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The Sword of the Spirits (1972)

by John Christopher

Other authors: See the other authors section.

Series: The Sword of the Spirits (3)

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308584,227 (3.37)10
In the conclusion to the trilogy set in post-apocalyptic England, Luke returns a triumphant Prince from his expedition in the North, although he loses the three things he cares about most.
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Showing 5 of 5
The somewhat depressing conclusion to the eponymous trilogy. Luke's pride and lack of emotional maturity see him veer from obliviousness to the growing romance between Blodwen (the bride he won in "Beyond the Burning Lands" but who's heart he made no effort to win) and his best friend Edmund. When his eyes are opened to their attraction his response is to punish and he is set on a trajectory of loss, vengeance and violence. Today we could use him as an example of "toxic masculinity" - emotionally stunted, possessive, proud, quick to take offence - with these qualities both gaining him all he wants and then losing him all he wants. Thank goodness that there are other patterns of manhood to offset Luke - his oldest friends - truth-seeking Martin and the more self assured and thus, prepared to be vulnerable Edmund. And the briefly encountered Jok of the Bell People who gives Luke one last chance to turn aside from the path of self destruction and join their idealised communal life. The underlying theme of the Seer's use of Luke as a tool to bring back civilisation is derailed by Luke's tragic flaws and their ultimate relocation to the land of the more tolerant Wilsh seems a little too neat an ending. The Seers have their own toxic flaws - not least their willingness to use people as pawns and to bring back artillery to a chivalrous world to further their ends of bringing back "civilisation". Not a cheerful book, but interesting. ( )
  Figgles | Jul 17, 2018 |
Seers[hidden scientists] want Luke to unite the city states to oppose the eventual barbian hordes coming. His betrothed and best friend fall in love, Luke is deposed as Prince of Winchester, gains an ally from the Wilsh, gains the knowledge of guns from the Seers, punishes Winchester, becomes the next Wilsh king, but takes not wife. Ends. So depressing. Couldn’t recommend this series to young people. Well written, but this depressing story isn’t something they need to read yet... ( )
  BookstoogeLT | Dec 10, 2016 |
I remember that there were some interesting twists in the final volume...but 6 months later, I don't remember what they were! But I do want to read it again sometime. ( )
  epersonae | Mar 30, 2013 |
John Christopher is most familiar for his Tripods trilogy, however I thought this was just as good. Set in what feels like England, a young ruler must unite various factions and take command of his kingdom. While this isn't exceptional or extremely unique, it was well written and made a good young adult fantasy novel, without being too young, and without a single vampire! ( )
  Karlstar | Sep 29, 2009 |
The final instalment in the Sword of the Spirits trilogy and a superb finale and one so sophisticated that its hard to believe that it was written for children. Luke falls victim to his pride and gambles all in an attempt to restore his public standing and in the process loses virtually everything he had always wanted. A superb morality tale. ( )
  riverwillow | Jun 10, 2009 |
Showing 5 of 5
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Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
John Christopherprimary authorall editionscalculated
Kidd, TomCover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Schongut, EmanuelCover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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With love to Sheila and Jenny
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Less than a week after I was acclaimed Prince of Winchester the pigeons bought a message of defiance from Petersfield.
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In the conclusion to the trilogy set in post-apocalyptic England, Luke returns a triumphant Prince from his expedition in the North, although he loses the three things he cares about most.

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In the conclusion to the trilogy set in post-apocalyptic England, Luke returns a triumphant Prince from his expedition in the North, although he loses the three things he cares about most.
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