I'm looking for the title of a book I read when I was in elementary or
middle school. In it a boy/young man joins up with a group of people
with special powers. They are fighting against an evil empire with
magic users of its own.

One of the group was an expert swordsman who could see in all
directions at once, even though something was wrong with his eyes. He
wore contacts with eyes painted on them. The first time we see him
he's blindfolded and juggling swords. A soldier throws a sword at his
back, but he dodges it with aplomb. After that display he goes on the
road.

The boy was at first thought to have the power to control flames, but
was later found to be able to summon elementals. His elementals weaken
the evil empires creatures with their very presence.

I just need the title and author.

Thank you for your time.

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Request for Question Clarification by juggler-ga on 21 Sep 2003 17:03 PDT

When did you first encounter this book?  If you can't remember
exactly, could you provide an approximate range of years (e.g.,
1980-84, 1992-95, etc.)?

Anything else that you can remember about the book (e.g., character
names, title words, etc.) might help.

---

Clarification of Question by kilthmal-ga on 21 Sep 2003 17:19 PDT

I would say that I probably read it between the years 1994 and 1998.
I'll try to remember some names of characters, but they just aren't
coming just yet.

---

Clarification of Question by kilthmal-ga on 21 Sep 2003 18:41 PDT

I think I also remember the climax being a battle between a great
eagle/falcon and some corrupted flying creature.

Hi kilthmal,

I believe that your book was "Blade of the Poisoner" (1987) by Douglas
Hill.

"Blade of the Poisoner" seems to have all of the elements that you
describe:
(1) A group of people with special powers fighting an evil empire
(2) A young member of the group who has the ability to "summon
elementals"
(3) A member of the group who one reader describes as "unbeatable with
a sword"
(4) Some sort of giant eagle (or other bird of prey)

Sources:

From a customer review on Amazon.com:
'It weaves a delicately placed tale of the evil tyrant, the Poisoner.
A band of four warriors, called "talents," lead the march against him
and to save the young unexperienced "talent." Little does anyone know
that he has the talent to summon elementals to fight for him.'
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553277170/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/002-6044457-5107231?v=glance&s=books&vi=customer-reviews

">There are 4(?) main characters... A guy who's almost unbeatable with
a sword."
source: a newsgroup post archived by Google Groups.
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=37ded070.956957%40news.albatross.co.uk

"Hill, D. BLADE OF THE POISONER.
Twelve-year-old Jarral and three friends with strong psychic talents
fight the evil of Prince Mephtik the Poisoner, who serves the
Demon-Driver. This story continues in MASTER OF FIENDS."
source: Franklin Middle School
http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/FranklinMS/research/fantasy.htm

" This gripping fantasy adventure explores the power of good versus
evil as one boy discovers his own inner talents and abilities to
overcome negative forces in the world."
source: Alibris
http://www.alibris.com/search/detail.cfm?BID=8161937012

There's a photo of the cover of a paperback edition on eBay.  The
cover depicts some sort of giant eagle (or other bird of prey), which
is also consistent with your recollection of the book.
See eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3552312232&category=2229


"Blade of the Poisoner" is available from half.com:
http://half.ebay.com/cat/buy/prod.cgi?cpid=2536451
Or Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/offering/list/-/0553277170/all/

There was a sequel called "Master of Fiends" (1988). "Master of
Fiends" is available from Abebooks.com:
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=220106626
Or alibris.com:
http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?qwork=4218723&matches=3&qsort=r

search strategy:
browsed Alibris category: Teen Juvenile Fantasy

I hope this helps.

Wow. When I saw that you had taken on my question, I was very pleased
looking at your track record. I have searched for hours before to find
the title of this book and you found it in the same day. Thank you for
your prompt search and for finding out even more than I asked for. I'm
definately interested in using GA in the future, to find more books
from the back of my head.

Thank you very much for the tip!
-juggler