I picked this up through paperbackswap.com after reading a review over at tor.com. It sounded like my kind of book - a sort of China, martial arts training, etc., etc. After a fashion, it was my kind of book.
The set up is that 9 years ago, a new Emperor ascended the throne. Unfortunately, this Emperor has bad judgement in his companions, at least one of whom knows the intrigue game, very, very well. As a result, Saukendar (Shoka to his friends), the previous Emperor's right hand, sword master, etc., races off to exile beyond the borders of the Empire to live as a hermit. Since then he has refused all intrigues and attempts by others to get him to teach them his mastery of the sword.
Well, the book opens with a would be student seeks him out and forces his hand. From that point on, we get training in a nastily pragmatic school of swordsmanship and tactics. We get a good view of the interior life of Saukendar, which is very, very human - strengths and frailties all. Also along the way, we see a neck or nothing uprising and the culmination of a years long revenge, that was, oddly, anti-climatic. Mainly because Saukendar sees that this is just the beginning...
This could have been a series honestly. But I think Cherryh showed great judgement to stop with the one book. Its a neat one, a good one to read and enjoy. I liked Saukendar/Shota a lot. If only because I see myself mirrored in him - warts and all. I would have liked to see more of the Empire, but you know what? I'm content with what I have.
Another good one, not a keeper, but a good one. Seek it out folks.
The set up is that 9 years ago, a new Emperor ascended the throne. Unfortunately, this Emperor has bad judgement in his companions, at least one of whom knows the intrigue game, very, very well. As a result, Saukendar (Shoka to his friends), the previous Emperor's right hand, sword master, etc., races off to exile beyond the borders of the Empire to live as a hermit. Since then he has refused all intrigues and attempts by others to get him to teach them his mastery of the sword.
Well, the book opens with a would be student seeks him out and forces his hand. From that point on, we get training in a nastily pragmatic school of swordsmanship and tactics. We get a good view of the interior life of Saukendar, which is very, very human - strengths and frailties all. Also along the way, we see a neck or nothing uprising and the culmination of a years long revenge, that was, oddly, anti-climatic. Mainly because Saukendar sees that this is just the beginning...
This could have been a series honestly. But I think Cherryh showed great judgement to stop with the one book. Its a neat one, a good one to read and enjoy. I liked Saukendar/Shota a lot. If only because I see myself mirrored in him - warts and all. I would have liked to see more of the Empire, but you know what? I'm content with what I have.
Another good one, not a keeper, but a good one. Seek it out folks.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
