Das Schwert in der Stille (2002)

Actually read this a long time ago but for some reason never added this to my books.

Could be because it didnt leave a lasting impression on me. On paper the plot sounds very exciting (ninjas! adventure!) but the narrative is too dry and you never manage to connect with the characters.

I never even tried to start on the other books. Not horribly bad...just simply not that interested. ( )

Loved all four books of the Asian fantasy series, and any fans of Shogun are sure to enjoy this series.
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I just finished rereading the novel and feel very differently from the other people who’ve already posted in the SF & Fantasy Thread. I think this book written by a westerner is very Japanese, I believe that’s why it is paced the way it is. Sure love at first sight is unbelievable but imagine a fifteen year old girl, forced to marry against her will. She is dreading meeting the old man who’ll force himself upon her. Suddenly she’s filled with relief when she sees the young man who she believes is to be her husband, may it isn’t love at first sight as much as relief at first sight.

I don’t believe that good fantasy has to have a twist ending. When Frodo picked up the ring and headed to Mordor, I had no doubt that he’d arrive and destroy the ring but I’ve read and reread LOTR enough times to make it an all time favorite.


Keep reading if you like ninjas and pirates, there’s only four more books to go.
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I love historical stories and especially oriental ones. This book kept me glued throughout the whole thing ( )

Fantastic book - A solid beginning to what promises to be a must read anthology. ( )

This book really did have a touch of magic in every word, in my opinion. Takeo's loyalty to Otori Shigeru was haunting and so perfectly constructed and his determination and drive to do the right thing kept the story going forwards brilliantly. Kaede's innocence but also her determination and strength of character made her a force to be reckoned with all of her own. It was beautifully written.

In terms of historical accuracy for the setting, I really don't know... but the book has characters with literal magic powers so I'm sure it can be forgiven for any inaccuracies, because it's clearly not set in the world as we understand it anyway.

I'm excited to read the rest of the series. Definitely glad I took the time to listen to this book. ( )