From School Library Journal
YA-A new series set in the same world as Duncan's "The King's Blades" (Avon). Here, teenaged boys are trained at Ironhall to become superb swordsmen who are magically bound to serve the King of Chivial. The monarch is currently in danger because of a tax on sorcery guilds. Blades and White Sisters, women who "sniff" out magic, have foiled several attempts on his life that used magic, but the would-be assassins are getting more clever. Thus, Candidate Stalwart and Emerald, a disgraced White Sister, will be used as bait in a plot to entrap those who are trying to murder the king. Duncan's writing is fast paced and engaging. Stalwart teeters convincingly between teenage angst and adult responsibilities. Emerald is no hapless damsel in distress. Although they triumph in the end, and she receives the reward she desires, the primary villains escape and further adventures are assured. This is a solid introduction to a new series. The focus stays on Stalwart and Emerald, the two teenaged characters. The magic and customs of Chivial are explained for those new to this world. The book contains an excerpt from The Gilded Chain (Avon, 1998), the first book in "The King's Blades" series, which may pique the interest of readers who enjoyed this story.Susan Salpini, Purcellville Library, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


SF Site
"Duncan is a true master of his craft."


Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
"Classy...irresistible... handosmely crafted...Duncan's people are marvelously believable, his landscapes deliciously exotic, his swordplay breathtaking."



"Duncan is a true master of his craft."



"Duncan is a true master of his craft."


Library Journal
"Sharp humor and swashbuckling action add charm and vigor to this fantasy adventure fast-paced."


Book Description
Before They Could be Blades...They Were the King's DaggersYoung Stalwart, known as Wart to his fellow students, is expelled from the academy fo King's Blades, only to be plunged into a current of breathless intrigue and danger. Together with Emerald, a former White Sister, Wart must survive corcery, swordplay, ambush, a chimera, a quagmarsh, and more, and uncover a devious plot to assassinate their king...and prove himself worthy of a place among the King's Blades.Before They Could be BladesThey Were the King's Daggers

Young Stalwart, known as Wart to his fellow students, is expelled from the academy for King's Blades, only to be plunged into a current of breathless intrigue and danger. Together with Emerald, a former White Sister, Wart must survive sorcery, swordplay, ambush, a chimera, a quagmarsh, and more, and uncover a devious plot to assassinate their kingand prove himself worthy of a place among the King's Blades.


About the Author
Dave Duncan is an award-winning author whose fantasy trilogy, The Seventh Sword, is considered a sword-and-sorcery classic. His numerous novels include The Gilded Chain, Lord of the Fire Lands, and the critically-acclaimed fantasy trilogy The Great Game. He resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Before They Could be Blades...They Were the King's Daggers

Young Stalwart, known as Wart to his fellow students, is expelled from the academy fo King's Blades, only to be plunged into a current of breathless intrigue and danger. Together with Emerald, a former White Sister, Wart must survive corcery, swordplay, ambush, a chimera, a quagmarsh, and more, and uncover a devious plot to assassinate their king...and prove himself worthy of a place among the King's Blades.Before They Could be BladesThey Were the King's Daggers

Young Stalwart, known as Wart to his fellow students, is expelled from the academy for King's Blades, only to be plunged into a current of breathless intrigue and danger. Together with Emerald, a former White Sister, Wart must survive sorcery, swordplay, ambush, a chimera, a quagmarsh, and more, and uncover a devious plot to assassinate their kingand prove himself worthy of a place among the King's Blades.

Author Biography:

Dave Duncan is an award-winning author whose fantasy trilogy, The Seventh Sword, is considered a sword-and-sorcery classic. His numerous novels include The Gilded Chain, Lord of the Fire Lands, and the critically-acclaimed fantasy trilogy The Great Game. He resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

SYNOPSIS

"The estimable Duncan manages, somehow, to be in tremendous form every time out."

"Duncan is a true master of his craft."

-SF SITE

"Duncan's people are marvelously believable, his landscape deliciously exotic, his swordplay breathtaking"

"Sharp humor and swashbuckling action add charm and vigor to this fantasy adventure fast-paced."

-Library Journal

Dave Duncan, author of more than 20 science fiction and fantasy books, turned to writing following a 30-year career in petroleum geology. He lives in Alberta, Canada.

FROM THE CRITICS

SF Site