The King's Shield (Inda, Book 3) [Hardcover]

Sherwood Smith (Author)

Book Description

Release date: July 1, 2008

Sherwood Smith is ?a writer who is making her bid to be a major fantasist.?( Orson Scott Card)

Inda, on the verge of adulthood, is at last coming home. At age eleven he?d been exiled from his kingdom, but when he learns that his homeland is about to be invaded, he ends his exile to report the imminent attack. Pressed into service as the king?s ?royal shield arm,? Inda must now defend the kingdom?for his reputation as the captain who defeated the most dangerous pirate fleet in history makes him the only man who stands a chance to defeat his country?s ancient enemy.

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.

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756405009
• ISBN-13: 978-0756405007
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #548,417 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I don't put much personal data on-line, but what there is can be found on my webpage under the FAQ.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It took my breath away July 29, 2008

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!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars nothing to be disappointed about... July 13, 2008

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!!!

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars solid next step in a wonderful story July 2, 2008

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.