Rating: 
Summary: A great read!
Review: After reading "Heroes Die" I couldn't wait for Matthew Stover to finish this one. I wasn't dissappointed. "Blade of Tyshalle" is an exciting book filled with Stover's trademark violence and anti-establishment sentiments. However this one is very different from the first; it is far darker (if that's possible)and delves more into the minds of the other characters. The first book was for the most part told from Hari/Caine's point of view; "Blade" gives the reader the chance to see through the eyes of Stover's other characters, as well as Hari Michaelson's tortured vision of the world. Warning: if you're not ready to visualize some pretty horrible imagery don't read this one; however, if you can get past that (it is not gratuitous, but necessary to the story in my opinion)you will learn a lot about yourself, especially if you have a somewhat Libertarian view of the world. You'll also have great time while doing it. I will be reading everything this guy has written, and anxiously await all his future work.
Rating: 
Summary: interestingly flawed, and very, very good
Review: After reading "Heroes Die," I was very glad to learn that Stover was writing a sequel. Stover is amazingly good at using the conventions of action, fantasy, and dystopian science fiction while also subtly twisting them in service of his all too believable and recognizable characters. Unlike many authors, he understands that actions have consequences, not all conflicts have good solutions, and nobody can be a hero all the time. He writes great fight scenes, too."Blade of Tyshalle" is, in some ways, very similar to "Heroes Die." It focuses on Hari Michaelson, and his alter-ego, Caine, as he fights against impossible odds to save his family from threats on both Earth and Overworld. It includes action, dungeons, desperate last stands, and so on. However, this book spends a lot more time on other characters, including Shanna/Pallas Ril, Hari's wife; Ma'elKoth, who goes by Tan'elKoth for much of the book; Raithe, a young Monastic dedicated to killing Caine; Kollberg, Hari's old nemesis, raised up from his exile to the Labor Pool; and Kris/Deliann, the Changeling Prince of the elves. Also, Earth has become more directly involved with Overworld, to the point of creating an enclave of technology, and later releasing an incurable virus to justify an armed invasion, in the name of "restoring order;" this changes the rules of the game. The plot is even more intricate than in "Heroes Die," but the story also contains much more social commentary and philosophy. There are many brief, odd, semi-mythic interchapters, which, once you figure out which character corresponds to which mythic figure, provide a handy road map for the rest of the book. After I finished "Blade of Tyshalle," I wasn't quite sure what I thought of it. I let it sink in for a few days, then reread the book. I knew I liked the action and the characters, and the way the loose ends from the first book, particularly the much-vaunted "black flow" were finally resolved, but I wasn't sure about the philosophy and social theory, or about the balance among the various elements of the book. I think, finally, that "Blade of Tyshalle" is a very, very good book. It is also, unquestionably, a flawed book, from which several plot and character complications -- and fifty to a hundred pages -- could profitably have been trimmed. But it made me think, it involved me emotionally, it convinced me it was worth the money I paid for it, and it hooked me enough that I have already reread it three times. I definitely recommend both the book, and Stover. Just make sure you have an open mind, and a strong stomach.
Rating: 
Summary: Could have been much better
Review: Aside from two parts, the begining and the end, this book falls far short of both its previous companion and anything else MWS has written. Through the book we watch as Hari is tromped on and while written and told very well, the content was severly lacking. The detail of Stovers martial arts is still exceptional and is one of the redeaming qualities of this book along with his neat twist of magic. Learing about Hari in the conservatory was great, however most of the book is devoted to watching Hari whine on earth. If you buy this thats great, just don't expect anything like Hero's Die or you WILL be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: An intense book with surprising depth
Review: At first read, Blade of Tyshalle is what the Hollywood PR people would call "An Action-packed Thrill-ride", yet to qualify it as merely that would be to ignore the depth that gives this book so much punch. The story is strong, the prose is powerful, the characters memorable and well-rounded. Caine in particular is a brilliantly executed character, with a distinctive voice dripping with attitude. The strength of the book lies in Stover's twisting of conventionalities of the genre. This book goes beyond standard "sword-n-sorcery" into truly "Epic" or "Heroic" proportions. This was first evidenced in "Heroes Die" where characters were less driven by conventional ideas of "good" and "evil" than by personal motivations, lust, love, greed, power. This ambiguity persists in this book, and that is why it should be read again to look at the deeper meanings behind these.
Rating:
Summary: Buy & read Heroes Die the buy & read this...
Review: Best book I've read to date: I've read over 400 novels. If you don't read it it's your loss not mine. All I can say because I don't feel like writing a novel here is EXCELLENT.
Rating:
Summary: Much darker than Heroes Die, and more relevant
Review: Blade could work on its own, I suppose, but it will resonate much more if you've read Heroes first. The first book is, in comparison, a more straightforward, easier read. It's a love story. Blade, on the other hand, expands our field of view, and suddenly Hari's Earth is more than just a setting, it's got a will of its own. Sometimes it's shockingly violent, much more so than Heroes Die. If you haven't read either, you probably aren't guessing nearly high enough on the gruesome scale. More difficult than the violence is the dark helplessness that overwhelms the middle third of the book. The book is infinitely rewarding by the end, as a lot of the darkness is explained and that suspicion that it was all gratuitous disappears. It's brilliant and invigorating if you've got the stomach.
