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Sword
Sword shall guide the hands of men . . .
For over a thousand years the kingdom of Lardan has been at peace: isolated from the world, safe from the wars of its neighbors, slowly forgetting the wild and deadly magic of its origins. Now the deepest truths of the past and the darkest predictions for the future survive only in the verses of nursery rhymes.
For over a thousand years, some of Lardan's fractious provinces have been biding their time.
Kyali Corwynall is the daughter of the Lord General, a child of one of the royal Houses, and the court's only sword-wielding girl. She has known for all of her sixteen years what the future holds for her--politics and duty, the management of a House, and protecting her best friend, the princess and presumed heir to the throne. But one day an old nursery rhyme begins to come true, an ancient magic wakes, and the future changes for everyone. In the space of a single night her entire life unravels into violence and chaos. Now Kyali must find a way to master the magic her people have left behind, or watch her world--and her closest friends--fall to a war older than the kingdom itself.
For over a thousand years the kingdom of Lardan has been at peace: isolated from the world, safe from the wars of its neighbors, slowly forgetting the wild and deadly magic of its origins. Now the deepest truths of the past and the darkest predictions for the future survive only in the verses of nursery rhymes.
For over a thousand years, some of Lardan's fractious provinces have been biding their time.
Kyali Corwynall is the daughter of the Lord General, a child of one of the royal Houses, and the court's only sword-wielding girl. She has known for all of her sixteen years what the future holds for her--politics and duty, the management of a House, and protecting her best friend, the princess and presumed heir to the throne. But one day an old nursery rhyme begins to come true, an ancient magic wakes, and the future changes for everyone. In the space of a single night her entire life unravels into violence and chaos. Now Kyali must find a way to master the magic her people have left behind, or watch her world--and her closest friends--fall to a war older than the kingdom itself.
438 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
11 people are currently reading
1526 people want to read
About the author
Amy Bai
1 book45 followersAmy Bai has been, by order of neither chronology nor preference, a barista, a numbers-cruncher, a paper-pusher, and a farmhand. She likes thunderstorms, the enthusiasm of dogs, tall boots and long jackets, cinnamon basil, margaritas, and being surprised by the weirdness of her fellow humans. She lives in Maine with two very goofy sheepdogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 2, 2016
DNF at 41%
What the hell is up with the writing in this book?! It's all over the damn place. I hate it. I don't know if it's like this on purpose and this is just the author's "writing style" or if it's like this cuz she's a shitty writer, but either way, I hate it.
Also, the story is boring as hell. Nothing is really happening. Maybe I'd have more patience to wait for it to get good if the writing was less of a jumbled mess, but as it is, I'm throwing in the towel.
What the hell is up with the writing in this book?! It's all over the damn place. I hate it. I don't know if it's like this on purpose and this is just the author's "writing style" or if it's like this cuz she's a shitty writer, but either way, I hate it.
Also, the story is boring as hell. Nothing is really happening. Maybe I'd have more patience to wait for it to get good if the writing was less of a jumbled mess, but as it is, I'm throwing in the towel.
April 23, 2015
I believe this is Bai’s first novel, and it’s an impressive debut. Sword is a YA fantasy with swords (duh) and magic and kingdoms and betrayal and all that good stuff.
The opening few chapters felt a little slow to me, mostly because what I was reading seemed familiar. We’re introduced to Kyali and her skill with fighting and swordplay, her brother Devin and his bardic magic, and their close friend the Princess Taireasa. But once the plot picked up, I was hooked hard. Much of the book made me feel like a kid again, getting caught up in the excitement and the battles and the prophecies and the characters and their relationships. It hits many of the notes of a good page-turning fantasy.
That brings up my other stumbling point, because while I love the tropes of fantasy and I’m generally thrilled to revisit them, there are a few I could do without. Early on, Kyali finds herself holding a room against multiple enemies while the princess escapes. They ask where the princess has gone, and naturally she refuses, which leads to this exchange.
I almost stopped reading here. Not because the scene was bad or badly written, nor did it feel gratuitous. It’s simply not something I wanted to read.
But I kept reading, and I’m glad I did. The consequences to Kyali are intense, and shape her character for the rest of the book. But her internal struggle isn’t solely from the implied sexual assault (it’s never explicitly spelled out). There’s another kind of trauma related to her magic, and that turns her into…not a stone cold warrior, but a woman trying desperately to project that coldness in order to protect the people closest to her.
I enjoyed the use of prophecy. It’s another trope, but something about the way Bai wrote the story brought new energy to the idea. Prophecy isn’t a mysterious riddle. It’s not a set of plot coupons to be collected. Its a burden. It’s as much a mystery to be unraveled and understood as the political machinations and the clashes between armies. And it puts Kyali in the role of warrior, with her brother as the bard, which was a nice reversal.
