Book Review

Book review: A Stranger To Command by Sherwood Smith

Fifteen-year-old Shevraeth, the son of nobility, is sent overseas to Marloven Hess’ military academy to protect him from an increasingly paranoid and suspicious king.

His home country hides viciousness behind polite refinement. The Marlovens are brutally honest. Shevraeth recourses to hiding his reactions on every front and while he struggles to navigate his new culture and maintain his personal code of honour, he learns his father’s purpose in sending him: to learn the art of warfare.

At first revolted, Shevraeth gradually comes to understand true leadership.

I loved this book for its world building and clash of cultures. Marloven Hess is confusing for Shevraeth and the reader has just enough information to keep them squarely in his head without having to work too hard. Certain events and characters are alluded to throughout, about which Shevraeth has no idea, and it adds to the reality of the story world – so much is going on for the country that he is not privy to and will never discover. And neither will the reader (unless they read other Smith books set in this world). Initially Shevraeth has about six months to adjust to the idea of living in Marloven – which is tough enough - but his return home provides a terrific insight into reverse culture shock.

This story’s events develop more slowly than Crown Duel, but the character development is better and the story provides a delightful insight into the events that follow. Crown Duel is much more light-hearted. I read them both numerous times before giving in and buying them – and now still reread them every few years. The people have become old friends.