Product Description
New York Times bestselling author of In the King's Service

Alaric Morgan has been pledged to the king's service. His Deryni blood makes him ideal to safeguard the Haldane kings and ensure that Prince Brion shall have the protection of his hereditary magic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

fills holes but lacks excitement/energy
Katherine Kurtz's first Deryni series introducing the land of Gwynneth and its young, just-made King Kelson and his advisor Alaric Morgan is a justifiably acclaimed fantasy classic.Since that first trilogy, Kurtz has given us several series of books dipping into Gwynneth's far history as well as Kelson's near future. While, as is true of just about any such multi-volume fantasy series, there have been some stumbles here and there, for the most part Kurtz has maintained the high level of quality set by that first trilogy, especially with regard to the Camber of Culdi series set in the distant past.
Childe Morgan is the second in the series that falls right before that first trilogy when King Kelson takes his place as ruler, helped by Alaric Morgan and others.Like the first book in this grouping, In the King's Service, Childe Morgan suffers from a feeling of it being a "fill-in-the-gap" novel, one whose plot and characters are pre-determined by previous novels.As such, it lacks much of the passion and excitement of King Kelson's earlier books or the Culdi series (which was set so far in the past that only broad strokes of plot had to be accommodated).
The first book suffered from trying to "catch up" the reader on many, many years, so we were hurled through decades and the emotional impact of that novel was stunted by the short shrift given to any particular event or character.Childe Morgan, on the other hand, is much more focused in terms of many fewer years covered (only a couple) and many fewer characters involved.Unfortunately, though, it still feels more like one wandered into a theater a few hours early--the stage is being set, props are put into their needed places, lights shift from place to place quickly practicing where they'll be focusing later, characters pop on and off stage practicing their entrances for later important scenes, cue lines are rehearsed that will eventually lead into moving dialogue. But not here, not yet.
As if often the case with prequel storylines, the book also suffers a bit from been-there-done-that.If you've read the previous Deryni novels, and while this series stands independent it would be a mistake to read it alone or first, you've already seen the scenes involving a king frustrated by his inability to deal with a recalcitrant clergy, an interrupted ceremony of power, the death of a child, the assassination attempt on a king, the death of a major character, a young boy with a preternatural sense of bearing, etc.They aren't done badly here, not at all, but they feel like shadows of what has come before--less substantive, less moving.It also doesn't help that the major characters her fans will be most interested in (Alaric, King Brion--Kelson's father) are too young to do much through most of the book--Brion reaching only 14 and Alaric remaining a toddler.
There is also, as one has to expect by now, a lot of ritual. In fact, the rituals structure the novel as we move in time through various knighting rituals, coming-of-age rituals, marriages, births, oaths of fealty, raising of a new archbishop, etc.Nobody does ritual like Kurtz, but I'd be lying if I said I read every single word of every single ritual.
While this sounds like a pretty negative review, the book actually was an enjoyable and quick read (ok, more quick since I didn't read every ritual litany).The pacing is even and moves along quickly, dotted as it is by slow rituals.There are exciting moments and moving moments.It isn't at all a bad book or even a mediocre one; it pales mostly in comparison to its strong relatives. But it does feel like a placeholder book; I'm not sure it will rivet anyone or move them fully.Though fans of her work will be stirred not by the action itself but by what it portends.When we read of early Deryni burnings or watch clerics plotting, what excites us more than these particular events is what we know they lead to.
For that reason, and because it does fill in some interesting gaps of knowledge, I recommend the book for any Kurtz fans.It doesn't reach the level of many of her previous works, but it will tide you over nicely and whet your appetite for the closer-to-home and more exciting events that are just waiting in the wings--Brion's battles with the church and the Torenthi, the soon-to-come purges of the Deryni, Morgan's ascension into power, along with his cousin.I'm certainly looking forward to the next book. For people who haven't read Kurtz yet, this is not the place to start.Pick up book one of her first trilogy (Deryni Rising) and be prepared to read many more; you won't want to stop.

Childe Morgan
I can't read these anymore. Katherine Kurtz has way too many deaths of children in her books. I hope she's going somewhere with all this, because every book seems to give the Deryni less hope, what's the freakin' point?

Another disapppointing killing spree
I had high hopes for this book, but was terribly disappointed. The plot (what little there is of it) is BORING and gets bogged down in day to day details.The ritual scenes (which are one of this author's strongest points) are short and come way late in the book, and as has become typical of Katherine's writing, the last third of the bookis a slaughter with nearly EVERYBODY dying.It's almost as though she gets bored with her characters and "off with their heads".This has become a typical pattern with her writing and it's getting VERY old.I'd love to see a return to the early style of Deryni novels where there are occasional deaths, which are necessary to the story, wonderful ritual/magic scenes, complex characters and intricate plots.Lately, she hasn't been delivering on the promise of her earlier works. Very disappointing.

Fleshed out version
I came late to seeing this book, as a paperback in fact. The blurb pages say "Devoted fans of the Deryni will enjoy seeing this fleshed-out version of the original trilogy's back story". Despite the fact that I enjoyed the original novels, and Ms. Kurtz definitely *can* write a good story, nothing much really happens: the non-talented hate the supermen, Alaric Morgan's sisters go to college, King Donal has not long to live and 4-yr old Alaric Morgan's mother dies.

Childe Morgan
A little too much rewriting to make it fit into the older books, and of course, what can one say about Alaric Morgan as a child?So, most of it is just filling in the gaps as we get close to the beginning of the Deryni saga.It is interesting, but might be difficult for one who has not read any of the other books, and there are a LOT of them. I would be more interested in furthering the King Kelson years (when Alaric is grown and married as is Kelson).
Linda Sheean ... Read more

Product Description
Camber was the greatest of the Deryni who wanted to retire. But it was not to be. The kingdom of Gwynedd groaned under the tyranny of Imre and his sister and mistress, Ariella. And when Camber learned that Cinhil Haldane, a descendant of the previous kings, still lived, he was determined to set him on the throne in place of the evil ones....
... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Some "Deryni-Druids" may survive as "Culdi-Christians" +++
Katherine Kurtz has penned many fine novels in her Deryni/Culdi world. Most present excellent sword-and-sorcery intrigue in a setting that moderately parallels our actual Christian Medieval Catholic era -- yet, in a strongly Celtic-British centered way.

But, in addition to very finely balanced interwoven psionic-magic usage [like "The Faith" plus-or-minus "The Force"], her world is like a compressed fantastic Occident -- as if Celtic-Britain was in direct landscape continuum with Western, Northern and Eastern Europe -- as well as Saracen desert -- with a strong focus on various Dark Age Celtic Christian [Culdi] aspects.

These finely interwoven sword-and-sorcery intrigues are vivid, lively and colorful -- as one enters the times of deep challenge, dark tragedy and fair victory of the believable easy-to-like heros and heroines. "Camber of Culdi" [and Camber of Culdi] is one of the best +++

Best of the Deryni Books
Camber, a man torn between his sense of duty and his sense of right and wrong, the Deryni lord who led the war to end the tyranny of his kind and restore a human king to the throne of Gwynedd. Now he must witness the consequences of his moral act as the humans, now in control of the kingdom and the church, systematically strip all Deryni of power, title, land, and humanity. This may be a fantasy novel, but it brilliantly and starkly illustrates the horrors of fanaticism, intolerance, and oppression. It is a dark and tragic book(no escapism here!), and its emotional impact will stay with the reader forever. If you've ever longed for a fantasy with REAL depth, then read this series.

Camber is real enough to sit beside me while I write this...
Or so it seems.I've been a fan of Katherine Kurtz' work for quite some time.I read this book first, since it was chronological in her canon, but it was not her first book of the Deryni series.The feeling of mystery and mysticism are very strong in all Kurtz' works, but I find her Camber series books to be the most intriguing. The characters of Camber and his family are so beautifully and intricately described that you can almost feel their presence in the room with you as you're reading. The plot and all its convoluted intrigues are finely wrought and believable, as long as you suspend belief, of course, in the ordinary course of things.Kurtz' world, so much like ours of the medieval period, fools you for a moment into thinking it's just a Dark Ages religious story.Then the magic is woven, subtly, lovingly, into the story. The religious aspects are very detailed and clearly are based on Catholic theology, but diverge when the magic enters.But the magic only heightens the solemnity of the faith, not detracts from it.Some people have criticized Kurtz and others like her for toying with the Catholic faith, but I see she means no disrespect, but instead, reveres the faith.Most of all, her Deryni stories are moral tales denouncing religious and ethnic persecution.This is really the essence of her work.Read them for the power of faith over prejudice.

Good, but not flawless
I have to admit that I was a little nervous when I started reading this book. One of the things that drew me into the other Deryni books that I've read was the characters, but this book is the start of the prequels to the two series that I've already read, and is set approximately two hundred years earlier. It involves a whole different set of characters, most of whom I had never heard of and those that I had were only legends in the books I had already read. Would they be able to draw me in the way the characters in the other books had? What if I didn't like them? Would I be able to enjoy this book as much as I had enjoyed the other series that I had read?

Fortunately, my fears were unfounded. The characters in Camber of Culdi drew me in perhaps even more rapidly than the ones in the other Deryni novels I'd read. In particular, I liked Evaine, and not just because she represents a group that seems to be lacking in most fantasy novels-strong females. That was, of course, part of it, but I also found her to be an endearing character in her own right.

Most of the other characters were similarly endearing, though Evaine was my favorite, which really drew me into the book. It only took a few chapters for me to genuinely care about what happened to these people.

I will, however, admit that most of the characterization was not terribly complex. It seemed that the bad guys were bad and the good guys were good and there is only one character that I can think of off the top of my head that was really a mixture, only one that I couldn't tell if I was supposed to like or not. I found that to be a little disturbing, because while generally a person is predominately good or evil, most people do have some demeaning or redeeming qualities, and I found those to be far and few between.

One thing in the book that I have very mixed feelings about is the use of magic. On the one hand, I enjoyed seeing the spells that were only legend in Kelson's time actually be used, but on the other hand the integration of magic with the Church was even stronger here than in the books that take place later, and I found that to be a bit disturbing. The Church in this world is a Christian Church, basically the Catholic Church, though it's never actually called Catholic, and it was disturbing to have Christian Saints invoked for magical spells. I'm not a practicing Christian, but I was raised Christian, and I can definitely see how this would be disturbing to someone who was a practicing Christian.

However, I do think that the inclusion of the Church made the world seem more real. Religion does play a big roll in the lives of many people and so many fantasy writers completely ignore it. I liked the added realism and the similarities with an existing religion did make it easier to relate to than some completely made-up religion.

I thought that the plot of this book, while enjoyable, was its weakest point. There were several things that just happened too easily for me to readily accept them and there were a few rather obvious holes in the plot as well. It wasn't anything that ruined the book, but there were places that left me wondering why or how and other places that just seemed too easy, but never turned out to be that way. It seemed that the Deryni magic, though well done in terms of how it worked, was fallen back upon a little too often and just made a few things a little too simple to accomplish.

Still, I thought that the characters more than made up for that lack, keeping me interested in reading even through the jarring plot moments because I truly did want to know what happened to them and how things worked out in the end.

Classic historical fantasy book that almost hides its age.
This was a re-read for me. I had been a fan of the Deryni books many years ago and had read most of the series. When I saw Camber of Culdi on the shelf, I picked it up out of curiosity to see if it would inspire me to circle back around and pick up the books that I hadn't yet read.

I am pleased to report that this first book in the series holds up well under time. Kurtz is a master at creating a sense of foreboding. Unlike many writers in the fantasy genre, you always have the feeling in her world that you might not be getting a happy ending. This is a rare talent, and gives her work its own kind of attractive tension.

For the modern reader the largest drawback of Camber of Culdi is its length. The books were released at a time when the average book length was significantly shorter than now, and the result was often multi-book series. The titles in these series often have the feeling of being either a little bit overstuffed or a little bit thin. I really enjoyed Camber of Culdi. However, as a modern reader used to being served my fantasy in larger chunks, I felt frustrated that it was forced very quickly to a kind of resolution. Had Kurtz been working in a longer form, I think we would have seen some much more interesting development of the political and religious threads which are among the major strength of the book.

If you have not read any of the Deryni books, be sure to begin here. The necessary background is laid for the rest of the series and you will miss it if you do not have it. This book should appeal to fans of historical fantasy or people interested in the link between religion and magic. Although adult situations are implied, it should be both suitable and enjoyable for teenagers. ... Read more

Product Description
This sequel to "The Temple and the Stone" features the Knights Templar, medieval warrior monks with magical powers. In 1306, as Edward I of England challenges Scottish freedom fighters and France's Philip IV usurps control of the papacy, both kings are puppets of the Order of the Black Swan. The order's true goal is to capture the sacred relics guarded by the mystic Knights. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Better than the First
I did not like the first book at all and not sure why I read the second, I guess that I am just stubborn that way.I really enjoyed the concept of following Robert the Bruce through his consolidation of power.The Scottish Monarchy is a fascinating story and one in which I have ordered a history book about to read the whole story.What I didn't like about this book was that the battle between good and evil was too simplistic.When situations got bad for Bruce or the Templars there was no real action or plot to save them, the Templars just prayed about it and some divine intervention would take care of the problem. I simply didn't like the fact that it was that easy.I guess that I was looking for more drama or action from the divine forces.A demon in rings doing mans bidding in a war against the Templars (I would have thought the church as a whole would have been a better target for this concept).The Templar order falling apart from within was interesting and maybe I don't know enough about their real history to appreciate their treatment in this work.This was not my favorite piece of historical fiction.

I liked it a lot-But I might not be typical
I thought this book was a really good historical fantasy. Atmospheric, well researched, creative, etc.
But. I'm interested in Scottish history, history in general, and occultism. I have books upon books.
Katherine Kurtz is awesome as a writer, and I agree with the person above who said it feels like you are there. It's part of how she makes the story work. The more farfetched mysticism feels real because of the way she describes it and the whole scene.
But if you are not interested in history-you might get a bit lost. To say the least.

FANTASTIC!!!!
I spent last night in Bannockburn with Robert Bruce and a group of outlawed Templar Knights. I watched in awe as they routed the army of Edward of England. Actually I've spent the last week following these men around the world...To France, Scotland, and even under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. And now that the adventure is over and Robert is King, I will miss our time together.

If I sound like Robert and his Templar friends are personal friends, you may be right. In their latest collaberation Kurtz and Harris have created their best story yet. They skilfully weave fact and fiction in this tale of Scottish independence and the downfall of the Knights Templar.

Much has been speculated about these mysterious warrior monks. When Philip of France orchestrated their downfall in 1307 he expected to find great stashes of gold and other valuables. However, when the king's men invaded the Templar Chapter Houses, the vaults were empty. Not one ounce of the Templar's reputed wealth has surfaced even to this day. What better place to stage a novel than in the middle of an unsolved mystery?

We follow Arnault St. Clair as he struggles with forces both physical and spiritual to put Robert Bruce on the Scottish throne and to provide a place for his displaced Brethren. The book is full of battles, politics, spiritual evil, and spiritual good. It is fast paced and full of characters one can actually identify with.

I hated to come to the end of this novel. That is the highest compliment I can pay to any book. I just hope that the story will go on.....and on......and on..... ... Read more

Product Description
The classic novel that introduced the Deryni—and launched Kurtz’s career.

For more than thirty years, the Deryni Chronicles have transported readers to a world of secret sorcery and courtly intrigue. Now fans of the series can revel anew in the dawning of an epic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

I don't see whats to like about this book
I picked up this book on a recommendation of a complete stranger that i met at a book store.i was looking for a good book and he said that this was one of his favorates.So I took it home and started the book.The beginning of the book has some promise, but as it goes along, it becomes painfully boring.The author gives you just enough detail to where you can imagine what is going on but that is all.So, i held on to the idea that this was someones favorate book and continued to read...it remained boring.Its only saving grace is that the last chapter was pretty entertaining, but no where near amazing.The epic battle between the young prince and the evil woman reminded me of Merlin vs Mad Madam Mim from the Sword in the stone cartoon.my $.02

Almost like fantasy (except without the imagination or adventure parts)
The Deryni series is an endless march of trilogies produced by popular fantasy author Katherine Kurtz. The first three - Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate and High Deryni - were published between 1970 and 1973.

The books chronicle the "adventures" of young King Kelson and his right-hand superman, Morgan. Both are Deryni - a race of more-human-than-human people with continuously astounding psychic powers.

Kelson is continually menaced (but never actually threatened) by a series of enemies - human, Deryni, ecclesiastical, familial, etc. However, between Morgan's awe-inspiring ability to generate new psychic abilities on the fly and other deus ex machina devices, there's not really anything approaching tension or concern.

Broad brushstroke failings aside, this series was also terrible in a lot of specific ways:

First, the setting is an uncomfortable combination of genero-Celtic and the high middle ages - with all the worst trappings of both (conveniently anachronistic gender relations, ponderous religious dogma, unpronounceable names, a devotion to describing clothing...). The Deryni series is often poorly classified as 'Middle Ages fantasy', which is to say, the climate is vaguely Earth-like (even if the geography isn't), the society is vaguely composed from an SCA handbook, and the people are all painfully Christian. Actual historical merit does not feature.

Second, the characters are all - without exception - vaguely conflicted, unevolving and dull. The men (and occasional women) you meet on the first page are the same by the end of the book. Expectations of growth - or even the occasional difference - will only lead to further disappointment.

Third, nothing ever happens.

Fourth, and most important, magical duels take the form of two people squaring off and yelling rhyming poetry at one another. This even bores the author - that duels are written as two exceedingly painful pages of bad poetry and then conclude with a paragraph blandly stating that "more spellcasting followed".Poetry in fantasy is the bastard child of boring and pretentious - raised in the nursery of stupid and then invariably sent off to the school of badly written. And this isn't easily-escapable blocks of Tolkien-esque sing-song bollocks, Kurtz's poetry is what passes for conflict in these books. Lesson learned: when two Deryni fight, the only one that loses is the reader.

3.5 stars: Classic high epic fantasy
Katherine Kurtz is truly a mistress of fantasy -- she's been writing high epic fantasy for 40 years and should be considered one of the post-Tolkien "parents" of our genre.

The setting of the Deryni saga is an alternate medieval Europe (clearly analogous to our medieval England and Wales) and the Deryni are a magical race who look just like, and can interbreed with, humans. They have been persecuted for years by the Church (clearly meant to be our medieval Catholic church) and most people with Deryni blood choose to hide and/or deny their lineage and magical powers.

The plot is simple: in the prologue, King Brion (King of Gwynned) is killed by the evil Deryni sorceress Charissa who wants his throne. Charissa plans to challenge Brion's 14-year old son (and heir) Kelson to a magical duel during Kelson's coronation. If she wins, no one can stop her from making herself ruler of Gwynned. Kelson and his friends must decode Brion's poetic message and find the objects and information required to unleash Kelson's magical powers before he has to face Charissa. Charissa has some minions to help her, including one who's highly placed in Kelson's regency council.

