Comments on: Tattooed Eyelids

Question: Tattooed Eyelids

zinon — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:28:01 -0800

What's the name of the book where the main character is a swordsman who has sword tattoos on his eyelids?

I have a vague recollection about a book where all the characters had tattoos (on their eyelids) indicating their profession. The main character had sword tattoos (possibly blue) and was an expert swordsman. At some point he's traveling on a ship and spars/fights with the sailors.

I read this book in the 90's so it's at least that old.

By: Canageek

Canageek — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:59:00 -0800

As I recall The Reluctant Swordsman (Book One of The Seventh Sword) (1988) had characters with tattoos on their forehead indicating their profession and level in it, then tattoos on their eyelids indicating their parents professions. However, they didn't travel on a ship for long in it, and I wouldn't call anyone a swashbuckler. However, it does have two sequels that came out in 1988 that you could be thinking of. (oddly, there is also a 4th book released this year).

By: spunweb

spunweb — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:03:44 -0800

Seconding The Reluctant Swordsman. The tats are on eyelids unless you are a sorcerer.

By: spunweb

spunweb — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 18:18:33 -0800

Oh and they travel on a ship in the second book

By: zinon

zinon — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 19:20:26 -0800

I'm pretty sure Canageek got it, but since I remember nothing of the plot I can't be 100% until I get a hold of a copy. Oddly enough in my many google searches for this book I actually came across The Reluctant Swordsman, but none of the reviews mention the tattoos.

By: Canageek

Canageek — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 22:58:07 -0800

spunweb: I thought you got one on the forhead for each rank you got, so the main character had 7 on his forhead? Or am I mixing up books?

By: spunweb

spunweb — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 00:27:20 -0800

Yup you are right