The Complete Book of Swords (Omnibus, Volumes 1, 2, 3) [Hardcover]

Fred Saberhagen (Author), Duncan Eagleson (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1984

This is the hardcover omnibus edition issued by the Science Fiction Book Club. Comprises the first three novels in Saberhagen's epic series: The First Book of Swords (1983); The Second Book of Swords (1983); and The Third Book of Swords (1984). The tale of twelve magical Swords forged by the gods, each endowed with a particular power or gift, and how various characters acquire and use them. The series spans several decades and features dozens of characters.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 626 pages
• Publisher: Nelson Doubleday / SFBC (1984)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00072EXOK
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,101,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book, August 28, 2002

By 

Benjamin Brooks (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Second Book of Swords (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is about a dozen swords with unique special powers forged by the god Vulcan. The swords were then scattered across the world. Mark, the main character with a somewhat unknow background is the one who figures out most of the swords and eventually finds more out about his background and patronage. While this is not your typical fanatasy book with in depth character development, it is a book of many individuals and thier stories with each of the twelve swords. An excellent read for a tale of how powerfull artifacts alter peoples lives.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome fantasy trilogy, December 3, 2008

By 

J. Davis (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Book of Swords (Omnibus, Volumes 1, 2, 3) (Hardcover)

The three Book of Swords are a terrific trilogy; it is Fred Saberhagen at his best. I actually thought this trilogy is better than Empire of the East. For those who haven't heard of this trilogy, the basic plot is as follows: the gods have made twelve incredibly powerful swords and given them to human beings as part of a grand Game. The game turns out to be more than the gods reckoned, though, as the Swords have the capability to kill them as well. I highly recommend this series to any lover of fantasy.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not That Great, August 19, 2002

By 

Clara Lee (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Second Book of Swords (Mass Market Paperback)

This book followed the footsteps of Mark, a young man whose father helped the god Vulcan make 12 magical swords. The swords were intended to be part of a game that the gods set up. However, the gods miscalculated how powerful the swords were and the power that ordinary humans had. Mark could be an interesting character, but lacks real depth and development. The story is really about the swords.

There are three books in this one, but they don't really flow together. They stories are chronological and do make sense, but there is a lot of repetition and not a whole lot of characterization or smooth plot development. The end of the last book leaves many loose ends and doesn't provide anything resembling a sense of satisfaction with a book well written and worth reading. I was very glad that I had borrowed and not bought this book.