Book Review: The Return Of The Sword Edited By Jason M Waltz -
Published April 05, 2008
The very first story in the collection, "Alter Of The Moon" by Stacey Berg, is an example of the newer style. Now don't be put off by the title, it's not some New Age, pagan priestess propaganda posing as a fantasy story, rather it's about the price a warrior pays for being a hero, and the price paid for the gift of a magic sword.
Karen had saved her kingdom with the mysterious sword that sang to her and her alone. On the night of a new moon, with her homeland on the verge of destruction the sword called her to it, and gifted her with it's song that made her invincible in battle. Step by step, battle by battle Karen had fought until she had repelled the invading forces and her land was safe and at peace. Yet when the final battle was fought, and the last enemy fled, she was not at peace, as the sword still sang it's deadly song in her ear.
A dream takes her on a desperate journey; a dream of a path that may not exist. Yet if it does, it might just see her being rid of the sword and breaking free of the killing song in her head. While "Alter Of The Moon" is not your typical adventure story, Ms. Berg has included most of the elements that we have come to expect from sword and sorcery; magic, swordplay, and mystery. It was even irrelevant that the characters were women, they could just as easily have been men. What mattered was telling the story and Ms Berg did a great job of that which is what matters most of all.
Now if you wanted a story that was slightly more typical of the old style of sword and sorcery, Jeff Draper's "The Battle Of Raven Kill" fits the bill nicely. Oth chooses to stand and fight so his clan's people can escape those who would kill them all. While they flee in an attempt to find some safe haven he blocks the one narrow bridge the invaders have to cross to get at them. He knows they can only come at him two at a time and he is willing to buy his people time as long a there is life left in his body.
Draper does a great job of describing the action, and keeping it real. Movies will sometimes show a single man holding dozens at bay when they can only get at him one or two at a time, but somehow they don't seem to be able to capture the reality of the desperation that must grip the person making that stand. Oth knows that his chances of survival are slim, but he knows the longer he can survive the better. As the battle continues he takes wounds. At first they're minor, but as they continue to bleed and his reflexes slow from blood loss and fatigue, the wounds inflicted gain in severity.
Richard Marcus is a long-haired Canadian iconoclast who writes reviews and opines on the world as he sees it at Leap In The Dark and Epic India Magazine.
- Book Review: The Return Of The Sword Edited By Jason M Waltz -
- Published: April 05, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Books
- Filed Under: Books: Action and Adventure, Books: Adventure, Books: Fantasy, Books: Literature and Fiction, Review
- Writer: Richard Marcus
- Richard Marcus's BC Writer page
- Richard Marcus's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
As one of the writers who has work appearing in this book, I offer a great big "thank you" for this review. I'm glad to see there are still those who appreciate that fiction can be fun escapism!
Very well-written review that has 'The Return of the Sword' on my to buy list.
I'm delighted to see both this anthology and its parent magazine getting the attention they deserve. As a reviewer, I see far too much "McFantasy" these days ... but I still love the old high fantasy when it's well done instead of just a rip-off. I'm glad there's a market for it.
Also worth mentioning is Ursula Vernon's novel _Black Dogs Part One: The House of Diamond_ from Sofawolf Press. It's like discovering the genre again for the first time: classic tropes done with fresh voice.
There are still some folks writing and buying this stuff, for readers who are willing to hunt around.
You know, it's a bit embarrassing for a writer of heroic fantasy to admit but this review made me giggle like a schoolgirl. Richard, I'm very glad you liked the story and thank you for the excellent review. What's even better for all of you that may run out and buy it: mine's not the best story in there. It's a great collection that is working hard to revitalize the genre, one gout of blood at a time.
For those who might be interested in some 'behind the scenes' type stuff regarding "The Battle of Raven Kill" you can visit my blog at the URL beside my name here.
This anthologies been on my list to buy for a while now, but I never seem to get farther than that--until tonight! Thanks for providing the impetus to get me purchasing. :)
Thanks for bringing this book to your readers' attention. It is one fun book, and not a boring page in it.
-- Steve
Thanks for bringing this book to your readers' attention. It is one fun book, and not a boring page in it.
-- Steve
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book. Kind words are always helpful for those interested in buying a copy.
Thank you for writing this in-depth review of the new anthology. For those of us who love this genre, take a look at this publisher's magazine, Flashing Swords.
It's heart warming to know that others want to read great Sword & Sorcery stories!
- Dianne
Thank you for the kind words! I am another writer in the anthology, and I have to agree-- there are a lot of fun stories here.
An excellent review of an extrodinary book. Thanks.
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The review gives a deep understanding of the writing and impact of the stories in this book. I'm not a fantasy fan, usually, but after reading Richard Marcus' take on "The Battle of Raven Kill," I know I must read this book.
Vivian