Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't put it down (still searching for plot !!!)
Review: Some books you can't put down because they are so wonderful, wrapping you in sounds and smells and filling the room with interesting characters... this wasn't like that. I could never put down this book because I was still searching for the plot, something to make me believe I wasn't wasting my time. The plot was like a ghost, you could feel that it was there but whenever someone asked you to explain it you're at a loss for words. The only way I sorta knew what was actually going on was by reading the back again, and again, and again... was I missing something in the book? No, because it's not in there, it's on the back only.
Now, you may ask why I'm not giving this a big fat 0 if it was so bad. And I do have a reason. Cherryh set this in a fantasy world NOT based on Medieval England for which I am grateful. That was a good part, she wasn't following the parade she was starting her own... but the setting alone cannot salvage a story.
But then again there is Saukendar, whom I assume is the main character because he is the one that you follow through the pages, is... is... it's hard to say. He seems at first like a grumpy yet kind hermit of the mountain. But as soon as Taizu arrives on the mountain you see his true colors come out. The former warrior had taken a vow of celibacy nine years priviously and had honored it for those years... but as soon as the young (16 ish) Taizu steps foot on his mountain all Saukendar (40 ish) can think about (and all the author writes about) is how he is going to get Taizu to break his vow with him, if you get my gist. It makes for interesting conversations as Taizu is unyeilding and stubborn as a mule but ultimately this has nothing to do with the shadow of a plot.
In conclusion (as English teacher tell me to finish things) I have to say this was a waste of time. I left this book with nothing more than I had when I opened it and I am of mind that books should teach you something. This doesn't at all mean you shouldn't read it I'm just stating my opinion that your money is better of use on any other book.
Rating: 
Summary: Best of Cherryh?
Review: This is a very likable book. Cast in an Oriental setting Cherryh brilliantly succeeds in picturing a samurai-like character and his pig-headed student. For those who read one of the dreary 'Morgaine' books and decided that Cherry is an incompetent writer here is a redeeming work.Amazing what she can do with a limited set of characters in a primitive setting.
Rating:
Summary: Sword and Sorcery without the Sorcery!
Review: This is one of C.J. Cherryh's lighter books, in the sword and sorcery (less the sorcery) vein, but with an historical sensibility. Set in a country that resembles old China, Taizu is a peasant girl who comes seeking the Sword Master Saukendar (known to his intimates as Shoka), late of the imperial court. Shoka has left after the feckless heir to the throne has allowed his advisors to assasinate those who would guide him with good sense, Saukendar being one target. Shoka has spent the last ten years just across the country's border in a mountain hut by himself when Taizu comes seeking to deceive him into taking her on as a (male) pupil, in order to seek revenge on the scheming lords who have destroyed her family and community. Shoka has become a legend for his abilities with a sword as well as being an honorable man. While undeceived by Taizu, he thinks her a crazy girl who he will humor until she tires of his regimen. Instead, over time, she becomes an accomplished swordsperson and they leave together to seek revenge (Shoka not willing to let Taizu proceed alone, despite his doubts about their survival), stepping back into a complex political situation. This is developed altogether convincingly, and in a way that is perfectly plausible. The strong point of the book is the usual wonderful Cherryh character development and ability to create characters that you care about and and believe in. The realtionship between Taizu and Shoka is believable and well developed. Her worlds are always self-consistent and deeply involving, and this one is no exception. While not as thought provoking or complex as her best books (Cyteen, Downbelow Station, Fortress in the Eye of Time) this is a great read and a lot of fun to boot.
Rating: 
Summary: Engrossing and rewarding
Review: You rarely get books as good as this on the fantasy shelves. A delightful character study of a crotchety retired swordmaster (Saukendar) and the wilfull, obstinate peasant girl (Taizu) who proves to be a match for him. Enthralling from beginning to end, never drags at any point and always completely believable. There's so few supernatural elements in the book it probably shouldn't be classed as fantasy but I'm glad it was or I may never have found it. Why this isn't far more popular I've no idea, it's one of the best you'll find on the fantasy shelves of your bookstore.
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