The old wizard wasn't exactly happy with Valder, who'd led his enemy to his hut. Now hut and magical supplies were destroyed. But he'd promised the...
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reviews
Aug 08, 2011
Curtiss
rated it: 
Valder the scout is trapped behind enemy lines and is saved thanks to the intervention of an irate hermit how just happend to be a powerful wizard. To get rid of Valder the wizard enchants his sword - but neglects to inform him of the specifics of the enchantment before leaving the scout to find his way back to friendly territory. By the time Valder returns he's managed to kill several enemy troops, including a demonic shatra, thought to be unbeatable in single-combat. The corps of wizards deter
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Apr 26, 2011
James
rated it: 
I’ve read reviews of Watt-Evans’ work as being “pedestrian.” Meaning that nothing truly spectacular happens. Nothing earth-shattering or even exciting. This is true about this book, definitely.
Valder gets an enchanted sword, and he doesn’t do anything with it. This is kinda refreshing, though it might have been nice for something to happen as a consequence. Instead there’s a lot of musing on things that might and could happen as a result of this enchanted sword, but we don’t get t More...
Valder gets an enchanted sword, and he doesn’t do anything with it. This is kinda refreshing, though it might have been nice for something to happen as a consequence. Instead there’s a lot of musing on things that might and could happen as a result of this enchanted sword, but we don’t get t More...
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Jun 20, 2011
Eric
rated it: 
I had forgotten how much I really enjoyed this book. I'm landing this one at 4 and a half stars.
Valder, the protagonist, is a character that I find difficult to comprehend at times. He strikes me as a man cut from the same cloth as a certain Mr. Baggins – and is about as successful at avoiding adventure. He is portrayed as calm and turns out to be quite the homebody by the time all is said and done.
The story coves a great deal of time and ground, but I don't know that I w More...
Valder, the protagonist, is a character that I find difficult to comprehend at times. He strikes me as a man cut from the same cloth as a certain Mr. Baggins – and is about as successful at avoiding adventure. He is portrayed as calm and turns out to be quite the homebody by the time all is said and done.
The story coves a great deal of time and ground, but I don't know that I w More...
Feb 01, 2012
Stefan
rated it:
Light, engaging fantasy at it's best. In the Misenchanted Sword, Lawrence Watt-Evans has created a fun story that's hard to put down. Valder is a likable character that I found it easy to identify with and found myself caring about what happens to him next. Whether it's figuring out what properties the crazy swamp wizard imbued his sword with or escaping from an adolescent dragon that chases him directly into the middle of an enemy encampment, the fun rarely ceases in this novel.
I had More...
I had More...
Jul 10, 2009
Taijilibrarian
rated it:
Valder lost his sword. This was bad news in the middle of enemy territory. All he wanted from the wizard was a replacement blade. He received a magic sword instead, one with a host of problems!
This is the first book in the Legends of Ethshar series. Each book features a somewhat common person who finds themself in an unusual situation. Each book also features some type of hook that draws the protagonist into this situation. In this case, a common soldier acquiring a magic sword.
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This is the first book in the Legends of Ethshar series. Each book features a somewhat common person who finds themself in an unusual situation. Each book also features some type of hook that draws the protagonist into this situation. In this case, a common soldier acquiring a magic sword.
More...
Feb 24, 2011
Neal
rated it:
Reviews Of Unusual Size!
Re: Accidentally finding himself behind enemy lines, Valder the Scout stumbles across a crotchety old hermit in the swamp. After his bumbling brings the enemy who destroys the hermit's home, which is also his wizard's workshop, the old man enchants Valder's sword to get him back home and out of his hair. But the sword has a few quirks...
Outstanding: Everything about this story is unique. The hero doesn't want to do anything but settle down an More...
Re: Accidentally finding himself behind enemy lines, Valder the Scout stumbles across a crotchety old hermit in the swamp. After his bumbling brings the enemy who destroys the hermit's home, which is also his wizard's workshop, the old man enchants Valder's sword to get him back home and out of his hair. But the sword has a few quirks...
Outstanding: Everything about this story is unique. The hero doesn't want to do anything but settle down an More...
Mar 19, 2011
Douglas
rated it: 
I ended up enjoying this book more than I thought I would, but I employed a lot of skimming to get through it. The mystery of the sword and how Valder coped with it was interesting. However, I'm an impatient reader and the two Lawrences love for concrete details buried me in information. I care little for what type of cloak somebody is wearing or what tools hang from their belt if they aren't relevant to the plot. If you are the type who does love this type of hyper fantasy realism, though, then
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Jan 15, 2010
Melanti
rated it:
In many books, the hero/heroine wishes to be normal. It's rare that they actually accomplish this, or if they do, it's accomplished so close to the end of the book that you don't get to enjoy it.
What I liked about this book was that I got to see not only his reluctant participation in the war, but also the life he built for himself after the war was over. While that might make the book rather action-free in some people's eyes, I found it a refreshing change from books that are noth More...
What I liked about this book was that I got to see not only his reluctant participation in the war, but also the life he built for himself after the war was over. While that might make the book rather action-free in some people's eyes, I found it a refreshing change from books that are noth More...
May 16, 2008
Curtiss
rated it:
This is my favorite book in the Magic of Ethshar series,closely followed by The Blood of a Dragon. I recorded most of them, including this one, in 50-55 minute installments for my local Golden Hours radio service for blind or reading-impaired listeners. I also made CD copies for myself.
Valder is an Ethsharitic Scout who has been cut off by a Northern Alliance offnsive, trapped behind enemy lines, and is pursued by an enemy patrol which includes at least one wizard and possibly a shat More...
Valder is an Ethsharitic Scout who has been cut off by a Northern Alliance offnsive, trapped behind enemy lines, and is pursued by an enemy patrol which includes at least one wizard and possibly a shat More...
Nov 15, 2011
Maria
rated it:
Unfortunately this book did not engage my interest until nearly the end, but what an end! It was worth the entire read. Mainly my problem was that I did not trust the sword or Valder's superiors in the army or the author, so I was expecting the book to end badly. In fact I couldn't see any other way for it to end, which caused me to prolong the reading so that I wouldn't get to the end. The author surprised me, however. I loved the way it ended, and then wished I hadn't stretched out the re
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Aug 01, 2010
Paul
rated it:
Simply put, this is one of my favorite books of all time. I'd recommend this book to anyone. There's wizardry, but that's not what the story is about. There's fighting, but that's not what the story about. The story is about a simple man trying to be just that, only circumstances keep him from being able to achieve that. The journey is at once enjoyable, and sad. A book I've read repeatedly, and the first ebook I downloaded.
Mar 18, 2009
David
rated it:
Lawrence Watt-Evans writes what I'd call fantasy realism. His heroes have to worry about things like transportation, eating, sleeping and other such real-world issues. His writing is typically on a very small, human scale. Misenchanted Sword, the first of the novels set in his Ethshar setting, begins with a simple soldier and a simple mystery and then explores the consequences of each.
May 09, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
This book was all plot and with very little character development. It's humorous and sometimes scary. The only way we learn about the character's personality is when the narrator comes right out and tells the reader, rather than showing the reader through dialogue, action, and internal reflection. But it was a quick read and kept me wondering how he was going to resolve everything at the end.
Sep 23, 2011
Heidi
rated it:
The main character is a stock hero with little personality and little emotional connection to the world around him. But the premise of a young soldier stuck with a bloodthirsty magic sword is kept in focus, and that premise is followed through to a satisfactory (if a bit too tidy) conclusion. A passable light read.
Dec 12, 2010
Maiyako
rated it:
This book is a fun and light read though there is alot going on you do not feel drawn into the action. The character is amiable enough but you never get to attached. I suggest this as a book to read after you have just finnished a longer or heavy book as a light enjoyable break before your next epic.
Nov 03, 2008
Steven
rated it:
This is not your average fantasy. It doesn’t have enough action. It seems to lose track of itself for much of the second half. I would have given it only two stars, but its ending redeemed it.
If it isn’t average, what is it? It is a pleasantly written tale about a peaceful fellow who finds himself in situations that aren’t conducive to his peaceful nature. Much of the book is absorbed in his maintaining that nature. A peaceful guy as the main character in a fantasy novel usua More...
If it isn’t average, what is it? It is a pleasantly written tale about a peaceful fellow who finds himself in situations that aren’t conducive to his peaceful nature. Much of the book is absorbed in his maintaining that nature. A peaceful guy as the main character in a fantasy novel usua More...
Aug 09, 2011
Janine
rated it:
Just a guy.
Our hero accidentally gets a pretty kick-ass enchantment on his sword (as far as fantasy swords go). He then proceeds to try really hard to be just a guy . . . even though he gets sent on assassinations and gets challenged a lot once he tries to set himself up as a non-combatant.
Our hero accidentally gets a pretty kick-ass enchantment on his sword (as far as fantasy swords go). He then proceeds to try really hard to be just a guy . . . even though he gets sent on assassinations and gets challenged a lot once he tries to set himself up as a non-combatant.
Oct 11, 2009
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it:
"cute" idea, not much character building. Just a "fun" story to frame an interesting idea. Instead of the gold ring the wizard needed to use he used a lesser metal to enchant a sword. The sword works great and will slay any enemy...the first 100 that is. then it will slay it's current user....ouch.
Aug 24, 2008
steven
rated it:
A neat little story, all spawning from what happens when a bumbling scout stumbles over a recluse wizard and bugs him for help with the upcoming war. The resulting magical sword will allow him to slay anyone he meets in battle ... provided the sword is drawn under certain conditions. And, oh yes, his fate is to die by the same sword.
The story is beautifully and realistically laid out in a no-nonsense style as the protagonist gets swept away by the politics of the land, and some may g More...
The story is beautifully and realistically laid out in a no-nonsense style as the protagonist gets swept away by the politics of the land, and some may g More...
Dec 07, 2008
Sabrina
rated it:
Nice to read a fantasy that doesn't star a teenager, no quests are involved, the hero is happiest running a business instead of killing people, and the whole thing started through a series of accidents. Heh.
Jan 27, 2009
Vinx
rated it:
This is a great read if you just want to try some new fantasy. I still remember it fondly and it's one of the few standalone books by an author that I would read again any time.
Mar 01, 2011
Rachel
rated it:
Splendid.
I last read this twenty years ago and it still bears reading again.
Only four stars because the story is TOLD rather than SHOWN but heartily recommended nonetheless. A clever twist, too.
I last read this twenty years ago and it still bears reading again.
Only four stars because the story is TOLD rather than SHOWN but heartily recommended nonetheless. A clever twist, too.
Dec 21, 2009
Thom
rated it:
One of my favorite fantasy books. Ethshar is a world with a lot of magic, of many different varieties. There are many books set in this world, but each stands alone nicely.
Jul 13, 2010
Chris
rated it:
A fun light tale. The beginning is a bit too (deliberately) normal, but the story and hero are engaging. I've read other Ethshar books and liked them, and am now going to read the whole series.
Feb 07, 2009
Debra
rated it:
2009.02.06 Classic science fiction. Enjoyable but not one I would recommend except to a die hard SF fan.. I'll send it off to the exchange shelf at WSU
Jul 14, 2011
Arwen
rated it:
A great concept, the magic sword that has a fatal flaw, but I didn't like the ending. It felt rushed and incomplete.
Nov 08, 2010
Michael
rated it:
Great start to the Ethshar series. Watt-Evans is a reliably entertaining author
Aug 13, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it: 
I wanted so badly to like this book.
When I read the blurb on the back cover it almost reminded me of 'Sir Apropos of Nothing'. Almost.
I think the idea behind the book is good. THere were just too many words if that makes sense. I mean pages to just describe him trying to put the sword in the scabbard. Pages. Probably not one I'll read again.
When I read the blurb on the back cover it almost reminded me of 'Sir Apropos of Nothing'. Almost.
I think the idea behind the book is good. THere were just too many words if that makes sense. I mean pages to just describe him trying to put the sword in the scabbard. Pages. Probably not one I'll read again.
Sep 14, 2009
Tammy
rated it:
A common soldier pesters a wizard to make him a sword, hilarity ensues. :)
