Reading [Novel] The Oath of Eldenaï, Volume 1: Danselame

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Hello everyone, how are you today?

I'm making progress with my various readings on my own and I'm continuing to share them with you little by little. So, yes, some days are full of articles on the blog, but it's for a good cause! I hope you're ready, in any case, because the summary is waiting for you.

Dive into a world once populated by divine titans, where Eldenai made a pact with an ancient goddess to save her people…

Eldenai aspires only to become Apsara, a sacred dancer in the service of Vehl, the titan-god whose body forms the island she lives on. She would succeed very well if it weren't for all the voices in her head, which she doesn't understand but which are slowly wearing her down.

Until the day one of them, Vehl's own, orders her to seize the Stone, the source of the shamans' powers, proudly protected by her temple. That same day the Celestials land from Stellyon, a star-titan believed to be deserted, to ravage the world she knew.

Only one thing matters now: saving Elandrine, this little sister who doesn't even know she exists. For her, Eldenai is ready to do anything... even make a pact with a goddess and become her strong arm among the living.

It is then that she meets the mysterious Fox, a seductive shaman with unparalleled power...

TW: non-consensual act, blackmail, violence, slavery

I prefer to put them directly to you because I know that these TWs can affect more than one person, prevent a reading and I prefer to warn you as quickly as possible if you are sensitive to them. This avoids unpleasant surprises... At least, I think. After my opinion is perhaps not yours on the subject. Well, now that that's out of the way, let's get back to the story!

If you're expecting a book full of action, that won't be the case here. When it arrives, it's precisely measured, clear, not too heavy, and it's rather easy to categorize this first volume as an introductory one, the one that immerses you in the universe that you'll explore later, which explains its rather slow pace, the fact that everything falls into place as the pages go by. This may or may not appeal to everyone, be more or less disturbing, or even make it difficult to get into it at first. Finally, the fact that the story is gradually created before our eyes, leading us towards an intriguing finale is a very good thing for the reader, at least for me... Less so for my curiosity, which would like to see the sequel to find out what it will be like.

The characters are quite different and Eldenaï's naivety, although logical, could displease some, especially those who don't appreciate this character trait, in fact. However, given her experience, she remains courageous and strong. She opens her eyes to the world she lives in thanks to the characters around her and that is also a positive point. They are not just there to serve as decoration like a flower pot, they impact and their psychologies vary depending on each of them. However, the evolution can be considered too fast on certain points. On the other hand, I a-do-red her little sister who is not afraid of anything.

In terms of themes, they took their place in the work and Georgia Caldera's writing allowed us to take our time at this level, to assimilate them. Revenge, the notions of good and evil, consent and even in relation to faith or justice are mixed in this painting where mythology and the divine have an important place, sprinkling the story with questions. In terms of rhythm, on the other hand... As much as the contemplative side doesn't bother me, the rhythmic changes had a less appreciable impact for me.

This doesn't stop me from wanting to discover the second volume and I know that some people might like it for the elements I liked less. Why? Quite simply because we all have our tastes, our habits or times when it goes better. That's what's beautiful, I think, because it makes the exchanges richer. On that note, I'll leave you and we'll see each other again soon!

Do you plan to try to meet Eldenai and the others?