His Own Good Sword: a book review, crossposted from Goodreads

[mary_j_59]

His Own Good Sword by Amanda McCrina

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Megan Whalen Turner fans, pounce! First-time author Amanda McCrina has written a story full of twists and turns and swift, violent action that should appeal to lovers of Turner's political intrigue. As the story begins, young Tyren Risto is reluctantly returning to his home. We learn that he's being punished for supporting a Cesino (that is, native) soldier. As a result, his first command will be in a minor outpost among the Cesino. The young man has also lost his chance for a prestigious marriage that would have advanced his family politically. Tyren struggles to find his feet in his first command, not realizing the currents swirling around him. This character - naive, brave, and tending to act on his gut feelings - reminded me of Costis in "The KIng of Attolia", and I like Costis! I had the privilege of reading this book in galley form, and was impressed by the plot and characters from the outset, but I found that there were a few anachronisms in the prose. On rereading, I found that these had been cleaned up. McCrina's prose is straightforward and clear, very suitable to Tyren and his equally passionate and upright father. Both the middle-aged man and the young one find themselves in very deep water, being used as tools by people far subtler and more ruthless than they are. As the story ends, it seems that the enemies of Tyren's family are in the ascendancy. If Tyren survives, will he find himself allying with the native rebels? And is there any hope for a just and lasting peace and a decent future?

If this book has a weakness, it is that the women and girls get short shrift. I was encouraged to see, on Amanda McCrina's blog, that Tyren's younger sister will play a major part in the second volume of the series. Challe is an intriguing character, as is Maryna, the Cesino healer. I am looking forward to seeing more of them.

If you have loved Rosemary Sufcliffe or Megan Whalen Turner's books, you might well enjoy reading about Tyren's adventures while waiting for more of Eugenides and company. If you do enter Tyren's world, I'd love to know what you think. Let me know!





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Comments

[amanda mccrina (from livejournal.com)]

Thank you so much for taking the time to review the book!

[drashizu.livejournal.com]

I was directed here from the Sounis community. Your review is tantalizingly brief, with just enough detail to make His Own Good Sword sound like something I'd want to read. This book is now on my wishlist. Thanks for reviewing it and for posting the link for Sounisians to see!

[tiegirl.livejournal.com]

Yes, thank you so much! And welcome to Sounis!