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| Book Title | Misenchanted Sword |
| Series | Ethshar |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Author | Lawrence Watt-Evans |
| Publisher | Del Rey Books |
| Published | August 12, 1985 |
| Format | Mass Market Paperback |
| Condition | Good |
| Condition Notes | This paperback is in Good condition with moderate signs of age and handling. The cover remains colorful with noticeable edge wear, corner wear, and several creases visible on the front cover. There is light rubbing across the surface and some discoloration from age. The spine shows moderate shelf wear but remains intact with a solid binding. Pages are complete and firmly attached, with typical age toning expected of a 1985 Del Rey paperback. No missing pages or major damage are evident. A clean, sturdy reading copy that still displays well on the shelf. |
| Condition | Good |
Valder is an ordinary soldier who expects nothing more than to survive another brutal war. Everything changes when an aging wizard rewards him with what should have been the perfect magical weapon. The sword is enchanted to ensure that its wielder can never lose a battle. Unfortunately, the wizard dies before explaining one crucial flaw in the spell: the sword cannot distinguish between victory and the cost of achieving it.
As the enchantment begins shaping Valder’s destiny, every triumph carries unexpected consequences. The sword pushes him toward victories he never sought while slowly unraveling the quiet future he had hoped to build. Rather than celebrating endless battles, Valder must outthink the very magic meant to protect him, searching for a way to escape an enchantment that grants success while steadily taking away his freedom.
Unlike many fantasy novels of its era, The Misenchanted Sword emphasizes intelligence, practical problem-solving, and believable characters instead of reckless heroics. Lawrence Watt-Evans builds the world of Ethshar with thoughtful magic systems, understated humor, and realistic consequences, creating one of the most refreshing and accessible fantasy series of the 1980s. The novel serves as an excellent standalone adventure while introducing readers to the richly imagined world that would become the long-running Ethshar series.
EugeneBookStore Summary
Often considered one of the finest “thinking person’s” fantasy novels of the 1980s, The Misenchanted Sword helped establish Lawrence Watt-Evans as one of fantasy’s most original voices. Rather than relying on prophecy or unstoppable heroes, the novel features an intelligent protagonist who succeeds through careful planning and common sense. Its combination of inventive magic, memorable storytelling, and approachable writing has made it a perennial favorite among fans of classic fantasy literature.
Collector Notes
As the first published novel in the Ethshar series, The Misenchanted Sword remains the most sought-after entry in the collection. Early Del Rey paperback printings are increasingly desirable among collectors of 1980s fantasy, particularly those assembling complete Ethshar sets or collections of influential fantasy authors. The series is notable for allowing each novel to stand on its own while sharing the same richly developed world.
