The Silver Sword by David Zindell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This continuation of Zindell's epic fantasy is straight out of the Quest book, but that's not a bad thing. In fact, it's so questy that it's an utter Grail (even if it is far in the future, full of magic, and is on another planet) Quest.

Sometimes these kinds of things tickle all the fancies.

At least, it did for me. Especially after the Grand Library, two dragons (with one actually spewing fire) and all kinds of moral tests that demonstrate that not everything is treachery and sometimes being a friend is the thing that saves the world.


The best thing about this:

So many adventures -- and they all FEEL like a real progression at every step. The characters are absolutely valorous and the setbacks prove it. The grand ancient evil villain FEELS right.

The so/so:

It's all very familiar. Done well, exciting, and even glorious, but it's still very familiar. Good if that's what you're hoping for, not so much if you want something that breaks so many molds -- Like Zindell's SF series. :)



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