Sky of Swords : A Tale of the King's Blades

(Third of 3 : Tales of the King's Blades series, Sixth of 6 : Ironhall Books. Fantasy, adventure)

This is one of the Tale of the King's Blades series which Duncan says can be read in any order because it covers the same period of time from different perspectives. I think this is one series that I need to read consecutively or at least a lot closer together so I can compare (or even remember) the similarities and differences.

I took a detour (as I often do) and googled Henry VIII and his wives, since King Ambrose is very, very clearly based on him and then I started getting them confused. *sigh*, not to mention that my husband is binge watching old Game of Thrones episodes, which is too violent for me, but otherwise has a similar ambience show more

Each of the three books in the series focuses on a different key player in the lives of King Ambrose and his immediate successors with a constant theme being the King's (or Queen's) Blades; a group of swordsmen trained at Ironhall (sent there as intractable boys as a last resort by their desperate families), forged into the best bladesmen training can deliver and, finally, magically bound to their wards to serve them loyally (whatever they think of them personally) without the need for sleep until death or official release from their bond. The first book (in the order that I read them) was about the adventures of Durendal, one of the greatest of the Blades who later became Ambrose's chancellor and begins with the king earlier in his life. The second followed the life of Raider, another Blade, which gave a different perspective on the reign of Ambrose at a later point in the king's life. I think it makes sense to read Sky of Swords last (whatever Duncan suggests) because it sort of ties up the events in the first two books and, though they parallel each other in the timeline at points, there is a chronological order.

This story is told from the point of view of Princess Malinda, the king's daughter and (presumably) second in line to the throne and opens with her on trial for high treason, having won and then lost the throne. We follow her through the days of her trial and see her life, from the age of nine, in flashback as she remembers the events behind the accusations levelled at her, though she is not allowed to give voice to her answers.

An interesting exercise if you ever wondered what life might have been like for the princesses Mary and Elizabeth. Malinda knows her duty is to marry for political alliance (though she makes it absolutely clear it's under protest) and she suffers a series of stepmothers in Henry's er, Ambrose's quest for a male heir. At some point towards the end of Ambrose's life, her life - both political and actual - becomes precarious. As a tale of the King's Blades, there is, of course, lots of action and derring-do to keep things going. Sky of Swords, the title of the book, refers to the ceiling of the hall at Ironhall where the swords of all the Blades who died defending their wards are hung from chains.

4.5**** show less

You really must read all 3 books in the series to have the full experience. The second book had me confused so I had to google it to discover that Duncan had written himself into a corner and figured out a way to recon things and sort it all out in the end.

It was slow in the beginning with a long build-up and lots of politics. But the last quarter of the book had lots of action and ran headlong to an ending. It felt rushed after the slow pacing of the beginning.

This book is from the point of view of the princess, who happens to be a legitimate heir to the throne. She goes through many tribulations. I confess I slowed my reading toward the end because I was afraid things would turn out badly, (Game of Thrones made me distrustful to show more authors). I won't tell any spoiler, you'll have to find out for yourself how things turn out for Princess Malinda.

I recommend all 3 books in the series. I love the concept of the Blades and the magic system that Duncan created. I'd love to play a roleplaying game based on these books. show less

This review is written with a GPL 3.0 license and the rights contained therein shall supersede all TOS by any and all websites in regards to copying and sharing without proper authorization and permissions. Crossposted at Bookstooge.booklikes.blogspot.wordpress.com by express permission of this reviewer   Synopsis The story of Princess Malinda and how this and the previous 2 books completely revolve around her without us even knowing it.   And all the points that don't make sense fall into place and the puzzle is a complete picture now.   My Thoughts This follows 2 timelines, one when Malinda is growing up and one when she is imprisoned later in life.   I didn't care for the first half of the book. Malinda was a spoiled brat as a show more kid and as a prisoner. I almost gave up to be honest, it was that bad. Then things got completely awesome! Malinda changed. She matured and the story was around her but not necessarily about her. In many ways, this was just setup to explain the other 2 books.   When I realized what was going on, around the 300 page mark, I started exclaiming, loudly and vehemently and laughing. Because everything suddenly made sense! All the inconsistencies, the direct contradictions, the things that couldn't BOTH be true? It worked.   And while many authors would have made a real hash of this trilogy, Duncan does it awesomely. He writes well, he writes internally consistently and the story is exciting and enjoyable. I borrowed the first 2 books in paperback from my brother. After I read the first book, I bought the whole trilogy in hardcover.   I HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who wants a taut, exciting, suspenseful and political story.   Rating: 4 of 5 Stars Author: Dave Duncan " show less

This is the third in a neatly-dovetailed trilogy (after The Gilded Chain and Lord of the Fire Lands) that describes the same events from three different perspectives. The first two conflict in important ways. Not trivial "Well it might have seemed that way to you, but..." differences. Huge differences in plot.

Duncan had me wondering if he'd just forgotten what had happened in the first book well into the third, but, once I realized how it could work out, I could see the setup going way back. Very well crafted.

And, incidentally, great tales of adventure to boot.

Upon King Ambrose's death, Malinda must secure her throne against relatives amidst political upheaval, relying on a small group of magically bound Blades.

Malinda navigates treason charges and civil war while trying to unite a chaotic kingdom following her father's assassination. She transforms from a minor, unloved child into a capable, strong-willed leader. She creates a new faction of her own protectors, the Princess's Blades.

In this sequel to Lord of the Fire Lands, Duncan plays around with alternate endings, and the way one's future can be completely changed by one decision, one instant. I enjoyed it, and Malinda is a great strong female main character (so rare in sword and sorcery fantasy). However, once was enough for the alternate ending ploy. It could get old fast.

Of the three books in "Tales" this is my favorite. Surprisingly, Duncan writes a decent female character. I quite enjoyed the way he resolved his different versions of history. I recommend reading all three.