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Title: Sword-Sworn by Jennifer Roberson ISBN: 0-7564-0099-6 Publisher: DAW Books Pub. Date: 04 February, 2003 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.26 (19 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: Strong nostalgic value
Comment: Like many other fans, I was drawn to Sword-Sworn because of Tiger and Del. In past books, they and their relationship has always been a fascinating one: a male chauvinist meets girl power and because he falls in love with her, has to learn to deal with it. Certainly, over the span of the series, Tiger's attitude changes and his character becomes more likeable (to women at least).
What does not change (much) is Tiger's thinking, his internal comments and arguments are along the same lines as in early books, but the reader,as well as Tiger himself, recognises that he becomes more hypocritical as result. His chauvinistic tendencies no longer fit. Del has changed him; and he has changed himself. Tiger has become an unlikely hero, messiah and mage. But deep down, Tiger is just Tiger: the best Sword-dancer in the Southern lands.
And in this final epic episode, Tiger proves that he is just that. Despite ordeals Tiger has had to survive and resultant loss of fingers, Tiger can still dance.
I felt that this book started slow. Perhaps this was done with reason - Tiger himself does not really know where he is going (or where he needs to go) until well past half way in. But I felt a bit of strain and struggle by the author here. We dilly-dally and some of the plot development seems stretched. We expect a set-back or two, of course since a hero never reaches his goal without them, but I'm unsure that Del's fate with the sandtiger constitutes a serious obstacle in terms of Tiger's path of growth and discovery. Nor am I entirely convinced that Tiger's exploration of magical abilities is entirely meaningful.
I also felt that, sadly, Del's role in this book was almost redundant. She has become a mere hanger-on, a character with no goals, no purpose, whereas in earlier books, Tiger was Tiger because of Del. Del helped Tiger on his path, helped shape him, made him who he is. We almost forget that in this book, because this story is about Tiger. I found it lacking, since so much of the strength of earlier books was due to the role Del plays in Tiger's life. Here she plays no role, other than to settle Tiger down (and in an almost disappointing way, taking away any kind of adventure to their future lives).
Further, some important developments, such as Tiger's son and daughter, Abbu and the building of a new teaching facility, could have been developed more deeply instead of skimming over them at the end of the book. This might possibly be because of the first person POV, which has its limitations. I can't help but think it could have been handled more meaningfully since although this ties up some loose ends neatly for the author, we know that (psychologically and internally) life does not tend to be as neat.
As an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed this book and am glad that it was written. Personally, I believe the series might have ended 2 books earlier, and let the remaining stories of Tiger and Del live in the readers' imaginations.
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Rating: 5
Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL WHO LOVE TO GET LOST IN AN A NEW WORLD!
Comment: Jennifer does it again in this last installment of the Tiger and Del series. This is one of my all time favorite writers and after you read this book, (or ANY book she has written) you will see why. Her talent in painting such vivid characters, evocative scenery and in weaving such sensual, colorful worlds with wonderfully unique customs will take your breath away. Its unusual to find such strong female characters that are at the same time believable, but Jennifer is the master! No fan of literature, let alone fantasy, should be with out Jennifer Robersons books. Her historical novels are also beautifully written and with such talent its an effortless journey deep into her worlds! Be sure and check out her web site to learn more about this fascinating author http://www.cheysuli.com/. And, no Im not friend and unfortunately have never had the privilege of even meeting Jennifer. Im just a huge fan and as a writer myself I am in awe of her work and am in total appreciation of her artistry.
Rating: 2
Summary: A moderately entertaining read
Comment: Not much actually happens in this book. The questions about Tiger's past are answered only ambiguously, there is very little of our beloved Southron vs. Northern tension, and nothing is truly resolved.
Seeing as this is ostensibly the last of the Tiger and Del novels, one would expect a certain level of resolution. However, at the end of this somewhat less than fulfilling novel, the reader is left without any resolution at all.
Overall, while the promise of having the questions of Tiger's past pulls the reader through most of the book, there isn't much there to make the effort worthwhile. The book just lacks the spirit of the previous volumes.
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Title: Sword-Born: A Novel of Tiger and Del (The Sword-Dancer Saga) by Jennifer Roberson ISBN: 0886778271 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: March, 1999 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Sword-Breaker by Jennifer Roberson ISBN: 0886774764 Publisher: DAW Books Pub. Date: July, 1991 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Sword-Maker by Jennifer Roberson ISBN: 0886773792 Publisher: DAW Books Pub. Date: October, 1989 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Sword-Singer by Jennifer Roberson ISBN: 0886774470 Publisher: DAW Books Pub. Date: February, 1996 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Sword-Dancer by Jennifer Roberson ISBN: 0886773768 Publisher: DAW Books Pub. Date: September, 1986 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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