The secondary characters were interesting and engaging. (For those who’ve read it, am I the only one who was shipping Devin and Prince Kinsey?) There’s a lot going on in this book, and all of the players fit the story, and were people I wanted to read about.
There’s an energy to the story that’s hard to describe. It might be a first novel thing. You should take this bit with a grain of salt, because I’m pretending to read the author’s mind, and that often ends badly…but reading the book, I could almost feel how excited the author was to share the story and these characters. That excitement and love and affects my own reading, which is a good thing.
Sword is book one in what I’m guessing will be a trilogy, so the end of the book isn’t the end of the story. No cliffhanger ending though, which I appreciate.
Overall, I think it’s a good book. I also recognize that some elements may not be to everyone’s taste.
The opening few chapters felt a little slow to me, mostly because what I was reading seemed familiar. We’re introduced to Kyali and her skill with fighting and swordplay, her brother Devin and his bardic magic, and their close friend the Princess Taireasa. But once the plot picked up, I was hooked hard. Much of the book made me feel like a kid again, getting caught up in the excitement and the battles and the prophecies and the characters and their relationships. It hits many of the notes of a good page-turning fantasy.
That brings up my other stumbling point, because while I love the tropes of fantasy and I’m generally thrilled to revisit them, there are a few I could do without. Early on, Kyali finds herself holding a room against multiple enemies while the princess escapes. They ask where the princess has gone, and naturally she refuses, which leads to this exchange.
“I think you will tell us eventually, general’s daughter.”
His meaning was plain.
Oh, gods, she thought — death, she had braced herself for. This possibility had never occurred to her.
She would just have to find a way to die, then. After she killed as many of these as came near her.
I almost stopped reading here. Not because the scene was bad or badly written, nor did it feel gratuitous. It’s simply not something I wanted to read.
But I kept reading, and I’m glad I did. The consequences to Kyali are intense, and shape her character for the rest of the book. But her internal struggle isn’t solely from the implied sexual assault (it’s never explicitly spelled out). There’s another kind of trauma related to her magic, and that turns her into…not a stone cold warrior, but a woman trying desperately to project that coldness in order to protect the people closest to her.
I enjoyed the use of prophecy. It’s another trope, but something about the way Bai wrote the story brought new energy to the idea. Prophecy isn’t a mysterious riddle. It’s not a set of plot coupons to be collected. Its a burden. It’s as much a mystery to be unraveled and understood as the political machinations and the clashes between armies. And it puts Kyali in the role of warrior, with her brother as the bard, which was a nice reversal.
The secondary characters were interesting and engaging. (For those who’ve read it, am I the only one who was shipping Devin and Prince Kinsey?) There’s a lot going on in this book, and all of the players fit the story, and were people I wanted to read about.
There’s an energy to the story that’s hard to describe. It might be a first novel thing. You should take this bit with a grain of salt, because I’m pretending to read the author’s mind, and that often ends badly…but reading the book, I could almost feel how excited the author was to share the story and these characters. That excitement and love and affects my own reading, which is a good thing.
Sword is book one in what I’m guessing will be a trilogy, so the end of the book isn’t the end of the story. No cliffhanger ending though, which I appreciate.
Overall, I think it’s a good book. I also recognize that some elements may not be to everyone’s taste.
May 10, 2015
*4.5 stars*
SWORD is a rich, romantic, immersive and intensely emotional high fantasy novel, and oh, did I love it by the end. Stylistically, it reminded me a bit of Robin McKinley's Damar novels and a bit of Sherwood Smith, but as a story, it went to deeply emotional places that I didn't expect it to go, and I was totally wrapped up in it. I'm not sure if it's officially YA or officially adult fantasy, but it could definitely work for either audience!
I loved all four point-of-view characters - Kyali, the fiercely loyal swordswoman, her brother Devin, the bard, their cousin Taireasa, the future queen, and later a fourth character who meshes perfectly into their story - and Bai moved seamlessly among all of them to tell the story of a family fighting to survive in the midst of assassinations, political upheaval, personal trauma, and unsettling magic. The climax was SO emotionally moving - I can't remember the last time I came so close to crying over any high fantasy novel! - and although the ending was a very good one, I let out an actual groan of frustration when I realized that the next book in the series isn't out yet.
(But please don't take that to mean that you should wait to read this one! The central emotional issues in this book are closed out beautifully by this book. I just want to find out what happens next to all the characters, and in the larger plot!)
