When we left the Brothers Magnus, they had assembled in Cardice to help Anton Magnus defend the castle from attack by a neighboring state with a significant military advantage and several officers who at any moment could request help from saints—or, depending on your perspective, from the devil.
But Cardice has a secret weapon in the form of young Wulfgang Magnus, who can ask a few favors of his own from these devil-saints. The only problem is that Wulf is in love with Madlenka, the countess from Cardice who was forcibly married to Anton to explain why he’s suddenly leading the country.
Even Wulf is unsure if family and political loyalty should override love. He’s also beginning to realize that the magical battle he’s stepped into has some serious rules that he doesn’t know, and has no way to learn. And when several wild cards in every battle can tap into nearly limitless sources of magic, who knows how far and wide the battle might range?
This stunning continuation of the story begun in Speak to the Devil amps up the romance and intrigue, while letting readers spend more time with master fantasist Dave Duncan’s unique, complex, and ornery-but-delightful characters.
When the Saints
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Book Description
When the Saints is a Kirkus Reviews Best of 2011 Science Fiction & Fantasy title.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Speak to the Devil:
“A love triangle…mixes explosively with politics and war in a stimulating adventure grounded by deft characterizations and a vivid historical setting…a stimulating new series.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Duncan doesn’t disappoint with another extraordinary tale of magic, mayhem and family relationships. With great storytelling, standout world-building, compelling characters, and a quick-paced plot, this inventive fantasy will have you clamoring for book two.”
—RT Book Reviews (4½ stars; TOP PICK!)
About the Author
Originally from Scotland, Dave Duncan has lived all his adult life in western Canada, having enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. Since discovering that inventing imaginary worlds is more satisfying than poking holes in the real one, he has published more than forty novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also in young adult, science fiction, and historical. He has at times written as Sarah B. Franklin and Ken Hood. He and his wife, Janet, have one son and two daughters.
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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 is both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SF Canada. Dave 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. Visit his blog and webpage: www.daveduncan.com
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
When the Saints (2011) is the second Fantasy novel in the Brothers Magnus series, following Speak to the Devil. In the previous volume, Anton had gotten Wulf to help him make a very dangerous double jump over a stream to impress the girls. A few days later, he is rousted from the bed of a Baroness and taken to Cardinal Zdenek. The first minister has a problem.
The Pomeranians are marching over the border guarded by Castle Gallant. Both the count and his heir Petr have been slain by sorcery and the widow Edita has been laid low by melancholia. Madlenka has sent a message to the King asking for help.
Zdenek gives Anton a warrant making him an Earl of the Realm and Keeper of Castle Gallant and gives him other honors, including the hand of Madlenka. He wants him to travel to Castle Gallant to take charge as soon as possible. Anton agrees, but states that he wants to take Wulf with him.
Anton returns to his quarters and informs Wulf of the circumstances. Of course, he needs his Speaker brother to get him there in time. Wulf agrees, but insists that it will be the last time.
They ride through town and gradually fade into limbo. They and their horses ride through other people and even trees and buildings. They find themselves riding above land and water.
In this novel, Ottokar Magnus is the eldest of five brothers. He is a large man and a veteran soldier. Otto became the Baron when his father died.
Vladislav Magnus is the second oldest brother. He is even larger than Otto. Vlad is being held for ransom by the Bavarians.
Marek Magnus is the third brother. He is called Midge because of his small size compared to the older brothers. He was taken away by the Dominicans for Speaking to the Devil and placed in a monastery. He is now deceased.
Anton Magnus is the fourth brother. He is taller than average, but not as large as his oldest brothers. He has recently become a Hussar in the army of Jorgary. Now he is the Count of Cardice.
Wulfgang Magnus is the youngest brother. Wulf is medium in build and a bit of a scholar. He has been hearing voices since shortly before Marek was taken away. Now Wulf is a Speaker, but only his brothers and Cardinal Zdenek know it.
Cardinal Zdenek is the power behind the throne of Jorgary. He is the King's first minister. Lately the King has been uninterested in ruling and signs anything that Zdenek puts before him.
Stepan Bulovany is the Keeper of Cardice, a county that belongs to the King of Jorgary. He is the husband of Edita and the father of Madlenka and Petr. He and his son were killed by magic.
Madlenka Bulovany is the daughter of Stepan and Edita Bulovany. She is a little helot, but quite beautiful.
Umbral is the title of the head of the Saints, a group of Speakers loyal to the Pope. The current Umbral is a female of indefinite age.
Justina is a Saint working directly for Lady Umbral. She is a commoner.
Havel Vranov is Count of Pelrelm. He has changed sides and is now helping the Wends.
Wartislaw is the Duke of Pomerania. He is leader of the Wends.
In this story, Cardinal Zdenek meets with the Lady Umbral. He has known her for eighteen year. Then she paid for his assistance by getting him into the College of Cardinals. Now he wants a favor from her.
Zdenek tells her of the death of the count and the Pomeranian invasion. He also tells her about the antics of Anton and the talents of Wulf. He tells of the appointment of Anton as Count of Cardice.
