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. To whet that appetite, here are 25 sword and sorcery books, ranging from the classics that launched the genre to modern titles for modern readers.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.

All that’s asked of the reader is a love for adventure and tolerance for a little violence. Whether they stick to the tried and true or try a little subversion, today’s sword and sorcery fantasy books offer a little bit of everything for everyone. The tropes might remain, but that doesn’t mean authors haven’t offered their own takes. Some readers might consider these tropes to be cliché, but they remain timeless for a reason.īut never let it be said that the sword and sorcery subgenre can’t evolve. Roguish thieves unable to stay out of trouble because of their greed. Beautiful princesses who need rescuing from the aforementioned evil wizards. Evil wizards who must be defeated to free a hapless, enslaved people. When sword and sorcery fantasy burst onto the genre scene in the 1930s, it introduced many archetypes that remain iconic to this day.īig and brawny sword-swinging warriors cutting down an entire field of enemies.

Sword born jennifer roberson