The Gilded Chain by Dave Duncan
Another one from the Sci-Fi Club Top 50 and another cracker. Most people think of fantasy novels like many of the posters you see, or a Conan movie, all muscle-bound heroes in loincloths and damsels in barely anything, fighting against dark lords and huge beasts. That’s rarely the case, certainly with the best fantasy I’ve read (not that there isn’t a place for those things).
The Gilded Chain revolves around Durendal, a King’s Blade, which is to say one of a group of swordsmen who have trained their lives and been magically enhanced to be the best fighers and protectors in the world. Once they reach age they are bound to a ward who they are compelled (by their bound) to protect to the death. Every Blade’s desire is to enter the Royal Guard and protect the King. Durendal gets attached to some noble fop because he’s the brother of the King’s mistress.
This doesn’t stop Durendal from living up to the legendary name he has chosen for himself. Eventually writing his name into history a second time, not just as a great swordsman, but when he is released, for becoming chancellor and helping restore order to the Kingdom.
The book is filled with action, noble actions and intrigue, this is far from a paper-thin mock-up of a world, inspired by our medieval past but completely fresh and with allegiences and loyalties that constantly shift. A great read.
| Print
| CommentRelated Articles
This article was posted in Books, Reading, you might find the following articles interesting, they're supposed to be related.
Operation Cat Drop
Genius, they tried to wipe out malaria with DDT, which worked it's way up the food chain and killed ...
Hotel Hitler
Recently the BBC reported that the giant Rossiya Hotel in Moscow was to be demolished. They stated ...
The Passing of Time
I caught an interesting article on the BBC site earlier in the week, all about time. I've mentioned ...
The Real World Wide Web
I was watching Fight Club, again (I love that film, well worth watching if you haven't seen it) and, ...
Chav Olympics
A friend of mine was wandering through the site afresh to check out the new design and found a link ...
Recent Articles
Alternatively, you could check out these recently posted entries.
Comments
↑ TOP
Write a Comment