"Set on revenge, the scarred Taizu turns for help to the reclusive swordmaster, Shoka, who refuses her as he does all others; his skills not for hire. But Taizu persists. So Shoka - reckoning it unlikely that she will master the sword, or even if she does, time will have mellowed her outlook and she will be content to remain as his companion - acquiesces. Taizu gains skill with the sword, and she and Shoka share his bed. But her desire for revenge is undiminished. So Shoka is obliged to follow her. As they progress, news travels fast. And in attending to Taizu's demands Shoka becomes the figurehead for a rebellion against Lord Ghita and his allies.
"
Charles Smyth, Resident C.J. Cherryh Scholar
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Overall Review
Our unique search engine breaks down books and movies into
dozens of literary elements, all of which are searchable.
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book
- very upbeat
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- fantasy world/fantasy past
Romance
Yes
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- factions fight within govt for control
Repressive society story
Yes
Repressive because:
- kills without good reason
Training/Apprent.
Yes
Working up the ranks of...
- armed forces
Inner Struggle
Yes
Plotlet:
- search for identity/new understanding
- change of heart
War or Invasion
Yes
Major kinds of combat:
- hand to hand
- sword fights
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- champion of justice
Age:
- 40's-50's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- bulging muscles
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Terrain
- Mountains
- Forests
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body:
- humans in a primitive/fantasy society
- very controlled society
Planet outside solar system?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- moderately detailed references to deaths
Sex in book?
Yes
What kind of sex:
- vague references only
How much dialogue?
- significantly more descript than dialog
