The Bright Sword, by Lev Grossman

Friends, this is only my second book talk of the year. I am behind in books, in reading, in writing, in life. This is what happens when the masked secret police occupy your community.

Lev Grossman first hooked me with his Magicians trilogy, among the finest fantasy novels I’ve ever read, and once again astonishes me with The Bright Sword. It is such a rare thing to find a writer who is gifted with both word crafting and storytelling.  

This is an Arthurian adventure fantasy starring a group of misfit heroes. I don’t want to spoil the plot, but it is safe to say there is a wizards’ duel—as Arthurian tradition demands—and it is phenomenal. It is also safe to observe that the queer representation in this book is superb.

I realize I’m handing out superlatives like they’re candy, but The Bright Sword was such a delight—what a high fantasy quest story should be. For those who like to hear their stories, Nicholas Guy Smith’s narration is a joy. He is adept at accents from all over the British Isles and some other places, too.