Customer Reviews

Impossible Odds (Chronicle of the King's Blades)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just finished this book last evening around 3am. It was one of those books where once I got into the culmination I couldn't bring myself to put it down to finish the following evening.

I think I've read everything Duncan has ever printed, starting with the Reluctant Swordsman, and followed by the Great Game, and the two Man of His Word/Magic Casement series, and then the Kings Blades and Kings Daggers books. Overall Duncan is one of my favorite fantasy authors, the others being David Gemmel, Steven Brust, and older Raymond E Fiest.

What I like about Duncan is that he is a very clever person with an excellent grasp on the English language and human nature. His books contain interesting and well conceived plot lines, populated by complex multi-faceted characters, and are written with a verbal panache that really inspires. Dave Duncan is innovative, and adept at envisioning very distinct concepts, particularly how magic systems might function within a setting, not just in their mechanics but in the effect a given concept would have on human society. He doesn't write elves and dwarves Tolkeinesque fantasy; his worlds are populated almost uniformly with humans (though in the Man of His Word series he did a characteristically clever twist on some of the more common various fantasy races), and the fantastical elements of the setting are background elements which enable the story rather than overpowering the story.

The Kings Blades series harkens more to an early Renaissance era, where heavy armor and broadswords have given way mostly to doublets and rapiers, and skill and speed with a blade matters more than sheer cleaving power. This enables the story to focus on an Order of basically duelists that is basically like a half-way house for errant boys, juvenile delinquents, younger sons, and roustabouts. The rules are simple: to gain entrance a boy most pass certain tests of dexterity and wit; if admitted they must swear to give their life in service of the King, either to guard him or a person designated by him at the appropriate time. In return they are fed and clothed for 5 years and given a respectable education, in conjunction with being trained in the Orders unique and world renowned sword style. The catch: their oath is not just a spoken vow; its part of a magical ceremony whereby the King or other designated ward drives a sword into the Blade's heart, binding their lives to their ward with unswerving loyalty and granting certain low-key mystical abilities such as enhanced night vision, the ability to go without sleep, resistance to toxins, resistance to pain, and so forth. In short, a bound Blade is the ultimate body guard. One more quirk: each Blade must be bound in the same sequence they were admitted, no exceptions. This rule leads to some of the interesting dynamics in the books, particularly this one, whereby the potential boys next-up in the queue to become bound are not necessarily the best suited to a particular mission.

Each of the Blade stories center around this central dynamic.

Impossible odds is intriguing, and introduces a new fold to the Blade tales, in that its most interesting and dynamic character is neither a Blade, either bound or released from service, nor a ward in the character of Jack Bellman. Jack is an intriguing fantasy character in as much as he has a brain. Many authors it seems are hesitant to have their characters display too much intelligence, as it can break the 4th wall or seem contrived or condescending to the reader. Jack Bellman manages to be clever without coming off as being a crutch to move the story along via exposition. The conclusions Bellman comes to are backed up with reasonable clues scattered around the storyscape for the most part, and he is a sympathetic character to a modern audience so he's easy to appreciate.

I was actually rather pleased with the story right up to the end, and would generally recommend it. However, the ending was just too pat for my tastes, a bit too much of a "Happy Ending; TM", to the point that a couple of characters in the story are even cognizant of it; one of them makes a comment to the extent of "I think this smells like a happy ending", or something along those lines.

The previous Chronicles of the Kings Blades, Paragon Lost, was a much better book in my opinion, a real masterpiece. Compared to that book, this one was somewhat lacking. It kind of read like a King's Dagger book (the young adult series about Sir Stalwart, set in the same setting during the time of King Ambrose), with some sex added in for the non-young adult format.

Still, it's a diverting read and I recommend it to any fan of the series thus far.

I am a huge fan of Dave Duncan's work, most particularly the King's Blades series. Refreshingly, Duncan writes stand alone/series fantasy that doesn't fall into the ubiquitous trilogy trap, or the endless on and on and on trap. He just writes interesting plots peopled with fascinating characters and liberally seasons the adventures with wit, stylish prose and a keen eye for human foibles. It's a major acheivement that I was emotionally affected by the fate of one particular character, given I loathed him almost from his introduction.

