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The King's Blades #9
Silvercloak
The world's most deadly assassin has been hired to kill King Ambrose. Once again King's Daggers are plunged into danger, because only White Sister Emerald can identify the killer's magic and only Sir Stalwart knows what he looks like. The two must trap the killer before he can strike the king -- or at them. As the trial of death leads back to Ironhall, the swordsmen school Stalwart so recently left, he finds he is a boy sent to do a man's job -- and Emerald is a girl sent to do a boy's.
274 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
About the author
Dave Duncan
142 books597 followersOriginally from Scotland, Dave Duncan lived all his adult life in Western Canada, having enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. Since discovering that imaginary worlds were more satisfying than the real one, he published more than 60 novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also young adult, science fiction, and historical.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
He wrote at times under the pseudonym Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for "D'ye Ken Whodunit?")
His most successful works were fantasy series: The Seventh Sword, A Man of His Word and its sequel, A Handful of Men, and seven books about The King’s Blades. His books have been translated into 15 languages, and of late have been appearing in audiobook format as well.
He and Janet were married in 1959. He is survived by her, one son and two daughters, as well as four grandchildren.
He was both a founding and honorary lifetime member of SFCanada, and a member of the CSFFA Hall of Fame.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 7, 2026
Sir Stalwart, Wart to his friends, is the youngest of the King’s Blades and sworn to protect the life of King Ambrose. The world's most deadly assassin has been hired to kill King Ambrose.
"“I’m offering you first shot at the killer. I want you to catch Silvercloak for me. Do that, my lad—” Lord Roland smiled “—and you’ll be a hero to the Blades for the rest of your born days. Now, do you want the job?” “Yes, my lord!”"
Stalwart is given this task because only he, of all the Blades, has actually seen the assassin. And Silvercloak is “the world’s most deadly assassin” contracted to kill the king.
"Brother Stalwart—and remember this always—Silvercloak is the smartest person you have ever met! Repeat that to yourself once every hour, twice when you go to bed, and three times when you get up in the morning. Never underestimate him! Your life will depend on it."
Emerald is fitted into this story because she, of all the White Sisters, has been able to sense his presence.
"“This may be the toughest assignment I’ve ever given anyone. Your record is so impressive that you’ve earned the right to be lead horse on this one, but if you want me to put an older man in charge to take the heat off you, I’ll do that. I won’t think any less of you for asking. Knowing your own limitations is not cowardice. And sending a boy to do a man’s job isn’t smart. Is that what I’m doing?”"
That’s what we are about to learn.
There is no doubt that this series is pitched toward the YA crowd with youngsters, Stalwart and Emerald, having center stage. It is full of action and close encounters that keep things moving at a fast pace.
Very enjoyable. 3.5
"“I’m offering you first shot at the killer. I want you to catch Silvercloak for me. Do that, my lad—” Lord Roland smiled “—and you’ll be a hero to the Blades for the rest of your born days. Now, do you want the job?” “Yes, my lord!”"
Stalwart is given this task because only he, of all the Blades, has actually seen the assassin. And Silvercloak is “the world’s most deadly assassin” contracted to kill the king.
"Brother Stalwart—and remember this always—Silvercloak is the smartest person you have ever met! Repeat that to yourself once every hour, twice when you go to bed, and three times when you get up in the morning. Never underestimate him! Your life will depend on it."
Emerald is fitted into this story because she, of all the White Sisters, has been able to sense his presence.
"“This may be the toughest assignment I’ve ever given anyone. Your record is so impressive that you’ve earned the right to be lead horse on this one, but if you want me to put an older man in charge to take the heat off you, I’ll do that. I won’t think any less of you for asking. Knowing your own limitations is not cowardice. And sending a boy to do a man’s job isn’t smart. Is that what I’m doing?”"
That’s what we are about to learn.
There is no doubt that this series is pitched toward the YA crowd with youngsters, Stalwart and Emerald, having center stage. It is full of action and close encounters that keep things moving at a fast pace.
Very enjoyable. 3.5
November 20, 2014
The final novel in the "King's Daggers" trilogy, a YA take-off on Dave Duncan's popular "King's Blades" series. This was hands-down my favorite of the trilogy with a nice swashbuckling plot, and a nice resolution. And since the author didn't have to spend time developing new characters from scratch, there was more room for story, setting, intrigue, and all those things that make for a great read.
Sadly, this is the last of these books for me as I've read them all now and the author has indicated that he is unlikely to write more of them.
Sadly, this is the last of these books for me as I've read them all now and the author has indicated that he is unlikely to write more of them.
November 19, 2023
The King's Daggers has been such an excellent series, and I think the fact that it was written for younger readers was able to allow the series to have a more satisfying ending than some of the other, more mature books in the King's Blades.
This is the third of the King's Daggers, and it is brilliantly told, with the characters making mistakes, believing the wrong things, but still being excellent people and good at what they do. It gives a satisfying conclusion to the characters of Wart and Emerald, and it is full of peril and mystery.
I highly recommend. I would say it is suitable for high school students, though mature kids in middle school could also read it with benefit. And it's still delightful for adult readers.
This is the third of the King's Daggers, and it is brilliantly told, with the characters making mistakes, believing the wrong things, but still being excellent people and good at what they do. It gives a satisfying conclusion to the characters of Wart and Emerald, and it is full of peril and mystery.
I highly recommend. I would say it is suitable for high school students, though mature kids in middle school could also read it with benefit. And it's still delightful for adult readers.
May 19, 2017
Good ending to the trilogy, though it's too bad Duncan didn't come back to his King's Daggers series to send Stalwart and Emerald on another adventure.
May 27, 2017
Better than the first one, this book has a fairly neat ending. And no, I won't tell you what it is.
July 5, 2008
Perfect ending to the trilogy...all authors should do so well!
April 15, 2021
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
July 10, 2016
Nice finish to the Daggers trilogy. Good, solid traditional fantasy. Nothing wrong with that. Fun to read and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews