Of Swords and Spells [Mass Market Paperback]

Delia Marshall Turner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 1998

Return to a universe where magic is shackled to repressive technology in a stirring adventure alive with the clash of swords and sorceries, fierce hates and fiercer loves . . .

Malka wants to be left alone. But the little girl with the big sword can't help but attract attention. Perhaps it is because of the secret she carries--a powerful secret about her own astonishing identity. But whatever the reason, however they find her, the magic-annihilating Enforcement is on her trail--and they will stop at nothing short of murder.

Taking refuge aboard android Roder Massim's spaceship, Malka finds herself among a crew of renegade witches. She trusts no one--least of all Roder. Yet she finds herself strangely drawn to him. Finally, marooned on a planet of untamed magic, with their enemies one step behind, there is only one chance left. The renegades must somehow harness enough magic to move an entire world--before Enforcement wipes it out altogether.

Only Malka has the power. But will she pay the terrifying price?

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Of Swords and Spells overlaps Turner's first book, Nameless Magery. This book is set in the same universe and its narrator is another determined young female who has a lot more to her than it first appears. Their stories converge, however, providing two contrasting perspectives on magic. But Malka faces different circumstances from Lisane's.

In this universe, magic runs spaceships, computers, and communications devices. The Enforcers, an interstellar police force, have developed a form not controlled by adepts. Now they are killing mages and the worlds that breed them to consolidate their monopoly on power. Their only opposition is an android named Roder and his crew of free witches, who officially monitor Enforcement and report abuses to the government. Running from the Enforcers and her sadistic master, Malka takes refuge in Roder's ship, then finds that it has also become a target. Malka is small, bad-tempered, and tired of being used. She'd rather not care what happens to Roder, his crew, or his mission, but she's developing human feelings and a conscience as she grows. Besides, Roder is very attractive.

Turner blends science fiction and fantasy freely, springs several nifty plot twists, and once again creates compelling protagonists. You'll find Malka a fascinating puzzle and the book quick and entertaining. --Nona Vero

From the Inside Flap

Return to a universe where magic is shackled to repressive technology in a stirring adventure alive with the clash of swords and sorceries, fierce hates and fiercer loves . . .

Malka wants to be left alone. But the little girl with the big sword can't help but attract attention. Perhaps it is because of the secret she carries--a powerful secret about her own astonishing identity. But whatever the reason, however they find her, the magic-annihilating Enforcement is on her trail--and they will stop at nothing short of murder.

Taking refuge aboard android Roder Massim's spaceship, Malka finds herself among a crew of renegade witches. She trusts no one--least of all Roder. Yet she finds herself strangely drawn to him. Finally, marooned on a planet of untamed magic, with their enemies one step behind, there is only one chance left. The renegades must somehow harness enough magic to move an entire world--before Enforcement wipes it out altogether.

Only Malka has the power. But will she pay the terrifying price?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 218 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey; PBO edition (December 26, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345424328
• ISBN-13: 978-0345424327
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,464,770 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Of Swords and Spells -- Read it..., June 25, 2000

By 

J. Freedman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Of Swords and Spells (Mass Market Paperback)

I remember reading this book a long time ago and falling in love with it. I can't really say what I liked most about it. What amazes me is how the author packed such a story into such a tiny book. Not that I'm complaining. If you're in a mood for a good, short fantasy with some interesting twists, this book and "Nameless Magery" would be what I'd reccomend. I liked how this book picked up where the other one left off, but with a different perspective. It's amazing how vastly different the tone of each book is just by looking at the same storyline through a different character's eyes. You'd have to read it to judge for yourself, but I think these two books were perfect examples of Sci-Fi/Fantasy. They were very good, honest.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Different Characters, Same Good Story, January 5, 2000

By 

Jami Gensler "bookaholic" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Of Swords and Spells (Mass Market Paperback)

At first I was a little upset that the focus was not on Lisane, but as I read on I really came to like Malka and appreciate what she was going through. As the story advanced, you could see her change from a scared little "monkey" to a strong woman, just like Lisane in the first novel. I also liked how Ms. turner set up the story's timeline so it took place around the same time as the first one and how the characters got to meet one another. I can't wait for her next book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Read? Well, good!, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Of Swords and Spells (Mass Market Paperback)

Personally, I don't always go for edifying, thoroughly enriching books for my bedtime reading. Ms. Turner's books are perfect for the other kinds of books -- the ones that make you feel good and don't make you want to fall asleep with complex plots and interwoven ideas. Not that there isn't a place for the books which do have complex plots and interwoven ideas, etc., but that place certainly is not when I just want to enjoy myself with a book and not have to figure out the significance of anything. :) I really *liked* Malka, and I think the main character was developed in a way that shows the author settling into her style. I'm certainly looking forward to more.