Swordspoint
Buy on Amazon

Swordspoint

Author: Kushner, Ellen
Perhaps the quintessential definition of the 'fantasy of manners' subgenre (sometimes referred to as 'mannerpunk'). It's a book that brilliantly combines elements of court intrigue, unbridled human emotion, and sword fighting.This book, first published in 1987, retains some of those classic fantasy traits with clear distinctions between the good heroes and the bad guys. And in a period where fantasy was mostly stagnated (with the exception of a few breakout works like The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant and the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series), helped prove fantasy could be elevated above the 'low' reputation it had acquired due to the various Lord of the Rings ripoffs and sexualized Conan limitations that prevailed during this period.Swordspoint can also be given just credit for helping to pioneer the fantasy of manners style of fantasy blended with court intrigue that later authors developed and expanded on (i.e. Jacqueline Cary's works).A classic, but one that should be read.

Booklists having this book

Best Stand Alone Fantasy Books

Most of the books listed on this website's top fantasy lists have been part of a series, either because of the financial incentive behind publishing multiple books in the same... Read more

Other books by Kushner, Ellen

1991: Thomas The Rhymer

Thomas is a young and flashy balladeer who follows the various courts of the mighty while preserving a friendship with a farming couple and flirting with their pretty neighbor. Thomas... Read more

Swordspoint

Perhaps the quintessential definition of the 'fantasy of manners' subgenre (sometimes referred to as 'mannerpunk'). It's a book that brilliantly combines elements of court intrigue, unbridled human emotion, and sword... Read more

Thomas The Rhymer (1991)

Thomas the Rhymer  by Ellen Kushner won the 1991 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel Read more

The Privilege Of The Sword

Though The Privilege of the Sword is actually the second in a series, the witty and intelligent novel does well a highly praised stand-alone, winner of the Locus award and... Read more

Swordspoint: A Melodrama Of Manners

Considering the theatrical title of the book, this is a light and easy to read fantasy that manages to be equal parts refreshing and enchanting.Why it made this listWe love... Read more

News

This site is using cookies!