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The Swordswoman
Kendo is a thing of the spirit, or so Erin Wyler thought of the ancient art of Japanese sword fighting--until the day in the fencing hall when her bamboo sword was transformed into a supernatural steel blade and her sparring partner became a loathsome demon. Suddenly kendo had become a thing of madness.
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 29, 2025
I finished reading my battered Science Fiction Book Club edition of The Swordswoman for the umpteenth time last night and thought to put down some thoughts on why this book garners four stars. I first read the book as a teen, during a time when I was discovering a number of female authors and strong female characters (including C.J. Cherryh and Phyllis Ann Karr to name two) and I was taken with Salmonson's character Erin of Thar.
The story concerns Erin Wyler, a young Earth woman who's dreamt of living a hero's life in another world. She's a loner, going in and out of institutions her whole life and never finding any amount of happiness except in studying martial arts. During a kendo match, she kills her opponent but his wounds reflect a metal blade, not the bamboo stick she was using. An obsessed paramedic discovers that both she and her opponent have had dreams about the same world, only from opposite points of view. Erin dreams of being the rebel who kills an evil tyrant; her opponent dreamed of being that tyrant. In that alternate world, however, Erin's alter-ego Merilia is the one killed so forces present in both worlds conspire to bring Erin to Endsworld to fulfill Merilia's destiny.
Salmonson bases the alternate reality, Endsworld, on Asian influences. The world is ruled by a warrior elite whose ranks are differentiated by the number of swords they carry. One-swords are cannon fodder, minimal training with a short sword - the i. Two-swords are better trained, carrying both i and mai, and run the gamut from merely competent to expert. Three-swords carry the oude - a great sword - and are wuxia style masters.
The story follows Erin as she arrives in Endsworld and her development from unwilling pawn to someone able to replace Merilia.
I've always found the story itself fast paced and interesting, and Salmonson puts enough "twist" into the usual hero epic to make it worth reading. But I also like the fact that the ending is not a "happily ever after" cop out or that we'll ever know the eventual fate of Erin. The ending screams out for a sequel (and I'd be happy to read it) but (as far as I know) Salmonson has never followed up with one.
The story concerns Erin Wyler, a young Earth woman who's dreamt of living a hero's life in another world. She's a loner, going in and out of institutions her whole life and never finding any amount of happiness except in studying martial arts. During a kendo match, she kills her opponent but his wounds reflect a metal blade, not the bamboo stick she was using. An obsessed paramedic discovers that both she and her opponent have had dreams about the same world, only from opposite points of view. Erin dreams of being the rebel who kills an evil tyrant; her opponent dreamed of being that tyrant. In that alternate world, however, Erin's alter-ego Merilia is the one killed so forces present in both worlds conspire to bring Erin to Endsworld to fulfill Merilia's destiny.
Salmonson bases the alternate reality, Endsworld, on Asian influences. The world is ruled by a warrior elite whose ranks are differentiated by the number of swords they carry. One-swords are cannon fodder, minimal training with a short sword - the i. Two-swords are better trained, carrying both i and mai, and run the gamut from merely competent to expert. Three-swords carry the oude - a great sword - and are wuxia style masters.
The story follows Erin as she arrives in Endsworld and her development from unwilling pawn to someone able to replace Merilia.
I've always found the story itself fast paced and interesting, and Salmonson puts enough "twist" into the usual hero epic to make it worth reading. But I also like the fact that the ending is not a "happily ever after" cop out or that we'll ever know the eventual fate of Erin. The ending screams out for a sequel (and I'd be happy to read it) but (as far as I know) Salmonson has never followed up with one.
May 12, 2012
So, I started this book with a pretty biased outlook. Jessica is part of my family and she is among my favorite people. However, I had no idea she was a published author until we became "friends" on Facebook. Heh.
Anyway, I found this book and have done my best to read it as objectively as I could. To be blunt, I loved the story. But, I want more. I suppose that is the sign of a pretty decent story. I can see myself reading this a few more times in the future. And creating a million different additions to it.
In short, a very enjoyable story that will leave you wondering about the possible futures of the characters.
Anyway, I found this book and have done my best to read it as objectively as I could. To be blunt, I loved the story. But, I want more. I suppose that is the sign of a pretty decent story. I can see myself reading this a few more times in the future. And creating a million different additions to it.
