I've been fascinated by China since I read Pearl S. Buck's The Good Earth as a young girl. Since then other books, like Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club and Patti Lacy's, Reclaiming Lily, have added to my understanding of and affection for Chinese culture. Jeannie Lin's Tang Dynasty series is a welcomed addition to those other selections.

In THE SWORD DANCER, book 4 in the Tang Dynasty series, sword dancer Li Feng is a thief and outlaw following the death of her father and mother, bound and determined to discover the truth of a past she barely remembers.

Thief-catcher Zeng Hao Han is determined to track down and capture the band of thieves who have recklessly broken the laws of the land. But when his path crosses with that of Li Feng, Han discovers that not everything is cut and dried even in the realm of the law. The woman who is so fleet of foot is also mysteriously intriguing and attractive, something he's not ever had to deal with before.

For Li Feng, Han is a handsome and dangerous distraction. He could come between her and her need to uncover the secrets of her past, not to mention cause her to lose her life.

The unfolding love story is as riveting as an ancient, costumed dance, with Li Feng and Han taking steps toward each other, only to have the events of the day, and perhaps, fate, cause them to step back. The times inform and influence the actions of these almost star-crossed lovers, making THE SWORD DANCER all the more intriguing. Certainly Li Feng and Han will find a way beyond their legal differences to embrace the warmth, caring and desire that flows between them? Of course, they do, and the journey to get there makes THE SWORD DANCER a satisfying read.