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Dragonslayer #1
The Dragonslayer's Sword
For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning.
Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains.
With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much... or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This series is written for adults but appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains.
With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much... or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This series is written for adults but appropriate for ages 14 and up.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2008
1191 people are currently reading
2399 people want to read
About the author
Resa Nelson
125 books115 followersResa Nelson is the author of the 4-book Dragonslayer series:
The Dragonslayer’s Sword
(nominated for the Nebula Award, finalist for the EPPIE Award),
The Iron Maiden
,
The Stone of Darkness
, and
The Dragon's Egg
. Her 4-book Dragonfly series takes place after the Dragonslayer series.
Her standalone novels include the mystery/thrillers All Of Us Were Sophie and Our Lady of the Absolute .
Resa has been selling short stories professionally since 1988. She is a longtime member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America), and she is a graduate of the Clarion SF Workshop. Resa was the TV/Movie Columnist for Realms of Fantasy magazine for 13 years as well as a regular contributor to SCI FI magazine. She has sold over 200 articles to magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom.
You can contact Resa at ContactResa@aol.com. Follow Resa on Twitter @ResaNelson.
Her standalone novels include the mystery/thrillers All Of Us Were Sophie and Our Lady of the Absolute .
Resa has been selling short stories professionally since 1988. She is a longtime member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America), and she is a graduate of the Clarion SF Workshop. Resa was the TV/Movie Columnist for Realms of Fantasy magazine for 13 years as well as a regular contributor to SCI FI magazine. She has sold over 200 articles to magazines in the United States and the United Kingdom.
You can contact Resa at ContactResa@aol.com. Follow Resa on Twitter @ResaNelson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
November 9, 2019
* I read this as I'm a judge for the #SPFBO *
Honestly, this book was so weird. Everything seemed very disjointed and had no real rhyme or reason. I feel like this started out as short stories with the same main character, but then when in book form it never really got melded together properly so there are many instances where there seems to be a lack of clarification.
This story follows Astrid, a girl from a place which is awful. She's scarred and scared that no one will buy her from the child taker who bought her to sell. She doesn't want to die but she's shown kindness by a Dragonslayer... From there, her story begins.
Now I really think there's cool ideas here but the nature of the story is so discombobulated that it makes no real impact as a tale. I think the book is different in style from many others and it may work for some because of that, but to me it was problematic and didn't flow at all.
I also found a fair few typos in this one.
Overall, not a bad story if you took each chapter as a tiny disjointed one, but as a book it didn't work for me. 2*s
Honestly, this book was so weird. Everything seemed very disjointed and had no real rhyme or reason. I feel like this started out as short stories with the same main character, but then when in book form it never really got melded together properly so there are many instances where there seems to be a lack of clarification.
This story follows Astrid, a girl from a place which is awful. She's scarred and scared that no one will buy her from the child taker who bought her to sell. She doesn't want to die but she's shown kindness by a Dragonslayer... From there, her story begins.
Now I really think there's cool ideas here but the nature of the story is so discombobulated that it makes no real impact as a tale. I think the book is different in style from many others and it may work for some because of that, but to me it was problematic and didn't flow at all.
I also found a fair few typos in this one.
Overall, not a bad story if you took each chapter as a tiny disjointed one, but as a book it didn't work for me. 2*s
February 23, 2018
I really loved this book... the characters are fleshed out wonderfully, Astrid is especially memorable. DiStephan was without a doubt my favorite character, from the first moment he appeared on the page he was so vibrant and full of life! I loved how the author worked the dragons into the plot as well as the distinction used between them and the lizards. The one very tiny complaint that I have is that once glaringly and one other time minimally, the author made a jarring jump from one chapter to the next which threw me for a loop till I figured out what had happened. Over all this was a incredibly enjoyable read and I plan to continue on to book 2 the Iron Maiden in the series.
February 16, 2018
Can I just say....DRAGONS!
Alright, now this was interesting fantasy! Not too muddled in explicating the ways of how things worked and began the action and character development immediately!
Only qualms:
•There's some confusion (though I do know it may just be me) about who can see what (the author and those who have read will know what I mean) and what the plain of where the people are traveling looks like? Don't need any big narration for it, just a couple sentences maybe delving just a tad bit more into it.
•There seemed to be some woman shaming on the MC's part toward Lenore and while during the middle and end the MC seemed kinder to her in thoughts and some actions, I wish there'd had been some "Oh," she thought as an epiphany rose. "Perhaps Lenore isn't as others had said." And so she apologized to Lenore for her way of treatment from her assumptions.
Just saying....
But otherwise, I did like the fantasy, the DRAGONS, and some of the romance (kind of wish for a bit more development like extra little scenes for when the MC and DiStephan would talk to each other normally) along with the writing. I loved the action and hope to read more soon!
4/5 Yay, dragons stars!
Alright, now this was interesting fantasy! Not too muddled in explicating the ways of how things worked and began the action and character development immediately!
Only qualms:
•There's some confusion (though I do know it may just be me) about who can see what (the author and those who have read will know what I mean) and what the plain of where the people are traveling looks like? Don't need any big narration for it, just a couple sentences maybe delving just a tad bit more into it.
•There seemed to be some woman shaming on the MC's part toward Lenore and while during the middle and end the MC seemed kinder to her in thoughts and some actions, I wish there'd had been some "Oh," she thought as an epiphany rose. "Perhaps Lenore isn't as others had said." And so she apologized to Lenore for her way of treatment from her assumptions.
Just saying....
But otherwise, I did like the fantasy, the DRAGONS, and some of the romance (kind of wish for a bit more development like extra little scenes for when the MC and DiStephan would talk to each other normally) along with the writing. I loved the action and hope to read more soon!
4/5 Yay, dragons stars!
April 6, 2019
***3.5 confused Stars***
I found myself lost many times during reading because the story would flip without any description of where it originated from or what it had to do with the story in general. Very little world building...it was more or less left to your own imagination (not so much a bad thing)
I wanted to put it down but for some reason, I just couldn't. I felt like an addict who just couldn't say "NO" so I had to keep going and you could tell how the author's writing evolved by the end.
The book in general had a very interesting storyline with great premise.
I found myself lost many times during reading because the story would flip without any description of where it originated from or what it had to do with the story in general. Very little world building...it was more or less left to your own imagination (not so much a bad thing)
I wanted to put it down but for some reason, I just couldn't. I felt like an addict who just couldn't say "NO" so I had to keep going and you could tell how the author's writing evolved by the end.
The book in general had a very interesting storyline with great premise.
August 11, 2012
I received a free copy of this book for review.
This was such a fun read. We follow the life of Astrid from the time she is a small child that is bought from a bad place by a child seller. Alone and horribly disfigured she is terrified of the world but at the same time determined to find a place for herself in it. In a world full of dragons and lizard and shapeshifting humans Astrid grows up to make a life for herself and learn what true friendship is.
I love the way the story comes together as Astrid gets older. We see bits and pieces of her life reavealed and come to learn what happened to her as a child. Along with Astrid, the characters that are a part of her life are not perfect. They are flawed as humans are. Love is sometimes requited and sometimes those we love will die or betray us. The bad characters are also not all evil. There are shades of gray among the dark.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a YA fantasy set in a land with dragons and magic. Its not something I would recommend for younger children as it is a bit bloody in places. To sum it up: a very fun read!
This was such a fun read. We follow the life of Astrid from the time she is a small child that is bought from a bad place by a child seller. Alone and horribly disfigured she is terrified of the world but at the same time determined to find a place for herself in it. In a world full of dragons and lizard and shapeshifting humans Astrid grows up to make a life for herself and learn what true friendship is.
I love the way the story comes together as Astrid gets older. We see bits and pieces of her life reavealed and come to learn what happened to her as a child. Along with Astrid, the characters that are a part of her life are not perfect. They are flawed as humans are. Love is sometimes requited and sometimes those we love will die or betray us. The bad characters are also not all evil. There are shades of gray among the dark.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a YA fantasy set in a land with dragons and magic. Its not something I would recommend for younger children as it is a bit bloody in places. To sum it up: a very fun read!
