From Publishers Weekly
Saberhagen continues the saga of the 12 magical swords responsible for havoc in a distant time. The first three books of this series recounted the stories of the swords called Woundhealer, Sightblinder and Stonecutter. This volume is focused on Farslayer, which can kill anyone named by the person holding or throwing it. The feuding clans of Malolo and Senones use the weapon to destroy each other, leaving as survivors only youngsters bent on vengeance. Then come strangers hunting for the sword. One party consists of Chilperic and the demon Rabisu, sent by the Dark Master, the Ancient One, the wizard Wood; the others, on the side of light, are Zoltan and the Lady Yambu, from Tasavalta, home of the blades. Zoltan also seeks his love, Black Pearl, turned into a mermaid by a magician's curse. The battle between good and evil and the consequences of the blood feud pile up more bodies, leaving the land sorrier and poorer. In the midst of the bloodshed and death, Saberhagen's appealing characters soldier on. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
Two rival families wage a war of attrition and vengeance for possession of "Farslayer," one of the 12 Lost Swords made by the gods and imbued with unearthly powers. A grim sense of fatality underlies the deceptive simplicity of the author's style in the latest volume of Saberhagen's popular fantasy series. Recommended.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Two things about Saberhagen's books: they are terrific to read, and he is a romantic who loves happy endings. Read this book and enjoy!"--Best Sellers
Review
"Two things about Saberhagen's books: they are terrific to read, and he is a romantic who loves happy endings. Read this book and enjoy!"--Best Sellers
Book Description
Long, long ago, the Gods forged Twelve Swords of Power, each with a unique and deadly quality. They forged too well, for the swords could kill the Gods themselves. Then the swords were lost, scattered across the land; and many are they, both good and evil, who are desperate to find them again.
This story is of Farslayer, the sword that can kill from across and entire world. The game is fierce; the prize is the sword. The players are Black Pearl, and enscorcelled mermaid, and Cosmos her treacherous lover; Prince Zoltan and Prince Mark; the evil macrowizard Wood; and an enigmatic woman who arrives astride a griffin...
About the Author
In addition to the popular Dracula Series, Fred Saberhagen is the author of the popular Berserker (tm) Series and the bestselling Lost Swords and Book of Lost Swords. Fred Saberhagen lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Fourth Book of Lost Swords: Farslayer's Story FROM THE PUBLISHER
Before the time of man, the gods forged Twelve Swords of Power. This is the story of Farslayer, the sword that can kill from across an entire world. The game is fierce. The prize is the sword. And the players are Black Pearl, a mermaid, and Cosmos, her lover; Prince Zoltan and Prince Mark; the evil wizard Wood; and an enigmatic woman who arrives astride a griffin.