In short, a very enjoyable story that will leave you wondering about the possible futures of the characters.
July 29, 2023
This is a bit of an odd one. It's another one of those: Antagonist from our world goes to another, but I particularly enjoyed the realism in that the antagonist was committed to a mental institution since she fiercely believed that the other world was more real than this one. And indeed, the story starts where she has (accidentally?) killed her evil nemesis from that other world in a kendo competition. (Or rather, this world's doppelganger of said nemesis, since it seems that everyone here has a 'twin' in that other world, and they recognized each other in the match, which is what turned it deadly). Interesting concept, and it was well thought through without the "There are no McDonalds here" silliness that sometimes plagues the genre. That said, this book is INCREDIBLY violent. There are many gruesome deaths and torture scenes depicted here that felt, at times gratuitous. On the other hand, if you're describing a society run by warriors with swords, (and 7 foot tall insects that regularly feed on humans) without putting in the odd severed hand, you're probably not indicating how horrifying such a world would be. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, in spite of the dark and very gritty subject matter since though all the brutality, there are lessons of philosophy, humanity and honour that resonate.
July 31, 2011
Hews a bit closer to the standard 'hero's journey' story arc than I like, but investigates ethical implications with a thoroughness far beyond the average heroic fantasy. I liked this book, but thought 'Tomoe Gozen' was superior.
July 10, 2020
The story is immersive. The heroine is someone you'd like to root for. But several things which made it a difficult read was the refined words of this work. I still like it and will definitely check out the Tomoe Gozen books. I hope to read more from her. She gives me a late eighties nostalgia for the heroism and science fiction with this book and I can't deny it. I'm a science gal and love it. Haven't had a nerdy side to explore but this will definitely make me feel like it. Still, the prose is difficult to understand. Be prepared to immerse yourself into a different world when you pick this up. Love to recommend it to anyone ready for a sci-fi adventure based on an ancient asian dominant civilization. [Sorry, I don't want to be insulting but this is a clear asian-inspired sci-fi.]
February 8, 2013
This was bad. I wanted to give it only one star, but decided on two (1.5, really) because it became bearable.
This book was hard to follow. It liked to jump from one thing to another. It was written in a weird, confusing way where the reader didn't know anything but the main character just figured things out and the reader was never informed of HOW the main character came to these knew what to do. It is written almost like a sequel, but it isn't.
There was so much wrong with this book that I can't even explain.
If I wasn't asked to read this book, I would have stopped within the first chapter.
This book was hard to follow. It liked to jump from one thing to another. It was written in a weird, confusing way where the reader didn't know anything but the main character just figured things out and the reader was never informed of HOW the main character came to these knew what to do. It is written almost like a sequel, but it isn't.
There was so much wrong with this book that I can't even explain.
If I wasn't asked to read this book, I would have stopped within the first chapter.
July 4, 2019
I bought this book on impulse at a super cute used book store, and I’m so glad I actually read it. The overall plot is very clever. Even at the points where it was roughest around the edges, it was a fun adventure and I already miss the characters.
March 22, 2023
Omg ignore the dumbass cover. It's so good.
Starts interestingly then goes full japanese fairytale, ends with blow by blow sword battle and wraps up satisfyingly but also leaves you wanting more.
Vintage fantasy, one off, non-serial, kinda silly but gets very dark.
Starts interestingly then goes full japanese fairytale, ends with blow by blow sword battle and wraps up satisfyingly but also leaves you wanting more.
Vintage fantasy, one off, non-serial, kinda silly but gets very dark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2016
Pretty standard coming of age story. Girl goes to a reclusive old legendary swordsman and asks to be taught the way of the sword so as to be able to seek revenge. Recommended
August 3, 2023
A fascinating book expounding upon the purpose and self-fulfillment of someone who grew up in a milieu not fit to their needs and character. Having read several anthologies edited by Salmonson, I certainly didn't expect such an intimate character exploration as that found in this tome —at least not with such rawness and sincerity— but perhaps that was entirely on me, for I knew well of her tastes from elsewhere.