I've been meaning to read Deryni for years, and I wish I had started earlier because now I realize that I came to it too late. The beginning of this massive epic was published "before my time" and so I missed it when I'm sure it would have seemed fresh and new. Now, reading Deryni Rising as an adult, it just seems old-fashioned.

First of all, the writing is not particularly vivid in this first novel (I flipped through a later book and noticed that the writing was much more polished, as would be expected). The omniscient narrator jumps around from point-of-view to point-of-view, explaining everyone's thoughts and motives and leaving no room for mystery, suspense, or the chance for me to deduce something on my own. For a 12th century medieval setting, there was also some jarring modern word usage (and even a couple of Americanisms) in the dialogue: "itemizing," "far-fetched," "parameters," "invalidated," "interface," "calculating," "variables," "capitalized." I was mentally thrust out of the story every time I read one of those.

Secondly, while Kelson is quite likeable and Morgan, his Deryni advisor, is actually intriguing, most of the characters are two-dimensional. The good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad. There is no in-between.

These are minor complaints and I should temper them by saying that I am sure I would have liked Deryni Rising if I had read it when I was 14. The writing was clear, the characters likeable, and the adventure was interesting. Particularly thought-provoking was the idea that the Catholic church might be able to live side-by-side with "the Occult" if the Deryni used their God-given powers for good instead of evil. If further Deryni novels explore this idea (and I'll bet they do), I will be tempted to pick them up.

I recommend Deryni Rising for those who enjoy YA fantasy. I can't speak for how appropriate the sequels are, but Deryni Rising can act as a stand-alone novel since there is no cliff-hanger at the end (thank you for that, Mrs. Kurtz!).

Stood the test of time
Deryni Rising by Katherine Kurtz is the first novel in the Deryni Chronicles. After reading the introduction of this book, I was surprised at two things. The first being that I had never heard of Ms. Kurtz before. The second being that I had never heard of this series, or book, before. After finding this novel in a bargain bookstore and reading the back blurb I thought I would give the book, and author, a chance. Here are my thoughts on the novel.

The plot of this book is in the traditional fantasy vein. However, being that this book has been around for along time, that seems to be expected. The plot revolves around a boy, Kelson, who is the prince of Gwynedd. Due to circumstance beyond his control he is forced to take control of the kingdom. His first decision is to call back the long exiled Morgan. Throughout the book there are a series of people trying to prevent him from taking full control. Of course, there are also the archetype, clichéd, characters as well. Being that this book is some thirty years old, I can not fault these archetype characters as much as newer novels. In terms of plot lines and story, there really isn't anything here that most fantasy fans haven't read before. The beauty of this book though lies in it's simplicity. There is no fluff, and it doesn't try to be anything that it's not. It is a solid story that held my interest.

The characters in this book, Kelson and Morgan, are solid interesting characters. I would have liked to see the fleshing out of other characters though. The story is largely about Kelson and Morgan, the other characters seem to just be there to further the other two characters. Even the villain of the story, Charissa, lacks much interest because she is largely absent during the majority of the story. The dialogue in this book is pretty good, but also rather predictable as well. Aside from Kelson and Morgan though, the majority of the characters seemed forgettable and average.

A few criticisms about this novel:

1 - The lack of secondary characters. I would have liked to see additional characters fleshed out. I think it would have added an extra element to the overall story. A mysterious villain is okay, but it needs to be done in such a way that the reader is still given some information about the villain. I didn't feel that was the case here.

2 - The linear plot. Again, I understand that this book is over thirty years old, however, the plot really seemed one dimensional. This could be due to the lack of sub-plots as well. There seemed to be considerable room for sub-plots but they simply aren't there.

Some things I really liked about this novel:

1 - The prose. It has a nice, fluid feel to it. It actually almost feels as though I have been reading Ms. Kurtz'z books for a long time. The is just enough description to give me an idea of her vision without overburdening me with needless details.

2 - I really like how this book goes against the grain of fantasy books being released right now. It is only a 261 page story. Some authors writing today seem to think longer is better, that is not always the case. This book is to the point and doesn't stray from it's goal.

While I enjoyed this book, and it continued to hold my interest I am left thinking that this book may be more appreciated by fans that are new to the genre. Fans that are well read in the fantasy genre may not appreciate this book as much. For a book that is thirty years old though, this one has truly stood the test of time. After looking around briefly on the internet it appears that Ms. Kurtz is still writing books in this world, so I will be sure to check them out. It seems I have a lot of reading to do to catch up, but that is a good thing. For fantasy fans looking for a quick read I would recommend this one.

Not Free SF Reader
In a Welsh type fantasy kingdom, magic exists, and, of course, runs in the blood of the nobility, hence they get to be in charge.

Their version of the Catholic Church is also powerful, so this is a cause for conflict, church versus the royals, and church vs magic.

This all leads up to a violent ritual confrontation over the right to be in charge, by the end, as a new prince has to establish himself after the dead of his old man.


... Read more

Product Description
In this first book of an all-new Deryni trilogy,New York Times bestselling author Katherine Kurtz takes readers back in time--before King Kelson's bride...before King Kelson's birth... when the magical Deryni blood was sought by the most powerful men and women in the kingdom of Gwynedd. Back when a man named Donal ruled over all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

In The King's Service by Katherine Kurtz
What a great book for anyone who reads the Deryni series.The book arrived promptly and in excellent condition.

Disappointing novel, not much like Deryni Rising
In the King's Service by Katherine Kurtz, is the first book in the Childe Morgan Trilogy. However, I came to this novel based on reading Deryni Rising which is the first novel in the Deryni Chronicles. Unfortunately, Deryni rising is the only book I have read by Ms. Kurtz going into this book. However, the back of the book does say this is a prelude to those events so I felt safe in reading this novel. Here are my thoughts on this book.

The plot of this book is, well, I'm not one hundred percent sure. For me, and please remember this is only my second Deryni novel, there is a whole lot of nothing happening in this book. It focuses on all the nobility wanting to procreate and have sons to continue their lines. Honestly, that's what I took away from this novel is how many people want to bread like rabbits. A couple things are explained a little in this book though. First, the church's undying loathing of the Deryni. The second is the Haldrane's wanting to have a Deryni always by their side as they rule. The last thing that is given some explanation is the convent, and what the training is there. Beyond that, I am really not sure what this book was about. The timeline of the book is quite a span which, at times, makes the overall plot hard to follow. To me, this plot was no where near as interesting as Deryni Rising.

The characters in this book, and there are many are a mixture of kids and adults, humane and Deryni. While the characters are interesting the plethora of characters makes it somewhat difficult to relate to them and understandeach of their individual plights. Instead of focusing on a handful of characters, Ms. Kurtz chose to cram as many as she could into this novel. Some of the characters were interesting, but due to the sheer number of them and the bouncing around of scenes I found it really hard to focus on one or really connect with one. The children in this book were well written, and came across as very innocent and it fit them perfectly. The adults were well written, but there seemed to be a disconnect with them once and awhile from their previous behaviors. Much like the plot, some of the characters are looking to make little ones. It was frustrating for me that there was not more character development in this novel being as I enjoyed the first novel by Ms. Kurtz so much.

A couple criticisms about this novel:

1 - The lack of a true, and definitive, plot really hinders the enjoyment of this book. The reader should not be forced to try and discern what the book is about. Just when a plot seemed to be peeking out from the pages, the story shifted and became about something else.

2 - While I like a lot of characters in a book, this book is proof that too much of a good thing can spoil it. I would have much rather seen a focus on one to five characters versus, the dozen or more characters this book tried to focus on.

A couple things I enjoyed with this novel:

1 - It says something about an author's writing ability when a reader can read an entire novel, and not really have a solid idea what it was about - but none-the-less they finished reading it. I do enjoy reading Ms. Kurtz's prose. It has a nice gentle flow to it making it easy to continue reading. It never feels like a chore to read her work.

2 - I particularly enjoy that Ms. Kurtz does not become overly attached to her characters. In fact there are times when you think a character is fine only to discover that, no - they are anything but fine. It's refreshing to know that not every fantasy novel out there today will see all the characters survive no matter the odds.

Overall, and based on my only other experience with Ms. Kurtz's work, I was disappointed in this novel. Maybe I was simply expecting too much from this one and went into it with unfair expectations. I think I will still give Ms. Kurzt another chance, probably with the second novel in the Deryni Chronicles. Even though this book is purported to be a prelude, I do not think it is a true prelude and most likely needs to be read after having digested a larger body of Ms. Kurtz's work. Based on that, I would suggest others not read this one until they have more background on her novels and have a few under their belts.

Beautiful Lady...
In the King's Service is a beautiful precursor to the Kelson/Alaric books, tying in with the earlier books (pre-harrowing) and the books following Brion's death and Kelson's reign.The introduction to Alaric's parents and to Vera, Duncan's mother, and the tightly interwoven relationships is very well carried out.I also liked the presentation of Richard, destined to be future father of Kelson's bride.
Since I have already read Childe Morgan, I look forward to the third volume in this series.

Less than should be expected of Kurtz
In the King's Service
Childe Morgan

While these books introduce us to the early lives of King Kelson, Alaric Morgan and Duncan McClain, they don't have the level of intrigue that make her Camberian and Deryni cycle of books so good. There is some intrigue but it very minor to the story.

If you are a big fan of Katherine Kurtz, as I am, these books are worth adding to your library if only to provide background to her grand drama.

