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The King's Blades #8
The Crooked House
Sir Stalwart and Emerald set off for an ancient lord's house known as Smealey Hall, where they believe the source of evil--in the form of murder--lies, and along the way they are joined by Badger, a Blade-in-training.
246 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
1 person is currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Dave Duncan
140 books591 followersOriginally from Scotland, Dave Duncan lived all his adult life in Western Canada, having enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. Since discovering that imaginary worlds were more satisfying than the real one, he published more than 60 novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also young adult, science fiction, and historical.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 16, 2017
Short and sweet. Good story too.
November 10, 2023
I am very much enjoying the King's Daggers series, and this one is even better than the first in the trilogy. There's a lot of mystery, betrayal, misconception, and suspense. The characters are complex and realistic, and the setting of this one is so vibrantly creepy. Duncan's worldbuilding also improves with each subsequent book. This is an absolute delight to read, and is appropriate for children, likely around middle school level.
November 20, 2014
This is the second of three short novels that make up the "King's Daggers" trilogy, a YA set that takes place in Dave Duncan's popular "King's Blades" series of 6 books. Once again, this is a nice swashbuckling tale filled with action, intrigue and daring do. The main two characters are back of course, Sir Stalwart, known as "Wart" and Emerald, a "White Sister". While the plot involves those two helping to investigate an unexplainable death in the midst of a royal ceremony, a major role is played by Badger, the Prime "Blade" who is near to being called up for duty for the king.
Looking forward to #3 in the trilogy while, at the same time dreading it because it will likely be the last story taking place in this wonderful setting that Dave Duncan has created.
Looking forward to #3 in the trilogy while, at the same time dreading it because it will likely be the last story taking place in this wonderful setting that Dave Duncan has created.
January 10, 2011
"Sir Durendal, who on the sixth day of Sixthmoon, 355, in a meadow outside Waterby single-handedly opposed four swordsmen seeking to kill his ward and slew them all without his ward or himself taking hurt."
This event is just a paragraph or two in the very first book to feature the king's blades, and yet here, a whole story is drawn around those dead men. This is the eighth book in the world I've read. it truly never gets old.
This event is just a paragraph or two in the very first book to feature the king's blades, and yet here, a whole story is drawn around those dead men. This is the eighth book in the world I've read. it truly never gets old.
March 18, 2009
Sir Salwart and Emerald team up again to save the king from death and disaster. This time they take Badger, a blade-in-training, with them as they travel to Smealey Hall, supposedly the center of sorcery and treason.
I love David Duncan's books and I don't know how I miss this one when it came out.
I love David Duncan's books and I don't know how I miss this one when it came out.
July 5, 2008
These books are too, too short!
August 21, 2009
An enjoyable light read, part of The King's Daggers trilogy. Sir Stalwart and Sister Emerald get caught in a long distance sorcery plot to murder the King of Chivial.
April 18, 2021
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
July 13, 2014
Good book, but the ending was unsatisfactory.
July 10, 2016
OK. Nice follow up to the 1st book. Stalwart and Emerald continue their misadventures.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews