In a time and place which share attributes of Regency London, the Three Musketeers' Paris, and maybe a bit of Lankhmar as well, lethally skillful swordsman Richard St. Vier lives by his blade - and many others die by it. This is a fantasy novel without magic or dragons, set in a world where intrigue, courtliness, style, and a deadly weapon are required for advancement, and plots swirl endlessly. Alec, a recklessly imprudent scholar - and St. Vier's lover - is one of those at risk, or is he among the conspirators?

The mannered, lush storytelling is sensual; the plotting and scheming are of less interest to me, but are well spoken of by those who like such things. I adored the characters, the relationship, the anguish, the hope... and soon I plan to enjoy the sequel, "Fall of the Kings". [It's not a direct sequel, more of a "several decades later," but does deal with events that happened in "Swordspoint" and answers a question or two about some of the characters. Fans of "Swordspoint" might also want to seek out Kushner's short story "The Swordsman Whose Name Was Not Death," which occurs in between the events of "Swordspoint" and "Fall of the Kings". This tale is included in "Year's Best Fantasy & Horror, 5th Annual Collection".]

This book's been out of print, but a new paperback version just came out, so I've ordered a release copy.

Snow was falling on Riverside, great white feather-puffs that veiled the cracks in the facades of its ruined houses; slowly softening the harsh contours of jagged roof and fallen beam.... Let the fairy tale begin on a winter's morning, then, with one drop of blood new-fallen on the ivory snow: a drop as bright as a clear-cut ruby, red as the single spot of claret on the lace cuff.

***

"Alec," said Richard. "It really isn't safe for you to be going out alone here after dark. People get wild, and not everyone knows who you are yet."

"No one knows who I am." Alec dreamily laced his long fingers in his hair.... "Look." Alec's eyes, turned to the window, were dark and green, like the water under the Bridge. "It's still snowing. You can die in the snow. You're cold, but it doesn't hurt. They say you get warmer and warmer and then you fall asleep...."

"We can go out later. If anyone is trying to kill you, I'd better know about it."

"Why?"

"I can't let them," the swordsman said; "it would ruin my reputation."

***

As he drifted off, he seemed to see a series of white images, scenes carved in snow. Frosty gardens, their branches lush with white roses and crystal thorns; ladies with floating spun-sugar hair escorted by ivory gallants; and, for himself, opponents with long bright swords of clear and gleaming ice.

***

Richard knew he was fighting for his life, and he was terribly happy.

Update: I just looked into the new paperback edition of this book, and found that it includes the story I mentioned above, plus two other tales featuring "Swordspoint" characters: "The Swordsman Whose Name was Not Death," "Red-Cloak," and "The Death of the Duke" are all here!!! Also some additional commentary by the author. So, of course, in addition to the copy-for-release, I had to buy another copy of the new paperback for myself... Where will it end? {grin}

Released on Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at Surf Restaurant, 207 Main St. in Nashua, New Hampshire USA.

Another Valentine release. The romance in the book isn't quite traditional, perhaps, but it's definitely romantic - and there's even a tiny tie-in making this appropriate for release at a seafood restaurant. I've put a band of white ribbon with red hearts around the book cover, and I plan to release the book in the back entrance near the restrooms at around 7.

*** (Later...)

Left the book propped up on a seat near the pay phone, in the back entrance. To tell the truth, I think this release was really an excuse to have dinner at Surf, which is one of my favorite local restaurants; had some lovely oysters, followed by a salmon koulibiac [sort of a fancy salmon pie - very hearty, good on a windy, frosty night like this], with a wonderful creme brulee for dessert. [Side note: I heard a rumor that they're going to be adding their "Milky Way" creme brulee to the menu soon; I tasted this a month or two back and it's spectacular - a perfect, creamy creme brulee with the light flavors of milk chocolate and caramel...]