Swordships of Antares is a science fiction adventure novel written by Alan Burt Akers. The book is part of the Saga of Dray Prescot series, which follows the protagonist Dray Prescot, an Earthman who has been transported to the planet of Kregen. In this book, Dray finds himself caught up in a plot to overthrow the ruling Savanti caste and save a city from destruction.

The story begins with Dray Prescot fully immersed in Kregen's way of life. He is a member of the Savanti caste and has a wife, Delia. He is also an accomplished swordsman and has become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the ruling caste. The plot's instigator, Kulad, believes that the Savanti caste is corrupt and has lost its way.

One day, Dray is approached by a group of rebels who are looking for his help. The rebels reveal that Kulad has set his sights on the city of Saphronicus, which he wants to destroy because it represents everything he despises about the Savanti caste. The city is a thriving metropolis, famous for its iron production and its skilled artisans. Many of the rebels hail from Saphronicus and are eager to protect their home.

Dray agrees to help and travels to Saphronicus with a small band of followers. The journey is fraught with danger, with many of the group being captured by Kulad's forces. Dray must use all his skills to free his friends and make it to the city.

Once in Saphronicus, Dray learns of a weapon that Kulad plans to use to destroy the city. It is a swordship, a type of aircraft that can fly and maneuver like a ship, armed with a powerful beam weapon. With the help of his friends and the Saphronicus army, Dray sets about finding a way to defeat Kulad's swordship.

Dray discovers that the swordship is being powered by a mysterious energy source, and his hunt leads him to the Lost City of Mnaenn. Here, he encounters the ruins of an ancient civilization and learns about a powerful energy crystal called the Eye of the Idol. The Eye has the power to control the swordship, and Dray realizes that he must locate it to save Saphronicus.

During his search, Dray discovers that Kulad is working with a renegade Savanti, a man called Varia. Varia was once Dray's friend, but he has turned to the dark side and aligned with Kulad in his quest for power. Dray must face Varia in a sword fight, and his victory ensures that Varia will not interfere in his quest for the Eye.

In the Lost City, Dray finds the Eye, but he also discovers that another swordship is being prepared to attack Saphronicus. Dray and his followers use the Eye to take control of the swordship, and they return to Saphronicus to face Kulad's forces.

The final battle is a tense and violent affair. Dray and his followers face seemingly insurmountable odds as the swordship attacks. However, Dray's skill and bravery win the day, and he is able to capture Kulad and secure the city's safety.

Swordships of Antares is a thrilling adventure novel that is full of action and intrigue. The world of Kregen is vividly portrayed, with its strange creatures, exotic cultures, and intricate politics. The book's characters are well-developed, with Dray Prescot standing out as a charismatic and resourceful hero. The plot is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the end. Overall, Swordships of Antares is an exciting and memorable read that will appeal to fans of science fiction and fantasy alike.