Rating: 
Summary: Jennifer Roberson's _Sword-Sworn_
Review: In the five previous Tiger and Del novels, Jennifer Roberson has demonstrated her skill at providing both action and enjoyable interplay among her characters. In this sixth novel, she has outdone herself, providing a highly satisfying -- if not perfect -- conclusion to the series. For those who have been following the Tiger and Del saga (and even for those who haven't), _Sword-Sworn_ is a most gratifying and pleasurable book.
Rating:
Summary: Either Or
Review: It's always interesting when readers like a book, but disagree on the elements they like/hate. Some like the banter more than anything else and criticize when it's absent, as with SWORD-BORN reviews; others find it a waste of time, or tedious. Roberson tried something different with SWORD-BORN, and reviewers mostly didn't like it; here she returns to what drove the series prior to BORN, but some readers don't like that. Same with the male point of view; most feel Roberson pulled it off well, while at least one reviewer trashed her style.This is the last book in the series, so the main goal, as the author reports, was to tie up the loose ends while also giving readers an enjoyabl ride. I think the author succeeded. Question: Will she now write about Neesha and Kalle?
Rating:
Summary: Best of the series
Review: It's sometimes hard to pin down this series as actually a traditional fantasy or romantic novel. For although the story takes place in a fantasy world full of magicians, sword-fighters, and conjured beasts - the heart of the story is about the obstacles two lovers have to overcome. The bigger the obstacles, the greater the romance. Sword-sworn is big on those obstacles as well as some flabergasting surprises. Ms. Roberson is exceedingly good at injecting magic into her characters. I couldn't put this book down. It's fast paced and nearly every chapter ends in a cliff-hanger. At times the "Sandtiger" do seem overly intellectual for his character. Not to mention his bizzare sense of timing in the epilogue. But there are no major flaws. The book works well as a stand-alone and will bring great joy to returning readers. I also appreciated the hidden Easter eggs that tempt me to read it over again. Finally after six books, all the threads in this rather large tapestry are tied-up. As a long time fan, I was not happy that this series is coming to an end. But I am very satisfied at where it ends up. I have to say I am one of those male readers the author identified as a beneficiary of the book's anti-sexism subtext. Sulhaya.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL WHO LOVE TO GET LOST IN AN A NEW WORLD!
Review: Jennifer does it again in this last installment of the Tiger and Del series. This is one of my all time favorite writers and after you read this book, (or ANY book she has written) you will see why. Her talent in painting such vivid characters, evocative scenery and in weaving such sensual, colorful worlds with wonderfully unique customs will take your breath away. Its unusual to find such strong female characters that are at the same time believable, but Jennifer is the master! No fan of literature, let alone fantasy, should be with out Jennifer Robersons books. Her historical novels are also beautifully written and with such talent its an effortless journey deep into her worlds! Be sure and check out her web site to learn more about this fascinating author http://www.cheysuli.com/. And, no Im not friend and unfortunately have never had the privilege of even meeting Jennifer. Im just a huge fan and as a writer myself I am in awe of her work and am in total appreciation of her artistry.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL WHO LOVE TO GET LOST IN AN A NEW WORLD!
Review: Jennifer does it again in this last installment of the Tiger and Del series. This is one of my all time favorite writers and after you read this book, (or ANY book she has written) you will see why. Her talent in painting such vivid characters, evocative scenery and in weaving such sensual, colorful worlds with wonderfully unique customs will take your breath away. Its unusual to find such strong female characters that are at the same time believable, but Jennifer is the master! No fan of literature, let alone fantasy, should be with out Jennifer Robersons books. Her historical novels are also beautifully written and with such talent its an effortless journey deep into her worlds! Be sure and check out her web site to learn more about this fascinating author http://www.cheysuli.com/. And, no Im not friend and unfortunately have never had the privilege of even meeting Jennifer. Im just a huge fan and as a writer myself I am in awe of her work and am in total appreciation of her artistry.
