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The King's Blades #4
Paragon Lost
Many legends have emerged from the shadows of Ironhall, yet surely none can surpass the greatness and glory predestined for Sir Beaumont—possessor of the purest and strongest of hearts, and a mind as quick, keen, and accurate as his sword. But the day he sets out in the service of the elderly Lord Wassail turns to a black one, and young Beau's journey ends in horror and blood . . . and disgrace. Banished from the King's Blades, he now faces a grim future as a homeless pariah, a creature to be shunned and despised. But redemption can come from unexpected directions and in unrecognizable guises. Approached in secret by the legendary Durendal, now Grand Master of the Order, the dishonored paragon is offered one last chance to win back his weapon and his place among his brothers in arms. But to do so, Beau must ride alone back through the icy gates of Hell . . . and do battle with the Devil himself.
433 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
49 people are currently reading
543 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 - 30 of 39 reviews
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March 1, 2016Dave Duncan's King's Blades series is such a lot of fun -- when you've got magically-enchanted hyper-vigilant swordsmen written just-as-crazy as that would make people, and then throw them into constant life-or-death magical (or political) adventures, where can you go wrong?
April 30, 2023
Another winner from DD! Very unusual in an otherwise classic eighties style fantasy epic story- Same world somewhat connected to previous stories but otherwise a total stand alone. Extremely likable characters IMHO.
November 4, 2017
This was my first book in this series, so I came into the world through this story, but still managed to comprehend the power dynamics of the world. I thoroughly enjoy the magic in this world comes down to very few, but powerful binding spells of the swordsmen who swear their fealty to the ones who slam their sword into their heart. I even more enjoy when their masters die and in order to fight the unchained fury for not protecting their ward they must reensorcell themselves to another or enrage themselves to their death, taking many others with them.
That aside, the absolute realness I felt from witnessing the way they treated the lead heroine simply for being born a woman was truly amazing. She was dealt a horrible hand, but deal with it very well considering the circumstances she faced. As much as I could not put this book down and wanted to read more, the ending was so abrupt and you don't really get to witness much more of what happens to the protagonist besides small bits here and there in future or past stories. It feels like Easter Egg moments in Dragon Age where they feed you tidbits to satiate your need for more.
Otherwise I enjoyed the politics, the world building and trying to figure out the lies. However, with thst being all said, I couldn't reread this book with the same enjoyment I had in the first pass. Once the plan in the end is revealed, it kind of ruins revisiting the story.
That aside, the absolute realness I felt from witnessing the way they treated the lead heroine simply for being born a woman was truly amazing. She was dealt a horrible hand, but deal with it very well considering the circumstances she faced. As much as I could not put this book down and wanted to read more, the ending was so abrupt and you don't really get to witness much more of what happens to the protagonist besides small bits here and there in future or past stories. It feels like Easter Egg moments in Dragon Age where they feed you tidbits to satiate your need for more.
Otherwise I enjoyed the politics, the world building and trying to figure out the lies. However, with thst being all said, I couldn't reread this book with the same enjoyment I had in the first pass. Once the plan in the end is revealed, it kind of ruins revisiting the story.
February 10, 2021
After finishing this novel I was struck by the cleverness of Dave Duncan in creating the concept of the King's Blades. So many different stories and adventures to tell - so much swash-buckling and sorcery - all grounded in the lads from Ironhall. Each young man, despite their similarities, comes alive as an individual, always under the guiding hand of honorable Lord Roland/Sir Durendal. And as they set off with their wards, each story allows the reader to travel through and explore the different realms of the World. Brilliant! He could have gone on forever with these.
This particular story - featuring Blades Beaumont, Oak, Arkell, and Swithin - seemed darker than almost any other (toss up for darkness between this one and The Gilded Chain.) It also made me think, not for the first time, that Dave Duncan's childhood nightmares must have been full of corpse-like creatures and big, vicious dogs. Enjoyed! Moving on to the next.
This particular story - featuring Blades Beaumont, Oak, Arkell, and Swithin - seemed darker than almost any other (toss up for darkness between this one and The Gilded Chain.) It also made me think, not for the first time, that Dave Duncan's childhood nightmares must have been full of corpse-like creatures and big, vicious dogs. Enjoyed! Moving on to the next.
November 2, 2023
Likable characters, fun settings, what a fun series. This one has more sex than I like, it’s getting more descriptive as the series goes on, not too detailed but more of the plot than the first 2 books.