Several side-characters, although possessing the express purpose of motivating and pushing forward the protagonist, feel fully fleshed out so as to leave no reader wanting. The world they inhabit is also explored to the extent necessary, not feeling at all shallow while giving us glimpses as to what could be other cultures and ways of life beyond the ken of our protagonist. That is helped by the fact that much has to be naturalistically explained to our ignorant main character, making the structure and means of exposition far easier than otherwise.
The story's main failing —which demerits it to a score of four stars— is that it feels patently unfinished, with several dangling plot threads and some major conceits of the story left largely unexplained by the time one reaches the back cover. I understand there were meant to be follow-ups to the book at one point (The cover of this first edition paperpack certainly implies as such too), which feels all the more unsatisfying in the present with the hindsight that there is no sequel.
As such, one does not share in the scant acquired positivity that the Protagonist ends the story on, because we are too occupied being dissatisfied. With that in mind, I simply can't recommend the book to anyone who just wants a tale that is whole unto itself. To the enthusiast wanting to read Salmonson's work, I must instead point to the Tomoe Gozen trilogy, which I have not read but have been told composes a fully complete story and is in most senses this book's superior.
Several side-characters, although possessing the express purpose of motivating and pushing forward the protagonist, feel fully fleshed out so as to leave no reader wanting. The world they inhabit is also explored to the extent necessary, not feeling at all shallow while giving us glimpses as to what could be other cultures and ways of life beyond the ken of our protagonist. That is helped by the fact that much has to be naturalistically explained to our ignorant main character, making the structure and means of exposition far easier than otherwise.
The story's main failing —which demerits it to a score of four stars— is that it feels patently unfinished, with several dangling plot threads and some major conceits of the story left largely unexplained by the time one reaches the back cover. I understand there were meant to be follow-ups to the book at one point (The cover of this first edition paperpack certainly implies as such too), which feels all the more unsatisfying in the present with the hindsight that there is no sequel.
As such, one does not share in the scant acquired positivity that the Protagonist ends the story on, because we are too occupied being dissatisfied. With that in mind, I simply can't recommend the book to anyone who just wants a tale that is whole unto itself. To the enthusiast wanting to read Salmonson's work, I must instead point to the Tomoe Gozen trilogy, which I have not read but have been told composes a fully complete story and is in most senses this book's superior.
October 30, 2024
I was an early reader and now lifelong fan of science fiction fantasy, and I will always appreciate the imagination of Salmonson. She has facets that were original, and left me wanting a sequel or something more.
But to fuel a country boys obsession with genres, she had a power of sorts, and the power to set fire to imagination and the 'want' of more. I am dipping into the memory banks heavily, and I'm guessing the first read was near 10, give or take. It lit a fire, and I believe it is a fine book for early teen on up. Thanks mom.
But to fuel a country boys obsession with genres, she had a power of sorts, and the power to set fire to imagination and the 'want' of more. I am dipping into the memory banks heavily, and I'm guessing the first read was near 10, give or take. It lit a fire, and I believe it is a fine book for early teen on up. Thanks mom.
September 5, 2019
One of my all time favorites. First novel I ran across that had a wonderful strong woman protagonist. I've been hooked on the sub-genre (fantasy-woman heroic journey) since.
January 31, 2022
Teebi Dan Wellsmith is the only good thing about this book.
August 27, 2008
I read this a long time ago, but I remember really liking it. I may have to dig is out and reread it to see if my memory is doing it justice. I do recall being surprised at the main character being a woman and trained fighter, that was very cool to see.
June 12, 2016
I thought that I had read this book many years ago, but maybe hadn't, as reading it now I didn't remember a single thing about it. This is normally not the kind of book Iike, but do like Salmonson's writings so read it and liked it immensely.
March 23, 2010
This was an entertaining book, but Salmonson's Tomoe Gozen trilogy is much, much better.
January 25, 2016
One of the oldies featuring a strong female character. It's a portal fantasy with an interesting framing device; okay story but unsatisfying for me to some extent (tastes will differ).
July 12, 2016
I read this one at a fairly early age, so my memories are clouded. Still, I remember enjoying the book greatly.
April 18, 2017
Don't let the cover fool you. This is a high quality book, half fantasy, half sci-fi, bizarre and interesting.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews