The Reluctant Swordsman

By: Dave Duncan

Narrated by: Donald Corren

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Wallie Smith can feel the pain. He goes to the hospital, remembers the doctors and the commotion, but when he wakes up it all seems like a dream. However, if that was a dream how do you explain waking up in another body and in another world? Little Wallie finds himself in the physique of a barbarian swordsman, accompanied by both an eccentric priest babbling about the Goddess and a voluptuous slave girl. Is this a rude awakening or a dream come true?

What in the world will Wallie do now that he's found himself stranded in a strange realm? Well it just so happens that the Goddess is in need of a swordsman. It won't be easy but if he succeeds he will have everything he wants. If he doesn't, things could get ugly.

Wallie is reluctant but sees his chance. If only he had the faintest clue as to the adventure he is about to unleash! If only he could imagine the forces that will be out to vanquish him!

©1988 D.J. Duncan (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

An enjoyable listen

What did you like best about this story?

The plot was straight-forward, easy to follow, and was enjoyable to listen to.

Any additional comments?

If you are looking for an enjoyable story, you might like this one. It is not full of intrigue, or complicated, or full of politics. It is a simply story, simply told. Having said that, I would say that I enjoyed listening, both to this book, and to the following two books in the series. The story isn't complicated; It doesn't arrive at the end you would think it will come to from the beginning, but the ending was not terrible either. All in all, I enjoyed listening to it.

Before you decide, though, please find out what other reviewers think. All things aren't for everyone. I always like recommending that the reader considers other reviews before deciding.

Engaging story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is the first book in a series that takes you through a world of swords and sorcerers that is well thought out, with characters that grow on you. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but felt the pace moved a bit slow.

Without giving away any spoilers, by the start of the second book I was seeing some obvious plot points that took the characters in the story the entire volume to recognize as important. I am not sure I have the patience to wade through the third volume to see how it all ends.

Donald Corren does a great job with the narration.

If you are a fan of the "swords and sorcerers" genera, you will probably enjoy this series of books.

Good twist on fantasy novels

Narration was top notch! Amazing voices. I didn't know what to expect from the novel but I really enjoyed it. I will definitely pick up book 2.

Book Review

Great story, moves along at a fast pace. More Stuff to do with the book

Well written, poorly conceived.

Enjoyable to listen to, likable characters and somewhat suspenseful, but the whole thing comes off as contrived and forces. The meta-narrative is a well developed adolescent’s daydream. It’s fun, but it isn’t Tolkien or Martin. I get the impression that i would rather have some beers with the author and talk than listen to this again. Hard to explain.

Unique world with and puppet main character

So when I initially read this I actually like some of it. The world is unique and the class society is kind of neat to read about. The problem I had is that the main character is an engineer and is transported to a fantasy like world. Until the end of the second book he is just acts like some ignorant barbarian. He really can not figure anything out. Another thing is that at the start of the book this atheist engineer is faced with a god and he goes from skeptic to calling god master and following god right away. I understand if someone see miracles they might believe in god, but the gods do not make too much sense in this book. They want him to have free will, and be valiant and a knight. The first task they give him is to kill someone and then go on a journey with a riddle to find the way. Oh and you might think that maybe he needs to follow this riddle and figure it out, but nope it all happens by himself. Also if he travels by river it only takes him where he needs to go. What kind of free will is it?

Don't waste your time

I should have returned this one but I just had to see what happened; that will teach me.