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...a long overdue book post! Even if it is very short!

I read and utterly loved Ellen Kushner's Privilege of the sword when I read it a couple of weeks ago. I don't know if was because it was exactly the book I wanted at the time: a novel of manners with lots of swordfighting and romance. This book is set about 15 years* after Swordspoint but both Alec and St Vier feature in this book, in a far more satisfying manner. The more intriguing and realistic cast of characters was probably why I liked it more than Swordspoint. But what I said about the interesting setting is still the same! The main character this time, however, is 15 year old Katherine who has been summoned by her uncle to the city. The mad duke's only purpose for Katherine is to have her learn swordfighting, but over the course of the book Katherine starts to discover her own purposes for her life.

Privilege of the sword was well-paced and interesting. The melodrama was leavened by humour and more serious themes of gender and power. Moments like the teenage girls being so passionate over a novel filled with romance and drama rang true. I think this book would stand pretty well on its own without Swordspoint. Recommended to people who enjoyed books such Sherwood Smith's Crown duel or Wrede and Stevermere's Sorcery and Cecilia.

*Um, I think?

Tags: books, fantasy, kushner

	From: willow_41z	Date: November 11th, 2007 08:12 pm (UTC)		(Link)

Clearly I must read these books! They sound like everything I'd like. Thanks for the recommendation.

	From: emmaco	Date: November 11th, 2007 08:29 pm (UTC)		(Link)

The only element that I've just remembered is different is that there is more sex in Privilege of the sword than the other books I named (mad duke is depraved and decadent). Just in case you would mind that...

Who is in your icon?

From: philia_fan	Date: November 11th, 2007 08:16 pm (UTC)		(Link)

Oh, I'm glad you chose this one to write about of the books you mentioned. It's the one I was most curious about. I've heard a lot of good stuff about Ellen Kushner and think I should put some on the (mile-long) list. Thanks!

	From: emmaco	Date: November 11th, 2007 08:43 pm (UTC)		(Link)

Perhaps I should have used the last entry as an excuse to have a poll about which book to write about - glad I picked the right one without the poll :)

A mile long TBR list is a good thing I think. You won't run out of books to read, which is my continual horror.

	From: lady_schrapnell	Date: November 12th, 2007 07:32 am (UTC)		(Link)

Interesting. I read Swordspoint a good few years ago, and sort of loved it and sort of felt rather unmoved by it. A lot of swash for the emotional involvement with the characters. I held off on Privilege of the Sword for that reason, but this sounds as if it'd be just right.

	From: emmaco	Date: November 12th, 2007 07:36 am (UTC)		(Link)

This book was far more loveable than Swordspoint IMO. Even if the UK version is quite ugly compared to the US one!

	From: troubleinchina	Date: January 5th, 2008 11:13 am (UTC)		(Link)

Just reading/commenting on this because you mentioned it in your book roundup for 2007 and it sounds awesome. I think I will add it to my To Be Read list!

	From: emmaco	Date: January 5th, 2008 11:53 pm (UTC)		(Link)

I just gave it to someone at Christmas to take on a relaxing break with them just because I found it so enjoyable. Hope you like it if you find a copy (can't recall at all what type of books you like!).

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