The Coming of Wisdom

The Seventh Sword: 2

ISBN: 0-345-35292-0 Order from: Amazon.com

A continuation of a medium-level fantasy complete with gods, sword-fighting and intellectual puzzles.

Reviewed by David on October 25, 1998

Genre: Fantasy (High Fantasy, Multiple Worlds, Swordfighting)

Synopsis: In The Reluctant Swordsman, the mind of Wallie Smith has been magically transferred to the body of Shonsu, a master swordsman in a world of highly regimented societies, ruled by priests and fighters. In this novel, Wallie/Shonsu continues his travel while trying to find or forge a foreordained team of seven to fight off the invasion of sorcerers.

Full Review: In the barbarian world ruled by priests and swordsman, the invasion of sorcerers is a major disaster. Killing the formerly unbeatable and frequently rapacious Swordsmen, rationalizing commerce, providing efficient communication and medicine, the mysterious guild of Sorcerers seem to bring a welcome breath of progress. Unfortunately, they also seem bent on killing Wallie and his friends. After a few run-ins, Wallie embarks on a voyage by ship, plagued as much by the hostile crew as by the seemingly omnipotent sorcerers.

The world continues to be highly regulated, by both gods and social custom, which detracts from its attraction. The secrets of the sorcerers were telegraphed, and it was frustrating that our hero took so long to discover them. In fact, it appears unlikely that so many superbly trained Swordsman did not discover at least some of the tricks of the "mysterious" sorcerers.

The novel continues the skillful but unexciting story which concludes in The Destiny of the Sword.

Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5; World-building: 6; Originality: 4;

ISBN: 0-345-35292-0 Order from: Amazon.com