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Type: fiction
Status: favorite
Author: Ellen Kushner
Tags: fantasy romance gender
Description: A continuation of Swordspoint, this is a unique treat.
The tale is set in a quasi-regency-London,A continuation of Swordspoint, this is a unique treat.
The tale is set in a quasi-regency-London, where sexuality is as ordinary - and diverse - as the weather, and matters of honour are decided by duels. 15-year-old Katherine is summoned to the city on the whim of her 'mad' uncle, who wishes to train her as his swordswomen. At first unhappy that her dreams of fancy balls and dashing romances are not to be, Katherine quickly learns her craft - and enjoys it. Despite his apparent heartlessness, her enigmatic uncle ensures both her safety and innocence remain intact, both directly and by teaching her the skills she needs to defend herself - but what of those around her?
Katherine's transition from child to adult is delicately wrought in the main storyline, while in an interlocking yet separate thread her emotionally-wrecked uncle discovers his own path and resolution.
I admit to some nostalgia, having read Swordspoint many years ago, but in my opinion the world Kushner has created is exceptional, so too her style of writing and characterisations.
A definite favourite....
2006-11-06
