The Tree of Swords and Jewels (Ealdwood Duology) [Mass Market Paperback]

C. J. Cherryh (Author)

Book Description

Series: Ealdwood Duology | Publication Date: August 2, 1983

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 world 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!

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Cherryh continues the chilling fantasy begun in THE DREAMSTONE with the same expert craftsmanship and unearthly atmosphere... Readers gripped by the conflicts of THE DREAMSTONE must read this masterful sequel." -Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Review "Once you start this book you won't rest until you've finished. Cherryh belongs on the same shelf with Ursula Le Guin and Patricia McKillip; she is one of our finest imaginative novelists." -Kliatt --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: DAW (August 2, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879978503
• ISBN-13: 978-0879978501
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,519,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a great book by a great author, June 12, 2000

By 

"adriac" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Tree of Swords and Jewels (Ealdwood Duology) (Mass Market Paperback)

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.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Glossary Included, July 28, 2008

By 

T. Anschutz (Stoughton, WI, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Tree of Swords and Jewels (Ealdwood Duology) (Mass Market Paperback)

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.