Customer Reviews

Sword-Breaker (Tiger and Del)

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Sword Breaker is the fourth book in Jennifer Roberson's Tiger and Del series. It wraps up the original story arc of vengeance pursued by the obsessed Del. I have been a fan of this series since page one of the first book. Rather strange since I really don't care for much else from Roberson. As an author myself, this is the series I wish I would have written. The characters are fleshed out in a way rarely seen in any genre, much less fantasy. The odd contrast of heroic deed and all-too-human foible, especially in Tiger's case, makes for reading that will make you wish you lived there, and laugh at some of the things that happen to those who do. The fact the Jennifer chose to write this first person is surpassed only by the amount of insight to the male psyche she obviously possesses. Many were the pages when I mentally nodded my head at something Tiger did, because I probably would have done the same. The world Jennifer creates here is very simple, mere carbon copies of Norse and Arabic cultures, yet that is not the strength of the series. That focus comes from the reality of Tiger and Del and the way they reveal themselves, by bits and turns, to be so very human. I wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone looking for a good read that will stick to your ribs and leave you with memories of a life not your own, but one just as impactful all the same. So go out and buy Sword Dancer, the first installment, and before you know it, you will be setting down Sword Breaker, the fourth book, with a wry smile and a strange affection for uppity horses.

I read this series years ago and the characters made an indelible impression on my mind. Of all the art work on the different releases of the books of Del and Tiger, I love the version on the cover of this book. The artist has captured what I always pictured Del and Tiger to look like. Del is beautiful but tough. Often the art work portrays her as her as either too tough or pretty but not strong enough. Tiger, although scarred, has the dark and handsome looks. To me, the art work is perfect.

Accused of murdering the man the Southron tribes believed to be their messiah but who was actually a clever, ambitious raider, Del and Tiger flee across the deadly Punja desert, hunted by religious fanatics and sword-dancer assassins. In addition to evading their enemies, Del and Tiger must also find a way to rid Tiger's sword Samiel of the evil sorcerer Chosa Dei who possessed the sword after Tiger killed him. Gradually, Chosa is using his power to gain control of Tiger who would rather die than become the puppet of an insane magician who seeks to unmake the world. As they battle sword-dancers and zealots, Tiger and Del are on a quest to find Chosa's equally powerful brother Shaka Obre. Aimlessly following tribal legends and Tiger's unique magical connection to Chosa, Tiger and Del must stay alive in order to free Tiger from Chosa's power. Roberson has crafted another fine entry in her fantasy series. In many ways, this is a book of healing as Tiger and Del forgive each other for betrayals and hurts and come to an understanding. But Roberson doesn't overlook action; there are many superb, exciting fight scenes and desperate chases through the desert.

This series, and thusly, this book, are required reading for any fantasy fan. Roberson made an interesting choice in using first person perspective, and even though it is a strange choice in this genre, she carries it out flawlessly.

Also, an interesting commentary on various social issues.