The Sword-Edged Blonde ~Alex Bledsoe
–published 2007
–256 pages, Night Shade Books
–4.5/5 stars
“The Sword-Edged Blonde has all the finesse and depth of a great hard-boiled mystery, but takes place in a fully realized heroic fantasy setting. From start to finish, it’s a treat for readers of either genre, and easily one of the better books I’ve had the pleasure of reading this year. Don’t miss this one!” ~Charles de Lint
With a quote like that from one of the world’s premiere fantasists, the book has to be good, right? In this case ‘right’ is an understatement. Mr. de Lint’s concise review is spot on and I could readily step away now and just tell you to go out and buy this book. But that would just be too easy.
As with most books, the cover illustration (this a richly textured painting by Justin Sweet) aroused my immediate interest. The book had not yet been released at the time but it immediately went on my ‘to purchase’ list and I wasted no time using Christmas gift cards to purchase it. It was an act of supreme restraint to then set this novel aside for a few months despite the fact that I was in the grip of science fiction mania. Having become a fan of both Robert E. Howard’s Conan novels and Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels over the past few years, this apparent combination of the sword and sorcery, mystery, and men’s adventure genres had me salivating, anxious to crack open that first page to see if Alex Bledsoe’s debut novel was all that it promised to be.
I can say with unequivocal delight that it lived up to my expectations and, quite frankly, exceeded them. Allow me to elaborate. Back cover quotes indicating a humorous aspect to this book had me wondering if it would play out more along the lines of a parody, a spoof of these various genres. While I love a good parody, I was hoping for something more with this book. Alex Bledsoe delivered. He manages to take a concept that could have easily crossed the line from fun to farcical and instead creates a gripping noir detective novel set in the lush fantasy realm of the sword and sorcery genre. Throughout the tale Bledsoe manages the fine-line-walking act of immersing the reader in this medieval setting while staying true to the drama and suspense of a good mystery.
In private investigator Eddie LaCrosse, Bledsoe creates a character who is equal parts witty and charming, rough-and-tumble and roguish. LaCrosse’s journey reveals him to be a character of surprising depth in a novel that is short (232 pages) by today’s standards. Bledsoe uses each page to his advantage and has crafted a page turner story that had a few “I didn’t see that coming” moments as it reached its conclusion. The tale follows Eddie LaCrosse as he is called in to investigate a heinous accusation of murder by the royal spouse of a dear friend. In setting out to determine the truth, Bledsoe takes LaCrosse on a journey of self-discovery that overlaps with his investigation. Alex Bledsoe deftly weaves LaCrosse’s memories/flashbacks in with the main tale to create a rewarding and interesting read.
The Sword-Edged Blonde is a fun, quick read that leaves the reader both satisfied and anxious for Eddie LaCrosse’s next adventure. At the same time if Alex Bledsoe chooses not to revisit this character or this universe, the novel has the kind of satisfying end that guarantees future rereads. I am impressed with Bledsoe’s debut work and will be quick to pick up his next project based on my enjoyment of this work.
ooh wow!
yeah, like you, as much as i like parodies, i personally feel they can sometimes be a little empty. they have to be done really well to work and sometimes there nothing wrong with the book to make me dislike it, i just won’t like the tone, ’cause the tone of humour is really important too.
but this sounds superb! really exciting!
its going right onto my once-i-have-slayed-the-monster wishlist. (or, lo! perhaps i can put it as my 5th choice for the once upon a time…! hmmm…!)
Now this is cool…and very original. A mystery in the sword and sorcery genre. Not something you see every day. Definitely one to read. Love that cover too.
Reserved.
Does sound like quite the unique blending of genre there. Another I might have to try. Thanks, Carl…you really do find the most interesting books!
A noir detective fantasy! Your description reminds me a bit of Thraxas, which I enjoyed quite a bit. I’ll have to look for this one.
dude! is that Anduril in your picture?
Sounds like a cross between Keen Eddie and F. and the Gray Mouser. Which sounds like a damn fine read. Of course the ” Sweet ” cover is just great. Thanks for the review.
Way to go Melanie for spotting LOTR paraphenalia in the second picture! Yes, it is indeed. That was a Christmas gift from Santa several years ago.
Jeff: Good comparisons, you are right and I think you’d enjoy this one. Can’t believe I neglected to put any Lankhmar on my potential reading pile. I am remedying that in spirit right now!
Nymeth: Do, it is a fun book.
Debi: It all comes from looking at cover art and art in general on the ol’ interweb and in art books. I find the best books because of cover illustrations.
Elizabeth: 🙂
Chris: It is certainly something different, that is for sure.
JP: Again, I’m proud of you!
Hey Carl,
Glad you liked this one. I’m looking forward to Bledsoe’s next project as well.
I forgot that you had read and enjoyed this one as well. It was great, wasn’t it? I hope others will give it a try because it is certainly an enjoyable read.
Read and enjoyed. Once again thanks Carl. I had actually picked it up and rejected it at the library. Good thing you reviewed it and sent me back.
A mixture of fantasy and mystery. How can I resist? My list is getting out of control.
It is worth adding Framed, it really is!
Elizabeth: I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Only a mer 13 months after your review I have gotten off my reading butt and read this novel. I all I can say is ” What the hell took me so long!!! “. I LOVED this novel. Eddie grew on me so much over the course of this tale that as I neared the end today I just didn’t want it to be over. I desperately wanted to continue hanging out with Eddie in his world cross genre world of mystery meets fantasy. Mr Beldsoe takes Eddie down the road of self tortured PI and we just can’t help but fall in love with him. He’s the every man we all are going on this grand adventure we all wish we were excpet he isn’t the every man we think he is as well devel into this past. Thanks soooo much for your review Carl. You lead me to a reading gold nugget and for that I am eternally grateful. Now I can’t wait unitl this fall to read Eddie’s next adventure.