Swordspoint
Posted By Ardellis on January 16, 2008
When I fall for a book — I mean when a book really sinks its claws into me — you can tell by the way I read it. I devour the first three-quarters of the story at breakneck pace, using any excuse to stick my nose into it, even if it’s just for ten minutes. Or two. And then I get to a point where I realize that there are only a few chapters left, and I start to dawdle.
It’s kind of painful, really. I desperately want to know what happens next, but I know that every page brings me closer to the end. And I don’t want it to end.
Ellen Kushner’s Swordspoint did that to me. I fell head over heels for her world, with its layered, corrupt society, her airy nobles with their convoluted manipulations, her scruffy thieves and whores. And the social system that supports the profession of her main character: the swordsman Richard St Vier. Who is well worthy of falling for, too.
I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it. I had pretty much the same reaction when I read it years ago.