The Sharing Knife: Beguilement (2006) by Lois McMaster Bujold is the first novel in her four-book fantasy romance series, blending pastoral adventure, supernatural danger, and an unconventional love story. Set in a world where the agrarian Farmers and the nomadic Lakewalkers coexist uneasily, the story follows Fawn Bluefield, a young Farmer woman fleeing a stifling past, and Dag Redwing Hickory, a seasoned Lakewalker patroller who hunts the malevolent, soul-sucking creatures known as malices.
When Fawn is kidnapped by a malice and rescued by Dag, their lives become entwined through a shared trauma and an unexpected emotional bond. The Sharing Knife of the title—a Lakewalker weapon that can permanently kill malices by transferring a life sacrifice—becomes a symbol of their growing connection, despite the cultural chasm between their peoples. Bujold crafts a tender, character-driven narrative, exploring themes of prejudice, healing, and the courage to bridge divides.
While lighter on epic battles than Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga, this series shines in its intimate worldbuilding and mature romance, appealing to fans of fantasy that prioritizes emotional depth over swordplay.
For readers who enjoy: Uprooted by Naomi Novik or the quieter magic of The Goblin Emperor
