The First Book of Swords

Year: 1983

Abstract:
Follow the adventures of Mark, the son of Jord the Blacksmith. Jord, shortly before the birth of Mark, aided the god Vulcan in creating 12 swords. Each sword held its own power, and each had its place in the game of the gods. Jord was the only survivor, and for his services, Vulcan took his arm, and gave him Townsaver. The games begin, and every major power around wants the sword. Mark, just a little boy, must find his way to Sir Andrew's lands to be protected. From his journeys, he finds friends, and they team together to find the swords, and fight the game the gods are playing.

Advanced Mind
Exploration/Quest
Military/Fighting
Horror
Magic
Advanced Technology
Time Travel/Alternate History
Science
Aliens/Beasties
Contemporality

Other books in this series: Book of Swords
The Second Book of Swords [1983]
The Third Book of Swords [1984]

Spectre's Review
Loved it. I really want to read the whole series. Mr. Saberhagen is really in his element here with Fantasy. I really had a hard time setting the book down. One thing I really like about the writing style is the way it flows. There isn't a great deal of dialog in some places, but the atmosphere is wonderful. Mark is a little boy, and the author does an excellent job maintaining logical consistency with the boy's character (no super powers, etc., etc.) I really like the idea of a little boy running around the countryside with a sword nearly bigger than him.

Spectre's Rating
Very, very good.

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