By the Sword

By the Sword follows Kerowyn, a noblewoman's daughter who rejects traditional feminine roles to become a warrior after a tragic attack on her family's keep. When bandits kidnap her new sister-in-law, Kerowyn undertakes a dangerous rescue mission with the aid of a magical sword called Need. The story charts Kerowyn's transformation from an untrained noble girl to a skilled fighter under the tutelage of the warrior Tarma and sorceress Kethry. Her path leads her to join the Skybolts, a respected mercenary company, where she builds a new life and identity far from her noble origins. This standalone novel in the Valdemar universe bridges multiple series while exploring themes of gender roles, duty, and personal identity. The narrative examines how circumstance and choice shape a person's path, and questions traditional expectations about women's roles in society.

Readers call this one of the stronger entries in the Valdemar series, focusing on a complex female protagonist and detailed sword-fighting scenes. Many comment that it works well as a standalone novel, even for those unfamiliar with the series. Readers highlight: - Well-developed main character growth - Accurate fencing terminology and techniques - Balance of action and character relationships - Clear writing style and pacing Common criticisms: - Middle section drags with training sequences - Some side characters lack depth - Too much internal monologue - Romance subplot feels rushed Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.17/5 (16,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (280+ ratings) One reader noted: "The attention to sword-fighting detail makes the action sequences feel authentic rather than fantastical." Another commented: "Kero's constant self-doubt becomes repetitive after a while."

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley A young woman discovers her destiny as a warrior and defender of a desert kingdom while wielding a legendary magical sword.

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce A noble girl disguises herself as a boy to train as a knight in a medieval fantasy realm, defying societal expectations to pursue her warrior path.

Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon A sheepherder's daughter leaves home to join a mercenary company and rises through the ranks to become a legendary warrior.

The Thousand Names by Django Wexler A woman serves in disguise as a soldier in a military fantasy campaign while navigating complex politics and ancient magic.

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith A noblewoman learns warfare and leadership as she fights to protect her homeland from invasion and court intrigue.

🗡️ The magical sword Kerowyn receives, called Need, appears in multiple Valdemar books and only works for female wielders, possessing the consciousness of an ancient mage-smith. 📚 Mercedes Lackey has written over 140 books in her career, with By the Sword being the 14th book in the Valdemar universe chronology. ⚔️ The character Kerowyn was partly inspired by historical female warriors like Joan of Arc and the legendary Celtic queen Boudicca. 🏰 The novel's setting, particularly the mercenary company Kerowyn joins, was influenced by real medieval mercenary companies like the White Company and the Free Companies. 🌟 By the Sword was one of the first fantasy novels of its time (published in 1991) to feature a female protagonist who becomes a warrior through training rather than magical transformation or divine intervention.