August 31, 2012
Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson
The Dragonslayer is a unique novel, Resa writing is fantastic I was drawn into this world and couldn’t believe I just about passed it up. Resa has created a world of unlike anything that I have read, I would say this novel would be classified as a medieval, fantasy novel. She brings us dragons, shape shifters, ghosts, thieves, dragonslayers and Astrid.
Astrid is a blacksmith who makes swords and weapons for the dragonslayers; she lives a solitary life and does not know anything about her family or life. Things start to change for her and in she has to question everything she things she knows about her past and future. This novel is about Astrid and we get to see her transform into a strong amazing young woman. Her journey is exciting to watch as her confidence grows and her character develops you are cheering for her along the way. I love that Resa has written Astrid with flaws and scars and is not beautiful as most characters in today’s books. This book is worth reading just to experience Astrid.
I have rated these book 4 stars as Resa Nelson has and a creative mind and the inner strength she given Astrid is truly amazing. To me this book wasn’t just about dragons and shape shifters are was about a young woman who rises above her circumstances and becomes her own strong independent woman.
The Dragonslayer is a unique novel, Resa writing is fantastic I was drawn into this world and couldn’t believe I just about passed it up. Resa has created a world of unlike anything that I have read, I would say this novel would be classified as a medieval, fantasy novel. She brings us dragons, shape shifters, ghosts, thieves, dragonslayers and Astrid.
Astrid is a blacksmith who makes swords and weapons for the dragonslayers; she lives a solitary life and does not know anything about her family or life. Things start to change for her and in she has to question everything she things she knows about her past and future. This novel is about Astrid and we get to see her transform into a strong amazing young woman. Her journey is exciting to watch as her confidence grows and her character develops you are cheering for her along the way. I love that Resa has written Astrid with flaws and scars and is not beautiful as most characters in today’s books. This book is worth reading just to experience Astrid.
I have rated these book 4 stars as Resa Nelson has and a creative mind and the inner strength she given Astrid is truly amazing. To me this book wasn’t just about dragons and shape shifters are was about a young woman who rises above her circumstances and becomes her own strong independent woman.
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September 10, 2012
Wow. Really enjoyed that tale of Dragons, adventures, in life and love.
*****Full Review*****
We meet Astrid as she is looking forward to her future, even after being given to the Child Seller and travels the land finding someone to buy her. To Astird it's better than where she came from, and what they did to her. Along the way he picks up another little girl, Mauri. Heading into Guell with both girls they come across a dragonslayer boy, DiStephan, and his father. Astrid is taken by the idea of a dragonslayer and thinks the boy is cute. This is the last town the Child Seller will attempt to shack Astrid, because of her marred face no one will take her, so she may die at the Child Sellers hand soon. The blacksmith, Temple, understands why Astrid is special, knowing what the scars are from, and is a strong person and takes her. Astrid is to stay inside the Smithery, where no one but Temple sees her, until she comes of age and can change her body to look as she wishes.
Over ten years later she's eighteen, loves being a blacksmith and realizes she loves DiStephan. However, eight months ago DiStephan did something that Astrid didn't approve of with a dragon. Sending him away, she didn't realize he'd not return. The town is left vulnerable until a new Dragon slayer arrives. However, the new Dragonslayer seems to take a liking to Astrid, creating issues for her; changing her body, and other things. But when a dragon shows up at her smithery one day, it's not good for her or her town...or is there something more here. When her town is then attacked by bandits and her past is drawn forth to Astrid, will she fight or hide from all of the world?
Astrid considers herself a monster, one people stare at and are scared of. As I went through the book I learned there is more behind the monster claim Astrid makes, other than just the scars all over her body. Her history is tied into this as well. Astrid was scarred by a dragon, chewed up and spit out. Astrid is physically and emotionally a scared character, from the time we meet her as a child. DiStephan, a very nice young man who helps Astrid, giving with the support of his father the name of someone who will take her if no other will. Someone they know. This being Temple.
Very Interesting!! People get to an age (maturity) and can change their bodies (allowed to do) to what they want. There are those who are strong enough to change others, which is NOT allowed to do, that can make the world dangerous. Astrid could hide her scars then. Then we have the Dragons. I really like the stories of the dragons in relation to the perception of others. Dragons see humans as small and weak, so people become so. But a few are strong enough to over come that forced change, hence they are Dragonslayers. The lore behind the dragons is interesting, and the ties it has with the storyline, really held me to the story to learn the way it works out.
This book is done in sections that highlights Astrids life, important pieces of her life. First we learn of her travel to Guell as a young girl. Then we jump to ten years later where Astrid is older, happy with life, and maybe even in love. We see times of when she learned to make a dragonslayers sword with her father-figure and mentor Temple.
In the first hundred pages I wasn't sure where the plot would lead. We meet Astrid and secondary characters. Grow attached and learn their life history leading to where they are now. This set up made me curious to Astrids scary past and scars and the ability to change ones skin, and to see the dragons as well. After that all falls apart and Astrid learns secrets of her past, her heritage, and of the true dragons.
I'm not one for metal yielding. I don't know much about how to do it, but Resa had to have taken great effort and time to learn it to describe it so detailed for me to understand what to do.
This story is of the birth of a dragonslayer. This story struck me as an adventure in love, not love of lovers but the love when you are where you belong and finding your way there. The love of friends and family, other than blood related. Being accepted by yourself for who you are and others accepting you as well. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This adventure we take with Astrid as she is sold a few times, tries to fit in with her scars, hides who she is along with her scars of her scary past. A journey through life and love. A love for self and acceptance ~ with others and in ones eyes.
*****Full Review*****
We meet Astrid as she is looking forward to her future, even after being given to the Child Seller and travels the land finding someone to buy her. To Astird it's better than where she came from, and what they did to her. Along the way he picks up another little girl, Mauri. Heading into Guell with both girls they come across a dragonslayer boy, DiStephan, and his father. Astrid is taken by the idea of a dragonslayer and thinks the boy is cute. This is the last town the Child Seller will attempt to shack Astrid, because of her marred face no one will take her, so she may die at the Child Sellers hand soon. The blacksmith, Temple, understands why Astrid is special, knowing what the scars are from, and is a strong person and takes her. Astrid is to stay inside the Smithery, where no one but Temple sees her, until she comes of age and can change her body to look as she wishes.
Over ten years later she's eighteen, loves being a blacksmith and realizes she loves DiStephan. However, eight months ago DiStephan did something that Astrid didn't approve of with a dragon. Sending him away, she didn't realize he'd not return. The town is left vulnerable until a new Dragon slayer arrives. However, the new Dragonslayer seems to take a liking to Astrid, creating issues for her; changing her body, and other things. But when a dragon shows up at her smithery one day, it's not good for her or her town...or is there something more here. When her town is then attacked by bandits and her past is drawn forth to Astrid, will she fight or hide from all of the world?
Astrid considers herself a monster, one people stare at and are scared of. As I went through the book I learned there is more behind the monster claim Astrid makes, other than just the scars all over her body. Her history is tied into this as well. Astrid was scarred by a dragon, chewed up and spit out. Astrid is physically and emotionally a scared character, from the time we meet her as a child. DiStephan, a very nice young man who helps Astrid, giving with the support of his father the name of someone who will take her if no other will. Someone they know. This being Temple.
Very Interesting!! People get to an age (maturity) and can change their bodies (allowed to do) to what they want. There are those who are strong enough to change others, which is NOT allowed to do, that can make the world dangerous. Astrid could hide her scars then. Then we have the Dragons. I really like the stories of the dragons in relation to the perception of others. Dragons see humans as small and weak, so people become so. But a few are strong enough to over come that forced change, hence they are Dragonslayers. The lore behind the dragons is interesting, and the ties it has with the storyline, really held me to the story to learn the way it works out.
This book is done in sections that highlights Astrids life, important pieces of her life. First we learn of her travel to Guell as a young girl. Then we jump to ten years later where Astrid is older, happy with life, and maybe even in love. We see times of when she learned to make a dragonslayers sword with her father-figure and mentor Temple.
In the first hundred pages I wasn't sure where the plot would lead. We meet Astrid and secondary characters. Grow attached and learn their life history leading to where they are now. This set up made me curious to Astrids scary past and scars and the ability to change ones skin, and to see the dragons as well. After that all falls apart and Astrid learns secrets of her past, her heritage, and of the true dragons.
I'm not one for metal yielding. I don't know much about how to do it, but Resa had to have taken great effort and time to learn it to describe it so detailed for me to understand what to do.
This story is of the birth of a dragonslayer. This story struck me as an adventure in love, not love of lovers but the love when you are where you belong and finding your way there. The love of friends and family, other than blood related. Being accepted by yourself for who you are and others accepting you as well. Feeling comfortable in your own skin. This adventure we take with Astrid as she is sold a few times, tries to fit in with her scars, hides who she is along with her scars of her scary past. A journey through life and love. A love for self and acceptance ~ with others and in ones eyes.
June 27, 2016
I recently purchased the entire series in a package because it was on the cheap and was called the Dragonslayer Series. Though I do think the name is a bit of false, or cleverly worded, advertisement the first book did not disappoint me. It was a one day read and kept my interest. You will be drawn into a unique world that you are not entire sure of for most of the book as it is being slowly revealed chapter by chapter. In the end we are left with a world full of the promise of adventure.
The protagonist, Astrid, is as unique as the world she is set in. Astrid's past mysteries and tragedies are unveiled slowly and you learn who she is just as she grows and learns who she is as well. The journey is fun.
What I enjoyed most was that the our heroine is not the typical best of the best, or a sudden rambo like hero. She learns a craft and makes it her own and is forced to grow and perhaps become more. I also enjoyed the mystery that was the “Dragons,” as they are called. I can not say much without going into spoiler territory but they too are as unique as the world and the heroine and are not grounded in typical dragon lore. Edit: Just noticed the profile pic for the book has a winged, likely fire breathing, dragon one top of a sword. That is most certainly a lie and if i had purchase the book becuase of that i would have been irk to the point of giving a bad review. This is nothing like the 1981 movie Dragon slayer.
What I found interesting, as well as disconcerting at times, was that instead of presenting the protagonist fully aged and read to go the story does a few time jumps in the first few chapters which acts like an elongated prologue. It gives use a quick background of her growing up years. Later, when the story is set, they are a few call backs to the past. This can leave the reader a bit confused at first as you are not sure what is going on.
Some things I disliked were that they are a number of spots where I was confused as to the motives being some of Astrid's actions. The same could be said of a other characters like Teddo whose does somethings which does not make sense as it does not fit who his character is. The long term relationships that Astride is shown to have, father, friends, and so on, do not feel as if they much deepth at first or at times at all. They exist, or had existed, but that is it. You do not feel the impact of those relationships for the character till later in the book were depth is added.
I've read the entire series so my rating may be somewhat lower than would have been if i just reviewed this book without having read the others. This book is not only the beginning of a four set series but a group of planned series, I think five in total. As a standalone book it is well worth the read and would make me want to by the next book.
I leave this warning. The first two books of the series are the best and have the tightest story and plot development of the four. The last two, while interesting and fun at times, left me disappointed in some of the logical miscues (worse in the fourth book), continuity errors, and in who and what the “big bad” is and the final solution to the series. I will end up reading the series again but it will take a while.
The protagonist, Astrid, is as unique as the world she is set in. Astrid's past mysteries and tragedies are unveiled slowly and you learn who she is just as she grows and learns who she is as well. The journey is fun.
What I enjoyed most was that the our heroine is not the typical best of the best, or a sudden rambo like hero. She learns a craft and makes it her own and is forced to grow and perhaps become more. I also enjoyed the mystery that was the “Dragons,” as they are called. I can not say much without going into spoiler territory but they too are as unique as the world and the heroine and are not grounded in typical dragon lore. Edit: Just noticed the profile pic for the book has a winged, likely fire breathing, dragon one top of a sword. That is most certainly a lie and if i had purchase the book becuase of that i would have been irk to the point of giving a bad review. This is nothing like the 1981 movie Dragon slayer.
What I found interesting, as well as disconcerting at times, was that instead of presenting the protagonist fully aged and read to go the story does a few time jumps in the first few chapters which acts like an elongated prologue. It gives use a quick background of her growing up years. Later, when the story is set, they are a few call backs to the past. This can leave the reader a bit confused at first as you are not sure what is going on.
Some things I disliked were that they are a number of spots where I was confused as to the motives being some of Astrid's actions. The same could be said of a other characters like Teddo whose does somethings which does not make sense as it does not fit who his character is. The long term relationships that Astride is shown to have, father, friends, and so on, do not feel as if they much deepth at first or at times at all. They exist, or had existed, but that is it. You do not feel the impact of those relationships for the character till later in the book were depth is added.
I've read the entire series so my rating may be somewhat lower than would have been if i just reviewed this book without having read the others. This book is not only the beginning of a four set series but a group of planned series, I think five in total. As a standalone book it is well worth the read and would make me want to by the next book.
I leave this warning. The first two books of the series are the best and have the tightest story and plot development of the four. The last two, while interesting and fun at times, left me disappointed in some of the logical miscues (worse in the fourth book), continuity errors, and in who and what the “big bad” is and the final solution to the series. I will end up reading the series again but it will take a while.
October 1, 2012
The Dragonslayer’s Sword was one of the most creative, original stories I have read in a long time. And, I might not have ever found this book if the author, Resa Nelson, had not contacted me to be a part of her book tour. I am so glad she did!
The story follows Astrid’s journey through life. She struggles throughout the novel with figuring out who she is truly. I completely related to this and feel many of my fellow readers would too. The story starts with Astrid as a child. A child-seller that kidnapped her is trying to sell her off, but no one will buy her because she is small and covered in scars from a dragon attack she survived somehow. Finally, the local blacksmith Temple, buys her and teaches her to blacksmith and how to control her shape-shifting ability. Yes, that’s right. She can shape-shift! Anyways, Temple teaches Astrid life lessons that she constantly looks back on in moments of distress.
The shape-shifting ability of Astrid and other people in her town of Guell completely caught me off guard. I mean, blacksmiths and dragons and shape-shifting? What a weird combo, right? But Resa Nelson makes it work!
The other characters of DiStephan, Lenore, Mauri and Taddeo were just as well fleshed out as Astrid. I wish I would have known something about Drageen that gave him a little more dimension than just being the asshole. But, he completely served his purpose so why am I complaining? LoL.
5 stars to The Dragonslayer’s Sword for being an inventive, unexpected read.
The story follows Astrid’s journey through life. She struggles throughout the novel with figuring out who she is truly. I completely related to this and feel many of my fellow readers would too. The story starts with Astrid as a child. A child-seller that kidnapped her is trying to sell her off, but no one will buy her because she is small and covered in scars from a dragon attack she survived somehow. Finally, the local blacksmith Temple, buys her and teaches her to blacksmith and how to control her shape-shifting ability. Yes, that’s right. She can shape-shift! Anyways, Temple teaches Astrid life lessons that she constantly looks back on in moments of distress.
The shape-shifting ability of Astrid and other people in her town of Guell completely caught me off guard. I mean, blacksmiths and dragons and shape-shifting? What a weird combo, right? But Resa Nelson makes it work!
The other characters of DiStephan, Lenore, Mauri and Taddeo were just as well fleshed out as Astrid. I wish I would have known something about Drageen that gave him a little more dimension than just being the asshole. But, he completely served his purpose so why am I complaining? LoL.
5 stars to The Dragonslayer’s Sword for being an inventive, unexpected read.
January 5, 2012
The Dragonslayer's Sword was a book unlike any other I had ever read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, and it was a good thing. There was no way for me to even guess at the things that would be discussed. This book was nothing, if not unique.
The beginning of this book dropped us right in the midst of the feelings swirling inside a young, abused girl, Astrid. It was somewhat depressing, and confusing. The reader had no idea why she was like she was or what happened to her family. However, we learned that Astrid is very intuitive and learns things about her surroundings easily. She doesn't forget and uses everything she learns to make her a better person.
Initially, I did not like this book. I thought it was too confusing and convoluted. Nothing made sense. I didn't understand why the people could change the way they appeared, or anything. As the book went on, I was very tempted to quit and never read it again. I didn't like how easily things came for Astrid. Often, she said "I understood now why..." or "That explained why...". It got me a little annoyed because, well, it explained nothing to me, and I didn't understand why. There were way too many links and loopholes between people and events. There was just way too much to this book, too many different people with too many backstories and not enough pages to explain them all. It felt rushed and oftentimes, I found myself wondering how on earth I made it to where I made it in my book.
Despite these many issues, there was much I liked about the book. I loved the fact that the main character was unattractive and was able to grow into her true potential. I liked that they showed the power of belief on people. In addition, once things were explained at the end, I felt much better about the book. It was the end that improved the rating I had about the book.
I would suggest that only those who are thoroughly interested in Fantasy read this book. If you are interested more in paranormal romance and expect this book to be heavy on the romance and otherworldly explanations about the reasons life is the way it is, don't read this book. You much throw out all your preconceived notions and come to the table with an empty slate.
I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn't really my type of book, although I liked much about it. I will probably read the next book (not just because I promised the author, but because I want to).
The beginning of this book dropped us right in the midst of the feelings swirling inside a young, abused girl, Astrid. It was somewhat depressing, and confusing. The reader had no idea why she was like she was or what happened to her family. However, we learned that Astrid is very intuitive and learns things about her surroundings easily. She doesn't forget and uses everything she learns to make her a better person.
Initially, I did not like this book. I thought it was too confusing and convoluted. Nothing made sense. I didn't understand why the people could change the way they appeared, or anything. As the book went on, I was very tempted to quit and never read it again. I didn't like how easily things came for Astrid. Often, she said "I understood now why..." or "That explained why...". It got me a little annoyed because, well, it explained nothing to me, and I didn't understand why. There were way too many links and loopholes between people and events. There was just way too much to this book, too many different people with too many backstories and not enough pages to explain them all. It felt rushed and oftentimes, I found myself wondering how on earth I made it to where I made it in my book.
Despite these many issues, there was much I liked about the book. I loved the fact that the main character was unattractive and was able to grow into her true potential. I liked that they showed the power of belief on people. In addition, once things were explained at the end, I felt much better about the book. It was the end that improved the rating I had about the book.
I would suggest that only those who are thoroughly interested in Fantasy read this book. If you are interested more in paranormal romance and expect this book to be heavy on the romance and otherworldly explanations about the reasons life is the way it is, don't read this book. You much throw out all your preconceived notions and come to the table with an empty slate.
I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn't really my type of book, although I liked much about it. I will probably read the next book (not just because I promised the author, but because I want to).
June 1, 2015
I have spent the past couple months working my way through this series. After having read her newest story for the companion series Dragonfly, I needed to know more about the characters I was being introduced to. The Dragonslayer Series, is the story of Astrid, a common blacksmith, who in the end is anything but common. Each book continues her journey and each one contains an element she must overcome to gain knowledge about herself and about the world she is destined to protect.
I find it sometimes hard to critique one book in a series when they are heavily connected — where the sequels are just a continuation of the story. Therefore, instead of talking about each one individually, I prefer to look at the series as a whole.
There are four books in the series: The Dragonslayer’s Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness, and The Dragon’s Egg.
Once again Nelson had me hooked within the first couple chapters. Every element a good story should have Nelson included. I never felt anything was missing. Plot holes I was afraid would never be answered, were tidied up at the end. A clean, well-written, dragon-ish and magical adventure that I believe most fantasy buffs will enjoy. Nelson is a good storyteller and I feel a part of the world she created. A place where dragons are not always dragons, and what is a dragon exactly? A place where the bad guys aren’t always as awful as one first thought and like all of us have many complicated layers. The protagonist is a likeable character, she has suffered much in her life, and is always just looking to belong. But where does she belong is the ultimate question. I cannot recommend this series enough.
I saw a review about Nelson being a simple writer. I am not sure why that is supposed to be a bad thing? I personally read for enjoyment and appreciate an author who cares more about telling a good story than about sounding erudite. I enjoyed her writing and ease of her flowing words. She also had some great quotes that touched a cord in me.
If you are a fantasy lover like me, than I’m sure you will enjoy this story. A collection of cultures much like our own in history, Nelson breathes life and imagination into the creatures and civilizations we have only read about. A beautiful story that will appeal to many and to all ages.
My other reviews:
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/
I find it sometimes hard to critique one book in a series when they are heavily connected — where the sequels are just a continuation of the story. Therefore, instead of talking about each one individually, I prefer to look at the series as a whole.
There are four books in the series: The Dragonslayer’s Sword, The Iron Maiden, The Stone of Darkness, and The Dragon’s Egg.
Once again Nelson had me hooked within the first couple chapters. Every element a good story should have Nelson included. I never felt anything was missing. Plot holes I was afraid would never be answered, were tidied up at the end. A clean, well-written, dragon-ish and magical adventure that I believe most fantasy buffs will enjoy. Nelson is a good storyteller and I feel a part of the world she created. A place where dragons are not always dragons, and what is a dragon exactly? A place where the bad guys aren’t always as awful as one first thought and like all of us have many complicated layers. The protagonist is a likeable character, she has suffered much in her life, and is always just looking to belong. But where does she belong is the ultimate question. I cannot recommend this series enough.
I saw a review about Nelson being a simple writer. I am not sure why that is supposed to be a bad thing? I personally read for enjoyment and appreciate an author who cares more about telling a good story than about sounding erudite. I enjoyed her writing and ease of her flowing words. She also had some great quotes that touched a cord in me.
If you are a fantasy lover like me, than I’m sure you will enjoy this story. A collection of cultures much like our own in history, Nelson breathes life and imagination into the creatures and civilizations we have only read about. A beautiful story that will appeal to many and to all ages.
My other reviews:
https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/
August 16, 2012
Review to come- but overall....
great YA fantasy. If you love fantasy, and dragons, and swordplay- this is SO the book for you. Fantasy is not my favorite genre (I usually prefer urban in my fantasy) but this was still an engrossing tale that swept me into it's pages.
It's also a 'safe' YA book that would be appropriate for younger audiences. There is violence, and death, but it's not to an over-the-top gory level.
great YA fantasy. If you love fantasy, and dragons, and swordplay- this is SO the book for you. Fantasy is not my favorite genre (I usually prefer urban in my fantasy) but this was still an engrossing tale that swept me into it's pages.
It's also a 'safe' YA book that would be appropriate for younger audiences. There is violence, and death, but it's not to an over-the-top gory level.
September 12, 2018
Dragons, magic, love, and lost.
This book perhaps became my new favorite series.
The whole idea of dragons and dragon slayers were never questioned enough as it was in this book. Why do they kill the dragons? why can some people see reality more than others? Just who is your friend or neighbor?
This author managed to grab my attention right from the start simply by the setting of the first chapter. Setting the scene with a young girl who is being sold by a child selling. That already struck a cord for me as I never picked up a book with such a start. From then on out the novel took itself up and carried the story beautifully between the families and friends, enemies and monsters, and so much more.
If a person loves magic and fantasy, this should be on their tbr pile.
This book perhaps became my new favorite series.
The whole idea of dragons and dragon slayers were never questioned enough as it was in this book. Why do they kill the dragons? why can some people see reality more than others? Just who is your friend or neighbor?
This author managed to grab my attention right from the start simply by the setting of the first chapter. Setting the scene with a young girl who is being sold by a child selling. That already struck a cord for me as I never picked up a book with such a start. From then on out the novel took itself up and carried the story beautifully between the families and friends, enemies and monsters, and so much more.
If a person loves magic and fantasy, this should be on their tbr pile.
April 29, 2020
Honestly, I wasn't too keen on this book for the first chapter or so. But very shortly after that, I found myself completely swept away by the story. I really enjoyed this story and feel like it was very original. However, the ending felt rather rushed.
June 3, 2019
I found it difficult to get into for the first half of the book, I also was uncertain about the magic in it. I did enjoy the overall plot.
March 12, 2025
I wanted to DNF several times throughout this book, I wish I had. None of it made any sense.
November 11, 2024
DNF @ 68%
January 21, 2012
This a fantasy novel following Astrid, a blacksmith, who lives in a world of dragons and of shape-shifters. Initially involved only in that she made swords for Dragonslayers, she find herself involved in a much greater turn of events in something that began beyond her own memory, and continues way beyond her home.
The first thing that I really like about this book is the plot. When do we have a blacksmith as a protagonist? Never. But why not- they're strong, determined and hard working. They sound made for the role. This kind of quirky uniqueness was a big plus for me because it was so different to your everyday sword and sorcery fantasy. Don't get me wrong, I adore sorcery, but I appreciated this difference in style and outlook. It made the experience that bit sweeter.
The plot itself was very linear. We don't get long travelling monologues or description, which I know makes some people scream for joy, but the first time I got this feeling it jolted me a little. I felt like she'd travelled miles in a matter of words and drew me out just a bit. I imagine if it had been a long drawn out description, I would have complained a little as well, the only difference is that the jolting was painless. It didn't stop me enjoying the book, and the conversations and events in the areas she goes make it easily a fantastic involving story- it rendered the travel commentary unnecessary.
The two main fantasy elements (dragons and shapeshifting) are very quickly introduced in a perhaps merciless manner. But the tone of writing doesn't make you think that this ignorance will last. We're not told everything at once, but neither we left in the dark. We're given what we need to know to get by, and we can learn the rest ourselves. Usually the lore and specifics of both are revealed as time progresses and we get a more rounded view of it, which matches how Astrid learns.
The shapeshifting is a self-perception idea. Astrid can make herself appear as she sees herself or wishes herself to be; equally she could change someone else's appearance. I loved this embodiment of the idea that we are who we want to be, and others shouldn't change us (in the book it's considered bad manners to change another's appearance). Everything we encounter and see is how we choose to see it, which is the foundation of prejudice. Calling something beautiful or ugly is a mix of feelings and pre-conceptions. The shapeshifting takes this is step further to say that this power, this belief, can have an actual affect on people. A strong man may become weak merely because someone sees them as weak and (intentionally or not) compels this view onto the man's shape. I just really like the idea as well that if you are self-confident, or happy with who you are, then no one can change you at all.
I'm not going to lie that I was a bit dubious about the last part of the story, not the actual last chapter/conclusion. It felt like a rather separate story to the original plot, and I didn't expect it to continue as it did. It wasn't bad in itself, but I wonder whether it should have went there or what not. Also, as with the travelling, bits occasionally felt rushed over; as though it was necessary as part of the plot, but nothing else. It just had to happen.
Otherwise, this is really great fantasy. It's a short book at 286 pages long, but it keeps one riveted such that it could be comfortably finished in an afternoon. It's something I'd recommend to a fantasy reader because it's a pleasant and different read. I don't think like I had to try hard: I could just enjoy reading it.
The first thing that I really like about this book is the plot. When do we have a blacksmith as a protagonist? Never. But why not- they're strong, determined and hard working. They sound made for the role. This kind of quirky uniqueness was a big plus for me because it was so different to your everyday sword and sorcery fantasy. Don't get me wrong, I adore sorcery, but I appreciated this difference in style and outlook. It made the experience that bit sweeter.
The plot itself was very linear. We don't get long travelling monologues or description, which I know makes some people scream for joy, but the first time I got this feeling it jolted me a little. I felt like she'd travelled miles in a matter of words and drew me out just a bit. I imagine if it had been a long drawn out description, I would have complained a little as well, the only difference is that the jolting was painless. It didn't stop me enjoying the book, and the conversations and events in the areas she goes make it easily a fantastic involving story- it rendered the travel commentary unnecessary.
The two main fantasy elements (dragons and shapeshifting) are very quickly introduced in a perhaps merciless manner. But the tone of writing doesn't make you think that this ignorance will last. We're not told everything at once, but neither we left in the dark. We're given what we need to know to get by, and we can learn the rest ourselves. Usually the lore and specifics of both are revealed as time progresses and we get a more rounded view of it, which matches how Astrid learns.
The shapeshifting is a self-perception idea. Astrid can make herself appear as she sees herself or wishes herself to be; equally she could change someone else's appearance. I loved this embodiment of the idea that we are who we want to be, and others shouldn't change us (in the book it's considered bad manners to change another's appearance). Everything we encounter and see is how we choose to see it, which is the foundation of prejudice. Calling something beautiful or ugly is a mix of feelings and pre-conceptions. The shapeshifting takes this is step further to say that this power, this belief, can have an actual affect on people. A strong man may become weak merely because someone sees them as weak and (intentionally or not) compels this view onto the man's shape. I just really like the idea as well that if you are self-confident, or happy with who you are, then no one can change you at all.
I'm not going to lie that I was a bit dubious about the last part of the story, not the actual last chapter/conclusion. It felt like a rather separate story to the original plot, and I didn't expect it to continue as it did. It wasn't bad in itself, but I wonder whether it should have went there or what not. Also, as with the travelling, bits occasionally felt rushed over; as though it was necessary as part of the plot, but nothing else. It just had to happen.
Otherwise, this is really great fantasy. It's a short book at 286 pages long, but it keeps one riveted such that it could be comfortably finished in an afternoon. It's something I'd recommend to a fantasy reader because it's a pleasant and different read. I don't think like I had to try hard: I could just enjoy reading it.
April 12, 2017
This is a book about changing perceptions. Almost nobody in this book is who they appear to be. Not even Astrid, the little girl who is sold to a blacksmith near the beginning of the book.
When Astrid, the child seller, and Mauri, the other child the child seller has to sell, first come to the town of Guell, they meet the town’s dragonslayer and his son, DiStephan. The dragonslayers advise the child seller to try selling Astrid to the town’s blacksmith, who lost a daughter a couple of years before.
Astrid considers herself to be a monster because she is badly scarred. DiStephan comments that she looks like a dragon chewed her up and spit her out.
The blacksmith buys her and trains her to become a first class blacksmith, able to craft the very finest dragon-slaying swords, as well as any other tools that blacksmiths make. He also teaches her to change herself.
The people of Guell have the ability to present themselves in any form they like once they are adults. Or at least it appears that they do. When she is grown, Astrid is able to erase her scars as far as anybody else is concerned. She also can shift from her regular body to a blacksmithing body, which she doesn’t usually show anyone else. The broader shoulders and extra muscles help her in her work.
DiStephan has become her lover, and she has made dragon slaying swords for him. Mauri, who was bought by another family and has grown up to become a potter, is her friend. Her mentor, the blacksmith, has died, as has DiStephan’s father.
And then things begin to change. Astrid discovers that she can change other people’s perception of themselves by her attitude toward them. She becomes upset at what she considers DiStephan’s unnecessary enjoyment at killing a hatchling dragon that attacks them, and it seems to change him. He leaves and doesn’t come back. Astrid thinks it is because he is angry at her, and wants to go find him.
Guell acquires another dragonslayer, Taddeo. Taddeo, it turns out, is definitely not what he appears to be. He and Astrid, mostly unwittingly, change each other, and Astrid has a hard time changing back to her chosen shape.
Then Guell is attacked and burned by brigands. They kill nearly everybody, and dragons come in to feast on the dead. But the brigands take Astrid captive. When she sees the leader of the brigands, she knows she is being taken back to the place where she came from, the place where she was abused and given to a dragon.
Astrid must undergo many more trials before she can get everything straightened out again. She finds that some people she thought were friends have been enemies all along, and some people she thought were enemies were actually not. She also finds that dragons are the only true shape shifters and that the critters the residents of Guell thought of as dragons were not actually dragons but lizards. And that the most important changes are not the changes in your outward appearance but the internal changes you make in response to interactions with other people.
When Astrid, the child seller, and Mauri, the other child the child seller has to sell, first come to the town of Guell, they meet the town’s dragonslayer and his son, DiStephan. The dragonslayers advise the child seller to try selling Astrid to the town’s blacksmith, who lost a daughter a couple of years before.
Astrid considers herself to be a monster because she is badly scarred. DiStephan comments that she looks like a dragon chewed her up and spit her out.
The blacksmith buys her and trains her to become a first class blacksmith, able to craft the very finest dragon-slaying swords, as well as any other tools that blacksmiths make. He also teaches her to change herself.
The people of Guell have the ability to present themselves in any form they like once they are adults. Or at least it appears that they do. When she is grown, Astrid is able to erase her scars as far as anybody else is concerned. She also can shift from her regular body to a blacksmithing body, which she doesn’t usually show anyone else. The broader shoulders and extra muscles help her in her work.
DiStephan has become her lover, and she has made dragon slaying swords for him. Mauri, who was bought by another family and has grown up to become a potter, is her friend. Her mentor, the blacksmith, has died, as has DiStephan’s father.
And then things begin to change. Astrid discovers that she can change other people’s perception of themselves by her attitude toward them. She becomes upset at what she considers DiStephan’s unnecessary enjoyment at killing a hatchling dragon that attacks them, and it seems to change him. He leaves and doesn’t come back. Astrid thinks it is because he is angry at her, and wants to go find him.
Guell acquires another dragonslayer, Taddeo. Taddeo, it turns out, is definitely not what he appears to be. He and Astrid, mostly unwittingly, change each other, and Astrid has a hard time changing back to her chosen shape.
Then Guell is attacked and burned by brigands. They kill nearly everybody, and dragons come in to feast on the dead. But the brigands take Astrid captive. When she sees the leader of the brigands, she knows she is being taken back to the place where she came from, the place where she was abused and given to a dragon.
Astrid must undergo many more trials before she can get everything straightened out again. She finds that some people she thought were friends have been enemies all along, and some people she thought were enemies were actually not. She also finds that dragons are the only true shape shifters and that the critters the residents of Guell thought of as dragons were not actually dragons but lizards. And that the most important changes are not the changes in your outward appearance but the internal changes you make in response to interactions with other people.
February 1, 2012
Seriously what where the chance to say no to the book related to dragons...yeah...like zero...so here we are with the Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson.
What can i say? I really didn't expect to like it that much (i was thinking to go for 4 starts but you will see later why i didn't). The world is amazing and different. A mix of many different people and beliefs. And while it starts from a small town, you get to know more and other things too. The story? Captivating from the very first chapter. You see the world from our heroines eyes, and you get to know and understand everything along with her. You know what she knows. And that made the whole story new and surprising. Don't remember when was the last time, i didn't know what will happen until the last page. You are literally one with the character and you grow with her. Secondary characters? Complex, with full personalities and ideas like Astrid. Even characters who are not as important to the story, they have a story and are connected beautifully with the world and help you understand it better.
Another big...really big actually, part of the book is the blacksmiths. Never read a book before, where the blacksmiths are that important or so front in the story. You get to see their world, in amazing detail and honestly? I fell in love with them, that much that i just created a new blacksmith characters for my imagination stories :P I could kept reading just for them...who cares about dragons? How they worked, lived, and thought was way more interesting than anything else in the book.
Then of course we have Astrid who is one of my favorite characters ever! She is strong, clever, kind hearted and no matter how many bad things happened to her she is not the usual cry-baby girl. She fights and she found a way to survive. You read about her and you are proud of what she done. She has some negative things of course, but who hasn't? We are not perfect, and she in not. She is just a character who you can connect with and appreciate her part.
Now, as i said i was going 4 stars but i gave it 3.5. That's only because there is a really strange idea about the shapeshifting of the world. Even at the end of the book, you are still might missing things. And at first i was very confused on how it worked. It took me half the book to actually understand in a decent level the whole thing so here is the minus -0.5. Maybe it didn't work out for me, or it could have been explained differently since it's also important for the story. Of course now, i have no questions about it so we are okay.
So here is, the first i believe, fantasy book i recommend for 2012! Different, original, complex but easy to read, with lots of action and a really great world to spent some days in!
What can i say? I really didn't expect to like it that much (i was thinking to go for 4 starts but you will see later why i didn't). The world is amazing and different. A mix of many different people and beliefs. And while it starts from a small town, you get to know more and other things too. The story? Captivating from the very first chapter. You see the world from our heroines eyes, and you get to know and understand everything along with her. You know what she knows. And that made the whole story new and surprising. Don't remember when was the last time, i didn't know what will happen until the last page. You are literally one with the character and you grow with her. Secondary characters? Complex, with full personalities and ideas like Astrid. Even characters who are not as important to the story, they have a story and are connected beautifully with the world and help you understand it better.
Another big...really big actually, part of the book is the blacksmiths. Never read a book before, where the blacksmiths are that important or so front in the story. You get to see their world, in amazing detail and honestly? I fell in love with them, that much that i just created a new blacksmith characters for my imagination stories :P I could kept reading just for them...who cares about dragons? How they worked, lived, and thought was way more interesting than anything else in the book.
Then of course we have Astrid who is one of my favorite characters ever! She is strong, clever, kind hearted and no matter how many bad things happened to her she is not the usual cry-baby girl. She fights and she found a way to survive. You read about her and you are proud of what she done. She has some negative things of course, but who hasn't? We are not perfect, and she in not. She is just a character who you can connect with and appreciate her part.
Now, as i said i was going 4 stars but i gave it 3.5. That's only because there is a really strange idea about the shapeshifting of the world. Even at the end of the book, you are still might missing things. And at first i was very confused on how it worked. It took me half the book to actually understand in a decent level the whole thing so here is the minus -0.5. Maybe it didn't work out for me, or it could have been explained differently since it's also important for the story. Of course now, i have no questions about it so we are okay.
So here is, the first i believe, fantasy book i recommend for 2012! Different, original, complex but easy to read, with lots of action and a really great world to spent some days in!
April 2, 2015
I just finished reading The Dragonslayer's Sword and I have to say I'm very tempted to go back and read it again.
I'm going to be honest here. I was completely out of my comfort zone with this book. First of all, I don't think I've read a lot of books with medieval themes. So I didn't really knew what to expect. Also, I know nothing about blacksmiths. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Ms. Nelson managed to combine the fantasy details with the historical details. Another thing I loved was how the author described the process of sword making and how she made it sound somewhat easy. Of course, I know it's not easy, but it didn't sound like something impossible to learn.
I also loved the new take on shapeshifters and dragons. It was refreshing, because it's so unlike any other fantasy novel I've read, it's different and new. I liked that a lot, because I didn't feel like I knew what the dragons or shapeshifters would be like.
In this book we watch the heroine, Astrid, grow up and become an amazing woman. Despite her childhood, she manages to move on with the help of DiStephan, the dragonslayer, and her best friend, Mauri. Most of the book is told from her perspective, but at the end, we get to see some of the scenes told from the perspectives of other characters and I liked that.
I have to say, one of the things I loved most about this book was the balance in it. The descriptions weren't too big or too short for me, the action scenes were great and the dialogues were well written and they had the perfect length. The book also fast-paced and I loved that. There wasn't a moment when I felt that the story was in one scene or place more than it should.
The only thing I was hoping was to be inside other character's perspective a little more. There is one scene with Astrid and some other blacksmiths when Astrid realized how she was truly seen by those men and it makes her more confident in herself and in who she is, so I think it would've helped her more to see things from another angle.
I think this was a great start for a series and I'm very curious what happens next, in The Iron Maiden
I'm going to be honest here. I was completely out of my comfort zone with this book. First of all, I don't think I've read a lot of books with medieval themes. So I didn't really knew what to expect. Also, I know nothing about blacksmiths. I was pleasantly surprised by the way Ms. Nelson managed to combine the fantasy details with the historical details. Another thing I loved was how the author described the process of sword making and how she made it sound somewhat easy. Of course, I know it's not easy, but it didn't sound like something impossible to learn.
I also loved the new take on shapeshifters and dragons. It was refreshing, because it's so unlike any other fantasy novel I've read, it's different and new. I liked that a lot, because I didn't feel like I knew what the dragons or shapeshifters would be like.
In this book we watch the heroine, Astrid, grow up and become an amazing woman. Despite her childhood, she manages to move on with the help of DiStephan, the dragonslayer, and her best friend, Mauri. Most of the book is told from her perspective, but at the end, we get to see some of the scenes told from the perspectives of other characters and I liked that.
I have to say, one of the things I loved most about this book was the balance in it. The descriptions weren't too big or too short for me, the action scenes were great and the dialogues were well written and they had the perfect length. The book also fast-paced and I loved that. There wasn't a moment when I felt that the story was in one scene or place more than it should.
The only thing I was hoping was to be inside other character's perspective a little more. There is one scene with Astrid and some other blacksmiths when Astrid realized how she was truly seen by those men and it makes her more confident in herself and in who she is, so I think it would've helped her more to see things from another angle.
I think this was a great start for a series and I'm very curious what happens next, in The Iron Maiden
February 20, 2012
This book was well-written in terms of keeping the reader interested. The characters were interesting, DiStephan and Lenore especially. I found the setting to be very unique; the concept of what it means to shapeshift as well as the role of the dragons. I also approve of the very concise writing style. Nelson leaves a strong impact when she writes a one sentence paragraph.
It's written like this.
I would like to point out that she does do it often. Personally, I had no problem with it but some people might not like this style so here's a heads up.
I would love to give this book more stars but there were some things that detracted from my reading experience. I felt that the plot was very lacking in some ways. It felt too forced and yet hesitant, which made it hard for me to really commit. Too much detail was given about things that didn't matter and too little about things that do. For example, when the secret that Astrid was hiding is revealed, the effect was ruined because there was little to no foreshadowing. I couldn't bring myself to care mainly because I didn't even know what even meant! In general, I felt very little sympathy for the characters. Aside from a few of them, I couldn't understand why the characters did what they did. One character pledged to go wherever Astrid goes but it doesn't make sense since she (or he) never showed any sign of loyalty to her. I was also a bit annoyed at how the final battle went down. It's not much better, in my opinion.
Overall, this book is great for a rainy day when you just want to read a quick action-packed story. There is a bit of dismemberment going on so it might not be the best pick for children. Anyway, the book is not perfect and might not become one of your top favorites but it's certainly a fun read.
Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review
It's written like this.
I would like to point out that she does do it often. Personally, I had no problem with it but some people might not like this style so here's a heads up.
I would love to give this book more stars but there were some things that detracted from my reading experience. I felt that the plot was very lacking in some ways. It felt too forced and yet hesitant, which made it hard for me to really commit. Too much detail was given about things that didn't matter and too little about things that do. For example, when the secret that Astrid was hiding is revealed, the effect was ruined because there was little to no foreshadowing. I couldn't bring myself to care mainly because I didn't even know what even meant! In general, I felt very little sympathy for the characters. Aside from a few of them, I couldn't understand why the characters did what they did. One character pledged to go wherever Astrid goes but it doesn't make sense since she (or he) never showed any sign of loyalty to her. I was also a bit annoyed at how the final battle went down. It's not much better, in my opinion.
Overall, this book is great for a rainy day when you just want to read a quick action-packed story. There is a bit of dismemberment going on so it might not be the best pick for children. Anyway, the book is not perfect and might not become one of your top favorites but it's certainly a fun read.
Won in a giveaway in return for an honest review
July 10, 2012
This was a captivating story with an imaginative world full of interesting characters and a unique plotline that made it difficult to put this book down.
It started off a little slow compared to what I normally prefer but once I got past the half-way mark it sped up to a fast pace where I was totally hooked and from that point I struggled to stop reading to perform other daily functions.
The author paints a world that is very unique and something I haven't come across before. I was fascinated by the way the character's have the ability to shape shift if they have had the fortune of being able to eat lizard meat during their life. There is also a distinction made between actual dragons that have special powers and what are so-called 'lizards' which look very similar to dragons but are not as powerful and like to attack and eat humans.
Enter the dragonslayer, a certain individual that is hired and given a specially made sword so they can hunt and kill any of the lizards that pose a threat to the villagers.
I was pleased to read a book with a strong female lead character for a change. It was interesting to see the growth in Astrid from the child with no confidence due to being badly scarred when she was almost eaten by a dragon, to being the village blacksmith who creates the dragonslayer swords to eventually becoming the dragonslayer herself and protector of her people.
There was a side story of where Astrid came from and how she became what she was which I did find a little confusing at times and I thought this part of the story would have benefited from a little more detail to give a better view of the big picture.
Overall I found this a very entertaining read and can't wait to follow more of Astrid's journey in the next instalment.
It started off a little slow compared to what I normally prefer but once I got past the half-way mark it sped up to a fast pace where I was totally hooked and from that point I struggled to stop reading to perform other daily functions.
The author paints a world that is very unique and something I haven't come across before. I was fascinated by the way the character's have the ability to shape shift if they have had the fortune of being able to eat lizard meat during their life. There is also a distinction made between actual dragons that have special powers and what are so-called 'lizards' which look very similar to dragons but are not as powerful and like to attack and eat humans.
Enter the dragonslayer, a certain individual that is hired and given a specially made sword so they can hunt and kill any of the lizards that pose a threat to the villagers.
I was pleased to read a book with a strong female lead character for a change. It was interesting to see the growth in Astrid from the child with no confidence due to being badly scarred when she was almost eaten by a dragon, to being the village blacksmith who creates the dragonslayer swords to eventually becoming the dragonslayer herself and protector of her people.
There was a side story of where Astrid came from and how she became what she was which I did find a little confusing at times and I thought this part of the story would have benefited from a little more detail to give a better view of the big picture.
Overall I found this a very entertaining read and can't wait to follow more of Astrid's journey in the next instalment.
October 19, 2011
In The Dragonslayer’s Sword, Resa Nelson has imagined a mysterious world full of fantasy and terror. She brings the reader in by abruptly dropping them into this world with a frightened, disfigured, monster-child, Astrid, who is given away to a child seller by her unknown parents to be disposed of. Astrid is the reader’s guide through this world, for as she finds her way , so does the reader. As unreal as this universe is, the raw emotion of the frightened child brings it into quick focus for us.
As this first novel in this series moves forward we are privy to the stories of many of the characters in this universe: the shapeshifters, the alchemists, the artisans, the many lands and peoples. But first and foremost this is a coming of age story of a damaged youth. Over and over, Astrid is forced by circumstance to become what she is destined to be. The secretive past that slowly unfolds around her, the secrets of the society she lives in, the lands she travels through, and ultimately who she falls in love with are all wound around the iron blade of the Dragonslayer’s Sword. Crafted by Astrid, the sword is a metaphor for her life as it is intertwined with the lives of those around her and those she is destined to touch.
Astrid touched me. Her struggle to understand her life, the lives of those around her and her place within the universe is engaging and exciting. The universe Resa creates for her is richly detailed and starkly beautiful and sometimes terrifying. This is a wonderful fist installment of what portends to be a delightful series I am very much looking forward to reading and enjoying and suggesting to others.
As this first novel in this series moves forward we are privy to the stories of many of the characters in this universe: the shapeshifters, the alchemists, the artisans, the many lands and peoples. But first and foremost this is a coming of age story of a damaged youth. Over and over, Astrid is forced by circumstance to become what she is destined to be. The secretive past that slowly unfolds around her, the secrets of the society she lives in, the lands she travels through, and ultimately who she falls in love with are all wound around the iron blade of the Dragonslayer’s Sword. Crafted by Astrid, the sword is a metaphor for her life as it is intertwined with the lives of those around her and those she is destined to touch.
Astrid touched me. Her struggle to understand her life, the lives of those around her and her place within the universe is engaging and exciting. The universe Resa creates for her is richly detailed and starkly beautiful and sometimes terrifying. This is a wonderful fist installment of what portends to be a delightful series I am very much looking forward to reading and enjoying and suggesting to others.