Zdenek also admits that Wulf had used his talent to get Anton to Cardice in less than a day. Yet Wulf is a new Speaker and needs help. Zdenek asks Lady Umbral for one or more Speakers to assist Wulf and Anton.
Lady Umbral agrees to lend one Speaker to Zdenek. The price is one third of the use of Wulf talents. Of course, nobody consults Wulf on this offer.
Anton is now married to Madlenka, but finds her an unresponsive lay. She just doesn't enjoy sex with him. Yet she would like to try sex with Wulf.
So Anton is not enjoying his marriage and is very jealous of Wulf. To make thing worse, he desperately needs Wulf's magic. The brothers are barely civil with each other.
Vlad and Otto are preparing the fortress for a siege. Vlad has to work through the less skilled commander of the local forces and is having to use all his patience to keep from offending the man. In the field, however, Vlad is clearly in charge.
Otto is advising his brothers. He is spending most of his time keeping Anton and Wulf apart. Then Justina appears in the middle of a council of war.
Otto takes her to Wulf. After she introduced herself and explained her task, Justina started explaining the Saints organization to Wulf. She says that he is a haggard, an untrained Speaker. She also tells him the First and Second Commandants of Speakers.
Madlenka is helping her mother prepare the health facilities. Lady Edita is well versed in such procedures and Madlenka is quite knowledgeable herself. They set up the infirmary in a hallway.
This tale brings Wartislaw to the north gate of Castle Gallant and Vranov to the south gate. While his brothers are preparing the fortress for a siege, Wulf goes out to scout the Pomeranians. He plans a fast attack on their powder train.
Wulf finds a way to escape the control of Zdenek and Umbral. The next installment in this sequence has not yet been announced on Amazon.
Highly recommended for Duncan fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of magical talent, armed combat, and a bit of romance. Read and enjoy!
-Arthur W. Jordin
The Pomeranians are marching over the border guarded by Castle Gallant. Both the count and his heir Petr have been slain by sorcery and the widow Edita has been laid low by melancholia. Madlenka has sent a message to the King asking for help.
Zdenek gives Anton a warrant making him an Earl of the Realm and Keeper of Castle Gallant and gives him other honors, including the hand of Madlenka. He wants him to travel to Castle Gallant to take charge as soon as possible. Anton agrees, but states that he wants to take Wulf with him.
Anton returns to his quarters and informs Wulf of the circumstances. Of course, he needs his Speaker brother to get him there in time. Wulf agrees, but insists that it will be the last time.
They ride through town and gradually fade into limbo. They and their horses ride through other people and even trees and buildings. They find themselves riding above land and water.
In this novel, Ottokar Magnus is the eldest of five brothers. He is a large man and a veteran soldier. Otto became the Baron when his father died.
Vladislav Magnus is the second oldest brother. He is even larger than Otto. Vlad is being held for ransom by the Bavarians.
Marek Magnus is the third brother. He is called Midge because of his small size compared to the older brothers. He was taken away by the Dominicans for Speaking to the Devil and placed in a monastery. He is now deceased.
Anton Magnus is the fourth brother. He is taller than average, but not as large as his oldest brothers. He has recently become a Hussar in the army of Jorgary. Now he is the Count of Cardice.
Wulfgang Magnus is the youngest brother. Wulf is medium in build and a bit of a scholar. He has been hearing voices since shortly before Marek was taken away. Now Wulf is a Speaker, but only his brothers and Cardinal Zdenek know it.
Cardinal Zdenek is the power behind the throne of Jorgary. He is the King's first minister. Lately the King has been uninterested in ruling and signs anything that Zdenek puts before him.
Stepan Bulovany is the Keeper of Cardice, a county that belongs to the King of Jorgary. He is the husband of Edita and the father of Madlenka and Petr. He and his son were killed by magic.
Madlenka Bulovany is the daughter of Stepan and Edita Bulovany. She is a little helot, but quite beautiful.
Umbral is the title of the head of the Saints, a group of Speakers loyal to the Pope. The current Umbral is a female of indefinite age.
Justina is a Saint working directly for Lady Umbral. She is a commoner.
Havel Vranov is Count of Pelrelm. He has changed sides and is now helping the Wends.
Wartislaw is the Duke of Pomerania. He is leader of the Wends.
In this story, Cardinal Zdenek meets with the Lady Umbral. He has known her for eighteen year. Then she paid for his assistance by getting him into the College of Cardinals. Now he wants a favor from her.
Zdenek tells her of the death of the count and the Pomeranian invasion. He also tells her about the antics of Anton and the talents of Wulf. He tells of the appointment of Anton as Count of Cardice.
Zdenek also admits that Wulf had used his talent to get Anton to Cardice in less than a day. Yet Wulf is a new Speaker and needs help. Zdenek asks Lady Umbral for one or more Speakers to assist Wulf and Anton.
Lady Umbral agrees to lend one Speaker to Zdenek. The price is one third of the use of Wulf talents. Of course, nobody consults Wulf on this offer.
Anton is now married to Madlenka, but finds her an unresponsive lay. She just doesn't enjoy sex with him. Yet she would like to try sex with Wulf.
So Anton is not enjoying his marriage and is very jealous of Wulf. To make thing worse, he desperately needs Wulf's magic. The brothers are barely civil with each other.
Vlad and Otto are preparing the fortress for a siege. Vlad has to work through the less skilled commander of the local forces and is having to use all his patience to keep from offending the man. In the field, however, Vlad is clearly in charge.
Otto is advising his brothers. He is spending most of his time keeping Anton and Wulf apart. Then Justina appears in the middle of a council of war.
Otto takes her to Wulf. After she introduced herself and explained her task, Justina started explaining the Saints organization to Wulf. She says that he is a haggard, an untrained Speaker. She also tells him the First and Second Commandants of Speakers.
Madlenka is helping her mother prepare the health facilities. Lady Edita is well versed in such procedures and Madlenka is quite knowledgeable herself. They set up the infirmary in a hallway.
This tale brings Wartislaw to the north gate of Castle Gallant and Vranov to the south gate. While his brothers are preparing the fortress for a siege, Wulf goes out to scout the Pomeranians. He plans a fast attack on their powder train.
Wulf finds a way to escape the control of Zdenek and Umbral. The next installment in this sequence has not yet been announced on Amazon.
Highly recommended for Duncan fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of magical talent, armed combat, and a bit of romance. Read and enjoy!
-Arthur W. Jordin
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Rick Raymo
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The good, M. Duncan seems to lob three or four books a year at us--and each and every one of them exceeds the last. One has to wonder if his editors have gotten better or if one can still keep up that kind of pace and cram out near-perfect gems of Hardcover, 1st Edition Fun.
In short, I have loved this fellow's writing for a lot of books. I think I have somewhere around 45 of the darned things (got to buy more bookcases again soon.)
Here's what Duncan is not: *A Vance-Style Wordsmith; *A Heinlein-Style Storyteller; *A Rothfuss-Style World-Framer; A Modesitt-Style Builder of Socio-Economic Universes; or *A Rowling-Style Character Builder.
Here's what he is: A World-Builder Without Peer. His worlds fit and finish are just enough to let your brain fill in the gaps. His content varies wildly from Sword to Magic to Political Intrigues with mystery galore.
He's likeable as an author and that goes a long way toward making a book worth reading.
This series is a joy.
Read it. Then read more. Go back to the Magic Casement series and work forward. It'll be a blast. I do it regularly. He's on my constant five-year reread run.
In short, I have loved this fellow's writing for a lot of books. I think I have somewhere around 45 of the darned things (got to buy more bookcases again soon.)
Here's what Duncan is not: *A Vance-Style Wordsmith; *A Heinlein-Style Storyteller; *A Rothfuss-Style World-Framer; A Modesitt-Style Builder of Socio-Economic Universes; or *A Rowling-Style Character Builder.
Here's what he is: A World-Builder Without Peer. His worlds fit and finish are just enough to let your brain fill in the gaps. His content varies wildly from Sword to Magic to Political Intrigues with mystery galore.
He's likeable as an author and that goes a long way toward making a book worth reading.
This series is a joy.
Read it. Then read more. Go back to the Magic Casement series and work forward. It'll be a blast. I do it regularly. He's on my constant five-year reread run.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By C. Gillies
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Dave Duncan is at the very top of my must read list of authors. Most of his books I have read second and third times. Every story he has published has been excellent, and this latest is no exception. It seems such a shame that his work doesn't get the recognition that it deserves. He is a masterful storyteller, constructs engaging characters and fascinating worlds, and always crafts a tale that draws me in. Others may disagree, but I get the feeling that his books would be among the most popular of the genre if only more folks were exposed to them.
Since this is an endorsement for the second book in a series folks reading this will have already read the first. If you liked it I can almost guarantee you will like this one as well. If you are new to Dave Duncan I encourage you to take a chance. And if you like this series please read his other books. You will not be disappointed.
Since this is an endorsement for the second book in a series folks reading this will have already read the first. If you liked it I can almost guarantee you will like this one as well. If you are new to Dave Duncan I encourage you to take a chance. And if you like this series please read his other books. You will not be disappointed.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not His Best
Oh Dave Duncan, how I love your writing! I have been a fan for many years, so I feel I have the credentials to say these two books (Speak of the Devil and When the Saints) are not... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Ketzela
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Fantasy
There is no bogging down in a Dave Duncan book. You don't wallow around in unnecessary conversations, or go strolling through a garden while a character hems and haws and... Read more
Published 14 months ago by Astral
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb follow up.
The writing just keeps on improving as does the storytelling. Excellent showing of multiple strong folks who try to "have it their way" while our hero struggles to escape their... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Boomer49
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent Renaissance Era paranormal thriller
The death of Brother Marek, a monk at the Benedictine Monastery in Koupel, angers his Magnus siblings. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Harriet Klausner
