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smiorganbaldhead's review
4.0
The highlight of this book is, of course, the swords. Their powers and limitations are imaginative and interesting. They make me think of the Black Sword's Brothers from Moorcock's Elric Saga. The plot surrounding them is okay, though with some cliches like the small-town boy hero who may actually be the son of royalty or a god or something. The ending also felt a bit abrupt, making the book feel somewhat incomplete on its own. However, I still enjoyed the story, and I definitely plan to continue the series.
bondtsou1's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
renyoi's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Classic hero’s journey fantasy with interesting elements of intrigue that make me want to read the rest of the series! Problematic portrayals of Native people and POC populate this book in droves, though, so be warned. It’s from the early ‘80s. However, that aside, it makes me feel the same way classic fantasy like The Last Unicorn does; there’s good vs evil, wizards, castles, and knights galore. Generally fun read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Racism, Grief, War, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror
junowo's review
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is definitely a fun, classic fantasy read. It feels earnest and genuine in it’s simplicity. If you want a hero’s journey story that is still interesting and fun to read without being dense, this is a great read.
My biggest complaint is that it’s certainly a book from the 80’s, written by an old white man. There are misogynistic and racist moments throughout the book. They aren’t particularly consuming, more like non-white characters often being villains and women being referred to by how beautiful (or not) they are. I just think it’s worth being aware before you go into it!
My biggest complaint is that it’s certainly a book from the 80’s, written by an old white man. There are misogynistic and racist moments throughout the book. They aren’t particularly consuming, more like non-white characters often being villains and women being referred to by how beautiful (or not) they are. I just think it’s worth being aware before you go into it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror, Misogyny, and Racism
aggie24's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lads's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
bl0ndekitten's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
novelyon's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
llim's review against another edition
2.0
I should have known that this wouldn't be a standalone...
I really like the concept (some bored gods forging a bunch of magic swords and loosing them on the world just for shits). I also really like the swords themselves, though we really only got to see 4 of them in this book. The main sword, which seems to make the wielder an incredibly skilled fighter (so long as they're protecting something...?). The sword that kills dragons easily. The sword that creates optical illusions around the wielder (arguably the best sword so far). And the sword that...gives the wielder good luck?
But you can't have a novel with good ideas alone. The characters were boring and I didn't particularly care about what was going on. There were also too many pov characters for such a short book--I didn't have a chance to get attached to any of them, really. I didn't care for the group of randos the main kid ran into on the road. They're there for the whole book but you don't really get a chance to know them at all. Am I supposed to care about Barbara and, uh, the lute-playing kid?
All in all, a pretty straightforward plot. Kid is thrust into a dangerous situation that takes him out of his small town and sends him into the world. He encounters loyal friends. Defeats his adult enemy. etc etc.
I don't think I'll read the Second book of swords. I just don't care about what happens to these characters.
I really like the concept (some bored gods forging a bunch of magic swords and loosing them on the world just for shits). I also really like the swords themselves, though we really only got to see 4 of them in this book. The main sword, which seems to make the wielder an incredibly skilled fighter (so long as they're protecting something...?). The sword that kills dragons easily. The sword that creates optical illusions around the wielder (arguably the best sword so far). And the sword that...gives the wielder good luck?
But you can't have a novel with good ideas alone. The characters were boring and I didn't particularly care about what was going on. There were also too many pov characters for such a short book--I didn't have a chance to get attached to any of them, really. I didn't care for the group of randos the main kid ran into on the road. They're there for the whole book but you don't really get a chance to know them at all. Am I supposed to care about Barbara and, uh, the lute-playing kid?
All in all, a pretty straightforward plot. Kid is thrust into a dangerous situation that takes him out of his small town and sends him into the world. He encounters loyal friends. Defeats his adult enemy. etc etc.
I don't think I'll read the Second book of swords. I just don't care about what happens to these characters.
vaderbird's review against another edition
4.0
I have read the series years ago, and really enjoyed it. This is more of a 3.75 so got a round up to 4.
Recently this series came up in discussion, so I had to dust off and start my re-read!
Recently this series came up in discussion, so I had to dust off and start my re-read!