Customer Reviews

The Tree Of Swords And Jewels

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from the back of the book: "They said that Ciaran Cuilean was 'fey'- that he had the touch of the Sidhe on him, and on his lands. And it was true. Elvish blood ran in his veins, and he had been to that other world - that parallel and magical land of Eald, where Arafel, the Lady of Trees, held dominion. But what should have been a blessing was as much a curse - for jealousy and fear grew in the lands of men. Shadows of newly awakened evil swarmed across both landscapes, threatening to bring the clang and reek of war from the warm hearthstones of the mortal keeps to the silvery heart of Ealdwood. And Ciaran knew that he must once again put his humanity aside and reclaim his haunted weapons from the Tree of Swords or see both his worlds fold into darkness!" I first read this book when I was about ten, and it made an indelible impression on me. This is definitely one of the best books C.J. Cherryh has ever written.

Perhaps this was a poor introduction to the writing of C.J. Cherryh. The best thing about the book was that it includes a glossary of sorts so you know how to pronounce all the names since they are all Celtic, Welsh, or Old English. Most of the first half of the book is spent introducing the characters and establishing their relationships, but very little is done until nearly midway through in establishing the plot or building to the climax. There is very little, if any foreshadowing, so there's nothing the reader can use to guess how things might turn out. I'm guessing "Down Below Station" would have been a better introduction to the writer.