There's a lot of fantasy fiction in the world, and a lot of it is pretty poorly written. This is why I love Duncan's work -- he writes well. He loves words, and he uses them to paint fabulous images and create memorable moments. This is a wonderful series, and I want to see more and more and more of it. So Dave, get back to that computer console, you hear me?

If you haven't read the three Tales of the King's Blades (Sky of Swords, The Guilded Chain, Lords of the Fire Lands) read those first. They are amazing, and you must read all three of them to get the full effect.

The novel "Impossible Odds" joins "Paragon Lost" as one of the Chronicles of the King's Blades. They are not part of the tightly knit tale that spans the first trilogy, but they describe other interesting stories in the same world. "Impossible Odds" has a somewhat fractured storyline; I was actually angry when the first recap began because I was so engrossed in the present day plot. But the King's Blades have just as much hard work to do in this story as any of the others, and the well-written tale contains not only action, intrigue and magic, but also rich character development.

Not the best of his works. Still a wonderful story and i cant wait till the next one

Just finished this book last evening around 3am. It was one of those books where once I got into the culmination I couldn't bring myself to put it down to finish the following evening.

I think I've read everything Duncan has ever printed, starting with the Reluctant Swordsman, and followed by the Great Game, and the two Man of His Word/Magic Casement series, and then the Kings Blades and Kings Daggers books. Overall Duncan is one of my 2 favorite fantasy authors, the others being David Gemmel, Steven Brust, and older Raymond E Fiest.

What I like about Duncan is that he is a very clever person with an excellent grasp on the English language and human nature. His books contain interesting and well conceived plot lines, populated by complex multi-faceted characters, and are written with a verbal panache that really inspires. Dave Duncan is innovative, and adept at envisioning very distinct concepts, particularly how magic systems might function within a setting, not just in their mechanics but in the effect a given concept would have on human society. He doesn't write elves and dwarves Tolkeinesque fantasy; his worlds are populated almost uniformly with humans (though in the Man of His Word series he did a characteristically clever twist on some of the more common various fantasy races), and the fantastical elements of the setting are background elements which enable the story rather than overpowering the story.

The Kings Blades series harkens more to an early Renaissance era, where heavy armor and broadswords have given way mostly to doublets and rapiers, and skill and speed with a blade matters more than sheer cleaving power. This enables the story to focus on an Order of basically duelists that is basically like a half-way house for errant boys, juvenile delinquents, younger sons, and roustabouts. The rules are simple: to gain entrance a boy most pass certain tests of dexterity and wit; if admitted they must swear to give their life in service of the King, either to guard him or a person designated by him at the appropriate time. In return they are fed and clothed for 5 years and given a respectable education, in conjunction with being trained in the Orders unique and world renowned sword style. The catch: their oath is not just a spoken vow; its part of a magical ceremony whereby the King or other designated ward drives a sword into the Blade's heart, binding their lives to their ward with unswerving loyalty and granting certain low-key mystical abilities such as enhanced night vision, the ability to go without sleep, resistance to toxins, resistance to pain, and so forth. In short, a bound Blade is the ultimate body guard. One more quirk: each Blade must be bound in the same sequence they were admitted, no exceptions. This rule leads to some of the interesting dynamics in the books, particularly this one, whereby the potential boys next-up in the queue to become bound are not necessarily the best suited to a particular mission.

Each of the Blade stories center around this central dynamic.

Impossible odds is intriguing, and introduces a new fold to the Blade tales, in that its most interesting and dynamic character is neither a Blade, either bound or released from service, nor a ward in the character of Jack Bellman. Jack is an intriguing fantasy character in as much as he has a brain. Many authors it seems are hesitant to have their characters display too much intelligence, as it can break the 4th wall or seem contrived or condescending to the reader. Jack Bellman manages to be clever without coming off as being a crutch to move the story along via exposition. The conclusions Bellman comes to are backed up with reasonable clues scattered around the storyscape for the most part, and he is a sympathetic character to a modern audience so he's easy to appreciate.

