Customer Reviews

Son of the Sword

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Wow! I loved this book! Dylan is such an awesome charcater! And I think it's wonderfully written. . . I learned Gaelic words and other terms and lots about the history of the time. He may be a fictional charcater, but the people he meets are not. . . Along with all the historcal babble, this book also has its fantasy element, in the form of a fairy, whom Dylan fondly calls "Tinkerbell." She sends him back in time when Dylan touchs a spelled braodsword. You laugh and then cry; Son of the Sword has all the esstential elements needed in a good book! A surprise ending and a love that spans place and time, just to mention a few. . . I've been to J. Ardian Lee's website and read that a sequel is coming out soon! I'm sure it will be just as butt-kicking as this one!

An excellent read. Enough historical accuracy to make it compelling without getting too boring. Could use a little more action but overall a very excellent read. Very entertaining. There are other books in the series. I think I'd spring for the money to try the second. (This is the first in the series)

I had read earlier comments on boards about this book being a "bomb," and almost sent it back to the library. Then I read a few pages, and still, almost sent it back to the library. My compulsion to read the story kept me going, however, past the modern day beginning (which is a bit awkwardly written, as it does not even give the read a glimpse of the complexity of the main character that appears later on). I am glad I read on.

The story is about a modern-day man, Dylan Matheson, self-employed as a martial arts expert, and man of Scottish descent. He is very into his Scottish ancestry, and as such participates in games and gatherings that support and entertain his interest. During the course of one of these, he encounters a rare authentic and ancient Scottish broadsword, and wanting to handle it, makes a bet with the owner, to have a contest to "first touch." He wins the contest, and approaches to inspect the sword.

Several hundred years earlier (early 1700s), prior to the first Jacobite uprisings, the beginnings of British/Scots battle finds a faerie making a spell upon this very sword -- to find a Matheson (clan name) worthy of the sword and able to make a difference in the Scots clash against the Brits. Thus, Dylan, being THE ONE for whom her spell was cast, finds himself transported back to the early 1700s, just prior to events that transform history.

The story is essentially how he bides his time, eventually believing he cannot return to his own time, and over time, the events and characters that transform his sense of wanting to return to the year 2000 to one of truly belonging in 1700s Scotland. The characters are well-written, some likable and some not, the plot is interesting, and the events are well defined. I finished the book with great anticipation for reading the next in the series.

I will say this, the series that this book begins is one of my favorites.

That being said, "Son of the Sword" is my least favorite book. Many of the other reviewers have commented (some quite nastily) about the poor plotting and unsympathetic characters. It's true, this books has FIRST NOVEL written all over it; however, everyone starts somewhere, and very few authors hit one out of the ballpark on the first try.

One of the things I like about this book is the narrator's voice. Although one previous reviewer talked about breaking the fourth wall, I'd like to point out that the concept of the "Walls" of fiction is very modern. This books appeals to me, I suppose, because my sensibilities often lie outside modern tastes. Ms. Lee's style of writing is definitely modern in tone and diction, but pre-modern is style. It's a strange combination, but I find it, at the very least, interesting.

Yes, this book is somewhat predictable and somewhat formulaic, but the others in the series (especially "The Sword of King James") are excellent. Ms. Lee's craft was obviously refined by the time "Sword of the White Rose" was written. "Son of the Sword is a worthy beginning, and leads up to better decendents.

As a professional writer I am extremely picky about the type of books I read for leisure. "Son of the Sword", a fantasy fiction, is not the genre I usually choose but a friend asked me to read it because she found it so well written. I just finished it and I have to admit that J. Ardian Lee has me hooked on fantasy fiction. The writing captivated me from the very first page and only got better with time. Dylan is an average guy, with an average life, who only wants to enjoy his career and his hobbies. Imagine his surprise when he is transported back in time where everything he took for granted is missing, and he is faced with primative societal expectations. I learned an incredible amount about Scotland's history. Lee knows just how much to tell and just how much to let develop on its own to make the story fascinating. From modern day Tennessee, to old Scotland, each page is filled with action, excitement, and emotion. I thought the book would fill my time between appointments; instead I couldn't put it down and read until I completed it. I hope that Lee intends to write more. The style was professional and concise. The storytelling was riveting and I will be watching to see what else comes out with the name J. Ardian Lee. Next time, a friend won't have to mention the author. I will be first in line at the book store! I plan to purchase several copies of "Son of the Sword" to give as Christmas gifts. On a cold winter night, wrapped in a blanket, this story will be a perfect ending to the holiday hustle and bustle.

What a wonderful read! Son of the Sword is fast paced and richly evocative of the time period. The author knows his history and has a gift for bringing it alive. I am definitely looking forward to more works by J. Ardian Lee.

This is a wonderful story. There's something for the romance lover, the history lover and the adventurer. Dylan, the main character, is totally believable and his anguish at being ripped from the time in which he truly belongs felt very real. A fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable tale that I couldn't put down. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

If you are a fan of Scottish history, time travel and Diana Gabaldon you will enjoy "Son of the Sword". I had never heard of J Ardian Lee before I pickup up this book and now I can't get the main character, Dylan out of my mind! Please Ardian write more about Dylan!!!

It all starts out in modern day Tennessee, when Dylan Matheson a Scottish history buff and teacher of martial arts and swordfighting attends the local Scottish Highland games. At the games he handles an antique broadsword and through the magic of a fairy is transported back to Scotland around the time of the first Jacobite uprising, 1713. It appears that the fairy believes that Dylan is the hero that can save Clan Matheson and ultimately bring success to the Jacobite uprising. But can he change history when it takes all of his skills plus a bit of fairy help just to survive?

Adrian brings the reality of 18th century life,the hardships, the dangers and of course love to a book that is difficult to put down. What I wouldn't give to meet a man like Dylan! Read the book and let me know what you think!

First of three books, very well written. Page turner! Scottish history is correct with twists and turn only a 21st century reader could enjoy.

I loved this book and can't wait for the movie to come out!! It's the first time I've read a book and felt like I was living the story instead of just reading it. If you want to experience life in the Scottish Highlands during the days of the Clans, this series of books is must reading!! I can't recommend it high enough.