From School Library Journal
YA-Del and Tiger have appeared in Sword-Dancer (1986), Sword-Maker (1989), Sword-Breaker (1991), and Sword-Singer (1986, all DAW). However, readers can pick up the saga with Sword-Born and not feel as if they are missing anything. There is enough background provided in context to fill in the subtext of Tiger and Del's multilayered relationship without breaking up the narrative. In this book, both partners are searching for a home. Del believes that the truth of Tiger's origins can be found on the island of Skandl, so the two set sail on an ill-fated voyage. Shipwrecked and captured by pirates, Tiger is forced to claim the place of a long-lost grandson in the home of the first of Skandl's Eleven Families. Even worse, a mage claims to recognize his own magic in Tiger. Trapped in a world they are only slowly coming to understand, the pair must find a way out without losing their honor or their lives. Since this story is told through Tiger's eyes, readers only learn about Skandl as he does. Although the pace is somewhat slow, Roberson entices readers to figure out the many facets of the quandary Tiger and Del face. The final pages set up the forthcoming book, Sword-Sworn.
Susan Salpini, Kings Park Library, Burke, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
