The Sixth Book of Lost Swords: Mindsword's Story [Mass Market Paperback]

Fred Saberhagen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Lost Swords | Publication Date: June 15, 1991

Long ago, the gods forged Twelve Swords of Power and threw them on the gameboard of life for men to scramble over. But they forged too well; the Swords could kill the gods themselves.

Now the great Mindsword reenters the world of men, bringing others' mindless devotion to him who wields it: Prince Murat of Culm, who intends to give it to Princess Kristin of Tasavalta. But first he draws it--and receives worship from his own son, from the princess herself, and from a horrifying "ally."

It is up to Prince Mark of Tasavalta: his wife and kingdom, and the world, all may be lost to the Mindsword.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Set in the same universe as Saberhagen's excellent Empire of the East, this book continues its sitcom spin-off exploitation of the original fantasy concept. For a game, the Gods created 12 Swords of Power, giving them to humans for use and misuse. But the Swords were more powerful than the Gods, and now only the Swords remain, with humans scheming to steal them from each other. All the Lost Sword stories involve the family of Prince Mark and Princess Kristin. Here, Mindsword, when drawn, compels complete loyalty and love to the wielder. Neighboring Prince Murat hopes to win Kristin's respect by giving her the Sword, but as in a Shakespearian comedy, he finds himself gathering a horde of followers, all proclaiming their devotion, and all of whom would turn on him in anger if released from Mindsword's spell. Like cotton candy, this is an enjoyable quick read, with little substance.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Intended as a peace offering from Prince Murat to the Princess Kristin, the Mindsword--one of the legendary weapons used in the war that brought about the death of the gods--plunges two countries into near-war as the well-meaning Murat falls victim to the sword's seductive powers. Saberhagen treads a fine line between fantasy and moral fable in his latest addition to a popular series. Purchase where the other "Swords" books are popular.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books (June 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812511182
• ISBN-13: 978-0812511185
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #689,901 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Saberhagen gives up on an overarching plot for Lost Swords, February 6, 2002

By 

Prose reader (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sixth Book of Lost Swords: Mindsword's Story (Hardcover)

The tantalizing hints concerning some sort of overplot for the Lost Swords are here abandoned, as Saberhagen abandons any pretense of writing novels that aren't self-contained.
It's a passing good story, well written and interesting, as per usual Saberhagen, but the slippery slope of events that gets the main plot going is weaker than readers familiar with Mr. Saberhagen have come to expect. The story involves Prince Murat (from the 1st book of Lost swords), and his failed attempt to bring the Mindsword to Princess Kristin as a gesture of friendship. The bad guy is the former Dark King, Vilkata, who we last saw fifteen years earlier, being cast into a snowy mountain abyss by Vulcan, after having lost his eyesight, magic, and wits.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read, September 16, 2000

By 

"darb_the_wise" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sixth Book of Lost Swords: Mindsword's Story (Mass Market Paperback)

Not the first book in the wonderful Book of Sword series I would suggest, if your alread in the series it keeps the story going. Previous books in the Lost Book of Swords are better, after reading I got the impression Fred Saberhagen was ready to finish off the series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gift, February 10, 2007

By 

Ila Fetterly "Tango" (Goble, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sixth Book of Lost Swords: Mindsword's Story (Mass Market Paperback)

I purchased this book as a gift, and the receipient is very happy with it