February 18, 2017
I was approached by the author to read her book and given a free copy. I'm glad I got to read this book! It starts off grabbing you from the very beginning. Who is this child with this mystery about her? She wears a blanket concealing her body as she is being sold as a slave. I am wondering why she has to cover her body up? I thought she was some kind of monster at first. The story unfolds very naturally and is a good read for fantasy lovers. The mystery girl, Astrid learns a trade at blacksmithing which I really enjoyed reading about. The author researched blacksmithing & made it more realistic to read about. Astrid discovers things that aren't what they seem throughout the whole book. I would finish a chapter and have to start the next chapter because I wanted to know what happens next! I am a fan of girl power books and this is definitely a girl power book! It's not all easy for Astrid, the book's main character. There are parts that were hard to read when she experiences hardships. I don't want to give any spoilers here. I like the idea of dragons and lizards and learning the difference between the two in this world. I like that the people in Astrid's life for the most part claim her loyalty. She has a good heart. Besides dragons & lizards, there are the bad guys... can't have a fantasy novel without the bad guys! The story also includes ghosts and even an evil alchemist. Astrid is so very brave & won my heart as a main character! If it was my life I don't know if I could've done everything she did! Thanks to the author for a very enjoyable book. As a reader you will have a hard time putting it down.
September 23, 2012
I was browsing goodreads one day and saw the cover for the first book, and thought it looked like a great read, so I added it to my to be read pile and then, not a week or two later, I’m opening an email from the author asking if I’d like to be part of this tour. I almost said no, with my life being crazy lately- BUT I’M SO GLAD I DID!!! This book is so good!
There’s so many good things about this book, and the writing is at the top of that list! I want to call it formal, but that’s only because my brain is lacking a better word. Its so flawless and consistent and effortless. I felt like I was transported into that era of time. And the plot!! Way to give me so many surprises! Just when you think you found the bad guy, WHAM, you get another surprise! I loved this whole book!
Astrid is a great character. With all the bad things she’s had happen, she still finds it in her to be loyal, and loving, an determined! She’s a great hero, even if she doesn’t believe she is. AND TEMPLE!! He’s my hero! He bought Astrid as a slave but treated her like a daughter. He had so much to give, so much more than teaching a skill. He will always be missed. And DiStephan…. Awww I had such high hopes for him, but I think we’ll have to see where the future goes.
In the end, Astrid finds out some things from her last and I was so surprised! I cannot wait to continue this journey with the next book!! I would recommend this book to dragon loving, sword fans who like Dark Ages era, epic fantasy readers. I LOVED IT!
4.5 PAWS FROM ME!!
There’s so many good things about this book, and the writing is at the top of that list! I want to call it formal, but that’s only because my brain is lacking a better word. Its so flawless and consistent and effortless. I felt like I was transported into that era of time. And the plot!! Way to give me so many surprises! Just when you think you found the bad guy, WHAM, you get another surprise! I loved this whole book!
Astrid is a great character. With all the bad things she’s had happen, she still finds it in her to be loyal, and loving, an determined! She’s a great hero, even if she doesn’t believe she is. AND TEMPLE!! He’s my hero! He bought Astrid as a slave but treated her like a daughter. He had so much to give, so much more than teaching a skill. He will always be missed. And DiStephan…. Awww I had such high hopes for him, but I think we’ll have to see where the future goes.
In the end, Astrid finds out some things from her last and I was so surprised! I cannot wait to continue this journey with the next book!! I would recommend this book to dragon loving, sword fans who like Dark Ages era, epic fantasy readers. I LOVED IT!
4.5 PAWS FROM ME!!
March 31, 2012
The Dragonslayer's Sword is a nicely done fantasy that's filled with lots of revelations and twists along the way.
One of the things that I liked best about The Dragonslayer's Sword was the plot. I was very interested in the plot, mainly because Nelson incorporates a lot of fantasy that I've never seen before! She definitely did a great job with that. The shape-shifting part was easily my favorite. There are some slow parts in the middle of the book but after you get over that hump the reading was easy and interesting.
Astrid was a good character and a likable one, too. She is definitely different from your usually heroine. Astrid is scarred, both mentally and physically, and I think that's what made me like her so much.
There were a couple of times during the book where I had a, "What?" moment. Some of Astrid's choices were a little hard for me to understand. There are quite a few supporting characters that I enjoyed but some seemed a little unnecessary.
The writing was fairly good and simple most of the time, but it was easy for me to get caught up in the story!
The Dragonslayer's Sword is definitely worth a read, especially if you love a different types of fantasy!
Stay tuned for an interview next week!
Rating: 3.5 stars
One of the things that I liked best about The Dragonslayer's Sword was the plot. I was very interested in the plot, mainly because Nelson incorporates a lot of fantasy that I've never seen before! She definitely did a great job with that. The shape-shifting part was easily my favorite. There are some slow parts in the middle of the book but after you get over that hump the reading was easy and interesting.
Astrid was a good character and a likable one, too. She is definitely different from your usually heroine. Astrid is scarred, both mentally and physically, and I think that's what made me like her so much.
There were a couple of times during the book where I had a, "What?" moment. Some of Astrid's choices were a little hard for me to understand. There are quite a few supporting characters that I enjoyed but some seemed a little unnecessary.
The writing was fairly good and simple most of the time, but it was easy for me to get caught up in the story!
The Dragonslayer's Sword is definitely worth a read, especially if you love a different types of fantasy!
Stay tuned for an interview next week!
Rating: 3.5 stars
January 6, 2018
Not a horrible story but didn't interest me enough to purchase/read any more of the series. The author presents characters and situations without explanation until much later. Astrid knows who her family is and how she became so disfigured but we don't find out until near the end of the book. Keeping this information hidden just confused the story for me. Most of it didn't make sense until all was revealed.
I was disappointed when it seemed like she shared the secret of making a dragonslayer's sword with all and sundry. This information was considered practically sacred and she uses it as a bargaining chip at every opportunity.
She loses an arm, yet supposedly with her transformation magic she can create it, enabling her to continue as a blacksmith. Yet we are told that this illusion is simply that - her arm wasn't really regenerated and the blacksmiths that haven't eaten lizard meat aren't fooled. So how can she continue to work with what she perceives as two hands when they obviously don't exist?
Her ability to produce gemstones when under stress wasn't sufficiently explained for me. Why are these stones so sought after? She also seems to be morphing into a dragon. Meh.
I was disappointed when it seemed like she shared the secret of making a dragonslayer's sword with all and sundry. This information was considered practically sacred and she uses it as a bargaining chip at every opportunity.
She loses an arm, yet supposedly with her transformation magic she can create it, enabling her to continue as a blacksmith. Yet we are told that this illusion is simply that - her arm wasn't really regenerated and the blacksmiths that haven't eaten lizard meat aren't fooled. So how can she continue to work with what she perceives as two hands when they obviously don't exist?
Her ability to produce gemstones when under stress wasn't sufficiently explained for me. Why are these stones so sought after? She also seems to be morphing into a dragon. Meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2012
I loved this book as soon as I started reading. Fantasy, mystery, dragons and swords. I was captured.
Astrid was a small girl whose body was full of scars. She didn't know her origin, she was travelling with the child seller, but no one wanted to buy her because of the scars. She was given a blanket not to get warm, but to hide the scars. A blacksmith finally bought her and raised her like his own daughter. there, in his castle, Astrid found her own path, she became a blacksmith. But the destiny had something else on mind for this girl.
The author did a very good job here. Some of the fighting scenes were very well described. The characters, good or bad, were well built.It's not just ordinary fantasy story. The author also included some very serious themes, like slavery and child selling. But don't let that distract you from the adventure.
All you have to do is start reading and let your imagination fly.Read a story for dragons and dragonslayers, a story full of adventures. You can fight with a sword, find out what true dragon is, see other people's souls, make some magic. Just start reading.
Astrid was a small girl whose body was full of scars. She didn't know her origin, she was travelling with the child seller, but no one wanted to buy her because of the scars. She was given a blanket not to get warm, but to hide the scars. A blacksmith finally bought her and raised her like his own daughter. there, in his castle, Astrid found her own path, she became a blacksmith. But the destiny had something else on mind for this girl.
The author did a very good job here. Some of the fighting scenes were very well described. The characters, good or bad, were well built.It's not just ordinary fantasy story. The author also included some very serious themes, like slavery and child selling. But don't let that distract you from the adventure.
All you have to do is start reading and let your imagination fly.Read a story for dragons and dragonslayers, a story full of adventures. You can fight with a sword, find out what true dragon is, see other people's souls, make some magic. Just start reading.
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