Rating: 
Summary: Strong nostalgic value
Review: Like many other fans, I was drawn to Sword-Sworn because of Tiger and Del. In past books, they and their relationship has always been a fascinating one: a male chauvinist meets girl power and because he falls in love with her, has to learn to deal with it. Certainly, over the span of the series, Tiger's attitude changes and his character becomes more likeable (to women at least). What does not change (much) is Tiger's thinking, his internal comments and arguments are along the same lines as in early books, but the reader,as well as Tiger himself, recognises that he becomes more hypocritical as result. His chauvinistic tendencies no longer fit. Del has changed him; and he has changed himself. Tiger has become an unlikely hero, messiah and mage. But deep down, Tiger is just Tiger: the best Sword-dancer in the Southern lands. And in this final epic episode, Tiger proves that he is just that. Despite ordeals Tiger has had to survive and resultant loss of fingers, Tiger can still dance. I felt that this book started slow. Perhaps this was done with reason - Tiger himself does not really know where he is going (or where he needs to go) until well past half way in. But I felt a bit of strain and struggle by the author here. We dilly-dally and some of the plot development seems stretched. We expect a set-back or two, of course since a hero never reaches his goal without them, but I'm unsure that Del's fate with the sandtiger constitutes a serious obstacle in terms of Tiger's path of growth and discovery. Nor am I entirely convinced that Tiger's exploration of magical abilities is entirely meaningful. I also felt that, sadly, Del's role in this book was almost redundant. She has become a mere hanger-on, a character with no goals, no purpose, whereas in earlier books, Tiger was Tiger because of Del. Del helped Tiger on his path, helped shape him, made him who he is. We almost forget that in this book, because this story is about Tiger. I found it lacking, since so much of the strength of earlier books was due to the role Del plays in Tiger's life. Here she plays no role, other than to settle Tiger down (and in an almost disappointing way, taking away any kind of adventure to their future lives). Further, some important developments, such as Tiger's son and daughter, Abbu and the building of a new teaching facility, could have been developed more deeply instead of skimming over them at the end of the book. This might possibly be because of the first person POV, which has its limitations. I can't help but think it could have been handled more meaningfully since although this ties up some loose ends neatly for the author, we know that (psychologically and internally) life does not tend to be as neat. As an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed this book and am glad that it was written. Personally, I believe the series might have ended 2 books earlier, and let the remaining stories of Tiger and Del live in the readers' imaginations. .
Rating: 
Summary: A moderately entertaining read
Review: Not much actually happens in this book. The questions about Tiger's past are answered only ambiguously, there is very little of our beloved Southron vs. Northern tension, and nothing is truly resolved. Seeing as this is ostensibly the last of the Tiger and Del novels, one would expect a certain level of resolution. However, at the end of this somewhat less than fulfilling novel, the reader is left without any resolution at all. Overall, while the promise of having the questions of Tiger's past pulls the reader through most of the book, there isn't much there to make the effort worthwhile. The book just lacks the spirit of the previous volumes.
Rating:
Summary: A moderately entertaining read
Review: Not much actually happens in this book. The questions about Tiger's past are answered only ambiguously, there is very little of our beloved Southron vs. Northern tension, and nothing is truly resolved. Seeing as this is ostensibly the last of the Tiger and Del novels, one would expect a certain level of resolution. However, at the end of this somewhat less than fulfilling novel, the reader is left without any resolution at all. Overall, while the promise of having the questions of Tiger's past pulls the reader through most of the book, there isn't much there to make the effort worthwhile. The book just lacks the spirit of the previous volumes.
Rating:
Summary: Bleah
Review: Oh come on. Don't write in first person if you don't know how to do it. It's annoying when one character is the center of the universe and knows it. I liked Sword Dancer, but these books are written in romance novel style, even if they are fantasy. I find Tiger a very unconvincing male character, with motives and dialogs clearly written by a woman, and Del is annoying beyond belief. Ick. Ptui.
Rating:
Summary: Strong ending to a brilliant series
Review: So, the saga of Tiger and Del comes to a close, and this nicely wraps up what has been one of the most enjoyable series I have ever read. Are there some unexpected turns of events? Yes. I found that this novel, while wrapping things up nicely, DID finish rather abruptly. I felt that, after all the time in between this novel and the previous, while warranted considering what Ms. Roberson was going through, should have allowed a bit of time to make things more tightly wrapped at the end. Even still, it gets 5 stars from me.
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