Book Review

The Paladin
by C. J. Cherryh

This fantasy novel is set in a world that is very clearly inspired by East Asian culture and history. It is the story of Shoka, an exiled member of the nobility and master swordsman, and Taizu, the young girl who shows up at his mountain retreat. Scarred mentally and physically by the political turmoil and violence of the outside world, she convinces Shoka to teach her so that she can take revenge against those who destroyed her home and her formerly peaceful life. Shoka initially resists the idea, but does teach her, and she proves to be an exceptionally talented student. As Taizu's skill grows, so does a tender and complex relationship between her and Shoka. This is a very familiar and well-tread plotline, yet Cherryh largely avoids making it trite or cliched. She has a wonderful talent for combining action and adventure with thoughtfulness and introspection. From what I've read of her other novels, this is a pretty consistent feature of her style, and here it is the main thing that keeps a well-worn story fresh.