Honestly, I had a hard time settling on a star-rating for this book. There were some small details along the way that didn't quite work for me, and my biggest nitpick was that I spent the first 2/3 of the book thinking that there was far more real chemistry between Taireasa and Kyali than between Taireasa and her official romantic interest (as much as I did like her romantic interest as a person)...but once I figured out Kyali's own romantic interest, I completely forgave that whole issue, because I LOVE Kyali's romantic interest and I so desperately want their relationship to work out! So I stopped shipping Kyali and Taireasa after all. ;)
And while I kind of feel like I "should" give this book 4 stars because of the small details that didn't quite work for me, the truth is, I haven't been this desperate to read any book's sequel in a very long time, and it's by far my favorite high fantasy novel I've read in ages. It was SO much fun and so absorbing - so, emotionally, for me, it was definitely a 5-star book by the end!
And I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book, SONG! Oh, do I hope that it comes out soon.
SWORD is a rich, romantic, immersive and intensely emotional high fantasy novel, and oh, did I love it by the end. Stylistically, it reminded me a bit of Robin McKinley's Damar novels and a bit of Sherwood Smith, but as a story, it went to deeply emotional places that I didn't expect it to go, and I was totally wrapped up in it. I'm not sure if it's officially YA or officially adult fantasy, but it could definitely work for either audience!
I loved all four point-of-view characters - Kyali, the fiercely loyal swordswoman, her brother Devin, the bard, their cousin Taireasa, the future queen, and later a fourth character who meshes perfectly into their story - and Bai moved seamlessly among all of them to tell the story of a family fighting to survive in the midst of assassinations, political upheaval, personal trauma, and unsettling magic. The climax was SO emotionally moving - I can't remember the last time I came so close to crying over any high fantasy novel! - and although the ending was a very good one, I let out an actual groan of frustration when I realized that the next book in the series isn't out yet.
(But please don't take that to mean that you should wait to read this one! The central emotional issues in this book are closed out beautifully by this book. I just want to find out what happens next to all the characters, and in the larger plot!)
Honestly, I had a hard time settling on a star-rating for this book. There were some small details along the way that didn't quite work for me, and my biggest nitpick was that I spent the first 2/3 of the book thinking that there was far more real chemistry between Taireasa and Kyali than between Taireasa and her official romantic interest (as much as I did like her romantic interest as a person)...but once I figured out Kyali's own romantic interest, I completely forgave that whole issue, because I LOVE Kyali's romantic interest and I so desperately want their relationship to work out! So I stopped shipping Kyali and Taireasa after all. ;)
And while I kind of feel like I "should" give this book 4 stars because of the small details that didn't quite work for me, the truth is, I haven't been this desperate to read any book's sequel in a very long time, and it's by far my favorite high fantasy novel I've read in ages. It was SO much fun and so absorbing - so, emotionally, for me, it was definitely a 5-star book by the end!
And I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book, SONG! Oh, do I hope that it comes out soon.
March 14, 2015
If you love books that flip stereotypes on their heads, strong female characters and the books of Kristin Cashore, you want to read this book. It's fantastic.
October 1, 2015
not the best writing; the POV kept changing with very little organizational purpose or point. the characters start out interesting and end as predictable as ever.
it's an interesting concept and premise but executed poorly. not interested in any of the following stories, should there be.
it's an interesting concept and premise but executed poorly. not interested in any of the following stories, should there be.
Want to read
November 9, 2015$0.99 Kindle special today, and I'm going to bite because clearly there aren't already enough books in my TBR pile. But I'm kind of a sucker for magical fantasies, and one of my GR friends was very excited about this sale, so ...
May 27, 2016
I'm a sucker for chosen one prophecies in fantasy novels, and I'm an especially big sucker for the chosen one prophecy in Sword. Probably because it's not a chosen "one," but a chosen three: The Sword, Song, and Crown (or to put more plainly, a super warrior, bard, and monarch). I won't go into the specifics of the prophecy as I don't want to ruin the pleasure of finding out the details for anyone, but I will say it's nice to read a fantasy book where the total outcome of a fight rests on the abilities of more than one person.
If I were only rating this book from chapter eight onward, Sword would have gotten five stars. While I understand the need to establish the origin of of the three characters and how they came to fulfill their part in the prophecy in the first seven chapters, it didn't really become a page-turner until an inciting incident in the middle of chapter eight.
But oh my gosh... that incident.
To keep this spoiler free, I won't go into exactly what Kyali (who represents the Sword of the prophecy) sacrificed in order to protect her friend. But I will say the way the author handles the consequence of Kyali's choice is truly breathtaking and feels utterly realistic. It gives an emotional tie-in to the plot for the rest of the story that just made me anxious to find out how it was all going to be resolved.
This is the first book of a soon to be trilogy, and you can bet that I will read the sequels. If you are a fan of high fantasy and are looking for a fresh take on common tropes, check it out. You won't regret it.
If I were only rating this book from chapter eight onward, Sword would have gotten five stars. While I understand the need to establish the origin of of the three characters and how they came to fulfill their part in the prophecy in the first seven chapters, it didn't really become a page-turner until an inciting incident in the middle of chapter eight.
But oh my gosh... that incident.
To keep this spoiler free, I won't go into exactly what Kyali (who represents the Sword of the prophecy) sacrificed in order to protect her friend. But I will say the way the author handles the consequence of Kyali's choice is truly breathtaking and feels utterly realistic. It gives an emotional tie-in to the plot for the rest of the story that just made me anxious to find out how it was all going to be resolved.
This is the first book of a soon to be trilogy, and you can bet that I will read the sequels. If you are a fan of high fantasy and are looking for a fresh take on common tropes, check it out. You won't regret it.
April 19, 2015
This completely hit the spot for me. Fast-paced plot + well-woven narratives = party read. Aw yeah.
Want to read
April 1, 2015I want this
February 19, 2016
The characters are young, but it doesn't really have a YA tone.
I quite liked it, even if I found some parts to be opaque. It's a pretty standard fantasy set-up and doesn't quite reach the epic mark, but I liked that, despite Chosen One status, the 3 main characters actually work at training. Yes, they have extra-special super skills, but for the most part, they work at using and controlling their powers.
The ending was way abrupt, but I'm torn between being mostly satisfied with it and wanting a real resolution. I'd be into reading a followup.
I quite liked it, even if I found some parts to be opaque. It's a pretty standard fantasy set-up and doesn't quite reach the epic mark, but I liked that, despite Chosen One status, the 3 main characters actually work at training. Yes, they have extra-special super skills, but for the most part, they work at using and controlling their powers.
The ending was way abrupt, but I'm torn between being mostly satisfied with it and wanting a real resolution. I'd be into reading a followup.
November 26, 2015
DNF. I grabbed a copy of this book when it went on sale for USD 0.99 and I started reading it right away. I really wanted to like it and gave it until the 40% mark before deciding to DNF. I can't pinpoint what is it exactly that bothers me about the writing but it feels like there's something missing, and that it's a bit all over the place. Like I couldn't get a strong grasp of what's going on. I'm just not interested in finishing the book.
October 25, 2015
So happy to read my friend Amy's debut novel! And with fierce, strong, smart girl characters. Hooray!
May 21, 2015
I think maybe I was expecting too much from this book from some of the other reviews. I just found it to be very, very boring. The writing was laborious and the characters were blah.
buy-me
December 12, 2014OMGOMGOMGOMOMGTHATCOVEROMGOMGOMGOMOMGOMGOMGO
February 14, 2015
Actual rating: 3.5
October 9, 2017
Sword, by Amy Bai, sounded like something I'd really enjoy as a pleasant diversion - a fantasy world with a mysterious prophesy, and a girl with a gift for the sword. It took a while for me to get into it - the characterisations of the three key characters are a bit inconsistent, the early pace was a bit slow and there's not quite enough incluing to understand some of the motivations of the characters fir what they say and do. The protagonist - Kyali Corwynall, daughter of a general and one of three potential heirs to the throne - and her father have lots of cryptic conversations that really don't give us a lot if insight into what's going on, which I found somewhat annoying.
Once the scene is set, however, the author plunges us into a fast-moving section where the young hero is sent away to learn advanced swordcraft and control of her magical Gifts from a tribal people renowned for their skills in both areas. I like young hero with a destiny training sequences, so this was good for getting me properly settled into the story.
The other two main characters are Kyali's brother Davin, who also has some kind of jagical gift and is also the first person born with the dapacity to be a Bard (the capital 'B' tells us, or so I assume, that his future involves more than just singing pretty songs at court) her close friend, Taireasa, daughter of the current ruler. Rulership in this society seems to be passed down through some sort of tanistry, as the heir is theoretically chosen from one of two families - Taireasa's, and Kyali's. However, in practice, it's almost always someone from Taireasas family.
There is of course the prophecy, of serious doings involving the Sword, the Song and the Crown, which once Kyali started military training with her father, everyone associated with the three young prospective heirs.
Yes, cliches abound, but it's rather engrossing, even if there were times I wanted to take Kyali, Devin and Taireasa and shake the stupidity of thinking they were keeping secrets to protect each other out of them.
The story ends in a strange place - after a significant personal victory, but with the fortunes of the protagonists at a nadir. It feels like there should be at least one sequel, or, given the whole Sword, Song, Crown thing, two - but it's been almost three years since the book came out and not a word about any sequels that I can find. Perhaps Bai only wanted to tell the personal story, or perhaps she has writer's block, or perhaps the book didn't sell well enough.... Time may provide an answer. But I do want to know more about these three.
