What do You think about The First Book Of Swords (1984)?
This book series has a great concept: there are a handful of magical swords that were forged and scattered across the land, each with unique powers to grant the individual wielding it. The story of these swords and the hands they fall into is the premise of this book. I thought it could have been great if the author had pulled it off right. Unfortunately the execution was lacking in the imagination that the idea promised. The medieval setting was too familiar and uninspired. There is too much focus on the mythology and backstory and other magics and ideas in this book and not enough on the swords. The characters are not original or memorable enough.These flaws should have been so easy to avoid, so it's disappointing that this book just feels average. The author lost sight of the whole point of the story - the swords. They should have been far more prominent in the book, and the book should have really focused on making some strong, memorable characters to obtain and use the swords. Not to mention the effects of using more than one sword at a time could have really opened up the possibilities for the magic system. It's a real shame that the author just didn't imagine big enough for this story.
—Josh
Ah, this was great; a very tasty read. I had been interested in this series for a long time because I love the concept. I knew I would enjoy the mythology of it and the swords themselves. I didn't expect the book to be so good though! It's well written (though I found the prologue a bit tedious) with interesting and enjoyable characters. It never gets too deep in the characterization, and it jumps around between multiple characters frequently, but it strives to make sure interesting things are always happening. I found myself dying to know what was going to happen next. There are a lot of nice twists and surprises, nothing too awe inspiring, but nothing hokey either. It rides a fine line of not ever striving to be a great work, but never faltering into being a bad work. It stays consistently good throughout. I enjoyed the consistency of it. And it was short! I love a good, short book. Tell me a story, make it good, and let it end. Then tell me another story. Perfect. I know he's not touted as one of the greatest authors out there, but I've enjoyed Saberhagen's work in the past so I should not have been surprised I enjoyed this so much. The book's setting is part of a larger series which I have not read, but you get a taste of what it's about in this series, and you learn enough to appreciate the setting without requiring you to read the previous series. If you like magical swords and low-magic fantasy, then this could be an enjoyable read for you. It's light fare to be sure, but that's what I enjoy. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
—Michael Thorn
This is a very good classic fantasy adventure (D&D style) and I was surprise to enjoy it that much. Decent level of action, monsters, mystery characters and off course the magical Swords themself. The writing of Saberhagen is sparse and simple and may lack a little flair but it is different from all the grim and realistic style of modern fantasy novels found today. So if you like your fantasy to be straightforward and not bog down by lots of world-building and exposition than you will definitely like The First Book of Swords.
—Éric Kasprak
