The Swordbearer

By: Glen Cook

Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

A young boy's dreams of glory and war turn into a bitter nightmare as his father's kingdom is overrun by an invading army. Lost and alone in the woods, he finds an ancient sword that promises him the ability to claim his vengeance. As he begins to take that vengeance, he comes to realize the price that the sword will demand of him. Enemies soon become allies and strange bedfellows abound as the prophesies of an age swirl into chaos.

©1982 Glen Cook (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Glen Cook novel pays homage to early Elric stories

Written in 1982, soon after the completion of the initial Dread Empire Trilogy but two years before the initial Black Company novel, Cook demonstrates that he has perfected his unique style and approach to fantasy. The sword referenced in the title is very similar to Storm Bringer and Mourn Blade in the Elric novels. Some may feel that the novel is too obviously derivative as a result but the novel is unquestionable a Glen Cook novel even if it has this trapping of the foundational Elric stories (the first 6 Elric collections which are now sadly out of print). I enjoyed it immensely and feel that it is on even par with the Black Company stories in execution. Many of the aspects Cook of the Black Company series which Cook went on to write can be found here as well, including shifting alliances, well-rounded "grey" characters, and complex political and social constructs which give the novel much more realism, authenticity, and detail you typically can find in the fantasy genre. The novel is a solid stand-alone work with a satisfying ending. However, it seems to me that Cook initially intended to write one or more sequels. I wish he had been able to do so but the fact that he did not, does not detract from this fine work.

A strange tale, with a great world

excellent, Glen cook is an amazing writer and while the black company is probably his best work, I found swordbearer to be the most fun

a solid cookism

a solid showcase of cooks unique grotty style of writing fantasy. his take on the characters are almost dreamlike at times

Good old school fantasy

Very memorable chapters are bogged down by some unessesary scenes but overall not too bad at all.

Great book! Why is this not a series?

The story was really well written. The narrator was absolutely amazing! The main character had depth and his fight to keep the sword from controlling him was really on a human level of how sometimes he failed and sometimes he succeeded. My only complaint is why is this not a series? The ending plainly suggest they have more adventures.

not his most compelling story.

complex names narrator has to raise tempo. was difficult to follow the story with the usual crispness lacking.

a great book.

I read this book 20 years ago and was pleased to listen to it again!