Once the scene is set, however, the author plunges us into a fast-moving section where the young hero is sent away to learn advanced swordcraft and control of her magical Gifts from a tribal people renowned for their skills in both areas. I like young hero with a destiny training sequences, so this was good for getting me properly settled into the story.
The other two main characters are Kyali's brother Davin, who also has some kind of jagical gift and is also the first person born with the dapacity to be a Bard (the capital 'B' tells us, or so I assume, that his future involves more than just singing pretty songs at court) her close friend, Taireasa, daughter of the current ruler. Rulership in this society seems to be passed down through some sort of tanistry, as the heir is theoretically chosen from one of two families - Taireasa's, and Kyali's. However, in practice, it's almost always someone from Taireasas family.
There is of course the prophecy, of serious doings involving the Sword, the Song and the Crown, which once Kyali started military training with her father, everyone associated with the three young prospective heirs.
Yes, cliches abound, but it's rather engrossing, even if there were times I wanted to take Kyali, Devin and Taireasa and shake the stupidity of thinking they were keeping secrets to protect each other out of them.
The story ends in a strange place - after a significant personal victory, but with the fortunes of the protagonists at a nadir. It feels like there should be at least one sequel, or, given the whole Sword, Song, Crown thing, two - but it's been almost three years since the book came out and not a word about any sequels that I can find. Perhaps Bai only wanted to tell the personal story, or perhaps she has writer's block, or perhaps the book didn't sell well enough.... Time may provide an answer. But I do want to know more about these three.
June 11, 2019
This book kind of wrecked me. It was just the perfect book at the perfect time. It's nothing particularly new in the fantasy genre but it hits all the right notes for fantasy lovers. But this book is special. It tackles rape. It highlights friendship and love and the deep bonds that arise when everything you know is taken away. And it promotes healing and forgiveness and letting go of anger and betrayal and hurt and so much more. So while this book isn't particularly new ground in terms of fantasy - it is AMAZING.
I loved all the characters.
I loved the relationships - the friendships/sibling bonds - Devin, Kyali and Taireasa
And I loved the romantic interests - OMG Annan! Kinsey!
I even loved the ending although I really hope there will be a sequel in the future. There was a lot left unanswered but I also saw how it was kind of the perfect wrap up point as well. And the last scene with Kyali and Devin was adorable.
They were all such strong characters who worked so hard to try to be there for one another and give each other what they needed. It was really nice to see such supportive bonds, I feel like I don't read enough of that. I'd love to say I have a favourite character but I honestly wouldn't be able to choose. It's just an EPIC, AMAZING novel and you should read it. And Amy Bai should write a sequel. Or five.
I loved all the characters.
I loved the relationships - the friendships/sibling bonds - Devin, Kyali and Taireasa
And I loved the romantic interests - OMG Annan! Kinsey!
I even loved the ending although I really hope there will be a sequel in the future. There was a lot left unanswered but I also saw how it was kind of the perfect wrap up point as well. And the last scene with Kyali and Devin was adorable.
They were all such strong characters who worked so hard to try to be there for one another and give each other what they needed. It was really nice to see such supportive bonds, I feel like I don't read enough of that. I'd love to say I have a favourite character but I honestly wouldn't be able to choose. It's just an EPIC, AMAZING novel and you should read it. And Amy Bai should write a sequel. Or five.
February 20, 2019
It was ok. Some interesting ideas, vague but interesting magic system, pretty standard fantasy themes, powerful lead women. For whatever reason I went in thinking it was queer, and it is not. Nothing stellar, but if there's another I might read it.
October 24, 2017
How dare this book not have the next in the series out?
December 7, 2017
DNF @ page 287
I can’t stand the writing in this book. It’s all over the place, awkward, and just plain boring.
I can’t stand the writing in this book. It’s all over the place, awkward, and just plain boring.
July 27, 2019
Magic and betrayal and learning to accept who you are. I liked the book. I loved the cover. I wish there were a follow up book. I would read that too.
April 27, 2020
Excellent
I enjoyed this, I'm really hoping another book comes out soon! Well- written, absolutely sucked me in. You should definitely read.
I enjoyed this, I'm really hoping another book comes out soon! Well- written, absolutely sucked me in. You should definitely read.
June 3, 2015
I get uncomfortable when books have touchy issues as central features in the book because it always makes me question my interpretation and I invariably end up feeling like a horrible person.
The basic premise of the book is not terribly unique. A princess and two siblings of the kingdom's military general discover that they are the central figures in a prophecy, one that involves massive changes to their lives and the status quo of the world around them. The daughter is to become a powerful swordmistress, her brother is a Bard who weaves magic and music together, and the princess herself has powerful mental abilities, ones which also tie the three of them together in many, many ways.
