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Books of Swords #3
The Third Book of Swords
The third and final novel in 'The Book of Swords' trilogy. More stories of the twelve Swords continue with the Lost Swords series. The gods, the creators of the twelve Swords, realize their error in giving powerful Swords to humans. The humans, both good and evil, are ready to fight to the death to acquire and retain the Swords. With the Swords, new ideas and new dreams have entered the world. A change is taking place that threats the gods' very existence.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1984
58 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Fred Saberhagen
335 books494 followersFred Saberhagen was an American science fiction and fantasy author most famous for his ''Beserker'' and Dracula stories.
Saberhagen also wrote a series of a series of post-apocalyptic mytho-magical novels beginning with his popular ''Empire of the East'' and continuing through a long series of ''Swords'' and ''Lost Swords'' novels. Saberhagen died of cancer, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Saberhagen was born in and grew up in the area of Chicago, Illinois. Saberhagen served in the [[U.S. Air Force]] during the Korean War while he was in his early twenties. Back in civilian life, Saberhagen worked as an It was while he was working for Motorola (after his military service) that Saberhagen started writing fiction seriously at the age of about 30. "Fortress Ship", his first "Berserker" short shory, was published in 1963. Then, in 1964, Saberhagen saw the publication of his first novel, ''The Golden People''.
From 1967 to 1973, he worked as an editor for the Chemistry articles in the ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' as well as writing its article on science fiction. He then quit and took up writing full-time. In 1975, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He married fellow writer Joan Spicci in 1968. They had two sons and a daughter.
Saberhagen also wrote a series of a series of post-apocalyptic mytho-magical novels beginning with his popular ''Empire of the East'' and continuing through a long series of ''Swords'' and ''Lost Swords'' novels. Saberhagen died of cancer, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Saberhagen was born in and grew up in the area of Chicago, Illinois. Saberhagen served in the [[U.S. Air Force]] during the Korean War while he was in his early twenties. Back in civilian life, Saberhagen worked as an It was while he was working for Motorola (after his military service) that Saberhagen started writing fiction seriously at the age of about 30. "Fortress Ship", his first "Berserker" short shory, was published in 1963. Then, in 1964, Saberhagen saw the publication of his first novel, ''The Golden People''.
From 1967 to 1973, he worked as an editor for the Chemistry articles in the ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' as well as writing its article on science fiction. He then quit and took up writing full-time. In 1975, he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
He married fellow writer Joan Spicci in 1968. They had two sons and a daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 26, 2015
The conclusion to Saberhagen's epic is both thought-provoking and frustrating, wonderfully creative and slightly shallow. It's a very good capstone to the trilogy, but suffers from some of the same flaws and challenges of the early volumes.
All of the conflicts are coming out into the open, with the Dark King taking control of the Mindsword ready to conquer the world. The Silver Queen stands against him, with Soulcutter at her command. Kind Sir Andrew fights to keep his people free of both, Shieldbreaker at his command and additional Swords on their way. Into this mix are the gods, with Vulcan trying to re-take his creations from humanity and the other gods still scheming and moving their way around the world, hoping to still win their Great Game.
In the middle of all of it is Mark, trying to help Sir Andrew, trying to gain or keep Swords to fight back against Yambu & Vilkata, forging alliances and trying to deal with his destiny with the Swords.
Again, this book is filled with great stuff. Watching what happens when the Sword of Glory is finally unleashed, seeing the power of Sightblinder or Doomgiver at work is marvelous stuff. the building confrontation between the Silver Queen and the Dark King is great stuff as well. The Emperor is a fascinating character that no one really understands, yet has power people didn't realize.
Unfortunately, we never understand why the Emperor has such power and influence. The kingdom of Tasavalta (which becomes key in the the later books) appears somewhat out of nowhere, yet is a major political player. A romance is created that doesn't get any real build up, and other potentially intriguing sub-plots are never really examined or get dropped completely. The final fate of the gods is both good and frustrating, as once again they never seem to be as significant as they should be.
3.5 stars is really more appropriate for this book and the entire series. I'm very fond of them, and the Swords are the coolest ever, but there's so much more book here than we get. The following books of "lost" swords are good and dig into a lot of this later, but it's frustrating for such a major conflict of a trilogy to leave so many things on the table, and more detail would have better informed the plot.
All of the conflicts are coming out into the open, with the Dark King taking control of the Mindsword ready to conquer the world. The Silver Queen stands against him, with Soulcutter at her command. Kind Sir Andrew fights to keep his people free of both, Shieldbreaker at his command and additional Swords on their way. Into this mix are the gods, with Vulcan trying to re-take his creations from humanity and the other gods still scheming and moving their way around the world, hoping to still win their Great Game.
In the middle of all of it is Mark, trying to help Sir Andrew, trying to gain or keep Swords to fight back against Yambu & Vilkata, forging alliances and trying to deal with his destiny with the Swords.
Again, this book is filled with great stuff. Watching what happens when the Sword of Glory is finally unleashed, seeing the power of Sightblinder or Doomgiver at work is marvelous stuff. the building confrontation between the Silver Queen and the Dark King is great stuff as well. The Emperor is a fascinating character that no one really understands, yet has power people didn't realize.
Unfortunately, we never understand why the Emperor has such power and influence. The kingdom of Tasavalta (which becomes key in the the later books) appears somewhat out of nowhere, yet is a major political player. A romance is created that doesn't get any real build up, and other potentially intriguing sub-plots are never really examined or get dropped completely. The final fate of the gods is both good and frustrating, as once again they never seem to be as significant as they should be.
3.5 stars is really more appropriate for this book and the entire series. I'm very fond of them, and the Swords are the coolest ever, but there's so much more book here than we get. The following books of "lost" swords are good and dig into a lot of this later, but it's frustrating for such a major conflict of a trilogy to leave so many things on the table, and more detail would have better informed the plot.
August 27, 2023
Unfortunately I didn’t like this book very much :/ the plot wasn’t good in my opinion, the characters were mid and I just didn’t find myself invested in the story at all. Couldn’t care less about how it ended lol, which is fortunate since the ending didn’t close up anything 😭
December 8, 2021
I was glad to re-read this series after finishing the earlier Empire of the East series. I found I got much more out of the Book of Swords, my opinion of the books completely changing.
August 14, 2011
Not as good as I remembered. The premise has stuck with me for over twenty years, but upon re-reading, the lack of charter development really hindered my enjoyment of this series.
March 17, 2025
I was desperately hoping that this book would scoop the trilogy out of marsh of doubt that it had been slowly sinking into in my estimation. No such luck. I love Saberhagen's Berserker series, so I had high hopes for trying out one of his other lengthy franchises. The Swords books seemed like a likely choice. Whereas the Berserker books hopped freely from short story collections to novellas to short novels to doorstop novels by the end of the series, the Book of Swords trilogy takes a more traditional fantasy trilogy structure, before diving into multiple spinoffs. Unfortunately, Saberhagen fails to pull a satisfying story off in these tight confines. We're never given the context necessary to feel the scope and weight of the characters' decisions and motivations.
The broad concept is good: the gods of a Roman pantheon gift magical swords to humanity to play out some grand game for their amusement. Our characters are mostly humans on the ground living through this tumultuous game, but the fog of war that they experience doesn't build tension, it just results in them seeming to flit from one scene to the next in the hands of fickle fate and a bevy of quite literal deus ex machina. We never find out what the game of the gods is all about. We never find out any of the broader context for anything that happens. The gods move in mysterious ways.
I think there's a prequel trilogy that might provide more context, but why does this book suddenly reveal that one of the non-Roman gods has been reborn after being dead for 2000 years? Is that meant to be a Christ allegory? That could have been an interesting thematic element to play with, but we are given nothing more than that. Even if the prequel books cast more light on some elements like these, these books should be able to stand on their own, and I just didn't feel like they could in a satisfying way.
There are good ideas here. Saberhagen is good at coming up with good ideas, good angles, good corners where a little story might play out. But he can't lump those good ideas into an epic tale. I think his strengths will be better suited to the spinoff series that followed where each book focuses on one of the magic swords, so I'll still look forward to giving some of those a try.
The broad concept is good: the gods of a Roman pantheon gift magical swords to humanity to play out some grand game for their amusement. Our characters are mostly humans on the ground living through this tumultuous game, but the fog of war that they experience doesn't build tension, it just results in them seeming to flit from one scene to the next in the hands of fickle fate and a bevy of quite literal deus ex machina. We never find out what the game of the gods is all about. We never find out any of the broader context for anything that happens. The gods move in mysterious ways.
I think there's a prequel trilogy that might provide more context, but why does this book suddenly reveal that one of the non-Roman gods has been reborn after being dead for 2000 years? Is that meant to be a Christ allegory? That could have been an interesting thematic element to play with, but we are given nothing more than that. Even if the prequel books cast more light on some elements like these, these books should be able to stand on their own, and I just didn't feel like they could in a satisfying way.
There are good ideas here. Saberhagen is good at coming up with good ideas, good angles, good corners where a little story might play out. But he can't lump those good ideas into an epic tale. I think his strengths will be better suited to the spinoff series that followed where each book focuses on one of the magic swords, so I'll still look forward to giving some of those a try.
September 7, 2021
A Fine Resolution that Sneaks Up On You
The best Saberhagen books always seem to finish better than expected and this is one of them. I'm currently reading the entire Ardneh Sequence, only part of which I read as a teenager, and while Saberhagen is not my favorite fantasy author I continue to end up fond of his works overall. Like many others in this sequence there is a slow middle portion of the book but in the end I very much enjoyed his characteristic reserved mix of gods and magic and classic underdog heroes scrapping to survive with just enough references to the sci-fi origin of the series to keep that element in mind as well.
Saberhagen is quite good at keeping vulnerable heroes vulnerable, not making them suddenly invincible or uncharacteristically fortunate, and not having the bad guys simply folly their way to their own death. All his characters have flaws well established before the climax and they typically all, good and bad, suffer for those flaws as the buildup to the crucial moments.
This closing chapter of the Book of Swords series does well in reminding the reader that the story of the swords is just a medium for the larger story of changing times. Like their literal role as a proxy for the whims of the gods, the swords serve Saberhagen as merely a device to weave a tale of a people breaking free of bonds of their own making. Including a philosophical/ideological change in humanity in the story that would better justify the almost purely physical tale that is told would have been welcome. However, the story and series was enjoyable enough that I am happy to imagine what might have been in good spirits and move on to the final Books of Lost Swords series and complete my little literary journey.
The best Saberhagen books always seem to finish better than expected and this is one of them. I'm currently reading the entire Ardneh Sequence, only part of which I read as a teenager, and while Saberhagen is not my favorite fantasy author I continue to end up fond of his works overall. Like many others in this sequence there is a slow middle portion of the book but in the end I very much enjoyed his characteristic reserved mix of gods and magic and classic underdog heroes scrapping to survive with just enough references to the sci-fi origin of the series to keep that element in mind as well.
Saberhagen is quite good at keeping vulnerable heroes vulnerable, not making them suddenly invincible or uncharacteristically fortunate, and not having the bad guys simply folly their way to their own death. All his characters have flaws well established before the climax and they typically all, good and bad, suffer for those flaws as the buildup to the crucial moments.
This closing chapter of the Book of Swords series does well in reminding the reader that the story of the swords is just a medium for the larger story of changing times. Like their literal role as a proxy for the whims of the gods, the swords serve Saberhagen as merely a device to weave a tale of a people breaking free of bonds of their own making. Including a philosophical/ideological change in humanity in the story that would better justify the almost purely physical tale that is told would have been welcome. However, the story and series was enjoyable enough that I am happy to imagine what might have been in good spirits and move on to the final Books of Lost Swords series and complete my little literary journey.
May 10, 2021
Think this book is where it starts to really get it's feet in order. The first two were fine although book one, okay and Barb was fun but never felt right for Mark. Book two was a break. Book Three finally gave us a proper Woman for Mark. I think she lasts awhile if not thru the end. I'll see. I got this in an omnibus which I'll fill out later for joining SFBC when they bothered to still make real book club books. But writing review for the individual books here. Kristen once he met her everything clicked. That she should call the goddess Aphrodite down , that's one of those lump throat moments someone gave me long ago when I was too young to figure that out. Should be interesting from here on out. Sorry no dragon's in this one. This one reminds me of ROTK's end.. Somewhat.
April 22, 2025
The third book in *The Book of Swords* series left me feeling disappointed after really enjoying the first two. Instead of the storytelling that made the earlier books so engaging, this one often felt like a rushed summary of events—more "telling" than "showing." Key moments were glossed over, and the emotional depth that connected me to the characters seemed to vanish. It was as if the author was checking off plot points rather than letting the story unfold naturally. While it tried to wrap things up, the hasty pacing and lack of detail made it hard to stay invested. A frustrating end to an otherwise really fun series.
March 16, 2021
I was hooked from the first book, and this one is so great. It's concept of humanity, divinity, and universal is so well balance and conceived that it truly a work of art. It use labels without really mean it and than questioning what it truly means.
I also love how all the character come back around and are so connected even when they are miles apart. The Swords are amazing they way they connect and move through all stories. I love that each sword is so powerful but each have a weakness, a cost, that you might not even realize is happening.
I also love how all the character come back around and are so connected even when they are miles apart. The Swords are amazing they way they connect and move through all stories. I love that each sword is so powerful but each have a weakness, a cost, that you might not even realize is happening.
September 30, 2023
Oh, what could have been. I enjoy this book every time I read it, yet I'm disappointed that the ending wasn't better. There is follow up series, The Books of Lost Swords, so one could argue that this isn't an ending. Still, the full powers of the Swords of Power are finally on display here and some are even used against one another. There is a lot to like, but the book skips around to different characters and places without warning and it's hard to maintain a cohesive mental picture. That said, this series just touches a chord with me and I plan on coming back again in another 5 - 10 years.
July 8, 2018
In some ways the last volume of the Book of Swords (although Saberhagen did return to the universe again) brings some good finality to the tale. In other ways, we really have no idea what happens to the people we have been following for almost 600 pages. Its been many years since I ready the follow on series (The Lost Swords), so I don't remember if we meet them again. Over all the Book of Swords is a classic and well worth a (or another) visit.
July 11, 2018
I guess I am just too spoiled.
I read these books when I was a teenager, and was thrilled to find them again. The story is still loads of fun, but after Rothfuss and Sanderson, the books just seem so... short. There is something to be said for short stories, of course, but these just feel like abridged versions of a fantastic epic fantasy adventure. Still great, but also vaguely disappointing.
I read these books when I was a teenager, and was thrilled to find them again. The story is still loads of fun, but after Rothfuss and Sanderson, the books just seem so... short. There is something to be said for short stories, of course, but these just feel like abridged versions of a fantastic epic fantasy adventure. Still great, but also vaguely disappointing.
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October 23, 2025The third and final novel in 'The Book of Swords' trilogy. More stories of the twelve Swords continue with the Lost Swords series. The gods, the creators of the twelve Swords, realize their error in giving powerful Swords to humans. The humans, both good and evil, are ready to fight to the death to acquire and retain the Swords. With the Swords, new ideas and new dreams have entered the world. A change is taking place that threats the gods' very existence.
February 19, 2019
I liked reading this, the third book in the Book of Swords trilogy. I was surprised by the fate of some characters. I would have liked a bit more wrapping up of things. Perhaps some of my questions will be answered in the further sword books written by Saberhagen of which there are 8, more if one includes Empire of the East and Ardneh’s Sword.
May 12, 2020
I enjoyed this book.There was a lot going on throughout the book.It has gotten to the point that a few important figures have a few of the important swords.
One would think the Gods were all-powerful,but in this case that is simply not true in this case.The Gods were fallible,that being said everyone,understandably,will not be a fan.
One would think the Gods were all-powerful,but in this case that is simply not true in this case.The Gods were fallible,that being said everyone,understandably,will not be a fan.
April 15, 2022
Great read
4 th time reading this trilogy, great each time. Recommend for teen and up. Saberhagen has many writings that never seem to get old. One of my favorite authors I discovered by accident over 25 years ago and love every word he has written.
4 th time reading this trilogy, great each time. Recommend for teen and up. Saberhagen has many writings that never seem to get old. One of my favorite authors I discovered by accident over 25 years ago and love every word he has written.
March 10, 2023
A fantastic return to the world that book one presented. This has all the swords doing their thing with quick action and unique concepts. The ending just doesn’t stick the landing. I’d still give it 3.5.
October 9, 2025
The third book in this series and it’s just as insubstantial feeling as the last two. Saberhagen’s interpersonal drama/chemistry are not as well thought out as his worldbuilding. A decent end, but I think Adventure Time was a better take on a similar setting.
January 12, 2018
This is one of those rare fantasy series that actually would have been better if longer.
August 2, 2019
Fun read, good series
Enjoyable read, good characters and good writing. Wasn't crazy about how it ended, would have liked more closure, but liked it
Enjoyable read, good characters and good writing. Wasn't crazy about how it ended, would have liked more closure, but liked it
August 30, 2019
What happened to Perg?
July 31, 2021
Features some very strange twists & turn in the plot.
Very good character development.
Very good character development.
July 15, 2022
Read this a long time ago, just adding to my shelves
October 14, 2022
Great final to the series.
July 14, 2023
Old school but fun read, satisfying ending to the first trilogy
February 5, 2024
I love the world building and the unique way the swords work all of them being both a possible blessing or possible curse, except for the tyrants blade which...read the book
July 13, 2024
A fun conclusion. Not a deep series, but a swords and sorcery classic.
July 19, 2024
god this really was good
September 27, 2024
A decent ending, not particularly surprising, but a satisfying end to a great series.
October 13, 2016
If you have fond memories of this series back when you read them (way back then), you are better off leaving them there, like I didn't.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews