kgbooklog

Lawrence Watt-Evans, The Spell of the Black Dagger
Del Rey (1993) ISBN: 0-345-37712-5
Score: 3

Another Ethshar novel, about two young women (Lady Sarai, daughter of the Minister of Justice of Ethshar of the Sands and Tabaea, a not very successful thief) and how they react to suddenly gaining powers of various types. Includes good examples of theurgy and sorcery, as well as the worst of wizardry (and wizards). Also includes Tobas and other characters from With a Single Spell, so that should be read first.

Lawrence Watt-Evans, The Unwilling Warlord
Del Rey (1989) ISBN: 0-345-35413-3
Score: 3

Another Ethshar novel; you don't need to read the others first (though The Misenchanted Sword helps explain the political history). Sterran, a street gambler in Ethshar of the Spices (he's mysteriously lucky at dice), is kidnapped and told he's inherited the title of Warlord of Semma, one of the Small Kingdoms near the southern edge of the World. In this case, "small" means one castle and a handful of villages. Semma has maintained its independence by playing its neighbors off each other; unfortunately the current king has managed to insult not only both his neighbors (each significantly larger), but also their neighbors. Unfortunately for Sterran, abandoning his duties is considered treason (punished by summary execution) and furthermore, it's traditional for defeated warlords to be executed by the victorious side. Includes lots of information about warlockry, shows what the edge of the World looks like, and how the Empire of Vond got started. Also includes additional information about wizardry (and the Wizard's Guild), witchcraft, and theurgy.

Next Book: Garth Nix, Across the Wall

Lawrence Watt-Evans, With a Single Spell
Wildside (1987) ISBN: 1-58715-285-1
Score: 2

Second Ethshar novel, telling the story of Tobas of Telven, an apprentice wizard who has only learned one spell when his master suddenly dies. When the other wizards don't help him (he's too old to start another apprenticeship), he lets himself be recruited to help kill a dragon that's ravaging one of the Small Kingdoms. Lots of interesting information on how wizardry and witchcraft work, and good place to start the series (unlike The Spriggan Mirror which spoils much of this book). This edition also includes the short (and inconsequential) story "Weaving Spells".

Lawrence Watt-Evans, The Misenchanted Sword
Wildside (1985) ISBN: 1-58715-282-7
Score: 2.5

First Ethshar novel (medievaloid fantasy with multiple magic systems), showing the end of the 100 year Great War between Ethshar and the Northern Empire, and some of the consequences, as viewed through the eyes of Valder, a scout (later an innkeeper), and how he dealt with Wirikidor, the titular sword. This edition also includes the short story "The Bloodstone". I usually don't care for short fiction, and this one didn't add anything to my understanding of the setting or characters.

Next Book: Lois McMaster Bujold, The Hallowed Hunt