From Publishers Weekly
In her surprise-filled sixth novel featuring the sword-dancers Tiger and Del (Sword-Dancer, etc.), Roberson packs enough into the finale to more than make up for a tediously talky first half, which is short on both sword and sorcery. Established fans may enjoy the banal and idle chatter between Southron-born Tiger and his beloved "bascha," the ironic term of endearment he constantly uses for the glamorous Northerner Del, but others may wish for more action. On the isle of Skandi, where the pair has taken sanctuary, things do eventually pick up. The two fight a few human enemies, some skilled in magic, as well as the fierce and poison-clawed Sandtiger, which gave Tiger his name and threatens Del. Most exciting is the epic battle between Tiger and the man who has pursued him for years, Abbu Bensir, also a top-flight sword-dancer. But none of this prepares the reader for the warm personal revelations that follow, making this such a satisfyingly human series. In an author's note at the end, Roberson charmingly explains why she chose to use first-person point of view, and a male POV at that, when third-person is the norm for fantasy novels ("Tiger was very insistent on telling his own story"). In addition, she stresses the primacy of storytelling over feminist message, though she's "particularly proud of the male readers who've written to say that the books have altered their views of women." Sensitive readers of both sexes should appreciate how Roberson rises above the usual genre cliches. (Feb. 5)Cheysuli series (Spacehangers Song, etc.).Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Southron sword-dancer Tiger and his sworn partner, Northern sword-singer Delilah, leave the island of Skandi and travel to the desert of Punja, following a series of dream-manifestations that are the result of Tiger's newfound magic. Together, they confront the secrets of their past and the dangers of an uncertain future. The final volume in Roberson's series featuring warrior-partners Tiger and Del wraps up loose ends from previous stories, but it leaves a few enticing hints of future developments. A good choice for most fantasy collections, particularly where the series has a following. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Now in paperback-the sixth and final volume in Jennifer Roberson's acclaimed Sword saga, featuring the macho Tiger and the beautiful but dangerous Del...

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
On Jennifer Roberson's web site (www.cheysuli.com), she describes the two main characters in her Sword-Dancer saga, Del and Tiger, as "Conan the Barbarian Meets Gloria Steinem." Delilah is a strong, stunning swordswoman from the North bent on vengeance for the slaughter of her family. Tiger is a legendary sword-dancer from the South who grew up a slave and won his freedom by killing a desert tiger.

In Sword-Sworn, Tiger returns to his homeland a walking dead man. As a breaker of a sacred oath, his life is forfeit. He is soon challenged by another sword-dancer, but even with two missing fingers, he quickly kills the fighter. As Del and Tiger continue their quest, Tiger has visions of a dead woman urging him southward to "take up the sword."

If you like action and adventure in a fantasy, these Sword-Dancer novels are perfect. Although the swordplay and magical elements are highly entertaining, it's the duo of Del and Tiger that powers this series. It's intense, romantic, sometimes funny, and makes for great reading. (Paul Goat Allen)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Sword-Sworn is the long-awaited sixth and final book in Jennifer Roberson's Sword series.

Matching wits as fiercely as they cross swords, Tiger and Del are back-in danger, in trouble, and in love. Just one last time.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In her surprise-filled sixth novel featuring the sword-dancers Tiger and Del (Sword-Dancer, etc.), Roberson packs enough into the finale to more than make up for a tediously talky first half, which is short on both sword and sorcery. Established fans may enjoy the banal and idle chatter between Southron-born Tiger and his beloved "bascha," the ironic term of endearment he constantly uses for the glamorous Northerner Del, but others may wish for more action. On the isle of Skandi, where the pair has taken sanctuary, things do eventually pick up. The two fight a few human enemies, some skilled in magic, as well as the fierce and poison-clawed Sandtiger, which gave Tiger his name and threatens Del. Most exciting is the epic battle between Tiger and the man who has pursued him for years, Abbu Bensir, also a top-flight sword-dancer. But none of this prepares the reader for the warm personal revelations that follow, making this such a satisfyingly human series. In an author's note at the end, Roberson charmingly explains why she chose to use first-person point of view, and a male POV at that, when third-person is the norm for fantasy novels ("Tiger was very insistent on telling his own story"). In addition, she stresses the primacy of storytelling over feminist message, though she's "particularly proud of the male readers who've written to say that the books have altered their views of women." Sensitive readers of both sexes should appreciate how Roberson rises above the usual genre cliches. (Feb. 5) FYI: Roberson is also the author of the Chronicles of the Cheysuli series (Spacehangers Song, etc.). Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal