In the third book of the Inda quartet, Inda, on the verge of adulthood, is at last coming home. His best friend from his academy days, E vred, is now king. But instead of befriending and welcoming Inda, he puts him in charge of defending the kingdom. In saving his homeland from attack, Inda must prove himself-or lose everything he holds dear.
King's Shield: Book Three of Inda
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Inda and The Fox:
“The world creation and characterization within Inda have the complexity and depth and inventiveness that mark a first-rate fantasy novel... This is the mark of a major work of fiction…you owe it to yourself to read Inda.”
—Orson Scott Card
“Intricate and real…Filled with magic and glamour…Characters spring to life with humor… Complex and compelling.”
—San Jose Mercury News
“Many fans of old-fashioned adventure will find this rousing mix of royal intrigue, academy shenanigans, and sea story worth the effort.”
—Locus --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
“The world creation and characterization within Inda have the complexity and depth and inventiveness that mark a first-rate fantasy novel... This is the mark of a major work of fiction…you owe it to yourself to read Inda.”
—Orson Scott Card
“Intricate and real…Filled with magic and glamour…Characters spring to life with humor… Complex and compelling.”
—San Jose Mercury News
“Many fans of old-fashioned adventure will find this rousing mix of royal intrigue, academy shenanigans, and sea story worth the effort.”
—Locus --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Sherwood Smith started making books out of paper towels at age six. In between stories, she studied and traveled in Europe, got a Masters degree in history, and now lives in Southern California with her spouse, two kids, and two dogs. She���s worked in jobs ranging from counter work in a smoky harbor bar to the film industry. Writing books is what she loves best. She���s the author of the high fantasy History of Sartorias-deles series as well as the modern-day fantasy adventures of Kim Murray in Coronets and Steel. Learn more at www.sherwoodsmith.net.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Eliana
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The characters, the cultures, and the countries are so vivid and three dimensional and there is such a rich back story - this world feels *real*... it is more like reading Tolstoy or George Eliot than a work of fantasy, in that sense. The solidity and depth of the setting and culture are felt rather than described and the characters' complexities reveal themselves naturally over time.
The first two books, Inda and Fox, introduced us to the characters and the world:
In the first we are shown Inda as a boy going off to a military academy, drawn into the complex ties of aristocratic kinship, and given a glimpse of the intricacies of politics and personality. We saw Inda, still so young!, rushed off into a bewildering exile and learned with him the ways of the sea... only to watch that world too disintegrate for him.
The second book: Piracy, teamwork, strategy & tactics - and lots of action at sea and for those back at home in the next book. ...and, deliciously, an ever deeper and more subtle exploration of character, of friendship, and of politics.
King's Shield takes all the beauty, depth, complexity, and richness of the previous books and brings it all home - literally and figuratively. For me, this book was the ultimate payoff for the investment I have made in this world and these characters. I consider it one of the best works of fantasy I have ever read - the intricate, tightly woven plot (and no lack of breath taking action!) which both drew me into a passionate caring for the characters and made me really think about war, about conscience, responsibility, friendship, love, duty... and the hard choices that we all face.
This wasn't a light, easy read - not a delicate, slightly frothy fantasy romance. Crown Duel, Trouble with Kings, Sashiara en Garde, and the lovely short story in Lace and Blade are all beautiful examples of that genre - magical, special books, but lacking the depth and complexity of the Inda series. King's Shield drew me into it almost at once, but demanded my attention, my focus...my heart, but that investment was exponentially rewarded.
So, if you love character driven fantasy with strong, intelligent plotting - read this series... read it now!
The first two books, Inda and Fox, introduced us to the characters and the world:
In the first we are shown Inda as a boy going off to a military academy, drawn into the complex ties of aristocratic kinship, and given a glimpse of the intricacies of politics and personality. We saw Inda, still so young!, rushed off into a bewildering exile and learned with him the ways of the sea... only to watch that world too disintegrate for him.
The second book: Piracy, teamwork, strategy & tactics - and lots of action at sea and for those back at home in the next book. ...and, deliciously, an ever deeper and more subtle exploration of character, of friendship, and of politics.
King's Shield takes all the beauty, depth, complexity, and richness of the previous books and brings it all home - literally and figuratively. For me, this book was the ultimate payoff for the investment I have made in this world and these characters. I consider it one of the best works of fantasy I have ever read - the intricate, tightly woven plot (and no lack of breath taking action!) which both drew me into a passionate caring for the characters and made me really think about war, about conscience, responsibility, friendship, love, duty... and the hard choices that we all face.
This wasn't a light, easy read - not a delicate, slightly frothy fantasy romance. Crown Duel, Trouble with Kings, Sashiara en Garde, and the lovely short story in Lace and Blade are all beautiful examples of that genre - magical, special books, but lacking the depth and complexity of the Inda series. King's Shield drew me into it almost at once, but demanded my attention, my focus...my heart, but that investment was exponentially rewarded.
So, if you love character driven fantasy with strong, intelligent plotting - read this series... read it now!
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Brgitte Cohn
Format:Hardcover
The third book in the series and still captivating. I disagree with readers who want quickly-solved dilemmas,1-2-3, done! I certainly do not complain about the series going into a 4th or 5th book. I believe and trust in the author to know where she wants to lead us. I 'd rather enjoy and look forward to reading more chapters and more developments of the story than expecting it to end forcibly to meet a 'three-volume-only' requirement.
Besides, the author is right on target with her yearly issue of the new sequel. And who said it's boring because there's no fights or battles involved? Personal and inner conflicts are just as important in the characters as their prowess versus nature or antagonists.
