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Paladins #2
Knight Moves
In a seventeenth-century alternate universe in which Mordred had defeated King Arthur, establishing a dynasty that rules much of the world, the Knights of the Order of Crown, Shield, and Dragon are faced with the return of an ancient witch, a swarm of darklings infesting all Europe, and a deadly being that has infected the inhabitants of Colonsay with a murderous frenzy.
- GenresFantasyAlternate History
320 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2006
2 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Joel Rosenberg
85 books236 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the political/thriller author, Joel C. Rosenberg
Joel Rosenberg was the author of the bestselling Guardians of the Flame books as well as the D'Shai and Keepers of the Hidden Ways series. He made his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Note: This is a different person than the political/thriller author, Joel C. Rosenberg
Joel Rosenberg was the author of the bestselling Guardians of the Flame books as well as the D'Shai and Keepers of the Hidden Ways series. He made his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 7, 2015
Before I comment further, I need to point out that this book is cursed with possibly the least appropriate title I've ever seen. This is not a humorous series, and a punny title does it no favors.
Knight Moves is very much a middle book, which makes it both sad and frustrating that Joel Rosenberg has passed on and we'll never see the ending. There are some smaller mysteries and a lot of character development, but the whole book is just a prelude to what comes after the final scenes. I'm left at loose ends - I can't really say I liked it, because it's not much of a novel in itself, but it was a very effective bridge from the first book to the much larger conflict it foreshadows. There's not much to do but curse mortality and decline to recommend it, as it doesn't really work on its own.
I will note that, unlike the first book, this one does contain some women. Unfortunately, I much preferred the prior condition, because all of the on-screen women are victims of some sort of horrible, mostly sexualized violence. (With the exception of the Queen of Air and Darkness, who is not in danger from anyone but is still disturbingly sexualized.) It doesn't do anything to improve my opinion of the book or the series, which is just one more thing to grumble about.
Knight Moves is very much a middle book, which makes it both sad and frustrating that Joel Rosenberg has passed on and we'll never see the ending. There are some smaller mysteries and a lot of character development, but the whole book is just a prelude to what comes after the final scenes. I'm left at loose ends - I can't really say I liked it, because it's not much of a novel in itself, but it was a very effective bridge from the first book to the much larger conflict it foreshadows. There's not much to do but curse mortality and decline to recommend it, as it doesn't really work on its own.
I will note that, unlike the first book, this one does contain some women. Unfortunately, I much preferred the prior condition, because all of the on-screen women are victims of some sort of horrible, mostly sexualized violence. (With the exception of the Queen of Air and Darkness, who is not in danger from anyone but is still disturbingly sexualized.) It doesn't do anything to improve my opinion of the book or the series, which is just one more thing to grumble about.
August 31, 2015
One of the best alternate history/Fantasy books I have read. I have always enjoyed Joel Rosenberg's SiFi and Fantasy books and knew he wouldn't disappoint me and he didn't! Several of the military characters I could very much identify with and see myself as that character, from the sad shore bound Admiral to the career marine sergeant. This one gets my highest recommendation.
June 4, 2012
Much better than the first book in the series. Really bummed that Mr. Rosenburg died and won't continue this series.
April 18, 2024
This book was a lot better than the first one which may I take the time to say was horrible. It's a shame the author passed away and we will never see the conclusion now that things have finally gotten interesting.
March 19, 2022
Alas, Joel Rosenberg continues to be much missed, as this series will forever be unfinished. Interesting view of the Arthurian mythology that caused me to research things on the internet.
October 2, 2011
Interesting concepts in this series, especially the idea of the "live" swords carried by the titular "Paladins". The White swords contain the soul of a saint, while the Red swords hold the soul of the damned. Both have the ability to give their wielder power and knowledge, though the Red Swords are apparently tainted towards destruction on a massive scale. Also kind of interesting the idea that this is based off the idea that Mordred won the final confrontation with Arthur (now known as Arthur the Tyrant) spawning a great British Empire that reigns over much of the world now in the 17th century.
Unfortunately, the two concepts seem to work at odds with each other a little too much and we get less information on either of these two areas, to explain why and how they have come to pass, than we really want. Especially since much is spent on a third area, the trials and tribulations of the Paladins themselves as they make their way in the world on missions for their king (Mordred the Fifth).
Some great concepts, but a bit muddled in execution. Still fairly enjoyable read, and the creativity is interesting, but after 2 books we should know more about the sword and about the evolution of Mordred's Empire of Man than we do.
Unfortunately, the two concepts seem to work at odds with each other a little too much and we get less information on either of these two areas, to explain why and how they have come to pass, than we really want. Especially since much is spent on a third area, the trials and tribulations of the Paladins themselves as they make their way in the world on missions for their king (Mordred the Fifth).
Some great concepts, but a bit muddled in execution. Still fairly enjoyable read, and the creativity is interesting, but after 2 books we should know more about the sword and about the evolution of Mordred's Empire of Man than we do.
July 31, 2008
This sequel was even more engaging than the original. I was completely enthralled with the story and the characters. The mythology and fantasy world that Rosenberg has created is very deep and detailed. It's also very creative and a twist on the fairy tales and legends that we're used to.
July 8, 2008
A creepy and yet oddly interesting book. It grates on the mind. Read this series in order, please.
May 23, 2011
Dear Joel Rosenberg: if you leave novels on cliff hangers please have plans to continue (Keepers of the Hidden Ways).
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January 9, 2010baen ebook
March 28, 2017
Paladins II picks up about a year after the events of Paladins, and the Knights of the Order are still hunting for the source of the first new artifact swords powered by trapped souls in centuries. Heading that search is Sir Cully, the anti-authority protagonist from the prior book, along with some new companions, and assisted by retired Admiral DuPuy. As they investigate leads from a fledgling spy network, Sir Niko continues his training and dealing with his status of being not yet a knight, but wielding one of the new Swords. Niko and company travel to the Scottish isles, to pay respects to the parents of the deceased Bear, who sacrificed himself at the climax of book 1.
As both groups start to find new strange stirrings of the most powerful supernatural creatures of legend, Sir Grey has to face politics and return to the home of the Order, and decide how to re-join the battle to discover what's threatening King Modred's empire. As all three groups discover more that is wrong, but not any true hints of what threat faces the realm, they're pulled by their own doubts, sins, and recriminations to face their own personal issues, while being drawn closer to the true source of the insidious threat to their Kingdom.
Rosenberg tells another gritty tale of fantasy in an alternate fantasy world where magic is a part of the British Empire ruled by the descendants of Modred, after King Arthur's defeat. The book ends with a great twist, but unfortunately the author's demise leaves this series unfinished. That being said, the twist along is worth it, as well as the journey through a fascinating realm and unflinching portrayal of flawed but very human characters.
As both groups start to find new strange stirrings of the most powerful supernatural creatures of legend, Sir Grey has to face politics and return to the home of the Order, and decide how to re-join the battle to discover what's threatening King Modred's empire. As all three groups discover more that is wrong, but not any true hints of what threat faces the realm, they're pulled by their own doubts, sins, and recriminations to face their own personal issues, while being drawn closer to the true source of the insidious threat to their Kingdom.
Rosenberg tells another gritty tale of fantasy in an alternate fantasy world where magic is a part of the British Empire ruled by the descendants of Modred, after King Arthur's defeat. The book ends with a great twist, but unfortunately the author's demise leaves this series unfinished. That being said, the twist along is worth it, as well as the journey through a fascinating realm and unflinching portrayal of flawed but very human characters.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews