--- product_id: 66392854 title: "The Privilege of the Sword" brand: "spectra" price: "R508" currency: ZAR in_stock: false reviews_count: 8 category: "Book" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/66392854-the-privilege-of-the-sword store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # The Privilege of the Sword **Brand:** spectra **Price:** R508 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Privilege of the Sword by spectra - **How much does it cost?** R508 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/66392854-the-privilege-of-the-sword) ## Best For - spectra enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted spectra brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Full description not available ## Images ![The Privilege of the Sword - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qjorJXx0L.jpg) ![The Privilege of the Sword - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61LMzfNuBRL.jpg) ![The Privilege of the Sword - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/313m1vvwLrL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another gem by Ellen Kushner *by S***D on Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2018* Considering the fame of Ellen Kushner's books it probably isn't worth wasting a lot of time writing a review that no one will read. There are a lot of reviews for this, so mine is likely going to be lost in a sea of other reviews. Still, since I'm here I might as well give some thoughts.First, loved the book. There is a reason these books are so popular and why NG presents it. The political intrigue is, once again top notch. The book is considerably different from the first and quite possibly worse too. While the first suffered from too many characters you just didn't care about, this one suffered from a world that seemed less well ironed out. For example, how is dueling and challenges so dangerous if the challenged individual chooses if it is to the death or first blood? Wouldn't the challenged always just go first blood? And where is the climax? The book seems to build and then just peter out.Don't let me imply the book is not good, this book is excellent. The nit pickings above are merely the difference between an utterly perfect masterpiece and 'only' one of the best books I've ever read.At any rate, you didn't read this review, no one did, but I hope more riverside books comes out someday. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great characterisation and thoughtful examination of sexism and class. *by T***A on Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2014* This might not be as well written as Swordspoint, but it is still an amazing novel. I couldn't put it down until I had finished reading. When I finished, I re-read my favourite parts again. Basic plot: Katherine Talbot is a sweet and sensible teenager who is sent to live with her Uncle Alec Campion, also known as the Mad Duke, to learn swordfighting. Alec only agrees to pay off Katherine's family's debts if Katherine comes to live with him. Katherine is swept up in a world of secrets, treachery and betrayal. Along the way, she fights for a friend who has been brutally sexually assaulted by her fiancee, and learns that her Uncle is more compassionate and thoughtful than he seems.Some scenes dragged a bit, and I could care less for Marcus's (the love interest) sexism. I did feel great empathy and sorrow for Marcus given his traumatic past, although Marcus's prejudice against sex workers was rather unpleasant to read. But the characters are realistic, vibrant and three dimensional. There's plenty of joy and sadness, humour and resilience in them. And that's always wonderful.There are graphic violent scenes, and explicit sexual references. You may want to skip those parts if they're not your kind of thing.I was happy that gay characters are portrayed sensitively in Privilege of the Sword (no surprises there, as Kushner also achieved this in Swordspoint). It was lovely to see Richard and Alec again. The ending is delightful, especially the romantic parts with Alec and Richard. I was overjoyed at Katherine becoming braver and learning to stand up for herself, her Uncle and her friends. This is Book 2 of the Riverside trilogy. It is best to start with Book 1, which is Swordspoint. You don't have to start with Swordspoint (Privilege of the Sword is a stand alone novel), but I'd recommend doing so, in order to understand the characters and world better. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A swashbuckling adventure! *by K***Y on Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2012* The Privilege of the Sword follows Katherine, a poor noblewoman who is invited to her uncle's home in the city. She arrives expecting a season of balls and parties and hoping to find a good match and secure her family's future, but her uncle, the unconventional Mad Duke Tremontaine, has other ideas. Katherine is to become a swordsman (and his bodyguard), unprecedented for a woman.I first heard about this book on the Williamsburg Regional Library blog, Blogging for a Good Book. Like that reviewer, I was immediately struck by the proud swordswoman on the cover, and being a sucker for swashbuckling women, figured that I would probably enjoy the book. Upon further research, I discovered that it was a sequel to Swordspoint, which I decided to read first (earlier this year.) Although I didn't love Swordspoint, I liked it enough to want to read more, and I've finally gotten around to it.The Privilege of the Sword, and other Ellen Kushner books have been described as a "fantasy of manners." I can certainly understand the "manners" bit, but I'm not quite sure that it's a fantasy. I've always thought of the defining characteristic of fantasy being magic/some sort of supernatural power. The Privilege of the Sword takes place in an imaginary world, but there is no magic involved.Anyway, onto the actual review. I really enjoyed the book, more so than Swordspoint, probably because of the younger, female protagonist. Katherine was a lot of fun to read about, she's determined, curious, and honourable. She manages to become an accomplished swordsman without losing any of her femininity. Her reactions to all the things that happen to (and around) her, and her growth as a character is written really well and feels totally real. The world of the nobles around her is also entertaining (although probably would be really tiresome to live in), with constant plotting and scheming within the strict customs of rich society.I'll definitely be reading the third book set in this world, The Fall of The Kings, soon! --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/66392854-the-privilege-of-the-sword](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/66392854-the-privilege-of-the-sword) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-05-08*