Sir Stalwart (Book One of the King's Daggers)
YA-A new series set in the same world as Duncan's "The King's Blades" (Avon). Here, teenaged boys are trained at Ironhall to become superb swordsmen who are magically bound to serve the King of Chivial. The monarch is currently in danger because of a tax on sorcery guilds. Blades and White Sisters, women who "sniff" out magic, have foiled several attempts on his life that used magic, but the would-be assassins are getting more clever. Thus, Candidate Stalwart and Emerald, a disgraced White Sister, will be used as bait in a plot to entrap those who are trying to murder the king. Duncan's writing is fast paced and engaging. Stalwart teeters convincingly between teenage angst and adult responsibilities. Emerald is no hapless damsel in distress. Although they triumph in the end, and she receives the reward she desires, the primary villains escape and further adventures are assured. This is a solid introduction to a new series. The focus stays on Stalwart and Emerald, the two teenaged characters. The magic and customs of Chivial are explained for those new to this world. The book contains an excerpt from The Gilded Chain (Avon, 1998), the first book in "The King's Blades" series, which may pique the interest of readers who enjoyed this story.Susan Salpini, Purcellville Library, VACopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.