Knight of the Silver Circle

By: Duncan M. Hamilton

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Dragons have returned after a thousand years, but greater dangers lurk in the shadows....

As the lines between enemy and ally blur, Guillot dal Villerauvais is drawn farther into the life and service he had left far behind. Solène attempts to come to terms with the great magical talent she fears is as much a curse as a blessing, while the Prince Bishop’s quest for power twists and turns, and takes on a life of its own.

With dragons to slay, and an enemy whose grip on the kingdom grows ever tighter, Gill and his comrades must fight to remain true to themselves, while standing at the precipice of a kingdom in peril.

The Dragonslayer Trilogy:

1. Dragonslayer
2. Knight of the Silver Circle
3. Servant of the Crown 

©2019 Duncan M. Hamilton (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

Flawed

Knight of the Silver Circle reminds me of the problems in Hamilton's earlier works - which I hoped would disappear as his writing matured. Some of it are the plot holes, e.g., [spoilers]: why doesn't Guil simply ask his companions if they are responding to dragons and the effects of the cup as he has been? How can the Prince Bishop almost immediately know that the cup has been successfully stolen but remain ignorant about the dragon hunt, especially as the events take place in the same village? Why does Solene dismiss the theft of the cup with apparent nonchalance (as well as the overly convenient death of the seneschal), unconcerned that it likely means Guil is dead? I don't enjoy slogging through long book series where nothing ever seems resolved, but Hamilton has the opposite problem, he glosses over the storytelling. Much like Dragonslayer, it's simply unbelievable that the story advances over the period of a few days, whether it's the Prince Bishop's coup or (especially!) Solene's ability to solve - and find - the mystery of a temple concealed for thousands of years. All fantasy must be approached with the suspension of disbelief, but Hamilton could address the problem by simply "slowing down" and filling in the gaps. The novel is entertaining but I'm glad it was purchased as part of a 2 for 1. I can't give the book more than three stars because I feel Hamilton is lazy with his storytelling.

Vance provides a solid performance as the reader.

I absolutely loved Every Minute

This book was such an adventure from beginning to end. I found myself longing for moments to return back to listen to this epic tale. Filled with magic, dragons and engaging characters — you will not be disappointed. It made me feel like a child brought back to a world of magic and wonder!

Hamilton does it again.

this is an amazing story. I love that it is set in the same world as his other books. He even references one of them. the characters are well created and the performance is naturally amazing because it is performed by Simon Vance. I cannot wait to see what the next book in the series has in store. I think Hamilton is the best fantasy writer in the business right now. What I appreciate the most is that his stories are exciting but they are clean. I feel comfortable listening to them with my children around. Most fiction I cannot do that. Thank you Hamilton for being such an amazing writer and writing a good story that does not rely on unnecessary adult rated content. Your stories are so good, I do not want them to end and I listen to them over and over and over.

Well paced, exciting story

Great continuing story with a superb performance by Simon Vance. Interesting twists and satisfying end setting up for the conclusion. Only complaint is that the books are a bit on the short side. Most highly recommended.

A Tale of Redemption

This series has been a delightful and exciting departure from the myriad “coming of age” stories in the world of epic fantasy. Rather, our primary protagonist is a redemption-seeker. In this second installment, Gil (spelling?) continues on his rocky journey back to chivalry. I am genuinely sad this book is over. And I cannot wait for the third installment.

The story is fun - not overly complex or caught up in itself. There are few characters to care about, but their depth is sufficient that you really do care. And the dragon perspective continues to be fascinating and a clever twist. I enjoyed Duncan Hamilton’s previous books, but this series is his best by far.

great

I thought it was rather well done, I enjoyed both the story and narrater; though that's just my opinion

grand slam!

I have been on a Duncan Hamilton binge. but I have to say this book is exciting and addictive. I am going to start the next book in this series immediately. I can't recommend this book and series more. the wolf of tje north is another great Hamilton creation.

excellent!

Great tension, that pulls you through an incredibly satisfying tale. Wish it had been 2x longer.

Got even better with the second book!

This story was good with the first book, but it got even better in this volume. This story has gotten stronger and I'm really looking forward to the next book. The character development is great, the story has gone in interesting directions and the narration is awesome!

Another phenomenal story from Duncan M. Hamilton

Yet again, I find myself anxious to continue another series by Duncan M. Hamilton. The narrator expertly tells this work. Mr. Vance is truly among the best voice actors/narrators in the business. I thoroughly enjoy these books and recommend them highly.

fantastic

a great story and narrator. a very different take on the usual knight vs dragon story. I can't wait for book three.

Read all three in the series.

GreAt story, akin to the likes of Witcher. The narrator Simon Vance as always brings the characters to life and transports this story to its best level. Fabulous all round.

“Using magic to combat them levels the scales”

Amazing from start to finish! One of my favourite authors who never fails to keep you absorbed in the story all the way through!
Brilliant narration too, with excellent pacing and character voices. Perfectly suited to these books!
I just wish they’d never come to an end!

Excellent

Tbf I'd listen to Simon Vance read the dictionary. The story is also very good, love a dragon.

Great second instalment...

...in the Dragonslayer series. This author & narrator make a really impressive team. I’m looking forward to the next book.

Perfect 2nd book

Duncan M. Hamilton is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors and I will definitely be listening to more of his books. This 2nd book is excellent and sets it up nicely for the final book.

Just what you need

Another great installment. Keeps you wanting from chapter to chapter and delivers each time. Can't wait for the 3rd book!!

Dragon Slayer

Brilliant, on a par with Raymond E First. Well read and portrayed. Looking forward to next episode..