Dave Duncan

[Keyoke]

Has anyone read any other books by this fine authors besides the Blades series?

I've only read one other, The Cursed, which I thought was fantastic.

Though, from what I have read on his books, he seems to be quite a innovative fantasy writer. His books don't seem all that 'formulatic.'

Any thoughts??

Keyoke

Btw - Dave DUncan is from Calgary, AB, where I reside!

[DarthV]

I've read The Great Game trilogy and I liked it. Interesting premise... people that are not on their native world can absorb something akin to mana/ki that allows them to have powers...

[Lani]

I just recently read West of January by Dave Duncan and I found it very interesting and original. It actually almost hinted to be sci-fi in the same way C.S. Friedman's trilogy is. Well, there are really no other parallels to C.S. Friedman though. The story had some very interesting races and a great character development especially for the main character. Of course Duncan's work never lacks action and I think the book was very nice. I do have to admit though that I still prefer Cursed to this book, but then I really liked the ideas there.

[Keyoke]

I loved The Cursed. I wish he had continue with more books placed in that world.

Keyoke

[Richardb]

His original (and he considers his best) series the 7th Sword was a lot of fun. Hard to come by, but available POD or used. The Man of His word series (the first series and second) are both really excellent. The original man of his word books are POD and used only, the second series is still available on Amazon. I actually like his old stuff better than the Blades stuff by far.

[Keyoke]

I'm fortunate that I have both the 7th Sword, and the Man of his Word series in paperback. Being in Calgary, it helps. His books seem a little more common to find (Espically via the used bookstores).

For some reason, I feel like reading some a lil different, a lil lighter. I read the first Man of his Word series, and liked it. But, it's been so long. THough, 7th sword looks interesting, and I've heard only positive stuff about it.

Keyoke

[Lani]

I own the second Man of His Word series and I really enjoyed them when I read them. Now thinking on it though, they seem a bit more juvenile than other Duncan's works. I don't know about the first series...

[Rob B]

I've read all of his King's Blades novels and really, really enjoyed them. Good plot pacing, strong characterization. Flat-out good storytelling.

[TIPoP 0.141]

I've read the Great Game trilogy and really enjoyed them. I found it very hard to get a copy of the last book though. Not many places seem to stock his work.

[Beldaran]

I read his The 7th sword and I must say that I liked it quite much... I think he has made a nice job creating the plot and the charachters(sp?) there!

I strongly recommend those books
here are the titels of the books in the 7th sword:
1. reluctant swordsman
2. learning of the lesson
3. The destiny of the sword

[Keyoke]

I'm reading the second book of the Man of his Word series, and, I am enjoying it greatly. Alot more.. complicated than the back of the book write up states.

I figured it was going to be rather simple story, but, not at all.

I read the first book many moons ago, and just decided to finish the series off.

So far so good.

Keyoke

[Lani]

I find that The Tale of King's Blade series is quite different from the older stuff by Duncan. The 7th Sword, Man of His Word, and West of January seem to have a distinctly different feel to them than the latest books... Maybe it has something to do with experience... does anyone notice it as well.

Also, Did you know that Dave Duncan wrote some things with a pen name Ken Hood. I know there is at least one book "Demon Sword" written under that name. Anyone read that?

[Talvalin]

I like Dave Duncan's work, but he hasn't been consistent to my mind.

I read The Great Game a few years ago, loved it, and then moved on to the first three King's Blades novels. Those were a mixed bag. The Gilded Chain was excellent, Lord of the Fire Lands was average, and Sky Of Swords was somewhere in between (the paradox he introduced was interesting, and the resolution was ultimately unexpected). Duncan's world-building and especially his magic systems are wonderfully inventive, and are the best thing about his work.

I tried reading A Man of his Word but got bogged down and found that I was forcing myself to read the last couple of books. In the end, I gave up on Emperor and Clown as the series had consisted of Rap and Inos being separated and then spending the entire time chasing each other all over the world. I got fed up with it.

But, I had engaged in a buying frenzy that year and so I already own The Seventh Sword trilogy and A Handful of Men. I'll probably get around to reading the former judging from the comments here.

[cgw]

I just finished Past Imperative (the 1st of The Great Game). I like it well enough to read the next book.
Does anyone see the similarity in concept with the Swords trilogy by Saberhagen?
I'd like to enter the cover in the worst cover contest.
Dave Duncan has been hovering just below my radar since I read A Rose Red City in the 80's. I think I though it was OK but obviously did not follow up.

[Mithfânion]

I've not read the Chaos duology but I am looking forward to the new standalone coming out in August called Ill met in the Arena. Synopsis:

For centuries the nobility of Aureity have been breeding their children for psychic power. When their sons reach manhood, they enter the arena to prove their strength in a series of magical duels. The winner is offered honor, high office, and lifelong pairing with a woman of high rank, so his entire future life and the quality of his descendants depend on his success.

Two of the contestants in the tournament at Bere Parochian do not fit the pattern. Humate of Alfet is an adolescent, too young to have taken the proper training. But Humate has special reasons for trying to jump the line and he is a scion of an imperial family. His bloodlines have given him incredible power, and he relies on that alone to master any grown man he is likely to meet in the games.

The other is Quirt of Mundil, an older man, who proved himself a champion in his youth and has now returned to the arena with his own secret agenda. He cannot hope to match the boy in sheer strength but he knows all the tricks.

This time there is more than a winner's crown at stake--there is atrocity and revenge. There is even a possible war, and there is the hand of a lady.