July 5, 2017
A fun book rather than a good one. I liked Beau
December 16, 2022
Prepare to have your swashes buckled!
Dave Duncan's Tales of the King's Blades are so much fun! His heroes possess wits every bit as sharp as their swords. Well worth reading.
Dave Duncan's Tales of the King's Blades are so much fun! His heroes possess wits every bit as sharp as their swords. Well worth reading.
July 1, 2023
The best of the series since the Gilded Chain.
November 21, 2014
"Paragon Lost" is the fourth published novel in Dave Duncan's loosely connected King's Blades fantasy series. The first trilogy, "Tales of the King's Blades" all take place in the same time frame and the plots are fairly well interconnected. The second three, "The Chronicles of the King's Blades," appear to be much more stand-alone novels taking place in the same general era. Mr Duncan himself states these novels can be read in any order without losing comprehension. I would recommend, however, that you read that first set of three books prior to reading any of the last three. I think it would enrich the experience since he doesn't go into much historical detail and why things are the way they are. By the way, three young adult shorter novels called the "King's Daggers" also exist but I have not read them.
I really enjoy the concept in these books. The King's Blades are basically graduates of an academy of sorts where the students learn swordplay among many other aspects of life in this medieval setting. Eventually most are assigned a ward to whom they are "bound" for life. They dedicate their lives to that person's protection, sort of a medieval secret service bodyguard. There is an intriguing binding process which I will not spoil for you but one of its side effects is that the swordaman himself no longer requires sleep. This novel follows the life and times of Sir Beaumont, or "Beau" to his friends. Beau is one of the very best swordsmen to ever come out of the school but now his other skills will be put to the test. Beau needs to use wit and charm and guile, and even some downright dirty politics to succeed. The story is told largely in flashback. The reader first encounters him as a simple small village trainer of sword fighting techniques but we quickly get thrust back to his glorious school days followed by his difficult assignment. I tend to enjoy these sorts of plots, always intrigued to get answers to the question of how our protagonist got to a particular predicament or station in life.
Mr Duncan writes this engaging story in a most satisfactory manner. He mixes action with characterization fluidly, never allowing the plot to get bogged down nor his characters to act, well... uncharacteristically. I like the way he builds intrigue and how the characters must rely on other skills than fighting prowess to solve situations. There is quite a bit of political mechanizations involved here which makes the plot complicated and yet we never lose track or focus on what is occurring. The conclusion is satisfying and definitely wraps up the story although I, for one, am happy there are still two more for me to read, even if they do involve different characters.
I really enjoy the concept in these books. The King's Blades are basically graduates of an academy of sorts where the students learn swordplay among many other aspects of life in this medieval setting. Eventually most are assigned a ward to whom they are "bound" for life. They dedicate their lives to that person's protection, sort of a medieval secret service bodyguard. There is an intriguing binding process which I will not spoil for you but one of its side effects is that the swordaman himself no longer requires sleep. This novel follows the life and times of Sir Beaumont, or "Beau" to his friends. Beau is one of the very best swordsmen to ever come out of the school but now his other skills will be put to the test. Beau needs to use wit and charm and guile, and even some downright dirty politics to succeed. The story is told largely in flashback. The reader first encounters him as a simple small village trainer of sword fighting techniques but we quickly get thrust back to his glorious school days followed by his difficult assignment. I tend to enjoy these sorts of plots, always intrigued to get answers to the question of how our protagonist got to a particular predicament or station in life.
Mr Duncan writes this engaging story in a most satisfactory manner. He mixes action with characterization fluidly, never allowing the plot to get bogged down nor his characters to act, well... uncharacteristically. I like the way he builds intrigue and how the characters must rely on other skills than fighting prowess to solve situations. There is quite a bit of political mechanizations involved here which makes the plot complicated and yet we never lose track or focus on what is occurring. The conclusion is satisfying and definitely wraps up the story although I, for one, am happy there are still two more for me to read, even if they do involve different characters.
November 17, 2012
I wanted to like this book, but it seems that the women in the King's Blades books always end up as victims. Also, it seems that each new country is more misogynistic than the last. I'm alright with misogynistic societies in books if the book does something thoughtful with the misogyny, but in this case I don't think there are any interesting things being said.
The Czarina, Sasha, is one example of how female characters are so often made to be victims, or powerless. Sasha
Also, I found it annoying that Beaumont chides Tasha
Basically, I don't like the treatment of women in these books. If there were minimal female characters I think I would enjoy the book with reservations, but as it is, I was disappointed.
