Reluctant Swordsman (Seventh Swordsman, Book 1) 
asked by redsink on November 6, 2006 11:35 AM
The last thing Wallie Smith remembered was a fog of hospitals, grim-faced doctors, and pain. So when he woke in the body of a barbarian swordsman, attended by a beautiful slave girl and a wizened old priest nattering about the Goddess, he assumed it was a fever-dream.
But the World could not be dismissed so lightly. A naked little demigod called Shorty explained that the Goddess needed a swordsman. If Wallie undertook the job and succeeded, all that World had to offer would be his. If he refused, the results would be...unpleasant.
Wallie was not convinced, but Shorty was exquisitely persuasive. Soon Wallie found himself bearing a magnificent sword, with no idea how to use it -- and the servants of the Goddess were out to stop him.
But the World could not be dismissed so lightly. A naked little demigod called Shorty explained that the Goddess needed a swordsman. If Wallie undertook the job and succeeded, all that World had to offer would be his. If he refused, the results would be...unpleasant.
Wallie was not convinced, but Shorty was exquisitely persuasive. Soon Wallie found himself bearing a magnificent sword, with no idea how to use it -- and the servants of the Goddess were out to stop him.
Reviews
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I put off reading this book for a long time, by the time I finally did read it I was glad I did. Dave Duncan crafts the most unique and interesting fantasy world I have ever experienced. It is based mostly on one premise, how the lack of something (I won't say what that something is) can change how a world/culture developes.
The cultures and world is amazing. The characters compelling, the plot enveloping. Any fan of fantasy literature should read this series.
The only bad thing is that due to publisher conflicts it is out of print. Used copies can be hard to find. There are ebook versions available though.
The cultures and world is amazing. The characters compelling, the plot enveloping. Any fan of fantasy literature should read this series.
The only bad thing is that due to publisher conflicts it is out of print. Used copies can be hard to find. There are ebook versions available though.
reviewed by redsink on November 16, 2006 3:19 AM
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I am new to the fantasy world of books, I am a mystery reader convert who had not even realized that fantasy/science fiction would be something I would enjoy. Dave Duncan has a talent of ensnaring the reader within the first 30 pages of his books- by then you are hopelessly enthralled or ready to move on to something else altogether. I, for one, have yet to move on as I find this author to be extremely good at his chosen professon.The first printing of "The Reluctant Swordsman" was in 1968- three years after I was born. But this novel is endearing no matter what age you may be. The characters are believable, and Duncan's style of intrigue introduces you to a host of characters that keep things going at a steady pace. I read this book in one day! I also have ordered the other two books in the series- because I definitely want to follow these stories to their end. As always, this is another of Dave Duncan's brilliant stories full of lessons learned and morals to live by.
reviewed by redapple on November 16, 2006 7:33 AM