Originally from Scotland, but has lived all his adult life in Western Canada Dave Duncan Enjoyed a long career as a petroleum geologist before taking up writing. He has published more than forty novels, mostly in the fantasy genre, but also young adult, science fiction, and historical. He has at times been Sarah B. Franklin (but only for literary purposes) and Ken Hood (which is short for “D’ye Ken Whodunit?”). He and Janet were married in They have one son and two daughters, who in turn are responsible for a spinoff series of four grandchildren. Dave now lives in Victoria, BC

The Seventh Sword Series Early Stand Alone Books Other Titles by Dave Duncan (Sarah B. Franklin, Ken Hood)

About the Book The Hierarchy, high priests of the religious order the Light, has installed King Ethan as the monarchical figurehead, ruling both the magical kingdom of Albi and its predominant religion. Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Copywrite: 2012 Scattered throughout the land, worshipers in the old ways of the Earth Mother are persecuted as heretics. And when young missionary student Rollo Woodbridge returns home to Albi, he is immediately arrested for heresy and treason, setting off a chain of events that plunges the land into utter chaos.

Rollo Woodbridge The oldest son of the Woodbridge family Went to Xennia, a separate kingdom to study and learn to use his “talents” for the Mother. Arrested for heresy, then imprisoned at Swine Hall where he was tortured until his rescue. Went on to become the premiere missionary known as “John Hawke” traveling around Albi, helping those in need. Arrested again, but his time secreted into the king’s palace to try and heal the king. His guide is Perry, a Peregrine Falcon “John Hawke”

Madeline (Maddie) Woodbridge Only daughter of the Woodbridge family. “Married” off to one of the Lord Mayor’s illigetimate Sons, so he could make a claim to the Woodbridge estate after the brutal attack. Guide is a mouse: ??? Finds a wealthy sponsor to take her away to seek Her revenge. Meets and falls in love with the king’s most Important advisor.

Bram (Brat) Woodbridge Youngest of the Woodbridge Children Has a guide, Smut Survived the attack on his family by a leading minister of the Church of the Light Was a foster child of a woman fanatical in the faith of the Mother Church Discovered he had the talent of fire!

Book Reviews Locus "Unlike Tolkien or C.S. Lewis, Duncan doesn’t portray Evil in the form of some monstrous figure and his bizarre minions with their sights set on our relatively humble world. Human nature provides ample opportunity for misbehavior, and power – secular or religious – only makes it worse. This strips away conventional generic distinctions between Light and Dark. Reduced to small, private rites, the Mother’s sacred Dark can seem benign, while the religion of Light has taken on all the decadence, close-mindedness, and hypocrisy of a faith well past its prime." - Locus The Independent - Marianne Brace This is a moving work which will make many eyes brim. Zusak shows us how small defiances and unexpectedly courageous acts remind us of our humanity. It isn't only Death who is touched. Liesel steals our hearts too. Kirkus Reviews The writing is elegant, philosophical and moving. Even at its length, it's a work to read slowly and savor. Beautiful and important.

Final Comments As I am a fan of the whole Renaissance period, this book reminded me of the battles between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. I liked this book. I like science fantasy type books so this was a good one. I am now reading another book by this author entitled Daughter of Troy.