The Crooked House (King's Daggers) [Mass Market Paperback]

Dave Duncan (Author)

Book Description

Series: King's Daggers

In Book Two of the King's Daggers, 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. Stalwart invites Badger, a surly Blade-in-training, to join them on their journey, and the three must survive harsh terrain, sorcery, swordplay, and the company of a traitor . . . or another day may not dawn for the King's Daggers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a wonderful series which both young adults and adults will enjoy." -- -- Writer's Write

"Duncan is a true master of his craft." -- -- SF Site

About the Author

Dave Duncan is an award-winning author whose fantasy trilogy, The Seventh Sword, is considered a sword-and-sorcery classic. His numerous novels include The Gilded Chain, Lord of the Fire Lands, and the critically-acclaimed fantasy trilogy The Great Game. He resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books; 1st Avon books ed edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380800993
• ISBN-13: 978-0380800995
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,267,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dave Duncan is a prolific writer of fantasy and science fiction, best known for his fantasy series, particularly The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word, and The King's Blades. He and his wife Janet, his in-house editor and partner for over fifty years, live in Victoria, British Columbia. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Derring-Do, December 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Crooked House (King's Daggers) (Mass Market Paperback)

If it's true there is no rest for the wicked, what have Wart and Emerald to hide in their brief pasts? The intrepid "King's Daggers" are sent back into the fray virtually the instant they return from their success against the traitors at Quagmarsh.

Like Sir Stalwart, the first installment of the King's Daggers series, every page crackles to life with deeds of derring-do, courage and folly in almost equal portions, and the growing friendship/reliance between Wart and Emerald (although they'd be loathe to admit it). From the opening treachery to the introduction of Wart's tortured Ironhall friend, Badger, to the nail-biting conclusion, the story is borne along on a theme of loyalty.

Again, in writing for a young adult audience, author Dave Duncan sacrifices little in the way of the characteristic wit, action and sheer delightful storytelling that adult fans have come to expect. Stalwart and Emerald are among the most engaging characters to spring from Duncan's pen, reminicient of the young Rap and Inosolan in a previous series "A Man of His Word."

Yes, it is a young adult book and so it's shorter than the books in the adult series, but it's also true that good things come in small packages. I can't wait for volume three, Silvercloak.

4.0 out of 5 stars Rollicking Adventure, December 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Crooked House (King's Daggers) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book begins on the same day that the previous episode ends and covers a span of just three days. Like Stalwart himself, the book moves along at a headlong and skillful pace. After his stunning sucess in the first episode, Stalwart has some sobering lessions to learn here.

The first book in this series can stand alone. This one cannot in spite of the excellent initial summary provided. It feels emotionally incomplete somehow. Maybe I just secretly wanted Stalwart to succeed wildly again. Instead he barely manages to muddle through. Duncan, true to form, does not go for the cliche ending, but for one that does seem more probable given his characters behaviors and personalities.

Duncan normally writes for adults and is always excellent at characterizations. Here I especially admire his ability to give an authentic voice to his two 16 year old main protagonists. I also continue to enjoy the internal consistancy of the world he had created for both this series and the King's Blades series. It has been a very interesting place to visit.

I am eagerly awaiting the publication of Silvercloak next year to see how Stalwart and Emerald continue to develop.

3.0 out of 5 stars Wart into Sir Stalwart, October 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Crooked House (King's Daggers) (Mass Market Paperback)

Are there more than two King's Daggers? Maybe, or maybe not.

All of the right elements are in this chapter of the saga of the King's Daggers but they just aren't quite as gripping as they were in the first book, "Sir Stalwart". I expected more maturation of the characterization of Wart and Emerald but the action seemed to carry them along without any growth of their personalities. Hopefully, "Sky of Swords", the newest King's Blades novel will have more of those personality conflicts, arcane battles and wonderful descriptions of swordsmanship that made the other books in this series and sub-series so enthralling. This was a good read but not a great one.