows, only she and her Bre'n have escaped. As she seeks other of her kind who might have been off-planet for the disaster, she runs into more trouble than she expected...
This is pulp sc-fi from the eighties,very easy to read and it should be three stars, but considering I first read these when I was in my teens, it's getting a plus one star for nostalgia
Firedancer is the story of a young girl who has lost her planet and people in the supernova of her system's sun. As far as she knows, only she and her Bre'n have escaped. As she seeks other of her kind who might have been off-planet for the disaster, she runs into more trouble than she expected...
This is pulp sc-fi from the eighties,very easy to read and it should be three stars, but considering I first read these when I was in my teens, it's getting a plus one star for nostalgia
March 28, 2015
Travel to the stars in this sci-fi story where a race of beings that can create fire almost from nothing, teamed up with their furry companion they can be a formidable team. Throw in a prison planet, talking snakes that can change shapes and communicate in any language, where one has to perform to get out. Action and danger follow this pair as they try to escape.
A must read for all sci-fi lovers.
Well done Ann
A must read for all sci-fi lovers.
Well done Ann
February 26, 2008
It's sort of like a sci-fi novel written by a romance writer. Actually that's exactly what it is.
But somehow it ends up being quality scifi that happens to include an interesting budding romance between two aliens who are possibly the last of their respective species.
But somehow it ends up being quality scifi that happens to include an interesting budding romance between two aliens who are possibly the last of their respective species.
April 19, 2012
Loved this book, the characters were fantastic and you brought into their world. My books are worn out from re reading them so many times.
I just wish Ann Maxwell would not have given up on this series as only 3 books were written. :-(
I just wish Ann Maxwell would not have given up on this series as only 3 books were written. :-(
June 19, 2013
Classic eighties sci-fi/fantasy/romance full of angst and adventure. Well written, fast paced, nicely-developed and full of interesting characters and surprising/original plots and relationships. I say original, even compared to contemporary novels.
November 17, 2015
Just as amazing now as the first dozen times I read it! I have the edition with the sci-fi/fantasy cover like I originally bought many years ago-not the pretty satiny looking cover that makes it seem like a romance novel. Great book, totally enjoyable, a quick & ready read. Love The Fire Dancer!
November 9, 2007
Thankfully, better gender politics than Maxwell's romances under Elizabeth Lowell. Also, talking snake for the win!
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/660292...
Full review: http://oyceter.livejournal.com/660292...
December 15, 2008
In 3 words:
Longing, action, need more of this series! (I know it's too late...)
Longing, action, need more of this series! (I know it's too late...)
February 5, 2011
Love this series & wish she'd finish it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews