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The Demon Sword Asperides
A scheming demon sword and a wannabe knight band together on a (possibly wicked) quest in this fantasy, perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett.
For the past two hundred years, the demon sword Asperides has led a quiet life. While his physical form has been tasked with guarding the body of an evil sorcerer, the rest of his consciousness has taken a well-earned vacation. That constant need to trick humans into wielding him (at the price of their very souls, of course) was rather draining.
Nack Furnival, on the other hand, is far from satisfied with his existence. Nack has trained since birth to be a brave and noble knight—but, unfortunately, he isn’t especially good at it. Determined to prove his worth, Nack needs a quest. And to complete that quest, he’ll need the one thing no knight can do a sword.
When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer throws Asperides into Nack’s path, the demon sword can’t help but trick the boy into making a contract to become his new owner. And with the newly undead (and very, very angry) sorcerer on their trail, Asperides and Nack find themselves swept up in a bigger adventure than either of them bargained saving the world.
For the past two hundred years, the demon sword Asperides has led a quiet life. While his physical form has been tasked with guarding the body of an evil sorcerer, the rest of his consciousness has taken a well-earned vacation. That constant need to trick humans into wielding him (at the price of their very souls, of course) was rather draining.
Nack Furnival, on the other hand, is far from satisfied with his existence. Nack has trained since birth to be a brave and noble knight—but, unfortunately, he isn’t especially good at it. Determined to prove his worth, Nack needs a quest. And to complete that quest, he’ll need the one thing no knight can do a sword.
When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer throws Asperides into Nack’s path, the demon sword can’t help but trick the boy into making a contract to become his new owner. And with the newly undead (and very, very angry) sorcerer on their trail, Asperides and Nack find themselves swept up in a bigger adventure than either of them bargained saving the world.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
6 people are currently reading
3294 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Jean Horwitz
6 books175 followersSarah Jean Horwitz grew up next door to a cemetery and down the street from an abandoned fairy-tale theme park, which probably explains a lot. Her middle grade fantasy novel THE DARK LORD CLEMENTINE was an Amazon.com Best Book of the Month and received favorable reviews from the New York Times Book Review, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and more. Sarah Jean's most recent book for young readers is THE DEMON SWORD ASPERIDES. She currently lives near Boston. Find Sarah Jean online at sarahjeanhorwitz.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 25, 2025
High Fantasy and ordinary people
Sarah Jean Horwitz's books involve ordinary people in High Fantasy. "So what?", you're thinking. Doesn't everyone do that? After all, The Chronicles of Narnia are all about the Pevensie children, and The Lord of the Rings is about beer- and breakfast-loving Hobbits, who are clearly just European farmers in disguise.
But none of these really convince you (or me, at least), that this story is happening to someone like you -- someone who was perhaps an insecure teenager, someone who has allergies, someone who doesn't know quite how they're supposed to act at a party, someone who would really rather visit a library than a party but may be embarrassed to admit it... The reason is that in most fantasy the characters may start out ordinary, but they don't stay that way. By the time you get to the end they have become as high-falutin as High King Peter of Narnia.
Horwitz evades this trap. There are thirteen-year-old Nack, twelve-year-old Therin, and Cleoline --
Now, you might be thinking that this doesn't allow for character growth. But it does! Nack is an thirteen-year-old boy, but he is a much bigger person when the story ends than when it begins. He has fought a battle and won, mostly. He's still an ordinary boy -- not a king of anything. He still feels like he could be someone you know well, someone you would be proud to know.
Blog review.
Sarah Jean Horwitz's books involve ordinary people in High Fantasy. "So what?", you're thinking. Doesn't everyone do that? After all, The Chronicles of Narnia are all about the Pevensie children, and The Lord of the Rings is about beer- and breakfast-loving Hobbits, who are clearly just European farmers in disguise.
But none of these really convince you (or me, at least), that this story is happening to someone like you -- someone who was perhaps an insecure teenager, someone who has allergies, someone who doesn't know quite how they're supposed to act at a party, someone who would really rather visit a library than a party but may be embarrassed to admit it... The reason is that in most fantasy the characters may start out ordinary, but they don't stay that way. By the time you get to the end they have become as high-falutin as High King Peter of Narnia.
Horwitz evades this trap. There are thirteen-year-old Nack, twelve-year-old Therin, and Cleoline --
The dark sorceress Cleoline was eighteen years old, very good at magic, and very, very bored—three things that most people would agree are a dangerous combination.-- not to mention that she is the daughter of sheep-farmers and has a wool allergy. And then there is two-thousand-year-old Asperides, a demon sword who likes to hang out in bars and lurk in dark corners with a drink which, being a sword, he can't drink. So far, so weird, right? But actually, they aren't! Weird, that is. Well, they are a little, the way you're weird, and each of your friends is. They feel like the real people around you. OK, maybe none of your friends are swords, or even sorceresses, but everyone is a little off-center. Nack and Therin and Cleoline feel like the real people around you -- when the story starts AND when it ends.
Now, you might be thinking that this doesn't allow for character growth. But it does! Nack is an thirteen-year-old boy, but he is a much bigger person when the story ends than when it begins. He has fought a battle and won, mostly. He's still an ordinary boy -- not a king of anything. He still feels like he could be someone you know well, someone you would be proud to know.
Blog review.
July 26, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was such a fun book! I believe that this middle grade fantasy is a perfect read for both younger readers and adults. We meet the sword Asperides right away once I realized a sentient sword would be one of the main characters, I knew that I was in for a good time. I was entertained by this fascinating tale from beginning to end.
Nack has been cast out by his family and hopes to prove his worth by completing a task to win back his place. I felt horrible for Nack since he was truly on his own with no place to go and even loses his sword right away. He decides to go on a knight’s quest where he finds Asperides and enters into a contract believing it is an angel sword. Nack was such a great character and I adored his interactions with Asperides. I found this story to be really exciting with quite a few surprises worked in. The characters all grow and change over the course of the story as they try to do what is right.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Mark Sanderlin did a great job with the story. I have listened to this narrator’s work on a couple of adult romance novels so it was fun to see him tackle a different genre. I thought that he did a great job with the various character voices which helped to bring the story to life. I do believe that his narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It was an entertaining story featuring wonderful characters that should appeal to a wide range of readers. I would not hesitate to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Algonquin Young Readers.
This was such a fun book! I believe that this middle grade fantasy is a perfect read for both younger readers and adults. We meet the sword Asperides right away once I realized a sentient sword would be one of the main characters, I knew that I was in for a good time. I was entertained by this fascinating tale from beginning to end.
Nack has been cast out by his family and hopes to prove his worth by completing a task to win back his place. I felt horrible for Nack since he was truly on his own with no place to go and even loses his sword right away. He decides to go on a knight’s quest where he finds Asperides and enters into a contract believing it is an angel sword. Nack was such a great character and I adored his interactions with Asperides. I found this story to be really exciting with quite a few surprises worked in. The characters all grow and change over the course of the story as they try to do what is right.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Mark Sanderlin did a great job with the story. I have listened to this narrator’s work on a couple of adult romance novels so it was fun to see him tackle a different genre. I thought that he did a great job with the various character voices which helped to bring the story to life. I do believe that his narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It was an entertaining story featuring wonderful characters that should appeal to a wide range of readers. I would not hesitate to read more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Algonquin Young Readers.
October 15, 2023
Never thought I would read a book with a complex character that is a sword. (Asperides is seriously such a snarky sword with a sense of humor!)
January 6, 2024
(2.5)
Rep: nonbinary character, sapphic side characters
Rep: nonbinary character, sapphic side characters
September 10, 2023
delightful!!!
August 8, 2023
It made me think of Terry Pratchett as he could have written something like this. As he's one of my fav writers please consider it a compliment.
The blurb is a pale image of the fun and the well plotted story. I laughed and loved this story since the first pages.
Humour, quest, a very original world building, and a tightly knitted plot.
Please let us read more stories featuring the Demon Sword and Nick, they're a great pairs
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The blurb is a pale image of the fun and the well plotted story. I laughed and loved this story since the first pages.
Humour, quest, a very original world building, and a tightly knitted plot.
Please let us read more stories featuring the Demon Sword and Nick, they're a great pairs
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 12, 2023
I originally read this for outreach, but I don't think I can pitch this book to a class of 4th graders convincingly. That's how much I hated this book.
Where was the editor for this book? I need for someone to explain to me why all the seemingly important things--you know, the resurrection of Amyral or really any scene is Amyral amassing power before his appearance in the third act?--happen off-screen (so to speak)? I felt like absolutely nothing happened, and as a result, I don't know who any of the characters are or why Amyral's return is so terrible or even why we should care about this missing moon? If I have said it once, I've said it a thousand times, YOU CANNOT DROP TITLES AND SPECIAL NOUNS IN A SENTENCE AND CALL IT WORLDBUILDING. You have to make it mean something.
Every character outside of Nack is either lacking or awful. I understand that this is a middle grade novel, but for a demon sword, Asperides has no teeth. Therin is absolutely awful and unpleasant, and does nothing. Barb and Willa are fine, but they're mostly there to be the quirky side characters who are all gung-ho and full of quips. Cleoline is wasted, why is she here? Is she supposed to be evil or is she a bored teenager who needed something to do on a Friday night? Nack's entirely family sucks, that is all. Amyral is supposed to be this fearsome sorcerer from the past, someone so horrible that a literal demon sword is afraid of him, but he's just kind of there.
I don't know, maybe it's because I'm not the target audience, but I've read some amazing pieces of middle grade fiction, and this is not it.
Where was the editor for this book? I need for someone to explain to me why all the seemingly important things--you know, the resurrection of Amyral or really any scene is Amyral amassing power before his appearance in the third act?--happen off-screen (so to speak)? I felt like absolutely nothing happened, and as a result, I don't know who any of the characters are or why Amyral's return is so terrible or even why we should care about this missing moon? If I have said it once, I've said it a thousand times, YOU CANNOT DROP TITLES AND SPECIAL NOUNS IN A SENTENCE AND CALL IT WORLDBUILDING. You have to make it mean something.
Every character outside of Nack is either lacking or awful. I understand that this is a middle grade novel, but for a demon sword, Asperides has no teeth. Therin is absolutely awful and unpleasant, and does nothing. Barb and Willa are fine, but they're mostly there to be the quirky side characters who are all gung-ho and full of quips. Cleoline is wasted, why is she here? Is she supposed to be evil or is she a bored teenager who needed something to do on a Friday night? Nack's entirely family sucks, that is all. Amyral is supposed to be this fearsome sorcerer from the past, someone so horrible that a literal demon sword is afraid of him, but he's just kind of there.
I don't know, maybe it's because I'm not the target audience, but I've read some amazing pieces of middle grade fiction, and this is not it.
May 27, 2023
A big thanks to YABC for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Make way for a newer and so much cooler Howl's Moving Castle, without Howl of course. And Calcifer is a sword. And Sophie is a a young boy named Nack Furnival, who wants to be knight instead of a hatter.
The Demon Sword Asperides by Sarah Jean Horwitz is a middle grade fantasy that follows the dual perspectives of Nack Furnival, a boy aspiring to be a world famous knight, and (you guessed it) the demon sword Asperides. Trying to prove his worth, Nack sets off a quest that will finally prove his worth. But not without a sword, of course. When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer Asperides has been trying to guard goes awry, he is thrown into Nack's path. Thus he has no choice but to make a deal with Nack, in order to save the world from the newly awoke evil sorcerer. No big deal, right.
What I loved most about Horwitz's work is the tone it presents the story in. Most fantasy stories presenting plot lines like these, will set it up to be much darker and grittier. But The Demon Sword Asperides is witty and fun. But still doesn't hold back it's punches with the more darker side of life. And you can't exactly go wrong with the set of characters Horwitz provides. I will forever loved Nack and Asperides, and the only way you'll get to them is by prying them from my cold dead fingers.
I feel like this book is a perfect firs step into fantasy for an reader, big or small. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a great need to track down Horwitz's last book, The Dark Lord Clementine.
Make way for a newer and so much cooler Howl's Moving Castle, without Howl of course. And Calcifer is a sword. And Sophie is a a young boy named Nack Furnival, who wants to be knight instead of a hatter.
The Demon Sword Asperides by Sarah Jean Horwitz is a middle grade fantasy that follows the dual perspectives of Nack Furnival, a boy aspiring to be a world famous knight, and (you guessed it) the demon sword Asperides. Trying to prove his worth, Nack sets off a quest that will finally prove his worth. But not without a sword, of course. When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer Asperides has been trying to guard goes awry, he is thrown into Nack's path. Thus he has no choice but to make a deal with Nack, in order to save the world from the newly awoke evil sorcerer. No big deal, right.
What I loved most about Horwitz's work is the tone it presents the story in. Most fantasy stories presenting plot lines like these, will set it up to be much darker and grittier. But The Demon Sword Asperides is witty and fun. But still doesn't hold back it's punches with the more darker side of life. And you can't exactly go wrong with the set of characters Horwitz provides. I will forever loved Nack and Asperides, and the only way you'll get to them is by prying them from my cold dead fingers.
I feel like this book is a perfect firs step into fantasy for an reader, big or small. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a great need to track down Horwitz's last book, The Dark Lord Clementine.
April 22, 2024
I barely remember anything about this book now but I do remember how annoyed I would get about the fact that it took at least 15 minutes in the audiobook for anything to happen, and even then nothing happened. I did like the demon sword Asperides and thought it was a fun character, even if I didn't enjoy this book.
October 9, 2023
This was a tremendous lot of fun. I liked how much every character grew, from the mains -- Asperides, his wielder, the seerer, and the necromancer. I liked the mistakes they made, I liked the demon bar, I liked the final moments of the former master of the demon blade, I liked the way the knight family was broken, I liked the mentor knights of the road.
July 6, 2023
4.5 Stars
August 7, 2023
Read in twelve hours I loved it so much!! My favorite middle grade fantasy to be released in years!
September 30, 2023
It’s very slow, but still an interesting story.
January 25, 2024
Sapphic knight couple! Asking the demon sword his preferred pronouns! Snappy wit and a quick plot and characters you want to root for. It’s a recipe for a perfect middle grade read
July 17, 2023
A perfect fantasy for the reader who has been wanting to dip their toes into the genre…
Thank you @algonquinyr for this gifted copy
Blurb…
A scheming demon sword and a wannabe knight band together on a (possibly wicked) quest.
