[Review]The Swordsman's Oath, Juliet Mckenna

UK cover

Swordmaster. . .

Ryshad was a warrior, a sworn man pledged to defend the Empire and his lord with his sword and his life. Livak was a thief, a woman as dangerous and cunning as she was beautiful. Brought together by fate--and the wily wizard Shiv--these unlikely allies once traveled to the frozen lands of the North to find answers to an ancient mystery. Instead, though, they discovered death and worse at the hands of the Elietimm, a band of evil sorcerers who nearly destroyed them.

Or Slave?

Now, the Elietimm have infiltrated the Empire using their strange and deadly power. It is up to a reunited Ryshad and Livak, joined by Shiv, to discover the secret knowledge that can save the Empire--a mission that will lead them far from the lands they know. It is Ryshad, though, who will journey farthest, to a distant country where nothing is what it seems, not even the magical sword that has long protected him. And if that sword should turn against him now...

The second installment of “The Tales of Einarinn” series written by British fantasy author Juliet Mckenna continues the (mis)adventures of our band of unlikely (and quite reluctant) heroes. Even though the wickedly attractive thief Livak, the stubborn wizard Shiv and the sturdy swordsman Rishad have been left almost unscathed in their journey towards the land of the murderous Elietimm, more threats await them at home. Forced to work together once more, the characters learn a great deal about themselves, about companionship and betrayal.

In “The Swordsman’s Oath” the author keeps on exploring her dangerous world of epic proportion. Here the reader meets the inhabitants of the Archipelago who loathe and condemn those born with the spark of magic to indescribable tortures. An important aspect of the novel is the change in point of view to Rishad instead of Livak (who is plainly frustrating at times) and thus, Mrs. Mckenna enables us to acquaint ourselves in depth with the misty warrior, who has given an oath not easily broken. His expectations for freedom and good life fall short, however, as he (unwillingly, of course) becomes a slave in the Archipelago, where any mistake equals to death. 

This part of “The Tales” marks a steady development in Juliet Mckenna’s prose, as the inescapable violence has been diminished to the adequate minimum and in turn intriguing bits and pieces fill out the setting. Although not always contributing to the storyline, they undoubtedly enliven the world of Einarinn and make it more believable. The characters are convincing and complex; the plot vivid and unforgettable; the style flowing and swift. All in all, “The Swordsman’s Oath” is an immensely pleasurable read, much better than its somewhat flawed predecessor.

My verdict: 8,5/10

Read my reviews of other books by Juliet Mckenna:
"The Thief's Gamble"
"The Gambler's Fortune"