Review: The Dragonslayer's Sword by Resa Nelson

Book: The Dragonslayer's Sword
By: Resa Nelson
Publication Date: June 1, 2008
Publisher: Mundania Press LLC

Description: For Astrid, a blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers, the emergence of a strange gemstone from her body sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to destroy her life. Her happiness is shattered when her lover-the dragonslayer-disappears without a trace, and the life that she knows and loves implodes without warning. Astrid lives in a world of shapeshifters whose thoughts have the power to change not only themselves but others. Everything Astrid knows to be true is called into question when she learns the truth about her past and the mysterious family from which she was separated as a child. Reality turns inside out as Astrid gradually learns the truth about the people she loves as well as those she disdains. With the fate of dragons, ghosts, and slaves in foreign lands resting on her shoulders, Astrid faces the challenge of deciding who she is and how she will stand up inside her own skin. Will she withdraw and hide from the world that has disappointed her so much...or will she rise to lead others to freedom and peace?

My Thoughts: The Dragonslayer's Sword was a book unlike any other I had ever read. I had no idea what to expect when I began reading this book, and it was a good thing. There was no way for me to even guess at the things that would be discussed. This book was nothing, if not unique.

The beginning of this book dropped us right in the midst of the feelings swirling inside a young, abused girl, Astrid. It was somewhat depressing, and confusing. The reader had no idea why she was like she was or what happened to her family. However, we learned that Astrid is very intuitive and learns things about her surroundings easily. She doesn't forget and uses everything she learns to make her a better person.

Initially, I did not like this book. I thought it was too confusing and convoluted. Nothing made sense. I didn't understand why the people could change the way they appeared, or anything. As the book went on, I was very tempted to quit and never read it again. I didn't like how easily things came for Astrid. Often, she said "I understood now why..." or "That explained why...". It got me a little annoyed because, well, it explained nothing to me, and I didn't understand why. There were way too many links and loopholes between people and events. There was just way too much to this book, too many different people with too many backstories and not enough pages to explain them all. It felt rushed and oftentimes, I found myself wondering how on earth I made it to where I made it in my book.

Despite these many issues, there was much I liked about the book. I loved the fact that the main character was unattractive and was able to grow into her true potential. I liked that they showed the power of belief on people. In addition, once things were explained at the end, I felt much better about the book. It was the end that improved the rating I had about the book.

I would suggest that only those who are thoroughly interested in Fantasy read this book. If you are interested more in paranormal romance and expect this book to be heavy on the romance and otherworldly explanations about the reasons life is the way it is, don't read this book. You much throw out all your preconceived notions and come to the table with an empty slate.

I give this book 2.5 stars. It wasn't really my type of book, although I liked much about it. I will probably read the next book (not just because I promised the author, but because I want to).