The Reluctant Swordsman

The Seventh Sword: 1

ISBN: 0-345-35291-2 Order from: Amazon.com

A modestly exciting fantasy complete with gods, conflicts of honor and swashbuckling.

Reviewed by David on October 25, 1998

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

Synopsis: The mind of Wallie Smith, a chemical engineer dying in a hospital, is magically transferred to the body of Shonsu, a master swordsman in a world of highly regimented societies, ruled by priests and fighters. The local gods need a champion who combines a more scientific outlook with the skills of a superb warrior. After a few arguments with a deity, Wallie embarks on a perilous but rewarding life of a traveling swordsman, fighting corruption and enjoying female adoration.

Full Review: A somewhat overused trick of transferring a modern man, or as in this case his mind, to a world of swords and sorcery, does not contribute much originality to the plot. According to the copyright page, the first printing occurred in 1968, at which point the ploy would have been less hackneyed. The style is smooth and skillful, but the highly regulated world is not particularly appealing. The arguments of the local god, on the order of "obey or suffer a painful death", may be realistic but are hardly likely to add more appeal. The conflicts between the honor codes of the swordsman and the needs of survival have potential for interest, but in fact seem more like legalistic maneuvering capable of justifying any behavior.

The sword culture, and the fighting is impressive and solid-feeling. I especially liked the old priest, Honakura. The liaison with the female slave is gratifying in a wish-fulfillment way. On general, this novel is clearly the first of a trilogy, and as such builds a reasonable foundation for subsequent plot developments. The Coming of Wisdom continues the story of Wallie Smith.

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

ISBN: 0-345-35291-2 Order from: Amazon.com