Sword of the Deceiver

Isavalta #4

by Sarah Zettel

For five hundred years, the great southern empire of Hastinapura has flourished, ruling the world of Isavalta with an iron fist. But nothing lasts forever… The day of her womanhood ceremony finds Princess Natharie of Sindhu happily celebrating with her family, joyfully awaiting her marriage to a prince of another realm. However, when the Empire demands that her family send someone to court, Natharie realizes that she is the only one who can satisfy the Emperor's wishes and is taken by Hastinapura's Prince Samudra, brother of the emperor, back to the seat of empire. As Natharie spends time in the Hastinapura court, she learns of the Empire's bloodthirsty worship of the Mothers, and that their High Priest, Divakesh, is intent on spreading their worship beyond the Empire, including into neighboring Sindhu, at any cost. At the court, Natharie learns of plots that threaten to pit her homeland against Hastinapura in a disastrous war. Appalled by the power and brazenness of Samudra, she realizes, as each day brings war ever nearer, that the powerful prince may be her only hope to prevent a war that could destroy them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Sarah Zettel is the critically acclaimed author of more than twenty novels, spanning the full range of genre fiction. Her debut novel, Reclamation, won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. Her second release, Fool’s War, was a 1997 New York Times Notable Book, and the American Library Association named Playing God one of the Best Books for Young Adults of 1999. Her novel Bitter Angels won the Philip K. Dick Award for best science fiction paperback in 2009. Her latest novel, Dust Girl, was named as one of the best young adult books of the year by both Kirkus Reviews and the American Library Association. Zettel lives in Michigan with her husband, her rapidly growing son, and her cat, Buffy the Vermin Slayer.

Reviews

[Keelin Perala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had forgotten how skilfully Sarah Zettel crafts characters that fail to fit the dichotomy of good and evil I have come to particularly expect in Fantasy novels. She weaves characters whose viewpoints are often shaped by common human weaknesses and hardship. This, and her believably strong, self-driven female protagonists has elevated her as one of my very favorite fantasy authors.

Sword of the Deceiver also contained her signature strong female protagonist and complex characters, this time woven with Russian and Indian and Thai mythologies. Her depictions of court life are rich, and the plot woven with such skill that I found myself deeply satisfied with both its building climax and its resolution, although I fully expected to be disappointed.

She is a masterful voice telling powerful stories about what it is to be female and what it is to be human that I believe to be particularly relevant to young women today.

TL;DR: I like her books.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable book, by Sarah Zettel. All her books are well written. This one explores the mythology of Hinduism and Buddhism. Though the names have been changed, and the Hindi religion is more matriarchal. Also, the Buddhism is a combination of Mahayana and Tibetan, not the older Theravada style. Still, overall very enjoyable, blending of Myth, and folklore, with believable characters.

[Jilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just wish these were in some sort of chronological order.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the fourth book the Isavalta series, it moves the story back in time and away from both Wisconsin and Isavalta to tell the tale of how Samudra came sit on the Emperor’s throne in Hastinapura. While it is a well-told tale that fills in the backstory of Chandra and his sorcerer Yamuna, it doesn’t seem to carry the energy and weight of the other books in the series. Zettel has not returned to the Isavalta series since 2007, so this may ironically be the final chapter, given that it takes place prior to the other books.

[Mark Edlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy series - not a sequel to the first two novels but more of a prequel to outline the history of Isabalta. Great characters, great intrigue and even better fantasy elements. This last book was written in 2007 so I don't think she plans another book in the series.
Pharmacy references - one brief mention of an apothecary.
No Canadian references.

[Shardis]

I haven't gotten all the way through this series. I need to go back and reread it, I think, in order, since I think I missed something along the way. For those that like a mix of Russian mythos with their literature, this is a great series.

[Nicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely prequel. I thought the world could have been a little more detailed and the characters a bit more developed, though.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, highly engaging plot by a writer that is versed in both Science Fiction and Fantasy. It really deserved four and a half stars, but since we can't do that, I just gave it four stars.

[Lynn Calvin]

ARC

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might have made a lot more sense if I had read the books for which this is apparently a prequel. As it was, there were vast stretches of this book that I was bored/lost.

[Luc Bouchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Zettel is an incredible author comfortable both in fantasy and science fiction. This was a great read.

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

In another part of Isavalta, the empire of Hastinapura, Princess Natharie of Sindhu must partner with the Hastinapuran crown prince to save both their peoples. A Science Fiction Book Club selection.