Clock Strikes Sword

Shadow World #2

by Stephen Billias, Ian Hammell (Collaborator)

A new novel based on the fantastic role-playing universe Shadow World. On an island, two nations exist in a fragile peace: the warlike Firozians, famed for their magical swords, and the gentle Gnomons, known for their precision clocks and power over time. They face off for war following the death of a young boy, but they are soon united against a common enemy.

Genres: Fantasy

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Tobias · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is abolutely terrible. Even when considered outside of the context of the Shadow World setting, which it seems to have nothing in common with in any way.

[Derek · Rating 1 out of 5]

It seems completely determined to puncture every bit of tension or construction. Fifty opening pages set up the violent conflict between Firoze and Gnomon, only to have its first battle interrupted/prevented at the last minute--in a single page of action--by the appearance of an unanticipated third party aggressor. The events that triggered this nascent war then resolve, also in about a page or two. Gnomon "time magic", as laboriously detailed at its introduction, is eventually overshadowed by a more general and well-worn form of witchcraft.

[WonderGoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book. I am really curious to find some info on the setting. I really want to read the spell lists of the Gnomanese Clockmakers Guild.

About the book, though, it read well despite a slow start. The characters were interesting and the action fun. I would have liked some more depth to the characters, but the characterization thatbis present gets the job done.