Paragon Lost

Starred review from August 26, 2002
Canadian author Duncan offers plenty of swashbuckling fantasy adventure in this outstanding stand-alone novel, a follow-up to the three books in his loosely connected Tales of the King's Blades series (The Gilded Chain; Lord of the Fire Lands; Sky of Swords). Set during the reign of King Athelgar about a dozen years after the action of the previous volumes, the present story follows the binding of Sir Beaumont, one of the best of the King's Blades (swordsmen) in the land of Chivial, to the aged Lord Wassail, who must escort a royal princess from the court of the treacherous and insane Czar Igor and deliver a bride to the king. Along with fellow blades Arkell and Oak, Beaumont travels a narrow path in order to keep Wassail safe. Meanwhile, Igor desires his own blade and seeks the secrets of the rituals needed to gain one, aided by vicious ensorcelled dogs and the murderous strelsy. It's up to Beaumont, now disgraced and out of favor, to retrieve and stop a missing blade, Swithin, who's bound to the czar's brother-in-law, from reaching the czar's court. Rich, evocative language and superior narrative skills lift this mix of quest, swordplay, politics, love and honor high above the usual run of genre fiction. This book can only enhance Duncan's reputation as one of the leading masters of epic fantasy. (Oct. 8)FYI:Duncan is also the author of
Sir Stalwart and other titles in the King's Daggers series.

September 1, 2002
The King's Blades swing on in the fourth chronicle of their adventures. Principal adventurer this time is Sir Beaumont, a paragon indeed until he is sent to escort Princess Isabelle out of Czar Igor's clutches. Unfortunately, Igor has designs on the secrets of the King's Blades as well as on Isabelle, but, of course, honor, love, and good sense dictate that Sir Beaumont defend both secrets and lady to the end. By the end, we have enjoyed a tightly written, rather Dumas-like story, lighthearted at times but never frivolous or dumb, adequately filled out by the lay, not to mention the layings, of the campaign against Igor. If Duncan hasn't already got a serious reputation for humorous fantasy and strong female characters, this book ought to cement it for him. Followers of the King's Blades will be well pleased and perhaps grow in numbers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)

October 15, 2002
Bound by magic to serve the King or one of his chosen nobles, the King's Blades represent the epitome of loyalty and swordsmanship. Only Beaumont, once the finest Blade, brings disgrace to his calling. Duncan's latest installment in his popular "Tales of the King's Blades" series (The Gilded Chain; Lord of the Fire Lands; Sky of Swords) relates the truth behind the life and career of Ned Cookson, formerly Sir Beaumont of the King's Blades. Swashbuckling action and fantasy adventure add spice to a story of one man's struggle to find his own meaning of loyalty and courage. Recommended for most collections, particularly where the series is in demand.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.