Description:

The moment Prince Edoran hears these words from Weasel's trusted friend Justice Holis, Edoran knows he has to fi nd a way to rescue Weasel, who has been kidnapped in Edoran's place.

Edoran's task is far from easy. Life-threatening challenges greet him at every step as he searches for Weasel, forced to hide his true identity from all he meets along the way. The journey is full of surprises and revelations, as Edoran learns for the fi rst time the real meaning of hard labor and the cost of a meal. The story builds to a stunning climax, where the true nature of the magical objects of Deorthas is at last revealed.

Fans of acclaimed fantasy author Hilari Bell will not be disappointed with this action-packed conclusion to the mesmerizing Shield, Sword, and Crown trilogy.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6–10—This book picks up where Sword of Waters (S & S, 2008) leaves off as Prince Edoran runs away from his palace in order to try to save the life of his only true friend, Weasel. Along the way, he joins forces with Arisa, whose mother, the Falcon, is threatening to take over the kingdom. Edoran allows himself to be captured by his former tutor, but escapes with the help of one of the Hidden of the old religion. He is spirited away to a fishing village where he learns that being a pampered prince is not the life he wants. Fate brings all three friends together again, and Edoran has the chance to save his friends and his kingdom, and truly embrace his destiny. This book stands on its own; by the end of the first chapter, the previous events are explained and the current story is satisfying enough to capture readers' attention. At first, the prince is portrayed as a selfish, spoiled brat but his character develops through the trials he encounters and he matures. The plot moves quickly, and though Arisa and Weasel are given little attention here, their personalities were fleshed out in the earlier titles. In the end, all major problems are solved, the prince is ready to accept his life, and plans for a better future for all are in the works.—Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA END

From Booklist

Picking up just where the previous volume in The Shield, Sword and Crown series, Sword of Waters (2008), left off, this strong conclusion to the trilogy sends spoiled young prince Edoran (disguised as a commoner) and his sharp-tongued friend Arisa to the rescue of their kidnapped colleague, Weasel. Narrow escapes and sudden turns of fortune ensue as Edoran learns to be a leader, to make hard decisions, and also actually to pay for meals while his magical kingly abilities mature. Grades 5-8. --John Peters