By the Sword: Magic of the Plains

Greg Costikyan may well be the best writer you never heard of. He has crafted gems of comedy, and is master of twisting the predictable on its ear. And then some. Our young hero is born the son of a god, and carries a prediction that he will lead his people to a bright new future. And he does. But not the way you would expect. Along the way we learn why dragons capture virgins, the long-term economic ramifications of giving a fraction of your kingdom to the hero who rescues your daughter, and one really amazing thing that can be done with a sharpened stick. The humor flows naturally, never forced, from the situations and the characters, as this adventure unfolds. Costikyan is an excellent writer, who has labored for years in the obscurity of games writing, with occasional publications in some rather high-brow political policy magazines. (His political savvy only partially shows up in this book, for a better exposure to it, check out 'First Contract'). Highly Recommended.

I first read this book in the library many years ago. I re-read it again & deceided to buy the book, but it saddens me to say this book is now out of print. From start to finish, its a non-stop interesting story. It about boy from a tribe following their common ritual quest to manhood. There are unexpected comrades & enemies that help come to his aid & jepordizes his quest. Finally, in the end he is unexpectedly greatly rewarded. Back then, I remembered that I couldn't wait for the next installment! I swear I thought this book was book one to a trilogy. I think Greg Costikyan is a great writer but he has very little works of art published. Those of you who wants to read a good old fashion fantasy, I think this will be a great book for you.

I read this book after I read another day another dungen and loved it! I wish every teenager could fill the supence that this book holds! And read it because this man is a genuis!!!!

I like this book. It is about a boy-young man who used to be a Plains Indian but ran away to have many adventures, including funny ones, humilliating ones, and just plain tense, scary ones. I think you should read this book because it is just plain good.