Customer Reviews

Of Swords and Spells

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

There are some really interesting and unique ideas about magic in this book, but the story is not compelling enough to make this book worthwhile. This book is no where near as good as her first book, Nameless Magery. This book is missing all of the elements of the first book that made it such a great read. There is little humor, the writting is uninspired and characterizations are weak. At times the story was exciting and I could hardly wait to see what happened next and at other times the writing seemed irrelevant. Like Namesless Magery this book also got side-tracked on a romance that came out of the blue and added absolutely nothing to the story. Not recommended unless you were absolutely in love with the first book.

I love this author so much. I can only hope she'll write another book, and soon! The characters are funny and engaging, the writing fluid and imaginative... and overall, this book is just great!

I'll admit it, this book did do some good but most of it was filled with lifeless descriptions and words. As for the kiss that supposedly takes place, it was a snore. If you're still interested in this book, take a moment and consider taking a look at 'Court Duel', quite similar with a more complex and readable plot. (Many thanks to the person who recommended it.)

This is one of the finest sci-fi/fantasy books I've read in recent memory. The story is intense and well paced, with characters who are so well rendered that they could be people I already know, or maybe people I wish I knew. I couldn't put it down. The author, Delia Marshall Turner is a master of her art, and is destined for literary imortality. Philosophical, action-packed (the scene between Sefir Zul and Malka had me holding my breath!) and intriguing, this little gem of a novel is distinct and refreshing in a genre full of macho males with zinging one-liners. I'll definitley be ordering Turner's first novel, Nameless Magery.

Turner's two books are both on my list of favorites, and I hope she writes more. I love Malka's easily sparked temper, her dispassionate self reflection, and her skill with a sword. The plot, characters, and setting are all vivid and imaginative. The attraction and physical contact between Malka and Roder feel real and exciting, but it's all delicately handled-- very tasteful.

This book was a big disappointment. I read the first book Nameless Magery which was excellent. In this book there were too many characters for good development to take place. There was no explanation about Malka's past or who she was until I was utterly disgusted with the book. It took three attempts at reading it for me to finish it.

I was a little disappointed by this after reading DM Turner's first book (Nameless Magery). However, my expectations were unreasonably high, and I was only a LITTLE bit let down... Malka is not quite as intriguing and lovable as Lisane, and Roder not as enigmatic and attractive as Kaihan; the resolution seems a little bit easy. But please don't take this to mean I didn't like the book; I read it all in one sitting despite the three hours worth of homework I had promised myself to finish. I will definitely buy any more books this author writes, because they are just irresistible.