The Desert and the Blade

A Novel of the Change

By: S. M. Stirling

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

Reiko, empress of Japan, has allied herself with Princess Órlaith, heir to the High Kingdom of Montival, to find the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, the Grass-Cutting Sword, a legendary treasure of an ancient dynasty that confers valor and victory to its bearer. Órlaith understands all too well the power it signifies. Her own inherited blade, the Sword of the Lady, was both a burden and a danger to her father, Rudi Mackenzie, as it failed to save the king from being assassinated. But the fabled sword lies deep with the Valley of Death, and the search will be far from easy. And war is building in Montival and far beyond.

As Órlaith and Reiko encounter danger and wonder, Órlaith's mother, Queen Matildha, believes her daughter's alliance and quest has endangered the entire realm. There are factions both within and without Montival whose loyalty died with the king, and whispers of treachery and war grow ever louder. And the Malevolence that underlies the enemy will bend all its forces to destroy them.

©2015 S. M. Stirling (P)2015 Recorded Books

There’s nothing like camel 🐪 toe!

Wow!!! What a great ending to a fantastic book. Two High Queens and they’re “all in”! The riding of camels was so witty. Narration superb!

Outstanding! The BEST of the series!

Exceptionally well written, wonderfully narrated and beautifully framed on a world that manages to be alien, familiar and so very exciting all at the same time. Frankly it is OMHO the best installment of this epic series. Crown Princess Orlaith and Empress Reiko characters are masterfully developed and are rapidly becoming my favorites on the saga. The only minor issue I have with the book is that the last chapter felt rushed and provided little to explain Reiko's brother miraculous re-appearance with the mortal enemies of her people. Thank you Mr. Stirling and Mr. McLaren for another great work!

Many good voices, great story

Great job narrating all of the different accents and languages by the narrator. Another awesome installment in the Change novels!

Todd Maclaren doing Asian voices

I could listen to Todd Maclaren doing Asian voices and arrow noises all day…pfffft…. Tung!!!!

Loved it!

Great, this new installment redeemed the series. new generation of characters and new locations to explore!