Sword-Maker/Sword-Breaker (Novels of Tiger and del) [Paperback]

The Novels of Tiger and Del, Volume I
The Novels of Tiger and Del, Volume II: Sword-Maker - Sword Breaker
The Novels of Tiger and Del, Volume III (Sword-Dancer Saga)

In the beginning of this very enjoyable, unique series, we meet Sandtiger, a man who was raised as a nameless orphan, a foreigner from an unknown land and a slave within a nomadic desert tribe. He gained his name and begrudged freedom as a boy when he killed a deadly, venomous sandtiger which had been preying upon members of the tribe. Defeating death, and bearing the beast's claw marks as a distinctive scar upon his face, Sandtiger found a willing teacher who took him in and taught him the skills and honor codes of the sword dancer. Driven, he achieved the highest level of mastery, (7th level) in record time, and went on to become a living legend. Much of the story is narrated by Tiger, mixed with third person perspective. Roberson did an admirable job using this fresh technique; it works well.

When he is not hiring out his services as a sword dancer in order to settle disputes or matters of honor, Tiger, who is in his mid-30's, spends his time in cantinas, drinking and womanizing. It is within such an establishment that he is tracked down by young, beautiful Delilah, a fair skinned woman with blonde hair from the far north who carries a sword (unheard of for a female) and claims to be a sword dancer. Despite personality clashes, Delilah hires Tiger as a guide to help her journey across the very large, deadly desert of the region. Del is a driven soul, searching for her lost brother, and for revenge against murderous bandits who took him, and her innocence, years prior.

As the adventure unfolds, Tiger is forced, by circumstances and interactions, to adjust his perspectives and attitudes towards Del, and women in general. It becomes evident that Del is a truly skilled sword dancer, as well as a sword singer who is able, through her song, to call forth a mystical power which is infused within the spirit of her specially forged blade. It also becomes known that Del is quite likely Tiger's equal in the dance, a discovery which follows betrayal and near death at each other's hands. Through it all, we discover that the presence of magic is very disquieting to Tiger, both mentally and physically, every time it is encountered. This leads to ironies.

Through the first of these novels, we experience the hardships and struggles faced by the couple as they fight to fulfill Del's quests and simply stay alive. We are given views into the humorous relationship which Tiger faces on a regular basis with his very spirited, very difficult stallion. We also enjoy the gradual meeting of minds and souls of our two heroes, creating a bond of loyalty between the two, which becomes imperative to Tiger's very existence as he is eventually faced with the threat of an ancient, powerful evil which struggles to control him through his own mystical sword, a sword forged specifically for him during a journey to Del's homeland, a sword which he did not even want.

Over the course of the first four books, Tiger becomes increasingly embroiled in circumstances beyond his control, a victim of prophecy and fate. His love for Del leads him to break oaths, which makes him a target for death, outside the ceremonial circle of the sword dance. This leads to his departure from his beloved home in the southern desert region, searching overseas for the unknown, unconfirmed land of his ancestry, all upon the basis of a stranger's comments. A stranger with similar appearance and large build. This is where the final two novels begin.

Upon their sea voyage, Tiger and Del encounter pirates, slavers, and near drowning. Tiger never learned to swim, having been raised in a desert. As the story progresses, we are introduced to the interesting female captain of the pirate crew, an attractive redhead who desires Del. We also meet the first mate, a mysterious outcast from Tiger's homeland who bears strange blue tattooing upon his shaved head, multiple piercings, and a secretive knowledge of mystical powers. The mate recognizes Tiger's common heritage, and rather than selling their captives into outright slavery, Tiger is ransomed to the matriarch of his homeland as a potential lost heir to the throne. The bounty he was traded for, however, indentures and angers Tiger, but bound by his own codes of honor, he agrees to cooperate with a task she sets before him... for awhile.

Up to this point, I have attempted to offer only the most general of a synopsis, hoping to inspire interest but not to give too much away. The joy and excitement lies within the steps of the journey. From this point, If your interest has not been inspired as of yet, nothing else I say will matter. Assuming that it has, I will only say that Tiger sleeps with death, and we discover interesting things about the first mate and his abilities. Secrets are then gradually revealed about Tiger, himself, secrets he is not pleased at all to know. Intrigue and irony ensue, in large portions, in more ways than magic can account for.

Whenever magic is dealt with in Roberson's Tiger and Del novels, it is always low-key, for the most part. It is not along the lines of Tolkien's wizardry or the magic of elves, it is much more subtle, and I believe, more suited to the stories. (Nothing comes across as "over the top.") I really cannot give any more of the story away without creating a spoiler, but I will say that I was sad to see the saga end. To me, that has always been a measure of a really good book or series. This series has definately been among my favorites to read, and I am somewhat particular about what I will endorse. I hope my effort here has been enlightening and enticing.

I was introduced to the first book in this series, by a friend, in 2000. It was an instant hit! Then I went away and got immersed in the Cheysuli series (that's another review). But I never forgot the Southron sand tiger and the Northern bascha. The series is very well written with a compelling story-line and enough action to maintain interest without going over the top. And it is always refreshing (to me, anyway) to see out-moded ideas being changed. There could be more sword-dancing sequences. There could be more dying of heat (or of cold). There could be more of a lot of things; but there isn't and you won't miss any of it! Because, what there is, is enough. Don't start reading these stories if you have other things to do. Those other things will never get done! You might as well get the other two volumes also. You're going to want them...

I've always had a hidden love for this series. It well-written; has two strong main characters who are both likeable (along with a disreputable horse who isn't so likeable); an interesting world; and a sense of humor. It doesn't always take itself seriously, but there are also well-written scenes of heartbreak and sorrow. Things don't always go heads-up for the main characters, and since they're so strong, they don't always get along. They muddle through it, though, and make it on their own. I've always liked them a lot.