Sword of Waters - Book Review

Sword of Waters
The Shield, Sword and Crown Trilogy – Book 2
By Hilari Bell
Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
2008

Dedication: The Wildfolk have been my writers group for almost a quarter of a century now. They’re the people who tell me when my beginning is too confusing, when my climax has the wrong people solving the problems, and when I desperately need to add a murder and a subplot – and that’s just with this trilogy! These are the people who taught me how to write, and I would never have done it without them. So this book is dedicated to the Wildfolk, all of you, past present and to come.

Target Age Group: Girls, 10 through 15

Must Read
Good Read
Should Read

Synopsis

14 year old Arisa should be happy. The rebellion she spent her entire life working for has succeeded. She now lives in the palace and is part of the royal court. And she’s never felt more useless and lost in her life. So when she discovers some muddy footprints on her balcony, her curiosity is piqued. Is this a conspiracy? Or is it just a servant sneaking out for a romantic evening?

In trying to find out, Arisa is unwittingly plunged into a dangerous game of intrigue, deception and betrayal. When she turns to her two friends for help – Weasel and Prince Edoran – she may have put them all in danger. Because someone wants them dead.

Book Review

Book 1 of this trilogy, Shield of Stars, is one of my favorite books. This book Sword of Waters, begins one month after the conclusion of Shield of Stars.

Shield of Stars was Weasel’s story, his desperate attempts to save the life of Justice Holis, a man he dearly loves. This is Arisa’s story, told in close third person from Arisa’s perspective.

And it is a wonderful story, full of surprises, unexpected twists and turns. You may not agree with the choices that Arisa makes, but you understand why she does what she does. To tell you more would be…well, telling.

Read Shield of Stars, then read Sword of Waters. And hope that the third book, Crown of Earth, comes out very, very soon!

Characters

Arisa Benison – Our 14 year old heroine. She grew up in the countryside in Deorthas, around thieves and bandits who opposed the evil Regent Pettibone. Now she lives in the palace and must learn to be a lady. But she'd rather be wearing britches and working on her skills with a knife and blade.

Weasel – Also 14 years old. He was Justice Holis’s clerk, but now he spends most of his time with Prince Edoran. But he doesn’t let his skills as a former pickpocket and lock pick go to waste. Especially when Arisa asks for his help.

Prince Edoran – The 15 year old prince of Deorthas, he is a complex young man with hidden talents of his own. He’s obsessed with proving that his father’s death wasn’t an accident. He and Weasel are good friends. In fact Weasel is probably the best friend he’s ever had. But what about Arisa? She makes no bones about how she feels about him. But what does he think about her?

Regent Holis – Formerly Justice Holis, he has taken the role of Regent until Edoran comes of age and becomes king. He’s a man of wisdom and the law, and rules fairly, but he’s made his share of enemies.

Lady Benison – Arisa’s mother. She is in charge of the Navy, a position second only to the Regent. She has her share of enemies as well. She wants Arisa to spend more time with the prince.

Katrin – Arisa’s maid. Her family has been connected to the palace for over 6 generations, so she knows how Arisa should dress. That includes corsets, no matter how tight, and definitely does not include britches.