Reluctant Swordsman

I put off reading this book for a long time, by the time I finally did read it I was glad I did. Dave Duncan crafts the most unique and interesting fantasy world I have ever experienced. It is based mostly on one premise, how the lack of something (I won't say what that something is) can change how a world/culture developes. The cultures and world is amazing. The characters compelling, the plot enveloping. Any fan of fantasy literature should read this series. The only bad thing is that due to publisher conflicts it is out of print. Used copies can be hard to find. There are ebook versions available though.

"The Reluctant Swordsman" (Seventh Sword, Book 1)introduces the characters and world/universe the author continues with in "The Coming of Wisdom" (Seventh Sword, Book 2)and "The Destiny of the Sword" (Seventh Sword, Book 3). This is a brilliant trilogy which remains at the top of Dave Duncan's impressive body of work. This third book doesn't just follow the first two. It reveals things which the author put there all along, giving the reader a new appreciation of the characters and events. That sounds confusing, but read it and see.The characters remind me of Dungeons and Dragons Roll Playing Games (D & D RPG's). The hero is a 7th level swordsman who picks up a 7th level priest as a travelling companion. There is the same satisfaction of watching a companion swordsman advance through the ranks as there is developing your own character's skill levels in an RPG. There are also some other character types familiar to RPG's (archer's are held in contempt). This is not one of those cheap knockoffs on a D & D game though. This is just one element of the world the author has created which is kind of fun.The author created a universe with a multitude of gods, like the Greek and Roman gods. While this is very common in the sword and sorcery genre, Dave Duncan has made the gods active participants in his story. One god makes repeated appearances, talks with the hero, and performs the occasional miracle. The author is able to keep the gods from completely overshadowing the human characters by stressing how they value "free will" for their own purposes. The author's brilliant use of deity characters (a recurring element throughout his best series) adds facets to this story which lift it above a simple Conan type "guy with sword" story. This trilogy has a detailed, multi-leveled plot which twists enough to keep you in suspense right up until the ending. And the ending reaches the appropriate dramatic climax, then has a satisfying denouement where the characters reap their rewards and the author ties up any loose ends. When this book ended, I was left saying, "Wow, imagine that!"The only thing I can even think of that I didn't like about this trilogy is that it ended. The author really wrapped things up for the characters. It would be almost impossible to continue the story. I do hope that Dave Duncan comes back to this world with some new characters though. Maybe the old characters can have a cameo in the new story . . .

"The Reluctant Swordsman" (Seventh Sword, Book 1)introduces the characters and world/universe the author continues with in "The Coming of Wisdom" (Seventh Sword, Book 2)and "The Destiny of the Sword" (Seventh Sword, Book 3). This is a brilliant trilogy which remains at the top of Dave Duncan's impressive body of work. This first book introduces the main character to the world/universe and the other characters. Then he is presented with a problem, beyond just adjusting to everything, which he overcomes by the end of the book. So this is a full stand-alone story which can be read by itself. The next two books don't just follow this first one. They reveal things which the author put there all along, giving the reader a new appreciation of the characters and events. That sounds confusing, but read it and see.The characters remind me of Dungeons and Dragons Roll Playing Games (D & D RPG's). The hero is a 7th level swordsman who picks up a 7th level priest as a travelling companion. There is the same satisfaction of watching a companion swordsman advance through the ranks as there is developing your own character's skill levels in an RPG. There are also some other character types familiar to RPG's (archer's are held in contempt). This is not one of those cheap knockoffs on a D & D game though. This is just one element of the world the author has created which is kind of fun.The author created a universe with a multitude of gods, like the Greek and Roman gods. While this is very common in the sword and sorcery genre, Dave Duncan has made the gods active participants in his story. One god makes repeated appearances, talks with the hero, and performs the occasional miracle. The author is able to keep the gods from completely overshadowing the human characters by stressing how they value "free will" for there own purposes. The author's brilliant use of deity characters (a recurring element throughout his best series) add facets to this story which lift it above a simple Conan type "guy with sword" story. This trilogy has a detailed, multi-leveled plot which twists enough to keep you in suspense right up until the ending. And the ending reaches the appropriate dramatic climax, then has a satisfying denouement where the characters reap their rewards and the author ties up any loose ends. When this book ended, I was left saying, "Wow, imagine that!"The only thing I can even think of that I didn't like about this trilogy is that it ended. The author really wrapped things up for the characters. It would be almost impossible to continue the story. I do hope that Dave Duncan comes back to this world with some new characters though. Maybe the old characters can have a cameo in the new story. . .

Book 1 of The Seventh Sword While the formula is now become traditional (man from our world transported to a different universe), this story is an absolute delight to read. The prose is very descriptive and evocative without being flowery or tedious (a very difficult tightrope to walk), the characters quickly develop depth and personalities, and it is very, very easy to suspend disbelief and immerse yourself in the story. The ending prepares you for the next book without really being a cliff-hanger. Sword and sorcery, sort of -- with a twist. Does Clarke's Law explain everything? You decide.. I'd rate this 'G.'

This story is definitely not set in a mythical Northern Europe, like so many fantasy novels. It has Oriental, samurai-ish overtones, and is informed by the interaction of religion, science, magic, technology and power. It is also a great story. But Dave Duncan's real genius is in writing wonderful characters - the thoughtful Wallie Smith, ex-chemical engineer and now swordsman with a mysterious past, his proteges Nnanji and Katanji and the gentle and courageous Jja. In fact, Mr. Duncan simply doesn't write throwaway characters - every person you meet has depth and originality.