A great mix of plot and character driven. Nack, the underdog, will steal your heart as he aspires to be a famous knight. With Asperides, yes a sword… who frequents an underworld tavern…Nack can be the hero he has only dreamt of becoming.
Fast paced with adventure, humor and a bit of moon magic!
Thank you @algonquinyr for this gifted copy
Blurb…
A scheming demon sword and a wannabe knight band together on a (possibly wicked) quest.
A great mix of plot and character driven. Nack, the underdog, will steal your heart as he aspires to be a famous knight. With Asperides, yes a sword… who frequents an underworld tavern…Nack can be the hero he has only dreamt of becoming.
Fast paced with adventure, humor and a bit of moon magic!
January 13, 2024
What worked:
The most innovative aspect of the book is having a demon sword as a main character, able to mentally communicate with a human main character named Nack. Asperides has been around for centuries and it’s used to being paired with ruthless, power-hungry men. Its primary goal is to trap captured souls and send them into the depths of the underworld. Asperides draws magical power from these souls which it uses to slay and reek chaos. An intriguing twist occurs when a wanna-be young knight in training becomes the sword’s new partner to rescue two female knights in danger. Readers will wonder what’s going to happen when a kind, young boy becomes the partner of a rare, terrifying demon sword.
Nack battles an internal conflict throughout the plot. He displays compassion for an enemy early on but he’s shunned by his family for the kind act. His major motivation after that is obtaining an angel blade, completing a brave quest, and then being welcomed back into his family. However, Asperides calls Nack a coward when the boy fails to decisively kill human opponents and Nack suffers from self-doubt. He still stands up for defenseless women and children by slaying demon creatures and he tries to behave kindly toward others. His ultimate goal is to be welcomed back home but he’s shocked when he enters the castle of the family’s nemesis to rescue his older brother. Despite being the master of a demon sword, the anguish, confusion, and insecurity within Nack’s mind add complexities to the story.
The conflict tying the entire plot together involves Asperides’s former, undead master and his plan to return to power. Amyral schemes to regain possession of the demon sword and retrieve his soul from the deepest depths of hell. Readers will wonder what will happen since Nack and Amyral have been partnered with the same sword. Who is the rightful master of Asperides? Amyral’s plot will culminate when the Missing Moon returns after two thousand years so the story has a built-in countdown clock. Amyral is aided by a young necromancer and her presence contributes additional twists to the plot.
What didn’t work as well:
Some readers might question the pace of the plot and Nack sometimes comes across as whiny. However, readers must appreciate the evolution of the characters in addition to the quest to stop Amyral. There’s no continuous action and the battles aren’t overly descriptive but the changes in personalities, attitudes, and self-images are what’s important.
The final verdict:
This book is a finalist for the 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-grade Speculative Fiction. Nack, Asperides, and others are dynamic characters and undergo realizations and transformations throughout the book. Their emotional adventures will engross young readers as they try to stop Amyral from releasing swarms of demons from the underworld. Overall, this is an innovative twist on familiar middle-grade quests and I recommend you give it a shot.
The most innovative aspect of the book is having a demon sword as a main character, able to mentally communicate with a human main character named Nack. Asperides has been around for centuries and it’s used to being paired with ruthless, power-hungry men. Its primary goal is to trap captured souls and send them into the depths of the underworld. Asperides draws magical power from these souls which it uses to slay and reek chaos. An intriguing twist occurs when a wanna-be young knight in training becomes the sword’s new partner to rescue two female knights in danger. Readers will wonder what’s going to happen when a kind, young boy becomes the partner of a rare, terrifying demon sword.
Nack battles an internal conflict throughout the plot. He displays compassion for an enemy early on but he’s shunned by his family for the kind act. His major motivation after that is obtaining an angel blade, completing a brave quest, and then being welcomed back into his family. However, Asperides calls Nack a coward when the boy fails to decisively kill human opponents and Nack suffers from self-doubt. He still stands up for defenseless women and children by slaying demon creatures and he tries to behave kindly toward others. His ultimate goal is to be welcomed back home but he’s shocked when he enters the castle of the family’s nemesis to rescue his older brother. Despite being the master of a demon sword, the anguish, confusion, and insecurity within Nack’s mind add complexities to the story.
The conflict tying the entire plot together involves Asperides’s former, undead master and his plan to return to power. Amyral schemes to regain possession of the demon sword and retrieve his soul from the deepest depths of hell. Readers will wonder what will happen since Nack and Amyral have been partnered with the same sword. Who is the rightful master of Asperides? Amyral’s plot will culminate when the Missing Moon returns after two thousand years so the story has a built-in countdown clock. Amyral is aided by a young necromancer and her presence contributes additional twists to the plot.
What didn’t work as well:
Some readers might question the pace of the plot and Nack sometimes comes across as whiny. However, readers must appreciate the evolution of the characters in addition to the quest to stop Amyral. There’s no continuous action and the battles aren’t overly descriptive but the changes in personalities, attitudes, and self-images are what’s important.
The final verdict:
This book is a finalist for the 2023 Cybils Award in Elementary/Middle-grade Speculative Fiction. Nack, Asperides, and others are dynamic characters and undergo realizations and transformations throughout the book. Their emotional adventures will engross young readers as they try to stop Amyral from releasing swarms of demons from the underworld. Overall, this is an innovative twist on familiar middle-grade quests and I recommend you give it a shot.
November 15, 2024
Oh, wow, this book needs more reviews! First off, this title is the best, isn't it? The catchy rhythm, the intriguing concept. Who doesn't want to read a story about a demon sword? And Asperides does not disappoint. World-weary, hell-weary, bitter and sarcastic—I loved the voice and perspective of a sword wielded for centuries by power-hungry villains.
Particularly when this sword ends up in the hands of a hapless, naive boy. Nack Furnival is desperate to prove himself to his family of brave knights, but he's really no good at sword fighting. It's easy for Asperides to trick Nack into believing he's an angel sword, and off Nack charges on a quest to right wrongs and save the innocent. Meanwhile an evil sorcerer has been resurrected, and he wants his sword back. Shenanigans ensue.
The Demon Sword Asperides is very funny—lots of snarky commentary from the sword, lots of hilarious juxtapositions of assumptions and intentions along with great slapstick and situational comedy. But it's also very—I want to say sweet, but I don't want you to think it's saccharine. Maple syrup sweet—it has depth and complexity. I'm willing to compare it to Terry Pratchett's humour, because there is real character growth and some pointed commentary about the world underlying the shenanigans.
I don't want to spoil anything, but Asperides has his own character arc. His relationship with Nack is the best kind of starts-off-unequal-with-deception-and-trickery turning into genuine care and each changing the other for the better. Nack learns that the heroes he worshipped might not be worthy of him and gets to choose who and what he values, including valuing himself. Satisfying all around.
I picked this one up from the library while waiting for The Dark Lord Clementine, which I am now even more eager to get my hands on. If you like Ursula Vernon and Eva Ibbotsen, Sarah Jean Horowitz will be right up your alley.
https://kaippersbach.blogspot.com/202...
Cross-posted on my blog:
Particularly when this sword ends up in the hands of a hapless, naive boy. Nack Furnival is desperate to prove himself to his family of brave knights, but he's really no good at sword fighting. It's easy for Asperides to trick Nack into believing he's an angel sword, and off Nack charges on a quest to right wrongs and save the innocent. Meanwhile an evil sorcerer has been resurrected, and he wants his sword back. Shenanigans ensue.
The Demon Sword Asperides is very funny—lots of snarky commentary from the sword, lots of hilarious juxtapositions of assumptions and intentions along with great slapstick and situational comedy. But it's also very—I want to say sweet, but I don't want you to think it's saccharine. Maple syrup sweet—it has depth and complexity. I'm willing to compare it to Terry Pratchett's humour, because there is real character growth and some pointed commentary about the world underlying the shenanigans.
I don't want to spoil anything, but Asperides has his own character arc. His relationship with Nack is the best kind of starts-off-unequal-with-deception-and-trickery turning into genuine care and each changing the other for the better. Nack learns that the heroes he worshipped might not be worthy of him and gets to choose who and what he values, including valuing himself. Satisfying all around.
I picked this one up from the library while waiting for The Dark Lord Clementine, which I am now even more eager to get my hands on. If you like Ursula Vernon and Eva Ibbotsen, Sarah Jean Horowitz will be right up your alley.
https://kaippersbach.blogspot.com/202...
Cross-posted on my blog:
September 14, 2023
After being kicked out of his clan for refusing to kill another boy in battle, Nack is desperate for a quest. He longs for an opportunity to prove his worthiness as a knight and earn an angel blade, which would surely result in his family welcoming him back into the fold. Meanwhile, Asperides the demon sword is enjoying his semi-retirement in the underworld when he hears of a prophecy that could mean his demise. To ensure that it doesn't come true, he must find his way into the land of the living, which means finding a new master to wield him. When Nack and Asperides' paths cross, Nack - believing Asperides is an angel blade - sees his chance to make his dreams come true while Asperides sees, well, a gullible boy who can be tricked into signing away his soul in order to wield a powerful sword. Not the best foundation on which to lay a new partnership. But when an evil sorcerer comes back to life (kind of) and tries to rip a hole into the underworld, Nack and Asperides will have to work together to save the world.
Action-driven and not particularly descriptive, this book is definitely remeniscient of a fantasy videogame or Dungeons and Dragons quest. It seems to jump from big action moment to big action moment with few details given in between (or even during the action sequences). I wish there had been more worldbuilding and character developement, but I'm sure there are readers who will love this book for the same reason that it was not my cup of tea.
Action-driven and not particularly descriptive, this book is definitely remeniscient of a fantasy videogame or Dungeons and Dragons quest. It seems to jump from big action moment to big action moment with few details given in between (or even during the action sequences). I wish there had been more worldbuilding and character developement, but I'm sure there are readers who will love this book for the same reason that it was not my cup of tea.
March 10, 2024
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. The plot of Sarah Jean Horwitz's novel is centered in the demon sword Asperides, a sentient weapon, that has spent the past 300 years physically pinning his most recent wielder, the dark knight Amyral Venir. Asperides is soon drawn from his physical resting place by 13-year-old Nack Furnival, a disgraced knight-in-training seeking a heroic quest that will redeem him to his family of accomplished swordfighters; the only thing he needs is a virtuous angel blade. Readers will wonder what’s going to happen when a kind, young boy becomes the partner of a rare, terrifying demon sword.
The most innovative aspect of the book is having a sword as a main character, able to mentally communicate with its human main character, Nack. Asperides has been around for centuries and it’s used to being paired with ruthless, power-hungry men. Its primary goal is to trap captured souls and send them into the depths of the underworld. Asperides draws magical power from these souls which it uses to slay and reek chaos. An intriguing twist occurs when a wanna-be young knight in training becomes the sword’s new partner to rescue two female knights in danger.
Employing thoughtful subversions of classic fantasy tropes to explore themes of good vs. evil and the power of change, Horwitz crafts a quite clever adventure that is at oncehumorous, thrilling, and touching.
The most innovative aspect of the book is having a sword as a main character, able to mentally communicate with its human main character, Nack. Asperides has been around for centuries and it’s used to being paired with ruthless, power-hungry men. Its primary goal is to trap captured souls and send them into the depths of the underworld. Asperides draws magical power from these souls which it uses to slay and reek chaos. An intriguing twist occurs when a wanna-be young knight in training becomes the sword’s new partner to rescue two female knights in danger.
Employing thoughtful subversions of classic fantasy tropes to explore themes of good vs. evil and the power of change, Horwitz crafts a quite clever adventure that is at oncehumorous, thrilling, and touching.
September 6, 2024
3.5 stars
Funny, engaging, and delightfully a standalone adventure, with hints of depth in the writing that have made me decide I should check out Horwitz's other work/keep an eye on her upcoming books.
Its a fairly typical fantasy quest/coming-of-age tale complete with prophecies, a world-ending villain, and plenty of nasties to fight. It also has a sentient demon-sword with a snarky narration. (Demon, hell, etc are not at all anything to do the Christian understanding but a fantasy version entirely.)
(I also really liked the bit pp 258-259 about Cleoline's change of heart and choosing to help Nack and the others stop Amyral Vanir.)
The plan was simple. Asperides simply had to train a thirteen-year-old boy to beat a several-hundred-year-old zombie sorcerer knight who had only been previously defeated in a multi-layered, decade-spanning effort involving about two dozen co-conspirators. All without said boy realizing exactly what he was being trained for.
Like he said. Simple.
Funny, engaging, and delightfully a standalone adventure, with hints of depth in the writing that have made me decide I should check out Horwitz's other work/keep an eye on her upcoming books.
Its a fairly typical fantasy quest/coming-of-age tale complete with prophecies, a world-ending villain, and plenty of nasties to fight. It also has a sentient demon-sword with a snarky narration. (Demon, hell, etc are not at all anything to do the Christian understanding but a fantasy version entirely.)
(I also really liked the bit pp 258-259 about Cleoline's change of heart and choosing to help Nack and the others stop Amyral Vanir.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2023
*Thanks to negalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review*
Clever, funny, and a great story, this book is another great hit from Horowitz. Demon sword Asperides has been living in semi-retirement for about 200 years, ever since the death of his last master (an evil sorcerer), but this soon comes to an end when someone breaks the seal and brings the sorcerer back to life. Meanwhile, Nick is a knight in training seeking a quest to prove himself, despite not being all that great at being a knight. All he's missing is a sword. The two meet and make a pact, going on a quest to stop the evil sorcerer and save the world. This was a fun book to read, the characters were especially interesting and engaging. The dialogue, particularly from Asperides was great and added a lot of humor to the story. There were parts where things dragged out a bit, but otherwise, this was a fast-paced book.
Clever, funny, and a great story, this book is another great hit from Horowitz. Demon sword Asperides has been living in semi-retirement for about 200 years, ever since the death of his last master (an evil sorcerer), but this soon comes to an end when someone breaks the seal and brings the sorcerer back to life. Meanwhile, Nick is a knight in training seeking a quest to prove himself, despite not being all that great at being a knight. All he's missing is a sword. The two meet and make a pact, going on a quest to stop the evil sorcerer and save the world. This was a fun book to read, the characters were especially interesting and engaging. The dialogue, particularly from Asperides was great and added a lot of humor to the story. There were parts where things dragged out a bit, but otherwise, this was a fast-paced book.
February 26, 2024
GOodreads giveaways brought this book to my attention and my doorstep -- although I would have been just fine without it.
REally wanted it to work, since the premise is awesome.