Practical Magic
Since the series debuted there has been magic in two worlds, Katheryn Kurtz' Deryni eleventh century and here on earth, and even though I have grown older Morgan remains young and vital. Very vital, he's just getting around to being born in this newest gift from Ms Kurtz. Some stories fade as they go along, others take a terrible turn for the worst...(Anita Blake) and some just drift off, but not with the firm hand of Ms Kurtz on the rudder. There's murder, intrigue, plots, counter plots and magic aplenty and in all of the complex story line one thing holds true, Morgan is all Morgan.

I am a bit smug, I started way back when this was an L. Sprague De Camp/ Lin Carter recuritment project. Some guys just know how to pick a winner. The Deryni will delight, amaze and enthrall you and in the thirty-seven years I have been following the saga I have but one complaint...I can read'em faster than she can write them.

Get this book. Of course you'll have to read all of the novels in the series so why not just buy all of them now? I know that's a lot of money but you'll think it cheap once you've read. Then you'll join the ranks of the faithful, waiting, watching and wanting until the next book comes out. But wait there is a new book, Childe Morgan and by the time you've finished it the rest will be there. ... Read more

Product Description
What Magic Can Stop Adolf Hitler -- History's Most Evil Black Magician?

Modern War

The year is 1940. Hitler's Germany is about to employ the secret arts of evil witchcraft to destroy England. What can stop them?

Ancient Weapon

It is the mission of John Graham, colonel in British Intelligence, to stop the onslaught of evil with an extraordinary strategy that defies all the rules of twentieth-century warfare: Unite the different witches' covens throughout England, drawing upon powers that reach back through dark centuries, in a ritual of awesome sacrifice on the first night of August, the magical

Lammas Night ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Lammas Night from Amazon
Book was in perfect condition - as described. Great story - andeven though it proclaims to be a book of fiction - alot of the story is based in fact.

Amazing how the power of the mind and directed energies have an impact on our lives.

Excellent and Entertaining!
For anyone who enjoyed the Adept series, and all fans of the Western Esoteric Traditions, this fascinating, beautifully crafted tale of magickal warfare in WWII is a must-read! Both entertaining and packed with much information based on authentic happenings and real Occult lore and practices. Highly recommended...

Lammas Night
Book is great reading.Whether you believe in magic or not, any time a book encompasses history with another persons touch of reality it becomes something you can't put down.The characters were true to their social standings.

A thought provoking story
I had known about Lammas Night since it was first published in 1983, but I was not ready to read it until now. I found the book very well written and plotted. It kept me reading and enthralled to the end, and the characters were people that I wish I had known in real life.

One of the aspects that I appreciated most was her use of the Old Religion of the British Isles, specifically her non-sensationalist presentation of tenets of the faith many people follow to this day. I am not a follower but have read fairly extensively in the Matter of Britain, from various perspectives, and I found myself believing that it could well have happened. I do know that Dion Fortune, who has a cameo in the book, is/was a real person. I also was so taken up in the universe of the novel that I had to look up and find whether there actually had been a Prince William who died in 1940. There wasn't, but there really was a Prince John, who died at the age of thirteen, who in this book is William's twin.

I was not put off by the history of the occult or the past life regressions of both Graham and William; both were vitally necessary to an understanding of what was going on, and not boring in the least. I won't post spoilers, but the past does impinge on the present in the novel, and the idea of the sacrificial king is key to the entire story.

Well done, Ms. Kurtz. I am ambivalent about there being no sequel to the story. It would have been interesting to read about what happened to the characters next, but the story is so complete as it stands that I think writing more would have weakened the story.

As well, I will state that this is an excellent book to read to learn about the Old Religion, in a "spoonful of sugar" kind of way, a good introduction if one wants to read more. I heartily recommend John and Caitlin Matthews' books about The Western Way and the Celtic and Arthurian traditions as a next step in learning about this tradition.

A moving and suspenseful story!
For anyone familiar with the occult, this book is likely to raise hairs on the back of your neck as you read. Even if you're not, the storyline is suspenseful and fascinating, and the characters evoke great sympathy and admiration. An excellent read. ... Read more

Product Description
Young Kelson Haldane, King of Gwynedd, heir to both royal and Deryni magical powers, was still no match for ex-Archbishop Loris and the Pretender Queen Caitrin who sought his death. Yet, he raised an army against them both, knowing that honor made defeat impossible....
... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great reading
I really enjoy these fantasy stories.Amazon purchases are one of the best ways I know to save money on quality products.This is in like-new condition.

Great story
This is another of Katherine Kurtz's great books about the Deryni.I wish there were many more to read.I have most of them.

Finally a King
I was very pleased with the way the character of King Kelson has developed.He has finally begun to show what he is made of.He will be a very fun character to continue reading about.

