Jennifer Roberson, an author celebrated for her historical novels, also holds a special place in the hearts of fantasy readers, particularly those familiar with her enthralling Sword-Dancer saga. Before I explored her fantasy realms, I was captivated by her historical works, including her Robin Hood retellings and a novel set against the backdrop of a Scottish massacre. However, it was the Sword-Dancer series that truly showcased her prowess as a storyteller. Known for character-driven narratives and strong female leads, Roberson’s books also appeal with their substantial depth. Entering the world of Sword-Dancer, the first of six books in the saga, I was filled with anticipation, eager to discover what lay in store.
The covers of the Sword-Dancer series are varied, with different artists contributing across the books. The art for the initial books is arguably more appealing, while later covers lean towards a cartoonish style. One particular set of covers even evokes a resemblance to 80s glam metal bands for the characters Tiger and Del – a somewhat jarring visual interpretation. Interestingly, shortly after I finished reading the series, DAW Publishing released all six books in three omnibus editions, a convenient format for new readers to dive into this expansive world.
Sword-Dancer begins in a remote cantina on the edge of the Southron desert, the Punja. Here, we meet the Sandtiger, a legendary Sword Dancer, holding court in his usual corner, enjoying wine and the company of the cantina’s women. His routine is disrupted by the arrival of Del, a woman from the north. With striking ice-pale hair, a sword strapped to her back, and vengeance in her eyes, Del seeks to hire Tiger as a guide. Her mission: to traverse the Punja, find her enslaved brother, and exact revenge on those who stole him. Intrigued by the challenge and the allure of Del herself, Tiger agrees to her proposition. Thus begins their journey, fraught with sandstorms, encounters with dangerous sandtigers, and a constant barrage of sharp insults exchanged between them. Despite their contrasting personalities, Tiger and Del are forced to confront truths about each other and themselves. Tiger soon realizes that this journey might irrevocably alter his world.
Initially, Tiger is not designed to be a likable character. He is portrayed as irritable, profoundly arrogant, and a womanizer with a penchant for laziness – and he is the narrator of this tale. Yet, he is also a living legend. He earned his renown by slaying a sandtiger that threatened his village, a feat marked by the claw-shaped scar on his cheek. He completed his sword-dancer training at an exceptionally rapid pace, justifying, to some extent, his inflated ego. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just the beginning of his arc. Roberson masterfully guides Tiger through a significant transformation throughout the series. What truly captivated me from the outset was that Del is equally as formidable and unapproachable as Tiger is initially off-putting. Driven by the need to avenge her brother, Del has sacrificed much of her own humanity. The dynamic between them is not about one fixing the other. They are not presented as conventional heroes in the traditional sense. As the story unfolds, their complex and flawed natures become apparent. It’s a bold narrative choice to launch a series with protagonists who are so challenging and problematic. However, by the end of Sword-Dancer, their compelling development will win readers over. The sword fighting is expertly written, the emotional stakes are high, the magic system is intricate and ever-evolving, and the romance develops subtly throughout the series. Each book in the Sword-Dancer saga builds upon the last, enhancing the overall experience. This series remains consistently true to its core elements, making it a rewarding read from beginning to end.
The recommended reading order for the Sword-Dancer saga is as follows: Sword-Dancer, Sword-Singer, Sword-Maker, Sword-Breaker, Sword-Born, and Sword-Sworn. I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this entire six-book journey.
