The Sword of the Land

by Noel-Anne Brennan and Cleo Qian

An epic romantic fantasy debut. Rilsin was fated to rule the land of Saeditin-until a bloody coup killed her family around her, and she was drafted into service to the new queen, her own cousin. Now, Rilsin must choose between a long-awaited peace-and a betrayal that could ruin the very kingdom she pledged to protect...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441010318
• ISBN13: 9780441010318
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Beautiful

This is by far one of my favorite fantasy books. It portrays a young, strong heroine named Rilsin, but she also has weaknesses. She isn't as beautiful as other fantasy heroines, or even her cousin Sithli, but her personality is so constistent. She is forced to protect and obey her cousin's rule, even though it was stolen from Rilsin in the first place. She has now problem with that at first because she does love her cousin dearly and her cousin did save her life from Silthi's mother. Although, the book did have more typos than I've ever seen in a book. But that's not exactly the authors fault. Great read! I recommend very much!

entertaining fantasy

In the land of the Saeditin, power and wealth are held through the matriarchal line with the head of the kingdom, the Saeket, always a woman. At eight years of age the heir to the throne, Rilsin Sae Becha sees her mother killed in a civil war that put a Saeket Melisin on the throne. The order went out that the disposed Sae Becha was to be put to death but she was murdered by an assassin before that order could be carried out.The new Saeket, Rilsin's cousin Sithli commutes the death sentence of the child and they grow up in the palace together as best friends. Rilsin pledges her loyalty to Sithli and becomes the first minister and leader of the army. Sithli is not a very good leader, alienating the commoners and allowing her people to be sold as slaves to the south. The land calls to Rilsin but if she answers that summons, she will plunge the country into another civil war and stands to lose all she holds dear.THE SWORD OF THE LAND is a very entertaining fantasy featuring a heroine it is impossible to dislike. She is loyal to her cousin who she truly loves and tries to turn a blind eye to her excesses but she can't ignore the complaints of the people or her ties to the land. Court intrigue and battle scenes are only a small part of this novel as the author focuses her attention on the protagonist tugged in opposite directions by opposing forces demanding she choose between the moral high ground or her cousin's desires.Harriet Klausner

SWORD OF THE LAND has converted me to love Fantasy!

Noel Anne Brennan has successfully turned me into a lover of fantasy. Assuming all fantasy writers are as clever in plotting and writing as this author! But this book is not just for fantasy readers. With the clever plot line, the ingenuous use of mythology, paganism and medieval nuances - she puts a new twist into writing that I have not yet experienced. The author not only uses recognisable rites of these times, but she makes them her own, to fit the universe of the Saeditin, along with clever "inventions" of her own the author kept me reading without pause till the end. Suspense, a touch of romance without being too obvious, and the hints of history abound - making this a must read for lovers of any genre! A brilliantly designed book! I am looking forward to her new book to be release in April 2004 (June here in Europe) titled THE BLOOD OF THE LAND. And to reading more by this up and coming author who is bound to be a bestseller should she keep putting out books as well written as this one! I must congratulate Berkley Publishing Group for snatching up this author! We demand more from her!

Don't Overlook This One!

If you're a fan of Tamora Pierce's Tortall books or Sherwood Smiths Wren or Mel stories, you're likely to enjoy this book. I've read so many fantasy novels now that couldn't meet my standards, but this book wove it's way in to my favorites.A loyal and determined heroine, cool hunting cats, mysteries of who is friend and enemy, and a truelly engaging plot make this one of the most enjoyable stories I have read. The readers are shown the feelings and intentions of many characters without the story straying much from Rilsin's point of view. It's written beautifully with the perfect amount of action and detail. Do not pass this by!