ADapting the same concept as The Amulet of Samarkand appealed to me -- but even though that title is not my favorite by Jonathan Stroud, it actually held my attention.
LOgging hours and chapters in The Demon Sword Asperides got me to page # 250 -- then I didn't want to read any more.
CK Chatterton's serene watercolors are nearly evoked -- when I was hoping for adventure -- as the protagonist Nack does a whole lot of not-much.
WOe to Nack's world was certainly impending, but the struggle against all odds just didn't resonate, didn't feel like a struggle.
ODiferously unfortunate, because the writer's wit glows behind her writing -- yet it's obscured by overly long sentences and a lack of attachment to the main characters (except to Asperides).
&Considering how the main conflict centers mostly around the Nack, I just didn't care to finish.
O. unscrupulous fate, which tempts us with interesting ideas but only rarely delivers on them!
mpA ratings: PG for violence
REally wanted it to work, since the premise is awesome.
ADapting the same concept as The Amulet of Samarkand appealed to me -- but even though that title is not my favorite by Jonathan Stroud, it actually held my attention.
LOgging hours and chapters in The Demon Sword Asperides got me to page # 250 -- then I didn't want to read any more.
CK Chatterton's serene watercolors are nearly evoked -- when I was hoping for adventure -- as the protagonist Nack does a whole lot of not-much.
WOe to Nack's world was certainly impending, but the struggle against all odds just didn't resonate, didn't feel like a struggle.
ODiferously unfortunate, because the writer's wit glows behind her writing -- yet it's obscured by overly long sentences and a lack of attachment to the main characters (except to Asperides).
&Considering how the main conflict centers mostly around the Nack, I just didn't care to finish.
O. unscrupulous fate, which tempts us with interesting ideas but only rarely delivers on them!
mpA ratings: PG for violence
October 31, 2023
Asperides is a demon sword, the only one remaining, that is quite happy hanging out in a demon pub while no one wields the physical blade. Until Nack Furnival, a disgraced knight, finds the blade and Asperides learns that his former master has been partially resurrected by a young necromancer. He gets Nack to bind to him, which means Asperides will get his soul, and convinces him that he is one of the coveted angel blades. Along the way, they save a young Seer who reveal truths they all must contend with. The adventure, though serious, with a rampaging warlord and an undead knight, is full of fun, danger, humor, and layered throughout a lot of heart. Nack, Asperides, the Seer, and the necromancer must find themselves and what is their truth. Give to fantasy fans, D&D gamers, and anyone who loves adventure.
May 22, 2023
The most fun I've had with a fantasy novel since Sarah Jean Horwitz's last book, THE DARK LORD CLEMENTINE! THE DEMON SWORD ASPERIDES was page after page of cleverness, grins, and heart tugging feels. I got so emotional at the end. And also didn't want it to be over. This is not just an excellent intro to fantasy for middle grade readers, it's an intro to THE BEST fantasy! Because I swear, Sarah Jean Horwitz is one of the greats in the making. When I read her books it feels like I'm reading a fresh take on Peter S. Beagle. Kids are going to talk about these books for the rest of their lives. THE DEMON SWORD ASPERIDES is an amazingly enjoyable journey, with the best characters ever, and truly great plot twists. Highly recommend!
July 16, 2023
An ancient, sentient demon sword with an attitude? Check.
A boy so petrified of failing his family that he takes unbelievable risks to attempt to do what's right, even if, when it comes down to it, he's mostly unable to complete his actions? Check.
A world about to be overrun by demons that only these two can stop? Check.
Talk about dire stakes.
The Demon Sword Asperides is a thrilling, fast-paced, rollicking adventure chock-full of imagination. It takes places in a strangely familiar fantasy world, a relative of the other clever worlds Horwitz has written, and presents a truly tragic young protagonist in young Nack. This underdog hero tries so hard to fulfill his role as a knight of his family, and just isn't that kind of person—at least on his own. With Asperides, a sword that he mistakes initially as an angel blade—the kind of sword carried by the bravest of knights—Nack can be the demon-destroying hero of which he's always dreamed.
Which is an interesting role for Asperides, the demon sword, to play. And doesn't make him friends in the underworld. Asperides's frequent narration reveals his own arc as he seeks to avoid his greatest fear—being "undone" when the door to the demon underworld is opened—and for the first time in his ancient existence, tries to do good. His growth from a delightfully grim presence to something a little more human lends this story a particular depth.
The plot of this story hums along nicely, and with a fantastic supporting cast. It includes a strangely endearing necromancer whose use of undead birds adds some disgusting funny moments to the story; a serious, thoughtful young seer who wields her own moon powers well; and two brave itinerant knights, a pair of married women whose charming casual affection is a refreshing touch of normality in this world.
Amidst the action runs a powerful internal quest as the two major characters—Asperides and Nack—attempt to fulfill their fates. Is one's destiny predetermined? Do you have to believe it when someone tells you what you are? What do you owe the world around you? This ambitious, epic story will pose these questions as it delights its hungry young readers.
