Sword-Breaker

Rating:
Summary: Standout characterization
Review: Sword Breaker is the fourth book in Jennifer Roberson's Tiger and Del series. It wraps up the original story arc of vengeance pursued by the obsessed Del. I have been a fan of this series since page one of the first book. Rather strange since I really don't care for much else from Roberson. As an author myself, this is the series I wish I would have written. The characters are fleshed out in a way rarely seen in any genre, much less fantasy. The odd contrast of heroic deed and all-too-human foible, especially in Tiger's case, makes for reading that will make you wish you lived there, and laugh at some of the things that happen to those who do. The fact the Jennifer chose to write this first person is surpassed only by the amount of insight to the male psyche she obviously possesses. Many were the pages when I mentally nodded my head at something Tiger did, because I probably would have done the same. The world Jennifer creates here is very simple, mere carbon copies of Norse and Arabic cultures, yet that is not the strength of the series. That focus comes from the reality of Tiger and Del and the way they reveal themselves, by bits and turns, to be so very human. I wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good read that will stick to your ribs and leave you with memories of a life not your own, but one just as impactful all the same. So go out and buy Sword Dancer, the first installment, and before you know it, you will be setting down Sword Breaker, the fourth book, with a wry smile and a strange affection for uppity horses.

Rating:
Summary: Truely incredible series.
Review: This series, and thusly, this book, are required reading for any fantasy fan. Roberson made an interesting choice in using first person perspective, and even though it is a strange choice in this genre, she carries it out flawlessly.

Also, an interesting commentary on various social issues.