I was actually rather pleased with the story right up to the end, and would generally recommend it. However, the ending was just too pat for my tastes, a bit too much of a "Happy Ending; TM", to the point that a couple of characters in the story are even cognizant of it; one of them makes a comment to the extent of "I think this smells like a happy ending", or something along those lines.

The previous Chronicles of the Kings Blades, Paragon Lost, was a much better book in my opinion, a real masterpiece. Compared to that book, this one was somewhat lacking. It kind of read like a King's Dagger book (the young adult series about Sir Stalwart, set in the same setting during the time of King Ambrose), with some sex added in for the non-young adult format.

Still, it's a diverting read and I recommend it to any fan of the series thus far.

Impossible Odds by Dave Duncan is the fifth book in the King's Blades saga. This book tells the tale of Blades Sir Ringwood and Sir Ranter and the journey they under take with their ward. This book has all the classic elements of a Duncan story, sword fights, plot twists, intrigue, and solid characters.

The plot is what truly drives this book. There are multiple twists and turns. The plot follows the Blade's ward though the journey of acquiring the Blades and then going back to the ward's country to fight an usurper. The plot also has a side story of a Blade in training who happens to not be able to make it through the training for a certain reason and what the Blade order does to him. Duncan also throws in the presence of a White Sister to keep things interesting. As fans of Duncan know White Sisters and Blades rarely get along. Overall, the plot is tight and succinct and many fantasy fans will enjoy this novel.

The characters in Duncan's books are traditionally strong and not two dimensional cut-outs riddled with clich?s. The characters in this book are written very well and each one certainly has their own personality. One thing I have always enjoyed with Duncan's books is that each character has unique ways of talking. I know that is a minor thing, but it adds considerable depth to the character if they are not like everyone else in a book. I also like how Duncan almost makes it a point to have his characters not be all powerful, they have flaws and they make mistakes. It's just another element that makes the characters, and therefore the story, more real and the reader has an easier time relating to the characters.

With all that said, I don't think this is the best book I have read by Duncan. I can't put my finger on it, but it just didn't live up to what I had been expecting. This could be a case of Duncan having to much success with his first books and just simply not being able to write a great book every time. Don't take that as meaning this is a bad book, it's not, it just simply doesn't live up to the other four thus far in the saga.

I would still not hesitate to recommend this book to any fantasy fan, although I would give the caveat that the reader should start with Gilded Chain simply because reading them in order adds so much more meaning to some of the events in this book. A fun read and one I recommend without hesitation.

Impossible Odds (2003) is the fifth novel in the King's Blades series, following Paragon Lost. It takes place during the reign of King Athelgar, two years after the events of the previous volume.

In this novel, the king has authorized the binding of one to three Blades to the service of the Grand Duke of Krupina. The Grandmaster is very reluctant to release the Blades, since he only has three seniors and only two are even remotely suitable. However, both take the vows and survive the ritual and are now private Blades. Another trainee, Bellman, has developed a physical ailment which precludes him from becoming a Blade; at the suggestion of the Grand Master, he resigns from Ironhall and joins the Grand Duke's party temporarily for the journey back to Grandon.

The Ironhall men face a daunting task, for someone has been magically attacking the Grand Duke's party since it fled from Krupina. The party had even been attacked by shadowmen while residing in Nocare Palace, resulting in the deaths of three Yeoman and two Blades. Moreover, they don't really know why the Grand Duke fled his Duchy.

Bellman and the Blades are also puzzled by a certain strangeness in the Grand Duke. After reaching Grandon, Bellman is sent to run several errands, including trying to hire Sister Gertrude from the White Sisters, and he also gathers information about the Grand Duke. When he returns, the Grand Duke asks him for his conclusions and then confirms them: the Grand Duke is actually Johanna, the Grand Duke's wife.

The Grand Duchess has a rare beauty and a kind temperament. She has been wearing an enchanted locket chain which lays the Grand Duke's appearance over that of the wearer. The chain was found near the wrecked coach wherein she almost died, so she doesn't know its history. She has been wearing it both to receive more respect as a man and to sow confusion among her enemies.

