The Sworn

December 6, 2010
Martin's launch of a new series in the world of her Chronicles of the Necromancer books (The Summoner, etc.) is fun and accessible, if hardly groundbreaking. Against a background of plague and famine, the cult of the ancient goddess Shanthadura has started sacrificing vyrkin (werewolves) and vayash moru (vampires). King Tris, a necromancer, seeks help from a mystical tribe of nomads known as the Sworn, as well as the ancient long-hidden race called the Dread. Fans of the previous books will be happy to see plenty of familiar characters, and two new ones steal the spotlight: Aidane, a "ghost whore" who lets herself be possessed by spirits, and Tris's cousin Jair, a prince in love with a Sworn shaman. There's little plotwise that will surprise fantasy veterans, but it's a solidly told story and very friendly to new readers.

December 1, 2010

Already beset by plague and famine, the Winter Kingdoms now face an invasion spurred on by dark practitioners of blood magic. To counter this threat, the Summoner-King Tris Drayke needs the power of the Sworn, a nomadic warrior tribe dedicated to the protection of a great power known as the Dread. The first novel in a new series in the world of Martin's "Chronicles of the Necromancer" (The Summoner; The Blood King; Dark Haven; Dark Lady's Chosen) sets the scene for an epic tale of warfare and magic in which ancient forces come into play and men and women struggle to live meaningful lives in the face on encroaching darkness. VERDICT Fans of Martin's previous series as well as those who enjoy the large-scale fantasy of George R.R. Martin and Robert Jordan should enjoy this series opener.

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