The Sword of Bedwyr (Crimson Shadow) [Mass Market Paperback]

R. A. Salvatore (Author)

Book Description

Series: Crimson Shadow | Publication Date: February 1, 1996

This first novel in the Crimson Shadow trilogy is by the author of the best-selling Dark Elf trilogy. For 20 years the once proud lands of Eriador have suffered under the evil power of the Wizard King Greensparrow.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bestselling Salvatore (Starless Night) returns with a pleasant fantasy novel, notable mainly for its attention to detail. Salvatore describes and choreographs battle scenes better than any other contemporary fantasist, as this first tale of the adventures of Luthien Bedwyr amply demonstrates. The naive Luthien plunges into a series of events, beginning with a self-imposed exile from his father's kingdom of Bedwyr, which has fallen "under the iron rule of King Greensparrow of Avon," that test his mettle and increase the political stakes for which he must fight. As Salvatore carefully and exquisitely builds his narrative, Luthien, along with the charming Oliver de Burrows?self-described thief with the obligatory heart of gold?finds his actions becoming more consequential, especially in his Robin Hood-like guise as the "Crimson Shadow." The tale is satisfactorily resolved, but with enough matters left hanging to suggest that readers looking forward to a sequel may well be rewarded.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

Young Luthien Bedwyr's blind loyalty to his father, the Earl of Bedwydrin, turns to contempt when he realizes that his father is powerless against the agents of the evil Wizard-King who rules their land. Taking to the road to fight for justice, Luthien acquires a roguish (and diminutive) highway halfling companion, a magical cape, and a reputation as "The Crimson Shadow." The author of the "Dark Elf" series tries his hand at swashbucking fantasy with this fast-paced series opener. Although an overabundance of swordplay leaves marginal room for character development, the heroes' escapades pave the way for future adventures. Libraries looking to satisfy a demand for fantasy adventure may want to consider this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Aspect; Reprint edition (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446602728
• ISBN-13: 978-0446602723
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,939,634 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

R.A. Salvatore has spent so many years winding himself into fantasy worlds that he's still trying to figure out how to unwind. He is the author of more than forty novels and more than a dozen New York Times best sellers, including The Two Swords, which debuted at or near the top of many best seller lists.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Bad, November 2, 2005

By 

Ron (Jersey) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Sword of Bedwyr (Crimson Shadow) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book and series as a whole was a good read. I didn't find anything truly unique, but it was written well, and the story flowed nicely. If you want to read a light fantasy by a good author, I would recommend this book along with the final two Luthiens Gamble and The Dragon King.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An epic tale of hope and despair, June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sword of Bedwyr (Crimson Shadow) (Mass Market Paperback)

After the death of friend and arena fighter Garth Rogar, young Luthien Bedwyr is set on a near impossible quest to free eriador. Stunningly described characters including Brind Amour the wizard (a famous NHL hockey player) and the esteemed oliver deburrows accompany Luthien as he discovers his fate. Armed with the a magical folding bow and the magical crimson cape Luthien tries to free Montfort, Caer Mcdonald Along with Sojourn, this is Salvatore's Greatest work yet.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Salvatore does it again! Great story, August 19, 2005

By 

Andrew Gray "Beezer Review" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sword of Bedwyr (Crimson Shadow) (Mass Market Paperback)

R.A. Salvatore explores another new world in this book the first book in the Crimson Shadow trilogy. The world is no where near as developed as his world of Corona (Demon Wars), yet at the same time the story isn't as deep and moving either so it makes sense.

Fans of Salvatore looking for another 'Drizzt' novel here will probably be disappointed. This book, and trilogy, are meant as a light fantasy read and that is exactally what you get. The story is well told and the characters are well fleshed out. I may even go so far as to say this trilogy has one of the best Salvatore characters ever made in that of Oliver, but I'll let you be the judge of that.

This book is fast paced and has enough action to keep everyone interested. There aren't as many plot twists as with Salvatore's other work, but I think that was intentional here as well.

If you are new to the fantasy genre, or are looking for something different to read from your favorite author. Give this one a chance. Be careful not to expect too much from it though. Take it at face value and you will really enjoy the ride.