Rating:
Summary: Much darker than Heroes Die, and more relevant
Review: Blade could work on its own, I suppose, but it will resonate much more if you've read Heroes first. The first book is, in comparison, a more straightforward, easier read. It's a love story. Blade, on the other hand, expands our field of view, and suddenly Hari's Earth is more than just a setting, it's got a will of its own. Sometimes it's shockingly violent, much more so than Heroes Die. If you haven't read either, you probably aren't guessing nearly high enough on the gruesome scale. More difficult than the violence is the dark helplessness that overwhelms the middle third of the book. The book is infinitely rewarding by the end, as a lot of the darkness is explained and that suspicion that it was all gratuitous disappears. It's brilliant and invigorating if you've got the stomach.
Rating:
Summary: A thought provoking good read
Review: Blade of Tyshalle is a great book. This is first book I have read by Stover, and I wasn't aware that it was the second in the series. However, it stands alone well. Somewhat philosophical, somewhat disturbing, with excellent action and characterization. Stover's writing is a blend of Heinlein sci-fi, Dashiell Hammett characters, and G. G. Kay (The Fionavar Tapestry) fantasy. About half the story takes place in a fantasy world, and the other half in a gritty Orwellian futuristic society. My only complaint is the pacing of the novel is a bit off. The opening story grabs you, then the story slows down a bit and you don't have a clear idea of what is happening until a few more chapters of background. If you continue onward the reward is the rest of the book. I will definately say that some of the other reviewers tags of Epic is a good descriptive. It is an Epic story and the characters are all excellently done while still being archetypical. The author writes about their archetypical nature in the one page metaphoric introduction to most chapters. These one page summaries are among the most moving passages in the book. Buy and read this book.
Rating:
Summary: INTENSE, masterful book.
Review: BLADE OF TYSHALLE is the sequel to Matthew Stover's excellent HEROES DIE. This is the rare sequel that surpasses the excellence of its predecessor. I'm not going to go into a long summary of the story, but suffice it to say, BLADE OF TYSHALLE blends Fantasy and Science Fiction into an exemplary piece of speculative fiction. Briefly, Hari Michaelson (aka Caine) is a broken man due to events in HEROES DIE. Overworld where his known as Caine has become a tool of the Studios here on Earth. Overworld is a fantasy-type world populated by ogres, thaumaturges (wizards/sorcerers), elves and the like. Studios send their best actors to Overworld so people can live along their adventures. The nature of these adventures is similar to Virtual Reality, people can pay, like they do for a movie, to watch the actor's adventures as the actors run through their adventures. What this book is really about is more complex-conflicting personalities on different worlds, supreme characterization, internal dialogue that is genuine, sticking to your beliefs and struggling, inching toward sunlight with every breath-and all that just describes Caine. Hari/Caine fights against himself, his family and the studios trying to ruin his beloved Overworld, home of his adventures and his life. The action is amazing, the characters are some of the most "real" and fleshed out that I have ever read. The supporting characters are just right, there aren't too many and the detail they are given is just right. The 'villian' Ma'elKoth is one of the better "villains" in SF today. I give the quotes to villain because at many points through the story, Ma'elKoth does things that you or I would do given the situation, he is a guy you can like, that's what makes him scary. The issues here are not black and white, just like real life. To sum up, this is an INTENSE read that comes to a completely satisfying conclusion. This book left me winded and smiling after reading it, as if I just spent a few hours working out in the gym. So far, this is the best book I've read this year. Though the book is ended cleanly, you get a sense that Stover may have some more Overworld Tales up his sleeve. I for one would welcome them. Definitely an author to watch, his other books include the previously mentioned and excellent HEROES DIE as well as IRON DAWN and JERICHO MOON. Also a forthcoming novel in the Star Wars NEW JEDI ORDER series.
Rating:
Summary: Intelligent action adventure
Review: Buy this novel if you buy anything of worth this month! Stover is one of those writers who should not be missed. He reminds me of Howard--action, adventure, guts and glory. There's no gain without pain and BOY does he mean it. I won't synopsize the plot since others will do a much better job, but if you're a fan of action and great characters, BUY THIS BOOK. If you like well developed and unique worlds, BUY THIS BOOK. If you want your action scenes to be real (and I do), then... you get the picture. I look forward to seeing what new stories this writer will reveal. Unlike some of his contemporaries who overuse purple prose, I think Stover's writing offers atmosphere and reality to the world. I disagree with Harriet (a wonderful reviewer) and her opinion of his writing. This is not a book for those looking for weak fairy stories or Tolkien rip-offs. This is a wholly unique story with elements of both fantasy and science fiction that will appeal to anyone with an open mind and a taste for drama and action. And did I mention great characters? You may not LIKE Harry, but you sure will sympathize with his situation!
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