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The Book of Swords

By: Gardner Dozois
Narrated by: Arthur Morey, John Lee, Katharine McEwan, Kim Mai Guest, Elliot Hill, Steve West
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Publisher's Summary

An epic collection of fantasy stories from true masters of the genre, including a never-before-published Song of Ice and Fire novella by George R. R. Martin.

Fantasy fiction has produced some of the most unforgettable heroes ever: Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian, Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné, Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Classic characters like these made sword and sorcery a cornerstone of fantasy fiction and an inspiration for a new generation of writers spinning their own tales of magical adventure.

Now, in The Book of Swords, acclaimed editor and best-selling author Gardner Dozois presents an anthology of original epic stories by a stellar cast of modern masters, including George R. R. Martin, Robin Hobb, Garth Nix, Ken Liu, Daniel Abraham, Scott Lynch, Cecelia Holland, Ellen Kushner and more on journeys into the outer realms of dark enchantment and intrepid adventure, featuring a stunning assortment of fearless swordsmen and warrior women who face down danger and death at every turn with courage, cunning, and cold steel.

Featuring 16 new stories:

  • 'The Best Man Wins' by K. J. Parker
  • 'Her Father's Sword' by Robin Hobb
  • 'The Hidden Girl' by Ken Liu
  • 'The Sword of Destiny' by Matthew Hughes
  • '"I Am a Handsome Man", Said Apollo Crow' by Kate Elliott
  • 'The Triumph of Virtue' by Walter Jon Williams
  • 'The Mocking Tower' by Daniel Abraham
  • 'Hrunting' by C. J. Cherryh
  • 'A Long, Cold Trail' by Garth Nix
  • 'When I Was a Highwayman' by Ellen Kushner
  • 'The Smoke of Gold Is Glory' by Scott Lynch
  • 'The Colgrid Conundrum' by Rich Larson
  • 'The King's Evil' by Elizabeth Bear
  • 'Waterfalling' by Lavie Tidhar
  • 'The Sword Tyraste' by Cecelia Holland
  • 'The Sons of the Dragon' by George R. R. Martin

Plus an introduction by Gardner Dozois.

Full cast of narrators includes Richard Brewer, Nicholas Guy Smith, Kirby Heyborne, Ralph Lister, Mark Deakins and Julia Whelan.

©2017 Gardner Dozois (P)2017 Random House Audio
Short Stories Action & Adventure Anthologies & Short Stories Dragons & Mythical Creatures
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Critic Reviews

Praise for Gardner Dozois' previous collection, Dangerous Women: "This meaty collection delivers something for nearly every reader's taste as it explores the heights that brave women can reach and the depths that depraved ones can plumb." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Book of Swords

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Profile Image for Ben Schmiga

Some stories better than others

I already owned this as a hard copy, but definitely enjoyed hearing someone else's interpretation of characters. Overall since there are so many stories, a few scenes stand out in the imagination. Dances across vines, perilous odds and clockwork boxes are a few favourites, but I have no trouble recommending this to friends and family.
Something for everyone!

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