The Czarina, Sasha, is one example of how female characters are so often made to be victims, or powerless. Sasha
Also, I found it annoying that Beaumont chides Tasha
Basically, I don't like the treatment of women in these books. If there were minimal female characters I think I would enjoy the book with reservations, but as it is, I was disappointed.
November 22, 2010
Ah once again, Duncan delivers. The only thing that annoys me about this series is the blade's roaming ability to tumble within the sheets (I mean, not one woman objects to this, really?) But thats easily put aside and even I can smirk in the circumstances where its alluded to.
I did find the protaganist, Beaumont to be slightly aggravating. He seemed too good to be true, in all aspects. Even when demoted to a lowly peasant with his wife, he still manages to come out ahead of everyone, as if he planned it all from the beginning. I felt myself understand Algathar's extreme annoyance at him, and also his realization that he's that damn good.
Now after a succession of novel's with less than stellar kings, hopefully the next book will show a monarch with a kind hand, who doesn't have everything go wrong!
Another entertaining romp in the world of the King's Blades, now onto the next!
I did find the protaganist, Beaumont to be slightly aggravating. He seemed too good to be true, in all aspects. Even when demoted to a lowly peasant with his wife, he still manages to come out ahead of everyone, as if he planned it all from the beginning. I felt myself understand Algathar's extreme annoyance at him, and also his realization that he's that damn good.
Now after a succession of novel's with less than stellar kings, hopefully the next book will show a monarch with a kind hand, who doesn't have everything go wrong!
Another entertaining romp in the world of the King's Blades, now onto the next!
November 30, 2011
Paragon Lost, written by Dave Duncan, is about Ned Cookson, a stable hand and fencing tutor at tavern Gossips’ Corner. Lord Durendal, Grandmaster of Blades (unwanted and lowly brats and bastards who are taken and trained into loyal, lethal swordsmen) seeks Ned with a job that only he can do, and regain lost honor in completion. Ned used to be known as Beaumont, once the best Blade but for unknown reasons was exiled in disgrace.
Dave Duncan intended this book to have mystery, adventure, romance, suspense, and tragedy. He uses a flashback (which ties masterfully with the present story) to reveal who the protagonist is, his past, and his reasons for being in his current position, for the reader to understand the situation. I recommend this book for readers looking for a rich plot full of twists which questions the motives and values of characters, as well as ask to what extent a person should commit themselves or “just desert”.
Dave Duncan intended this book to have mystery, adventure, romance, suspense, and tragedy. He uses a flashback (which ties masterfully with the present story) to reveal who the protagonist is, his past, and his reasons for being in his current position, for the reader to understand the situation. I recommend this book for readers looking for a rich plot full of twists which questions the motives and values of characters, as well as ask to what extent a person should commit themselves or “just desert”.
February 4, 2010
It's late, so I'm afraid my eloquence (as well as my fingers) are unable to keep up with my thoughts.
I will say that these books have surprised me, for with every volume the world grows in scope and complexity. This book had much more of the blade-as-protector motif for which I originally held such disdain but now enjoy with unbridled enthusiasm. They've been getting better all the way through - this one gripped me so much that I just sat here for 4 and a half hours and zipped through it, cover to cover.
I'll always love The Seventh Sword trilogy: but more books opens vistas of a wider world, allowing for more action, politics and intrigue. With only 2 more books set in this world (that I'm aware of), I wonder just what as yet untapped facet of this spellbinding, heroically monstrous world will be unraveled next?
I will say that these books have surprised me, for with every volume the world grows in scope and complexity. This book had much more of the blade-as-protector motif for which I originally held such disdain but now enjoy with unbridled enthusiasm. They've been getting better all the way through - this one gripped me so much that I just sat here for 4 and a half hours and zipped through it, cover to cover.
I'll always love The Seventh Sword trilogy: but more books opens vistas of a wider world, allowing for more action, politics and intrigue. With only 2 more books set in this world (that I'm aware of), I wonder just what as yet untapped facet of this spellbinding, heroically monstrous world will be unraveled next?
December 2, 2008
Dave Duncan is a little bit like Sir Beaumont, there is little that he does wrong. The pacing is perfection, the characters are lovable, likable or despicable, the world is well crafted and the plot is just plain fun. The world is done well enough to classify this as alternate history. You will easily recognize both lands and people who existed during our own medieval period, only with magic and of course, different names.