Two thumbs up for Sherwood Smith's books and series!!!
Besides, the author is right on target with her yearly issue of the new sequel. And who said it's boring because there's no fights or battles involved? Personal and inner conflicts are just as important in the characters as their prowess versus nature or antagonists.
Two thumbs up for Sherwood Smith's books and series!!!
12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By florkow
Format:Hardcover
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this series. It is a wonderful story of a group of people who are very diverse, who grow and love and make us cry. The story is large and interesting, political background, personal and family stories, battles and pirates, it is all in there, and it makes sense, no sudden miracle solutions and trite plot devices. There are lots of surprises and a lot of emotions, I am deeply involved with these people and I truly enjoy spending time with them all, they are so real and intensely drawn. Great!
Although I love Sherwood Smith, I waited for "Inda" in paperback because I could not imagine that I would be interested in a story about a warrior culture in a medieval-feel setting and a hero who was a young boy who goes to military academy. I do not regret buying it, bought "Fox" in Hardcover and pre-ordered this book as soon as I could, in hardcover. I am not disappointed. Great story, great characters, very gripping.
The reasons I gave 4 stars, not 5:
I have to work quite a bit to get back into the story and the characters - there are very many, and many strands of story - this is concentration work, as I do not have the time to re-read both stories that came before. I do not like authors who make endless recaps, but I like to have someone fill in another character a little, or a short moment of someone thinking back to a big event, just to get back into the names and big events. There are lots of details about Inda' childhood, but very few about the larger political story, so I have to strain a bit to rediscover all those bits and pieces, and connect the names to some important people. It would help if the list of characters and terms was included in a glossary at the back, and I did not have to go online to Sherwood Smith's site to find all that.
Second, this was announced as the final book of a trilogy. I bought it under this premise, and I very much looked forward to a satisfying ending to a great story. I really hate endless series, I want endings at some point. So finding out that there will be a 4th book was a strong disappointment for me.
Otherwise, strongly recommended, but start at the beginning, no way you can enjoy this series starting with this book.
Although I love Sherwood Smith, I waited for "Inda" in paperback because I could not imagine that I would be interested in a story about a warrior culture in a medieval-feel setting and a hero who was a young boy who goes to military academy. I do not regret buying it, bought "Fox" in Hardcover and pre-ordered this book as soon as I could, in hardcover. I am not disappointed. Great story, great characters, very gripping.
The reasons I gave 4 stars, not 5:
I have to work quite a bit to get back into the story and the characters - there are very many, and many strands of story - this is concentration work, as I do not have the time to re-read both stories that came before. I do not like authors who make endless recaps, but I like to have someone fill in another character a little, or a short moment of someone thinking back to a big event, just to get back into the names and big events. There are lots of details about Inda' childhood, but very few about the larger political story, so I have to strain a bit to rediscover all those bits and pieces, and connect the names to some important people. It would help if the list of characters and terms was included in a glossary at the back, and I did not have to go online to Sherwood Smith's site to find all that.
Second, this was announced as the final book of a trilogy. I bought it under this premise, and I very much looked forward to a satisfying ending to a great story. I really hate endless series, I want endings at some point. So finding out that there will be a 4th book was a strong disappointment for me.
Otherwise, strongly recommended, but start at the beginning, no way you can enjoy this series starting with this book.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A riveting read
I wasn't sure that Sherwood Smith could carry the storyline into a third book and maintain the standard of excellence of the first two books. Read more
Published 3 months ago by TomD
5.0 out of 5 stars
Addicting
Like the other books in this series, it's an addicting story to read. I started with the first book and couldn't help myself until I finished the entire series.
Published 5 months ago by Michael Alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars
I can't put this darn series down.
A very worthy follow-up to INDA and THE FOX. The story is tightly focused on the Marlovan's defense of their land against the encroaching Venn invasion--an impossible defense,... Read more
Published on February 21, 2011 by Pat Loftfjeld
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved this Series!!
This is a beautifully written and wonderfully paced series. I loved all four books equally. I found all of the main characters to be very compelling and individualized, and I was... Read more
Published on October 2, 2010 by N. Sommers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Four-and-a-half stars. Good solid series entry.
Am I awful to say that this book finally got off the boats? Not Smith's fault, but I've gotten really very tired of pirates in fantasy. Read more
Published on January 2, 2010 by frumiousb
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not quite as well paced as the first
Although the last part of the book is as good as the previouse two books, much of the first half was very slow paced. It was more like a soap opera of who went to bed with who. Read more
Published on September 7, 2009 by C. Brandon
2.0 out of 5 stars
Did anyone really finish this book?
Don't be fooled by the title of my review. I have read longer books than this one. 608 pages may seem like an adventure and bargain but really, the book seemed to go on forever. Read more
Published on April 26, 2009 by Zeph
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sci Fi Readers will really enjoy this book
The King's Shield was great reading for Sci Fi fans. I enjoyed it very much and now can't wait for the final volume to be done and released
Published on March 21, 2009 by Sue M. Smith
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not enough action-
Worst of the three.
Not enough action.
Battle just fizzled.
Way too many long names.
hope book four is better.
lots of reading and little reward. Read more
Not enough action.
Battle just fizzled.
Way too many long names.
hope book four is better.
lots of reading and little reward. Read more
Published on February 16, 2009 by Tony Zee
3.0 out of 5 stars
Inda moves on
The first two books were very good. The third drags; especially with an endless war. There is little mention of Inda's nine years with the pirates and with Fox and GiGi. Read more
Published on November 16, 2008 by Keri
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