After Bellman's display of wit, the Grand Duchess hires him as an equerry, a carefully ambiguous position. Moreover, she appoints Ringwood as leader of her two Blades, much to Ranter's chagrin. Sister Gertrude is added to the party after she resigns from the White Sisters in disgust.

This party is further reduced by a disastrous fire during the night caused by an elemental within a suspicious medicine chest belonging to Baron von Fader. The fire consumes the Blade guarding the chest as well as the Baron himself. Moreover, one the Baron's servants is missing and presumed to be the guilty party, especially after the other servant is found unconscious from a blow to his head.

This story takes the Blades, Bellman and the Grand Duchess back to Krupina to recover her son and discover the fate of her husband. Arrayed against them is powerful sorcery and an army of dedicated warrior-monks. Moreover, an unknown number of former monks, still bound to the order by their lifelong vows, are working undercover for the order.

The party encounters magic, betrayal, and ancient hazards as they gradually unravel the mystery and gain access to the primary players. Bellman discovers that his handicap doesn't matter that much to those who don't already know about it. Ringwood learns how to accept his mistakes and carry on. Ranter finds that he has a within himself an unexpected selflessness. Furthermore, both Bellman and Ringwood find the women that they wish to marry.

Highly recommended for Duncan fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of great daring and high intrigue.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Odds are that every fantasy reader will find something to like about this chronicle set int the world of the King's Blades. It stands by itself and is a good book to try out before going on an tackling other books in this series.

At least four of the characters in this unusually strong ensemble of characters could have been promoted to hero or heroine: Bellman the failed Blade who must leave Ironhall without graduating due to his damaged vision, Ringwood, too young and lacking self-confidence but who becomes a made blade and leader to his ward, and his ward either a Duke or a Duchess depending, and the delightful, straight-talking Sister Gertrude.

These four strong characters are both a delight and a distraction as their fortunes unfold in characteristic page-turning, plot-twisting fashion. If the author had made any one of them the central character, odds are the book would have gotten 5 stars, but it might not have been as much fun. The ending is the weakest part of the plot, requiring one of the characters to wear a magic amulet for the rest of his life. But up until that point, the story is flawless.

Im still awaiting a story to rival Gilded Chain. Seems like theres more time spent on desribing the queens dresses then on action anymore! Of course drama is a huge part of Duncans work but to keep the "Kings Blade" title going I would imagine more then 2 semi exciting battles rather then a whole bunch of mediocre love making talk. Another thing I dont undertsnad is why the stories dont dig deeper into the blades instead of the princess and her past. The first book was still number one in my opinion. i just hope theres more swashbuckling action in the next story instead of the magical thread count in her majesties linens.

In Chivial, Grand Duke Rubin of Krupina asks King Athelgar to help him regain his lost dukedom. Rubin's warrior-cousin Lord Volpe tossed him off his minor throne and has attacked him with evil magic as he crossed Eurania to come her for assistance. Rubin pleads with the monarch to assign the King's Blades to help him regain his power.

King Athelgar has no fully trained Blade available so he selects the inexperienced Ranter and the rookie Ringwood led by the injured Bellman to assist the Grand Duke. However Trudy of the Sisterhood, states that Rubin is using a magical device to alter his appearance. He turns out to be a she as the visitor is the Grand Duchess Johanna, who does not know the fate of her spouse or their son. Johanna accepts what she can and leads her motley crew back to Krupina to confront Volpe and his magic practitioner knights.

The fifth Chronicle of the King's Blades is an exciting sword and sorcery tale that reads somewhat as if an amateur sleuth story was set in a fantasy realm. The quintet heads to Krupina for a final confrontation are very distinct realistic characters. The story line is fast-paced so that fantasy fans will enjoy the enchanted battles while mystery readers who appreciate a radically different slant will relish Trudy. Fans of the series will want to read the latest Blades adventure as once again those magically bound to defend the King (and anyone he chooses even to the death) risk their lives.

Harriet Klausner