Book Review: The Return Of The Sword Edited By Jason M Waltz -
Published April 05, 2008
"Why don't you just die?" the opposing war chief keeps taunting Oth. Finding a reason for being put on the earth is something that plagues many people. For Oth, this moment on the bridge where he has chosen to make his stand to preserve his people, is that reason. "Let this be why I was created" he prays just before the enemy's war party shows up. Duty and self are one for him, and as long he holds onto that he will win. Doubt, not the swords and spears of his foe, is his biggest enemy.
Draper has done a masterful job of giving a very realistic description of close and horrible infighting. No matter what some sword and sorcery writers will have you believe, it is impossible for a mere human to fight under such circumstances without having damage inflicted upon them. But sometimes the human spirit is stronger than flesh, and Draper makes that come alive as well.
I could probably go on like this for all the stories in the book, because they all have something of value, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention one other piece in particular. It's not actually a story, rather its what the editor Jason wisely refers to as a distillation of knowledge. In the middle of the book is a wonderful article by Eric Knight called "Storytelling" where he takes you through the ins and outs of how to get the most out of the story that you want to tell. For anybody with any aspirations to storytelling, no matter what the genre, its an invaluable piece of writing.
The Return Of The Sword is a wonderful collection of sword and sorcery short fiction. Editor Jason M. Waltz has gathered together some of the finest examples of the genre that I've read in a long time. Sword and sorcery has come a long way since the days of the "noble savage" wrecking havoc, but that hasn't stopped it from being a lot of fun and overflowing with action. If you're looking for a wonderful break from your daily grind, I can think of nothing better than this collection of mayhem to take your mind off things.
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
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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