Full Review here:
Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
Full Review here:
Dragons, Heroes and Wizards
December 15, 2015
Another enjoyable book by Duncan. I'm always curious as to how his stories play out, but for some reason I didn't really become invested in his characters. I hoped everything turned out well for them, but I never got emotionally worked up over their exploits or dangers that faced them. I was a bit indifferent, which is disappointing.
Duncan claims this is a stand-alone book, and I don't really agree. If you hadn't read The Gilded Chain & Lord of the Fire Lands, you would be struggling a bit to completely understand what's going on.
Duncan claims this is a stand-alone book, and I don't really agree. If you hadn't read The Gilded Chain & Lord of the Fire Lands, you would be struggling a bit to completely understand what's going on.
April 21, 2011
Although I really enjoyed the first 3 books of the King's Blades series - - this one reminded me too much of the first book.
With the exception of who joined Beaumont to fight the evil Czar at the end of the book, this one was just okay. Too many similarities to the first book. Beaumont (our Paragon) was interesting - very similar to Durendal in the first 3 books. More Sex, some gore, and it took 350 pages to tell the back story. But I do enjoy the Blades.
With the exception of who joined Beaumont to fight the evil Czar at the end of the book, this one was just okay. Too many similarities to the first book. Beaumont (our Paragon) was interesting - very similar to Durendal in the first 3 books. More Sex, some gore, and it took 350 pages to tell the back story. But I do enjoy the Blades.
April 27, 2023
This book is a captivating and engrossing read, even for those who typically avoid fiction like myself. Duncan expertly blends fantasy and adventure, creating a vivid world that draws readers into the story. The plot is well-paced, featuring thrilling twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the characters are so richly developed that readers find themselves living the adventure alongside them.
May 6, 2025
Sir Beaumont is the best of the King's Blades--an elite group of swordsmen who are bonded to their wards with a sword through the heart. Beau's ward, who is also bonded to two other Blades, takes them to Skyrria, a Russia-like country with an insane tsar, to claim their king's bride. Disorder ensues, and Beau takes all the blame, resulting in his being thrown out of the Blades. But circumstances present themselves to allow Beau to reclaim his tarnished honor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2011
Great plot. I was annoyed by the main character's behavior twice, but the book was definitely well done.
I just like Dave Duncan in general. He has consistently well-executed novels.
The swashbuckling heroes do start to blend together after awhile, but I like swashbuckling heroes, so no harm done.
I just like Dave Duncan in general. He has consistently well-executed novels.
The swashbuckling heroes do start to blend together after awhile, but I like swashbuckling heroes, so no harm done.
August 8, 2016
Best of the "Blade" novels so far! Excellent, fun story. A Blade loses his Ward, his Sword, and his Mind! Beau is a hoot! Igor is a psychotic Czar. Beau's escapades are fun. Sig - Ragard's 3rd son is a nice creation. Durendal (now Grand Master at Ironhall) plays the puppet master in the final act.
Great fun! A good read! Dave Duncan is dependable - never fails to entertain!
Great fun! A good read! Dave Duncan is dependable - never fails to entertain!
February 14, 2008
More swashbuckling here than a barrel full of pirates. Duncan returns to his "King's Blades" universe with an exciting tale about a young swordsman who must navigate political intrigue and danger to do his duty to his ward and his liege. Rollicking and serious by turns; very smooth read.
July 5, 2008
This felt a lot like The Three Musketeers, and Dumas would have loved the main character. The incredibly competent, idealistic, and clever swordsman is a dead ringer for D'Artagnan, right down to his eventual disillusionment and amazing attractiveness to women. Good stuff.
July 6, 2023
Paragon Lost won't change your life or alter your value systems, but it's a fun swashbuckler full of verve and humor. My only complaint was that it twice shifts time periods without warning, but most of Duncan's King's Blades novels do that.
January 3, 2015
Blade'd Venemaal, see tähendab, Skyrrias. Päris hea, mõningate meeldejäävate veriste detailidega. Hull tsaar oli nagu päris kohe. Kogu sarja kontekstis siiski selline keskmine või keskmisest veits allapoole.
February 4, 2011
I like the characters - Oak, Arkell, & Beaumont (who seems a bit conceited), & Wassail (a fiesty old guy!). I think I might like to read more of Duncan's books.
February 9, 2010
Another fun adventure.
February 12, 2012
Dave Duncan's King's Blades books never disappoint.
July 20, 2012
Well worth the read and not quite what I was expecting. A blade who could turn down a woman? Well... Now you have to read it.
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September 6, 2013Jaz Parks #1
June 7, 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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews