cover image Wayfinder's Story: The Seventh Book of Lost Swords

Wayfinder's Story: The Seventh Book of Lost Swords

Fred Saberhagen. Tor Books, $17.95 (251pp) ISBN 978-0-312-85000-5

One of 12 magical swords forged by the Gods, Wayfinder has the power to guide its possessor to whatever the seeker wants. Chance brings Wayfinder to Ben of Purkinje, who uses it to find Woundhealer, the sword with powers to cure the injured wife of Prince Mar of Sarykam. The evil magician Wood also wants the swords; his attack on Ben brings Mark, and even more swords, into the fray. Followers of the series--the fantasy equivalent of a space opera--will recognize almost all of the characters from earlier books, in which the villains start out with all the aces while the heroes struggle on through decency, intelligence and willpower to satisfying outcomes. Veteran Saberhagen ( Empire of the East ) keeps the plot moving, providing a pleasurable light reading experience. (June)