The Dagger and the Coin
| Company type | Book series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Daniel Abraham |
| Products | Fantasy novels |
| Website | www |
The Dagger and the Coin is a high fantasy novel series authored by American writer Daniel Abraham. The initial book, The Dragon's Path, was published in 2011, and the series concluded with The Spider's War in 2016.
This saga delves into how unprepared individuals ascend to positions of authority and how they learn to exercise their power. It also investigates the decisive factor in warfare: whether it is brute military strength, symbolized by "the dagger," or economic power, represented by "the coin."
The Dragon's Path
After capturing the Free City of Vanai, Sir Geder Palliako, a relatively obscure knight in the Imperial Antean Army, assumes the role of Protector. His poor leadership results in famine and civil unrest, ultimately leading to the city's downfall. Upon his triumphant return to Camnipol, Geder uncovers the existence of the Cult of the Spider Goddess and its priest Basrahip.
Cithrin bel Sarcour, entrusted by the Medean Bank in Vanai as their ward, is assigned to transfer the bank’s holdings to Carse. During her journey, she establishes a new branch in Porte Oliva.
Sir Dawson Kalliam, a nobleman and childhood companion of King Simeon, discovers a conspiracy aimed at assassinating Prince Aster, heir apparent to the Antean throne.
Captain Marcus Wester, once a celebrated war hero turned mercenary, joins a caravan tasked with escorting Cithrin as they escape Vanai ahead of its siege.
Clara Annalise Kalliam, Dawson’s spouse, supports efforts to investigate threats against Prince Aster.
Master Kit leads an acting troupe based in Vanai before eventually joining Marcus’s caravan fleeing imminent siege.
The King's Blood
Cithrin’s efforts to establish the new bank branch in Porte Oliva face significant challenges to her authority. She visits Komme Medean, owner of the bank, who directs her to Camnipol amid ongoing civil strife.
Dawson Kalliam commands Antean forces during the siege of Asterilhold and uncovers the expanding influence of priests from the Spider Goddess cult—a menace to his conservative ideals.
After revealing conspirators plotting against Prince Aster, Geder Palliako rises to Regent but estranges many nobles by heeding Basrahip’s advice, igniting civil war.
Marcus Wester initially protects the Medean bank in Porte Oliva but departs to assist Cithrin amid turmoil in Camnipol.
Clara Annalise Kalliam endeavors to preserve her family’s noble reputation throughout the civil unrest.
Master Kit’s former acting troupe aids Cithrin during Camnipol’s upheaval while he pursues actions against the Spider Goddess cult.
The Tyrant's Law
Milo of Order Murro reaches adulthood and uncovers a secret unique to his Order.
Clara Annalise Kalliam, now Dawson's disgraced widow, adjusts to life away from the Antean court and works covertly to weaken Lord Regent Geder Palliako’s regime.
Sir Geder Palliako, protector of Prince Aster and Imperial Antea’s regent, leads Antean forces against the Timzinae while investigating those behind an assassination attempt on the prince. Each victory on the battlefield prolongs the conflict and expands the Spider Goddess priests’ influence.
Cithrin bel Sarcour trains under Magistra Isadau at Komme Medean Bank’s Suddapal branch, managing preparations for an approaching Antean army while navigating Geder Palliako's romantic pursuits.
Marcus Wester collaborates with Master Kit on missions seeking weapons capable of defeating the Cult of the Spider Goddess.
Inys awakens from a prolonged slumber into a world transformed.
The Widow's House
Inys faces a transformed reality, potentially influenced by his earlier deeds.
Clara Kalliam persists in her secret resistance against Geder’s administration, all while upholding her allegiance to both her family and the Severed Throne.
Having evaded Geder’s pursuit and the Suddapal military, Cithrin bel Sarcour makes her way back to Port Oliva, utilizing her expertise to oppose Geder and forge strategic partnerships.
Annoyed by Cithrin’s disruptions, Geder commands his troops to capture her within Port Oliva.
Marcus Wester awakens a dragon and continues his efforts to weaken Geder’s control alongside Kit, maintaining his vigilance over the Medean Bank.
Karol Dannien prepares for a counteroffensive against Antean forces by advancing toward Camnipol.
The Spider's War
Ovur, a priest devoted to the spider goddess, adopts a perspective on truth and doctrine that diverges from Basrahip’s teachings.
Marcus Wester joins forces with Clara Kalliam to facilitate the Antean army’s return to Camnipol and schemes to dismantle the spider goddess priesthood.
Cithrin resumes her responsibilities at the Medean Bank before heading back to Camnipol to assist in removing the priests’ influence.
Clara Kalliam travels with Captain Wester and the Antean troops back to Camnipol, confronting the harsh reality that one of her sons serves as a priest of the spider goddess—necessitating his elimination to conclude the conflict.
Geder Palliako finds himself grappling with conflicting intelligence from his priests and military leaders regarding the war’s progress.
Damond Glas remains stationed in Borja, tasked with preventing infiltration by spider goddess priests.
Vicarion Kalliam assumes priestly duties in Porte Oliva after its capture, striving to reconcile his beliefs with those of fellow priest Kurrik.
Duris is assigned to the Antean garrison in Nus, defending against threats posed by Timzinae forces.
A swift courier delivers news as priests Kurrik and others return from Porte Oliva to Camnipol; Sir Raillien escorts them from Asinport while Coppin secures Kavinpol following their departure.
Inys recovers from injuries sustained in battle and plans forthcoming strategies.
Kit reflects on his next steps after recent clashes with the spider goddess cult.
Karol Dannien readies his troops for renewed combat against Antean forces at Camnipol.
Point of view chapters
| POV character | Dragon | King | Tyrant | Widow | Spider | Sum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sir Geder Palliako | 14 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 51 |
| Cithrin bel Sarcour | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 54 |
| Dawson Kalliam | 9 | 9 | 18 | |||
| Marcus Wester | 9 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 50 |
| Clara Annalise Kalliam | 2 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 9 | 40 |
| Master Kit | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 | ||
| Milo | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Inys | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | ||
| Karol Dannien | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Ovur | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Damond Gias | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Vicarian Kalliam | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Duris | 1 | 1 | ||||
| Messenger, Kurrik, Sir Raillien & Coppin |
1 | 1 | ||||
| Total (characters) | 47 (6) | 46 (6) | 45 (6) | 45 (6) | 45 (11) | 228 (14) |
Novel details
| Title | Page Count | Publication Date | ISBN |
|---|
| 1 | The Dragon's Path | 555 | April 7, 2011 | 1841498874 |
| 2 | The King's Blood | 501 | May 22, 2012 | 1841498890 |
| 3 | The Tyrant's Law | 497 | May 14, 2013 | 0316080705 |
| 4 | The Widow's House | 495 | August 5, 2014 | 031620398X |
| 5 | The Spider's War | 492 | March 8, 2016 | 0316204056 |