It's a YA book that's trying to cram in a plot usually reserved for epic fantasy, so ideas and activities that would ordinarily take up entire books take up a chapter or so. That's not necessarily a bad thing; an entire book covering Kyali's sword training and Devin's Bardic efforts would certainly be possible but I feel like it would also detract from the story as it's at it's best when two or more of the main characters are together. The author writes characters very well and gives them distinct but believable personalities, even if some things get sped up a bit for the sake of the story.
Elephant in the room discussion:
I've seen several complaints about the book having a lackluster setting and I can't really disagree there; the lands and setup of the kingdom are very generic fantasy, but the focus of the book is on the characters and I think that part of the book was done well. I do have a gripe with the romances, but mostly that is based on the pairings not shaping up in the way that I want. Personally I think some of them don't make much sense, but that could just be personal bias.
Despite some shortcomings, this is one of the books that diverted me from other activities in order that I could finish it. It's the first in a series which is woefully unwritten, but the book itself reaches an acceptable climax and doesn't feel like a cliffhanger despite the myriad unfinished issues.
The basic premise of the book is not terribly unique. A princess and two siblings of the kingdom's military general discover that they are the central figures in a prophecy, one that involves massive changes to their lives and the status quo of the world around them. The daughter is to become a powerful swordmistress, her brother is a Bard who weaves magic and music together, and the princess herself has powerful mental abilities, ones which also tie the three of them together in many, many ways.
It's a YA book that's trying to cram in a plot usually reserved for epic fantasy, so ideas and activities that would ordinarily take up entire books take up a chapter or so. That's not necessarily a bad thing; an entire book covering Kyali's sword training and Devin's Bardic efforts would certainly be possible but I feel like it would also detract from the story as it's at it's best when two or more of the main characters are together. The author writes characters very well and gives them distinct but believable personalities, even if some things get sped up a bit for the sake of the story.
Elephant in the room discussion:
I've seen several complaints about the book having a lackluster setting and I can't really disagree there; the lands and setup of the kingdom are very generic fantasy, but the focus of the book is on the characters and I think that part of the book was done well. I do have a gripe with the romances, but mostly that is based on the pairings not shaping up in the way that I want. Personally I think some of them don't make much sense, but that could just be personal bias.
Despite some shortcomings, this is one of the books that diverted me from other activities in order that I could finish it. It's the first in a series which is woefully unwritten, but the book itself reaches an acceptable climax and doesn't feel like a cliffhanger despite the myriad unfinished issues.
February 6, 2016
I picked this up as part of the batch I got with a Christmas gift card for my Kindle, although I don't recall where I got this from to put it on my wish/shopping list. I put off reading it until last, as even though I was interested when I bought it, suddenly the YA tag made me not as interested for no good reason.
Happily, I was quite wrong. While the story is tagged YA, it is certainly not the trope-filled mess that characterizes most current books in that genre, plus it's set in a full-out fantasy setting and not a dystopia. There are some dark scenes in the book, although several are more hinted at (and left all the worse for not being detailed...) than clearly explained, and their presence is felt in that very absence. Rounding out is the fact that not only are the three main characters two girls and a guy (instead of two guys and a girl), there is NOT a romantic triangle amongst them. HOORAY!!!
The characters are well developed, learn and fight and change and grieve, and definitely develop their own personalities. This is mostly shown in our three protagonists, Kyali, Devin, and Taireasa, to a lesser extent to the supporting cast, and some opportunities were missed among the rest of the background cast. There also is a lack of world-building to some extent, with very little background or history given to why the Western dukes are in revolt, other than "the prophecy said this would happen." That's a bit of a cop-out, and I feel that there was plenty of opportunity to fill in exactly WHAT has driven the country to this civil war, let alone regicide and driving of the princess into exile.
I did rate this five stars (really 4.5, but Goodreads STILL won't let me do that), so there's plenty of redeeming characteristics to the story. First, I appreciate that a woman is the fighter and a man is the bard, and that the ruler will also be a woman and she has not only the makings of an excellent one but is aware of and deals with her value to others as able to be married for legitimacy of their own rule. Second, Kyali goes through an incredible event that almost kills her, and the fallout from that is what drives the conflict between her, Devin, and Taireasa throughout the rest of the book - and not only does she have to deal with that, she has to deal with the effects of what her initial attempts in dealing with it cause. Third, I really liked the hill/mountain people and how they do their best to help the trio and their supporters while still being held to geasa of their own, and how our protagonists slowly make this realization on their own. There's very little fussing and whining and navel-gazing, and it makes for a much more compelling story when other authors would've delved deeply into the typical YA self-absorbed pathos.
I enjoyed the book greatly and will pick up the next one for sure. Recommended if you like fantasy novels with good characterization, but keep in mind that if world-building is your very favorite thing, this book is indeed weak in that area.
