"Swordspoint" by Ellen Kushner
Title: Swordspoint
Author: Ellen Kushner
My Grade: B
This book was recommended to me on numerous occasions, so I had high expectations. I admit, it took me awhile to get into this book. I had attempted to read it off and on for months. I finally started getting into it, it took me 100 pages before that happened! I'm happy I kept with it though. Two words: gay swordsman. See why I wanted to stick with it? HEE. The story centers around notorious master swordsman Richard St. Vier and his sarcastic, troublesome younger lover Alec Campion, an aristocrat and scholar. St. Vier is the most sought after swordsman in Riverside and it's surrounding areas and for good reason. He's awesome. When he declines big shot Lord Horn's request to fight and kill a young noble by the name of Michael Goodwin, Horn takes it upon himself to blackmail St. Vier by kidnapping Alec. BIG MISTAKE. Meanwhile, there's other nobles backstabbing and deceiving each other but that may be a good thing for St. Vier if Alec and his rich Duchesses relative have their way.
There is a sequel to this book called The Fall of the Kings that takes place like 60 years later. Apparently it's centered around Alec's son and his older professor lover. I'm not sure if I want to read it though, I've heard mixed things about it. Plus, I'm more keen on St. Vier, who apparently does make an appearance in the novel as a ghost? I want more St. Vier! And preferably when he’s still alive, hehe.