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Rating: 
Summary: The trilogy starts bravely, but the last book craters ...
Review: For 1972 it isn't bad, but the downsided ending offerring only the hope of commercial conquest and a rather trite "I shall have no son" (because I am a twit) for the conclusion, brings it to a sorry close.The series either needs a fourth book or a rewrite of the ending with a better editor.
Rating:
Summary: The trilogy starts bravely, but the last book craters ...
Review: For 1972 it isn't bad, but the downsided ending offerring only the hope of commercial conquest and a rather trite "I shall have no son" (because I am a twit) for the conclusion, brings it to a sorry close. The series either needs a fourth book or a rewrite of the ending with a better editor.
Rating: 
Summary: A decent beginning for an uneven series
Review: Of course, one can't help but compare this trilogy to the author's more famous Tripods trilogy and yes, the trilogy this book belongs to (The Swords of the Spirits) does fall short. But having said that, I enjoyed reading about this much darker, less hopeful world, where politics and personal gain rule the lives of the protagonists. Our main character, though young, must combat enemies and keep his wits about him. A future where men live to fight and women are clearly in a secondary role (well at least the author included a few women here, in Tripods, there were hardly any mentioned and barely worth remembering) seems pretty backward to me but then again it is a apocalyptic future. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Not as good as the Tripods but still interesting
Review: Of course, one can't help but compare this trilogy to the author's more famous Tripods trilogy and yes, the trilogy this book belongs to (The Swords of the Spirits) does fall short. But having said that, I enjoyed reading about this much darker, less hopeful world, where politics and personal gain rule the lives of the protagonists. Our main character, though young, must combat enemies and keep his wits about him. A future where men live to fight and women are clearly in a secondary role (well at least the author included a few women here, in Tripods, there were hardly any mentioned and barely worth remembering) seems pretty backward to me but then again it is a apocalyptic future. I'm looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.
Rating: 
Summary: A Royal Story With A Difference
Review: The Disaster had destroyed so much of the world. Volcanoes and earthquakes brought civilization crashing down into ruins and permanently changed the planet. The survivors blamed this on the machines. Now people live in separate medieval communities, worship Spirits and despise technology. Anyone caught with a machine of any kind is killed. In Winchester, young Luke Perry is named Prince in Waiting by the Seers. Luke tells a tale of treachury, murder, and intrigue. The Seers have chosen Luke for a special mission... This is a good story about friendship, loyalty, suspicion, pride and belief. John Christopher writes about a superstitious society of the future in a style that makes readers want to turn the page.
Rating: 
Summary: A stirring fantasy novel based in post-apocolyptic England.
Review: The first book in the sword of the spirits trilogy, this novel portrays a young man, and his journey, which unexpectedly leads him to become a prince. This stunning novel introduces you to the second iron age, after an apocolypse. In the tradition of other writings by John Christopher, this story can be appreciated on many levels
Rating:
Summary: A decent beginning for an uneven series
Review: The first book in the Sword of the Spirits trilogy, which is IMO stronger than the more famous Tripods series--better concept, better (particularly female) characters, better plot twists--but, paradoxically, no single book in this trilogy is as strong as the individual books in that series. It really feels like the author had an excellent idea, got it two-thirds of the way figured out, and went with the incomplete result. Go ahead and read the series, but be prepared for the high point coming from book two, not the ending.
Rating:
Summary: IMPATIENCE IN THE MEDIEVAL FUTURE
Review: Very good read, but not on a par with Christopher's TRIPODS series. Perhaps the sense of urgency is lost because so much time elapses in this book, instead of the plot pursuing its course remorselessly day after day. But John Christopher fans will want to complete this futuristic series set in a medieval England. Thirteen-year-old Luke Perry, the son of a commoner (promoted to Captain) hears a prophecy of the Seers (priests of the Spirits) that he will become the next Prince-in-Waiting for the city of Winchester. But treachery from enemies, friends and even his own family stalk him as he impatiently waits to come into his own. Besides, Luke is confused about the very existence of the Spirits; he wants to scoff and deny this national religion, but their prophecy suits his ambition perfectly. Does a young teenager possess the intelligence, wisdom and skill to defeat adult rivals for the throne?
Rating:
Summary: IMPATIENCE IN THE MEDIEVAL FUTURE
Review: Very good read, but not on a par with Christopher's TRIPODS series. Perhaps the sense of urgency is lost because so much time elapses in this book, instead of the plot pursuing its course remorselessly day after day. But John Christopher fans will want to complete this futuristic series set in a medieval England. Thirteen-year-old Luke Perry, the son of a commoner (promoted to Captain) hears a prophecy of the Seers (priests of the Spirits) that he will become the next Prince-in-Waiting for the city of Winchester. But treachery from enemies, friends and even his own family stalk him as he impatiently waits to come into his own. Besides, Luke is confused about the very existence of the Spirits; he wants to scoff and deny this national religion, but their prophecy suits his ambition perfectly. Does a young teenager possess the intelligence, wisdom and skill to defeat adult rivals for the throne?
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