In a world rife with peril and dark magic, "Oathbound" introduces the unforgettable duo of Tarma and Kethry, two women bound by a shared quest for justice and a powerful destiny. Tarma, a formidable swordswoman of the nomadic Shin’a’in, embarks on a brutal quest for vengeance after her entire clan is annihilated by brigands. Becoming one of the elite sword-sworn, she hones her deadly combat skills, driven by a vow to hunt down her enemies. Meanwhile, Kethry, a sorceress from a noble background, seeks sanctuary and purpose within the White Winds school of magic after a life of hardship. Uniquely adept with both arcane power and worldly weapons, she becomes the bearer of a magical sword that guides her to those in need. Their paths converge through fate and the will of the Goddess, leading to a fated encounter. United by a mystical sword-spell and a solemn blood oath, Tarma and Kethry forge an indomitable partnership, combining Tarma's lethal steel and Kethry's potent sorcery to confront evil and fulfill their intertwined destinies.
Critical Reception
"As a cornerstone of Mercedes Lackey's prolific career, "Oathbound" is celebrated for pioneering strong female protagonists in the sword and sorcery genre, establishing a beloved fantasy world and enduring character archetypes."