A boy so petrified of failing his family that he takes unbelievable risks to attempt to do what's right, even if, when it comes down to it, he's mostly unable to complete his actions? Check.
A world about to be overrun by demons that only these two can stop? Check.
Talk about dire stakes.
The Demon Sword Asperides is a thrilling, fast-paced, rollicking adventure chock-full of imagination. It takes places in a strangely familiar fantasy world, a relative of the other clever worlds Horwitz has written, and presents a truly tragic young protagonist in young Nack. This underdog hero tries so hard to fulfill his role as a knight of his family, and just isn't that kind of person—at least on his own. With Asperides, a sword that he mistakes initially as an angel blade—the kind of sword carried by the bravest of knights—Nack can be the demon-destroying hero of which he's always dreamed.
Which is an interesting role for Asperides, the demon sword, to play. And doesn't make him friends in the underworld. Asperides's frequent narration reveals his own arc as he seeks to avoid his greatest fear—being "undone" when the door to the demon underworld is opened—and for the first time in his ancient existence, tries to do good. His growth from a delightfully grim presence to something a little more human lends this story a particular depth.
The plot of this story hums along nicely, and with a fantastic supporting cast. It includes a strangely endearing necromancer whose use of undead birds adds some disgusting funny moments to the story; a serious, thoughtful young seer who wields her own moon powers well; and two brave itinerant knights, a pair of married women whose charming casual affection is a refreshing touch of normality in this world.
Amidst the action runs a powerful internal quest as the two major characters—Asperides and Nack—attempt to fulfill their fates. Is one's destiny predetermined? Do you have to believe it when someone tells you what you are? What do you owe the world around you? This ambitious, epic story will pose these questions as it delights its hungry young readers.
September 17, 2024
3.5 stars
The demon sword Asperides has been around for several hundred years and had many masters in that time. Currently without a master, it is biding its time... until Nack blunders into the picture. Nack has been disgraced and kicked out of his family for cowardice. Trying to prove himself worthy, he is looking for a quest. When he stumbles into trouble - and the demon sword, Asperides tricks Nack into thinking that he is an angel sword rather than a demon sword. Nack is desperate and accepts Asperides' bargain, which includes agreeing to give up his soul in return for being able to use the sword's powers.
This was a fun and engaging read (good audiobook narrator). Asperides is not as bad as he would like people to believe.
The demon sword Asperides has been around for several hundred years and had many masters in that time. Currently without a master, it is biding its time... until Nack blunders into the picture. Nack has been disgraced and kicked out of his family for cowardice. Trying to prove himself worthy, he is looking for a quest. When he stumbles into trouble - and the demon sword, Asperides tricks Nack into thinking that he is an angel sword rather than a demon sword. Nack is desperate and accepts Asperides' bargain, which includes agreeing to give up his soul in return for being able to use the sword's powers.
This was a fun and engaging read (good audiobook narrator). Asperides is not as bad as he would like people to believe.
August 30, 2023
It's... fine. There's simultaneously too much and not enough lore, and as far as I know this is a standalone so it doesn't really satisfy.
Also Nack is pretty annoying the entire time, and I didn't find him interesting at all. I think the book would have been more interesting if the entire thing was narrated from Asperides's point of view.
Also also I don't think the audiobook narrator is British but she affects a (not great) British accent for the Asperides portions and it's... distracting.
Also Nack is pretty annoying the entire time, and I didn't find him interesting at all. I think the book would have been more interesting if the entire thing was narrated from Asperides's point of view.
Also also I don't think the audiobook narrator is British but she affects a (not great) British accent for the Asperides portions and it's... distracting.
April 12, 2024
3.5 stars. A fun fantasy story with humor and snark. Nack is a young knight trying to prove himself to his family. Asperides is a demon sword that has a checkered past and a very evil former master, who may also be brought back from the dead. Throw them all together and you have brave knights going on dangerous quests with a little bit of humor on the side. There are some great characters and a diverse cast with a nice ending. Some elements of death and danger. 6th grade and up for fans of quirky fantasy stories.
April 18, 2025
I'm having a hard time rating this book. I loved the wit, the sword, and the setting which is kind of like Medieval Europe with some fantasy elements like three moons. It is a lot of fun, and feels like the love child of Terry Prattchett and Jim Butcher (Dresden Files)! :) However, sometimes I got tripped up in the vocabulary, which I think could be tricky for the average middle school kid. The conflict kept switching up as well, almost like the author couldn't focus on one specific main idea.
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May 31, 2023Smart, funny, and enchanting, this adventure will keep readers turning the pages. This book is filled with interesting characters including a lost knight, a sarcastic demon sword, and a partially resurrected villain looking for his soul. Horwitz's world-building is top notch and the adventure is quick-paced and far-roaming. Horwitz has given readers another smart, unique, and fun fantasy. A must read.
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