On discovering the writing of Michelle Sagara West

[bibliogramma]

I have recently discovered the writing of Michelle Sagara West, and this is a good thing, even though, since she is a prolific writer who has been writing for some time, I now have a lot to catch up with.

I began with the first book in the Sun Sword series, The Broken Crown, and found that it had many of the things I really enjoy in fantasy writing – strong, interesting characters, many of whom are women, lots of political intrigue, and people faced with issues that require them to figure out who they are and what they stand for, and to make nuanced ethical decisions in the midst of complex sets of loyalties, obligations and responsibilities. Oh, and also magic, and people with swords who know how to use them – I like that, too.

Having fallen in love with Sagara West’s universe for this series, and not wanting to miss anything, I then skipped back to read the Sacred Hunt duology - Hunter’s Oath and Hunter’s Death - that takes place in this universe before the events of The Broken Crown. A very interesting perspective on the responsibility of rulers to the people and the land they rule, and on the nature of divinity, and an exciting story of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice, these books confirmed my interest in Sagara West’s writing.

So I acquired and have now finished the second in the Sun Sword series, The Uncrowned Prince, and will now have to toddle off to buy and read the next four.

I like finding authors that write things I like to read. Michelle Sagara West’s books make me happy.

Comments

[morgan-dhu.livejournal.com]

Hi. Thanks for dropping by (this is bibliogramma commenting under my other handle).

So far I've only read one of the short stories - "The Black Ospreys" in Women of War. I shall have to try to hunt down the others, becasue her chacaters are so fascinating.

Fortunately, Sagara West has a list of where her stories have been anthologised on her website. I just hope none of the anthologies are out of print.

What is really annoying me right now is that I've discovered that volume four of the Sun Sword series is out of print - used copies are selling for $50 and more. I'm kind of hoping that, since volumes one, two and three are in print, this means the publisher is re-issuing them and volume four will be back in print soon.