Swords of Defiance

Shaman's Sword #3

by Robert Ryan

Shar, the emperor-to-be of prophecy, raises an army against the shamans who enslave the land. But the shamans fight back…

Her trust betrayed by a friend, Shar is abducted. Even if she escapes, time is against her. The shamans gather an army of their own, and unless they are checked swiftly no force will stop them. Bound and humiliated, she yet vows to return to her army. But escape is impossible.

The army she formed will fall apart without her, and the rebellion against the iron rule of the shamans will collapse before it begins. Yet like a sword fashioned of fired steel, glowing hot and beaten into shape, she is forged by destiny to fulfill her purpose. Or die.

But far away an old man, wreathed in mystery, implacable in hatred, unchecked in ambition, draws his own plans against shamans and Shar alike. And he cares nothing if he destroys the world to fulfill them…

Genres: Fantasy

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2022

About the author

I am a man born in the wrong era. My heart yearns for faraway places and even further afield times. Tolkien had me at the beginning of The Hobbit when he said, ". . . one morning long ago in the quiet of the world . . ."

I love to read high fantasy and epic fantasy novels, and I have a passion to write, to weave a story with words that draws the reader into another world.

Reviews

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s well written with a solid balance of progression and development. I wish there were a bit more flourishments at times but I also know that’s more a person preference that does not reflect my scoring.

The 4/5 is primarily due to the constant feeling of threat to the main character. I feel it’s every other page you hear about how it could be dashed, yet you know there’s another book and stories with such epic foretelling don’t end so abruptly only. It’s a tad annoying.

[BruceSB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each Book Gets Better

So far each book has been getting better.
This is what you want but often it does not happen.
The writer has the knack of drawing the reader in.
You find yourself sharing the characters dilemmas!
Older characters are developing and new characters are appearing.
All the while the story is unfolding.
If you liked the other books in the series you will love this one.
I certainly did.
Looking forward to the next book!
Recommend.
Bruce

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the way the previous book ended, I couldn't wait to pick up this book, as i wanted to find out what was going to happen in this one. I was so intrigued as i started to read this book as you go straight back into the story from where the last book ended. The characters developed throughout this book well, as well as the story line and plot line moved and a reasonable pace. I am very intrigued how the series will develop, therefore i can't wait to start the next one.

[Martin Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

The story picks up where the 2nd book left off, with Shar facing ever increasing peril and challenges. It moves on with twists and turns, battles between characters and armies. New and likeable characters are introduced, also the not so likeable. Whilst Shar faces her challenges, Shulu has her own battles to fight, a very enjoyable read.

[Laurie Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading Swords of Defiance, and just like all other Books of Robert Ryan that I've read while I'm reading his books I find that I can clearly Imagine the story he's writing about and I get really absorbed in the story I think it's GREAT, I just love reading these kind of Books
Laurie Stuart

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swords of Defiance, book three of the Shaman's Sword series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Gotta love a woman who can save herself, although there were a few tense moments when the reader wonders if she'll be able to. The shamans, long unchecked, are united in stopping Char from becoming the new Emperor. My favorite story line so far.

[May · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot to do with military strategy which I don't find as interesting. I thought that we would have more instances of learning more about Shar's feelings and emotional state of mind. She has a very cool and collected mind - good qualities to be an emperor though!

[Steven Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I enjoyed this book a great deal, it was a quick read and moved at a good pace moving the story along but staying true to the character development.

[debbie hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swords of Defiance

I really enjoy reading this series it's a fast read. I have read them faster than I thought I would but they are a good series. I am enjoying reading these books