The Sword of the Land [Paperback]

Noel-Anne Brennan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 25, 2003

An epic romantic fantasy debut.

Rilsin was fated to rule the land of Saeditin-until a bloody coup killed her family around her, and she was drafted into service to the new queen, her own cousin. Now, Rilsin must choose between a long-awaited peace-and a betrayal that could ruin the very kingdom she pledged to protect...

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In a daring coup, the house of Melisin attacks the Saeditin throne, killing all but one of the ruling house of Becha. Eight-year-old Rilsin witnesses the brutal murder of her mother, the queen or SaeKet, and then is imprisoned. The new SaeKet's daughter, Rilsin's cousin, Sithli, secretly visits her daily, and after she prevents Rilsin's execution, bonds with her in an odd alliance. Weary of the bloodshed in her land, rightful heir Rilsin pledges her allegiance and a lifelong commitment to keeping the peace to Sithli, who takes the throne at age 17. She is an erratic, cold, often unstable SaeKet, however, primarily concerned with fashion and full coffers, for which the people are overtaxed, kidnapped, and sold into slavery in the ruthless Runchot nation. Finally, Rilsin understands she must betray her pledge to save her people. With the commoners rallying behind her, she moves to recover the throne, perhaps too late, for Sithli, near madness, holds Rilsin's baby daughter--the future of Saeditin--hostage. An engaging story with a wonderfully strong female protagonist. Paula Luedtke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Ace (February 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441010318
• ISBN-13: 978-0441010318
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,069,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Noel-Anne Brennan is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Rhode Island. She has had poetry published and has written for numerous magazines and newspapers, including the New London Day and the Sunday Magazine section of the Providence Journal. She is the author of the non-fiction "The Goodspeed Opera House", Waverly Press, 1972,fiction "Winter Reckoning", Donald Grant, 1986, "The Sword of the Land", Ace Books, 2003 and "The Blood of the Land", Ace Books 2004, and "Daughter of the Desert", Ace Books 2006. She was a finalist for the Romantic Times Award for "The Sword of the Land" in 2003. She teaches Anthropology and Women's Studies at the University of Rhode Island, and lives with her family in southern Rhode Island. Occasionally, in her spare time, she sleeps.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SWORD OF THE LAND has converted me to love Fantasy!, January 3, 2004

By 

Julia Schneider "icollectcatstuff" (Germany) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sword of the Land (Paperback)

Noel Anne Brennan has successfully turned me into a lover of fantasy. Assuming all fantasy writers are as clever in plotting and writing as this author! But this book is not just for fantasy readers. With the clever plot line, the ingenuous use of mythology, paganism and medieval nuances - she puts a new twist into writing that I have not yet experienced. The author not only uses recognisable rites of these times, but she makes them her own, to fit the universe of the Saeditin, along with clever "inventions" of her own the author kept me reading without pause till the end. Suspense, a touch of romance without being too obvious, and the hints of history abound - making this a must read for lovers of any genre! A brilliantly designed book! I am looking forward to her new book to be release in April 2004 (June here in Europe) titled THE BLOOD OF THE LAND. And to reading more by this up and coming author who is bound to be a bestseller should she keep putting out books as well written as this one! I must congratulate Berkley Publishing Group for snatching up this author! We demand more from her!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Overlook This One!, May 21, 2003

By 

Ven Stone (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sword of the Land (Paperback)

If you're a fan of Tamora Pierce's Tortall books or Sherwood Smiths Wren or Mel stories, you're likely to enjoy this book. I've read so many fantasy novels now that couldn't meet my standards, but this book wove it's way in to my favorites.
A loyal and determined heroine, cool hunting cats, mysteries of who is friend and enemy, and a truelly engaging plot make this one of the most enjoyable stories I have read.
The readers are shown the feelings and intentions of many characters without the story straying much from Rilsin's point of view. It's written beautifully with the perfect amount of action and detail. Do not pass this by!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I have confidence once more..., November 16, 2004

By 

Grace (Alameda, US, Canada) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sword of the Land (Paperback)

Damn, this is a good book. This is a very thrilling fantasy that keeps your attention all the way till the end. I never wanted to stop reading it because so many incredible things were happening and I wanted to find out what happens next, etc., and, well, I just kept going and going.

Sword of the Land is remarkable in that its characters, plot, and writing style are engaging, exciting, admirable, and fast-paced. The heroine, Rilson, is very likable, as she is one who has gone through so much pain and betrayal, but still manages to live for what she believes in, no matter who is trying to take advantage of her throughout her life.

This book is one of the books I bought from just reading reviews on Amazon.com. Usually when I do this I regret it, but my p.o.v is that if you don't try new things, you might miss a big opportunity. I am so glad I got the great opportunity of reading this book, and hope you take the chance to, too. I can probably say this is one of my favorites.