Happily, I was quite wrong. While the story is tagged YA, it is certainly not the trope-filled mess that characterizes most current books in that genre, plus it's set in a full-out fantasy setting and not a dystopia. There are some dark scenes in the book, although several are more hinted at (and left all the worse for not being detailed...) than clearly explained, and their presence is felt in that very absence. Rounding out is the fact that not only are the three main characters two girls and a guy (instead of two guys and a girl), there is NOT a romantic triangle amongst them. HOORAY!!!
The characters are well developed, learn and fight and change and grieve, and definitely develop their own personalities. This is mostly shown in our three protagonists, Kyali, Devin, and Taireasa, to a lesser extent to the supporting cast, and some opportunities were missed among the rest of the background cast. There also is a lack of world-building to some extent, with very little background or history given to why the Western dukes are in revolt, other than "the prophecy said this would happen." That's a bit of a cop-out, and I feel that there was plenty of opportunity to fill in exactly WHAT has driven the country to this civil war, let alone regicide and driving of the princess into exile.
I did rate this five stars (really 4.5, but Goodreads STILL won't let me do that), so there's plenty of redeeming characteristics to the story. First, I appreciate that a woman is the fighter and a man is the bard, and that the ruler will also be a woman and she has not only the makings of an excellent one but is aware of and deals with her value to others as able to be married for legitimacy of their own rule. Second, Kyali goes through an incredible event that almost kills her, and the fallout from that is what drives the conflict between her, Devin, and Taireasa throughout the rest of the book - and not only does she have to deal with that, she has to deal with the effects of what her initial attempts in dealing with it cause. Third, I really liked the hill/mountain people and how they do their best to help the trio and their supporters while still being held to geasa of their own, and how our protagonists slowly make this realization on their own. There's very little fussing and whining and navel-gazing, and it makes for a much more compelling story when other authors would've delved deeply into the typical YA self-absorbed pathos.
I enjoyed the book greatly and will pick up the next one for sure. Recommended if you like fantasy novels with good characterization, but keep in mind that if world-building is your very favorite thing, this book is indeed weak in that area.
February 26, 2017
I bounced off this the first time I tried to read it, but ended up giving it another shot and loving it. Lovely, lovely characters - slightly slender worldbuilding, but the richness of the characters and relationships definitely made up for that. Parts of the story felt complete, parts definitely didn't - it looks like it was meant to be the first in a series but there's no sequel anywhere in sight, so sadly I guess it didn't sell well enough.
June 1, 2016
I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were complex and the story centered on individuals and their reactions and relationships rather than setting cardboard-cutouts in expected roles and marching off to battle. It does start out a little slow, but it's difficult to bring a party of characters together without some introduction time, so I feel that's forgivable. Especially since they were such a great party once they were introduced.
I've seen several reviews mention lack of world building, and in retrospect I can see that, but have to say that it didn't bother me in the least while reading. This isn't a story of landscapes and vast movements of population, it's a story of personalities; you could put these characters on a blank stage and watch them interact and it would still be engaging.
Much of the developmental focus was on Kyali (Sword, after all), and I understand why some readers are frustrated by lack of detail in Devin's and Taireasa's activities during that time, but expect the situation will be rotated in the upcoming books (Song and Crown will have their turns).
I also liked the "bonus track" short story included in the novel, some extra time with the kids.
This was not a "perfect" book, but it was an incredibly engaging book, which allows for the overlooking of small imperfections. I was emotionally invested in the characters, and look forward to reading more of Amy Bai's books.
I've seen several reviews mention lack of world building, and in retrospect I can see that, but have to say that it didn't bother me in the least while reading. This isn't a story of landscapes and vast movements of population, it's a story of personalities; you could put these characters on a blank stage and watch them interact and it would still be engaging.
Much of the developmental focus was on Kyali (Sword, after all), and I understand why some readers are frustrated by lack of detail in Devin's and Taireasa's activities during that time, but expect the situation will be rotated in the upcoming books (Song and Crown will have their turns).
I also liked the "bonus track" short story included in the novel, some extra time with the kids.
This was not a "perfect" book, but it was an incredibly engaging book, which allows for the overlooking of small imperfections. I was emotionally invested in the characters, and look forward to reading more of Amy Bai's books.
March 9, 2015
Isn't this cover just beautiful? I love this cover. I saw it, read that it was a fantasy story and knew I just had to read it. Kyali Cornwall is the daughter of a general and has been raised to be a warrior and leader. Her brother Devin has magic ability to use magic. Their best friend Taireasa is the daughter of the king. They have been raised together and are coming into their magical 'gifts'. There is a prophecy that mentions the three and the plot of the book is the three young people growing up and falling into their roles in the prophesy. Kyali is sent off to the mountains to be trained more in the use of her gift. Shortly after her return home, there is a horrible coup where many are killed. Kyali is brutalized in the most vicious way a woman can be after trying to save Tairesa. The rest of the story is about them escaping with a mass of people and trying to regain their foothold and fight off the enemy to eventually get their country back under their rule. Kyali is devastated by what happened to her the night of the coup. She has blocked off even her brother and friend. The book made me feel. I felt for Kyali and I absolutely adored a couple of men who come into the story part way through to aid them. The book had some problems that detracted from how amazing it could be. At the beginning of the book we jump years and years ahead. Its very disjointed and hard to understand the world or what is going on at that point. The magic of all three main characters is never well explained and I still didn't feel like I had a good grasp on their powers even at the end of the book. This didn't stop me from enjoying the book but it was frustrating. I may read the sequel if there is one and the book left off in a way that I believe there will be one.
April 9, 2016
This book is a tale of friendship first and foremost, of a haunting fate, necessity, and prophecy. It took me a while to get caught up, but by the end, I was thoroughly attached to all of the main characters. The beginning seems a bit disorganized in terms of writing, and I can't name a specific point where the writing turns, and the story with it, but it definitely happens. The plot gets better, and the writing easier to understand, and the characters begin to grow.
There's quite a few characters and they grow and change and develop just as each scene comes into and goes out of focus. There's definitely magic and a prophecy aligning everything together and pulling all the characters into motion, pushing and pulling and threading them all together. Sword, Song, and Crown.
Bai weaves together a tale of strength, courage, and love, truly remarkably genuine love for friends that's so real (I feel as though I would react in that same sort of way in some of these situations). All in all, it's a richly detailed account of the beginnings of a prophecy set in motion, and three young adults all caught in a world that already has a touch of magic in it, and sets it loose.
Fantastically.
Initial thoughts just after reading:
There's quite a few characters and they grow and change and develop just as each scene comes into and goes out of focus. There's definitely magic and a prophecy aligning everything together and pulling all the characters into motion, pushing and pulling and threading them all together. Sword, Song, and Crown.
Bai weaves together a tale of strength, courage, and love, truly remarkably genuine love for friends that's so real (I feel as though I would react in that same sort of way in some of these situations). All in all, it's a richly detailed account of the beginnings of a prophecy set in motion, and three young adults all caught in a world that already has a touch of magic in it, and sets it loose.
Fantastically.
Initial thoughts just after reading:
March 15, 2017
It's not fair to readers to brand a book “epic” or "high fantasy" if its really not (well, it is set in a fictional world and has magic but not 'Lord of the Rings' nor 'Eragon Cycle' epic). Sword is NOT epic, at least not yet (and I think will never be, in my opinion). Because there is very little court intrigue and politics and action; no twisting plot...just that a kingdom (and another) was overthrown; and a very cryptic prophecy that won't really inspire you to anticipate the next book in the series. Kalia's training as “the Sword” is very brief and lacking in excitement, so is her brother's which was just mentioned and not elaborated. The taking over of the castle...boring. Their supposedly “gifts” seems useless. The story really just play around the the friendship of the three main characters, on how the tragedy of losing their parents and kingdom took them apart and then how they manage to bring the love and trust back, which is not bad in a sense but...if your aiming for EPIC...is not enough.
It took me three days to finish the book because there's nothing in there to pull a reader into the story. The book is like a very loooong prologue to a prose that is not exciting, compelling, provoking nor inspiring.
And I am wondering why a fierce, strong, willful, butt-kicking woman should always be a red head? Why not brunette or blond or black?...just asking.
It took me three days to finish the book because there's nothing in there to pull a reader into the story. The book is like a very loooong prologue to a prose that is not exciting, compelling, provoking nor inspiring.
And I am wondering why a fierce, strong, willful, butt-kicking woman should always be a red head? Why not brunette or blond or black?...just asking.
March 23, 2016
I'm impressed. The book started off slow and unremarkable, and stayed that way for quite awhile. Not bad, certainly, but not particularly interesting. But instead of the plot getting complicated, the inter-character relationships do. It gets very dark without getting graphic; the author manages to convey everything you need to know without describing it. And I was pleased with how it was handled. I was worried mid-way that "the love of a good man" was going to be the fix (which might have made me put the book down, it's such a bad idea)... but it wasn't. And, while I had a knee-jerk reaction to it, on further reflection, the man didn't even know there was fixing needed, he was just being himself, and also it didn't fix it. I thought that was a good choice. I didn't learn anything new from the book, but I would absolutely recommend it to younger readers who need to see these sorts of things played out in fiction so they can deal with them better in real life. I thought the message, while ponderously slow to emerge, was worth it in the end. Well-written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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