Sword-Sworn: A Novel of Tiger and del (Sword (DAW Fantasy)) [Mass Market Paperback]

What does not change (much) is Tiger's thinking, his internal comments and arguments are along the same lines as in early books, but the reader,as well as Tiger himself, recognises that he becomes more hypocritical as result. His chauvinistic tendencies no longer fit. Del has changed him; and he has changed himself. Tiger has become an unlikely hero, messiah and mage. But deep down, Tiger is just Tiger: the best Sword-dancer in the Southern lands.

And in this final epic episode, Tiger proves that he is just that. Despite ordeals Tiger has had to survive and resultant loss of fingers, Tiger can still dance.

I felt that this book started slow. Perhaps this was done with reason - Tiger himself does not really know where he is going (or where he needs to go) until well past half way in. But I felt a bit of strain and struggle by the author here. We dilly-dally and some of the plot development seems stretched. We expect a set-back or two, of course since a hero never reaches his goal without them, but I'm unsure that Del's fate with the sandtiger constitutes a serious obstacle in terms of Tiger's path of growth and discovery. Nor am I entirely convinced that Tiger's exploration of magical abilities is entirely meaningful.

I also felt that, sadly, Del's role in this book was almost redundant. She has become a mere hanger-on, a character with no goals, no purpose, whereas in earlier books, Tiger was Tiger because of Del. Del helped Tiger on his path, helped shape him, made him who he is. We almost forget that in this book, because this story is about Tiger. I found it lacking, since so much of the strength of earlier books was due to the role Del plays in Tiger's life. Here she plays no role, other than to settle Tiger down (and in an almost disappointing way, taking away any kind of adventure to their future lives).

Further, some important developments, such as Tiger's son and daughter, Abbu and the building of a new teaching facility, could have been developed more deeply instead of skimming over them at the end of the book. This might possibly be because of the first person POV, which has its limitations. I can't help but think it could have been handled more meaningfully since although this ties up some loose ends neatly for the author, we know that (psychologically and internally) life does not tend to be as neat.

As an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed this book and am glad that it was written. Personally, I believe the series might have ended 2 books earlier, and let the remaining stories of Tiger and Del live in the readers' imaginations.

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Tiger and Del travel to Julah where they meet an old friend, cantina owner Fouad, who is frightened to see the legendary pair. When they last met, Fouad betrayed Tiger and Del by spiking their drinks at the demand of the now dead but then deadly Sabra. Word spreads that Tiger is back and a fellow Alimat sword dancer challenges him to the death. If he survives that duel, Tiger and Del know their latest perilous adventure has just begun.

SWORD-SWORN, the sixth Tiger-Del tale, is a fabulous sword and sorcery tale that keeps the characters' behavior constant with past novels yet provides a fresh feel to the adventures. Newcomers will enjoy this book as a stand alone, but gain much more pleasure by starting with the first story. Tiger is an intriguing individual who has grown over the saga due to his association with his Northern lover. On the other hand, Del remains a staunch woman's libber in a world that is shocked by strong females, but often places the duo in unnecessary danger. Still Jennifer Roberson furbishes her readers a powerful epic fantasy that lives up to the author's special dedication.

Harriet Klausner