Tales of the King’s Blades – Book 2: Lord of the Fire Lands – By Dave Duncan

July.27.2018July.26.2018 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Dave Duncan, Fantasy2 Comments

Hey Jared,

I could have sworn I’d read this before and I remember the beginning vividly……but not the middle…..or much of the end. In fact, the end I mostly remember from reading the next book in the series.

Title: Lord of the Fire Lands
Series: The King’s Blades #2 / Tales of the King’s Blades #2
Author: Dave Duncan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: AU, Medieval, No Higher Magic (sort of)
Synopsis: Young Wasp never intended to be a rebel. Yet, at the sacred ceremony of binding, he follows the lead of his friend Raider, and together they spurn the wishes of King Ambrose himself. Now Raider and Wasp are outlaws hunted by the very Blades whose ranks they were a breath away from entering, and joined together by a destiny that binds them more securely than any knot tradition and sorcery might tie. Amid the turmoil their “treachery” has inspired, Wasp and Raider must undertake a desperate journey into the heart of the dreaded Fire Lands. And the outcome of their terrifying confrontation with dark truth and darker magic in this realm of monsters, ghosts, and half-men will ultimately determine the fate of two kingdoms.
Recommendation: This book is intended for Adults. I highly recommend it.

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Tales of the King’s Blades – Book 1: The Gilded Chain – By Dave Duncan

February.10.2017July.18.2018 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Dave Duncan, Fantasy9 Comments

Jared,

I have tried to read this series off and on for over a decade. Before this, I had read 2 but not this one. I was far too young to be reading this kind of book, but I tried anyway. With Mr. Duncan having a new book coming out (not in this series) I thought I’d test the waters again and am very glad I did.

Title: The Gilded Chain
Series: Tales of the King’s Blades; Book 1
Author: Dave Duncan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: AU, Medieval, No Higher Magic (sort of)
Synopsis: The grim school of Ironhall takes in unwanted, rebellious boys and five years later sends forth the finest swordsmen in the world, the King of Chivial‘s Blades. Bound to absolute loyalty by a magical sword-stroke through their hearts, they stand ready to defend the King or whomever else he designates against all perils, whether human or sorcerous. Each book in this trilogy stands alone, but together they make a larger story. The Gilded Chain tells of the greatest swordsman Ironhall has produced in its long history, Sir Durendal. When King Ambrose needs a Blade to accompany his agent on a dangerous mission to the far ends of the Earth, he naturally chooses young Durendal. Alas, even the plans of kings can go sadly awry . .
Recommendation: This book is intended for Adults. I highly recommend it.