Of Swords and Spells

The Ways of Magic #2

by Delia Marshall Turner

Of Swords and Spells overlaps Turner's first book, Nameless Magery. This book is set in the same universe and its narrator is another determined young female who has a lot more to her than it first appears. Their stories converge, however, providing two contrasting perspectives on magic. But Malka faces different circumstances from Lisane's.

In this universe, magic runs spaceships, computers, and communications devices. The Enforcers, an interstellar police force, have developed a form not controlled by adepts. Now they are killing mages and the worlds that breed them to consolidate their monopoly on power. Their only opposition is an android named Roder and his crew of free witches, who officially monitor Enforcement and report abuses to the government. Running from the Enforcers and her sadistic master, Malka takes refuge in Roder's ship, then finds that it has also become a target. Malka is small, bad-tempered, and tired of being used. She'd rather not care what happens to Roder, his crew, or his mission, but she's developing human feelings and a conscience as she grows. Besides, Roder is very attractive.

Turner blends science fiction and fantasy freely, springs several nifty plot twists, and once again creates compelling protagonists. You'll find Malka a fascinating puzzle and the book quick and entertaining. --Nona Vero

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Science Fiction Fantasy

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 1998

About the author

Delia Marshall Turner's first two books (Nameless Magery and Of Swords and Spells) were published in the late 90s, with a two-book deal from Del Rey (Random House). The books were nominated for awards and made into a Science Fiction Book of the Month offering. The third book in the series is The Stick Princess.

Also, the first book in the Ms. Whitaker series, Dog of the Dead is available.

Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can no one have reviewed this yet? This is one of my favorite YA books of all time and I have found myself re-reading it at frequent intervals. It tells the story of Malka, a short-tempered, magic-filled creature running away from her vicious master. For most of this book, you don't know quite what Malka is. She's not human, but what is she? I figured it out before the big reveal, but I didn't know for half the book and was quite intrigued by the puzzle that is Malka.

I thought this was much better than the first book, Nameless Magery. For one, the romance is far better in this one. The two books overlap, but Of Swords and Spells shows you the wider universe that is only hinted at in Nameless Magery. Plus, most of the story appears to be in a parallel time frame as the first book, but the end expands about a day or so past what you get in the first book.

This book is love. It is well worth the effort to track a copy down and buy it.

[Oz Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about these little books, but they're way more entertaining than they have any right to be with such... pink covers. Maybe it's the no-bullshit, unforgiving, prickly attitude of their female protagonists, or the casual, almost backhanded way that information about the setting and backstory is dropped. I've read Nameless Magery multiple times, and have a feeling this will be a repeater, too. Recommended without reservations.

[Althea Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's unusual to be really really sad that you've finished a book. But I am. Because this was the second book by Turner that I've read - and those are the only two she's published. Moreover, her website surely does not get one's hopes up: "No, the next book is not going to be out soon."
Both this and her other book, which I read just about a year ago, 'Nameless Magery,' are really fun, enjoyable science-fantasy, with non-stereotypical feisty heroines. Both books take place in the same universe (and there are a few tie-ins for those who've read both!) but they are both stand-alone novels, and very different stories.
The protagonist here, Malka, is cute, petite and charming - but also short-tempered and anti-social, with an extreme reticence about talking about her past. She's been studying at a fencing school - but, we quickly learn, she's on the run from both the interplanetary Enforcers - and someone else. She also seems to have an awful lot of magic for someone who is adamant about not being a 'witch.'
Thrust against her will into the ship of a disrespected Monitor and his motley crew of magic-users, an adventure full of witchery, romance, and a good deal of swashbuckling action, not to mention a bit of world-saving, ensues.
Great stuff.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really fun little book about Malka, who is not what she seems, who is running away from her Master, and has magic. You will like it if you give it a try.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. A little confusing at times, but that could be due to the pace at which information is revealed divided by my impatience.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only vaguely remember this book and want to re-read it, but the main character really stuck in my head. Unusual main characters who aren't picture-perfect usually do, and that is this character. When I read it again, I will update my review, but what I do remember of it allows me to say that it is a good book and I recommend it. ^_^

[Julia]

I have to say, this book is a bit of a mess. The world building was not sufficent (and prior knowledge from the first book didn't help much).

I think I would have liked the book if it were longer and contained the background needed to support the story and characters.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a dumb cookie cutter fantasy! It's intelligent, hugely quirky, surprising and a good read. The twists and turns are unexpected, and I just love the two main characters as they are equally brilliant and cranky.

[Doranna Durgin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful!

[Mina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one for sure; the title character is not as deep, or as fun.

[Belinda Cech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the first book that hooked me on sci-fi/fantasy back in the 7th or 8th grade.