Tiger and Del have settled into semi-retirement to raise their daughter, establishing a school for those who wish to become sword-dancers, part of a highly ritualized rite in which specially trained sword-fighters are hired to settle feuds among rich and powerful desert princes. Sword-Bearer marks a return to the vivid world of Jennifer Roberson’s highly popular Sword-Dancer saga, featuring iconic characters Tiger-the South’s most famous and gifted sword-dancer-and Del, a Northern-born woman and expert sword-singer. Spacehangers Song, etc.).A return to the vivid fantasy world of the highly popular Sword-Dancer saga, featuring iconic characters Tiger and Del. 5)įYI: Roberson is also the author of the Chronicles of the Cheysuli series ( In addition, she stresses the primacy of storytelling over feminist message, though she's 'particularly proud of the male readers who've written to say that the books have altered their views of women.' Sensitive readers of both sexes should appreciate how Roberson rises above the usual genre clichés. In an author's note at the end, Roberson charmingly explains why she chose to use first-person point of view, and a male POV at that, when third-person is the norm for fantasy novels ('Tiger was very insistent on telling his own story'). But none of this prepares the reader for the warm personal revelations that follow, making this such a satisfyingly human series. Most exciting is the epic battle between Tiger and the man who has pursued him for years, Abbu Bensir, also a top-flight sword-dancer. The two fight a few human enemies, some skilled in magic, as well as the fierce and poison-clawed Sandtiger, which gave Tiger his name and threatens Del. On the isle of Skandi, where the pair has taken sanctuary, things do eventually pick up. Established fans may enjoy the banal and idle chatter between Southron-born Tiger and his beloved 'bascha,' the ironic term of endearment he constantly uses for the glamorous Northerner Del, but others may wish for more action.

In her surprise-filled sixth novel featuring the sword-dancers Tiger and Del ( Sword-Dancer, etc.), Roberson packs enough into the finale to more than make up for a tediously talky first half, which is short on both sword and sorcery.

Sword born jennifer roberson