First Book of Swords

by Fred Saberhagen

Book Overview

In all twelve years of Mark's life, the sword that hangs on the wall in his home has never been used. It is only when a small group of strangers enters his village one day demanding to see the sword... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812523563
• ISBN13: 9780812523560
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Deceptively simple

On the surface, this appears to be just another fantasy novel - young boy given a magical sword, sets out to seek his fate, blah blah bibbity blah. However, we see depths here, hints of a mysterious past in the world (technology was banished 2000 years ago for a length of time of 49,949 years - what a strange number - does it mean something), tales of other magical swords - which are apparently true, as evil-doers start coming out of the woodwork left and right seeking the boy to steal his magical sword in order to gain its power for their own. While I would like to see deeper character development, or more details on the mysterious past (although, now I see while browsing through other available texts that the past is described in other books - what a pity, I'll have to buy more books, oh, woe is me ... *grins*), at the same time it would likely ruin Saberhagen's forward momentum to slow it down and do so. I think I've discovered a new author to add to my list of "favorites" and a new list of books (what a HUGE list it is, too!) to add to my "want to get these" list. I would recommend to those who haven't yet discovered this classic gem of a book to run out and see if you can find a copy. I purchased mine in the omnibus The Complete Book of Swords, which might be easier to find nowadays.

Every page keeps you on your feet.

Mark becomes the new bearer of Townsaver after an attack on his village kills his father Jord, the smith who helped forge the 12 swords of power, was killed. After the attack Mark must flee the village to prevent the sword Townsaver from falling into the hands of the Duke. On his journey he meets new friends and new adventures.

Fred Saberhagen created one of my favorite series of books.

The Book of Swords series was one of the first series I read and is still one of my favorites, even after ten years and countless other literary adventures. Once you start this series, you'll find yourself living through the characters, first hoping they survive, then hoping they prosper. The Gods' role in the making of the swords, giving them to humanity, then, like a greedy child, wanting them back for themselves, imposes human qualities on them and makes their exsistance in that world much more believable while creating the background for the series. I found this to be one of the best tales of MAN VS. GODS I've ever read. Thanks Fred.

Couldn't put the book down.

Fred Saberhagen is one of the best book writers that there is. He couldn't have done a better job on this book. The one thing I like about the book the most is that the characters were like freinds or people that I knew. There is to much to write if you want to know more email me.

A dangerous experience

This is the starting point of a highly addictive series. Saberhagen does not get caught up in endless detail, making for an extremely fast and wild ride in a world with a set of swords so captivating in their personalities, you find yourself wishing you were there. Two words of warning: make sure you don't have anything important to do (besides read) for a couple of weeks, and make sure you have access to the entire set of Swords books. I learned both the hard way.