An interesting yet challenging book
I really didn't enjoy reading this book, yet it was challenging. Even though there was some fighting action that kept me in suspense, I had a hard time remembering some of the characters. I would read about one familyand then start reading about another family. Then, when a character tellsthat another person is in the family, I get confused. One reason might bethat I read volume II of this book, instead of volume I. Even though I wasconfused, I would recommend this book to someone who likes to read aboutknights and learn about a 17 year old teenager who struggles to do his bestjob as a king.

A masterpiece
In this book kelson finally becomes a true King. He finds out that life is far from fair, but you have to live it anyway. He takes up challenges and causes that he probably never even concidered existed before, and i mustsay Mrs. Kurtz puts it to paper masterfully. She manages to take thereaders into the kingdom of Gwynedd, and puts you right into the actionnext to her main characters I have grown to know and love. She keeps us onour toes with action and twists and turns in the story, so much so thatit's more like watching a movie then reading a book. ... Read more

Product Description
The Knights Templar was a military order founded during the time of the crusades to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Legend endows the Templars with magical powers with which they are said to have altered the course of history. "The Temple and the Crown" picks up in 1306 with the crowning of Robert Bruce in Scotland. Bruce immediately faces a challenge to his throne, and Pope Clement and King Philip of France, jealous of the Knights' magical powers, wealth, and charm, have them arrested on trumped-up charges of black magic, blasphemy, and consorting with the Devil. The Templars' only hope is to flee as fugitives and seek a new home...and a safe haven for the mystical treasures they guard.Amazon.com Review
Like a chain-mail Tom Clancy thriller, The Temple and the Stone is abig, brash story full of political machination, conspiracy, and machoheroes. The forces of good here are the legendary Knights Templar,protectors of the Temple of Jerusalem, and their fearsome opponents are theevil worshipers of the old gods. Katherine Kurtz and Deborah Turner Harrisconceive of an alternate history in which the Templars guard the astralmanifestations of the Kingdom of God as well as the physical realm. Thetitular stone is not only the traditional seat of Scottish monarchs butalso the cornerstone for a new holy temple. The heroic knights Arnault,Brabant, and Torquil must restore the stone's powers and fight the black-magic designs of the Pictish Comyns--all while fulfilling their knightlyduties in the dangerous conflicts between fiercely independent Scotland andan increasingly powerful England. This is richly satisfying historicalfantasy, with a magical twist. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Sure it's from a decade ago, but this stone has gathered no moss over time....
It always amazes me that well-written novels like this have only a handful of reviews, and the 'best-seller' fiction.....which, to be honest, boasts quite a bit of hackneyed, formulaic, and uninspired prose amongst the few 'gems'; will have two, three hundred reviews....about how life-changing and mesmerizing it was to read.....I don't disparage anyone for reading, in general...but I just hate to see classics and really good, quality fiction overlooked in favor of a 'flavor of the month' best-seller.

I'll admit it...I've got something against that kind of fiction....to me it's the equivalent of watching a Jim Carrey film rake in a hundred million dollars and watching BRILLIANT pieces of work languish.....or seeing live theaters struggle because patrons won't go see Tennessee Williams in favor of Dumbest and Dumbest Part 12.....and when you look at today's youth and say 'But surely you've read some Dickens? You're in your early 20's...so you must have!' and they say 'Who's that?' if they can look up from their Wii long enough.....

Anyway....The Temple and The Stone, while not a masterpiece of historical fiction, and certainly not a novel I would seal into a time capsule for future preservation, is, indeed, a wonderful story, with historical fact woven into wonderful fiction.

Concerning itself with the crowning of a new king to the Scottish Throne, and the ascendency to that title of Robert Bruce....the novel presents a thinly veiled 'fantasy' story about a mystical stone of power that has become the quest of a certain group of Templar Knights to ensure that Bruce is crowned to the throne, and his foe deposed, all in the presence of the stone in an effort to 'recharge' its powers in 'the building of the fifth temple.' The Templars set off to carry out their mission and depose the 'puppet' King placed on the Scottish throne by the current King of England.

Full of bloody battle and derring-do, The Temple and the Stone ranks up with 'Ivanhoe' and such classic heroic stories in terms of action and adventure.I have long been a fan of weaving factual characters into fictional tales, and presenting a story that 'might' have happened while not straying too far from reality, and the authors here, highly regarded for their long-running 'Adept' series, have succeeded.

If you're looking for a tale of Templars, buried secrets, secret societies, bloodshed, and intrigue.....look no further....this novel won't let you down.

If you liked/loved THE ADEPT series, you'll be disappointed.
Don't bother, really, unless you can pick it up used, cheap!

It's almost as though the authors want to take the leap and commit to mystical or esotertics, but just can't make the leap.Almost as though they're afraid to take the chance.

The books drone and sludge along.I found myself bored.

If you liked THE ADEPTbooks, you'll be disappointed with these.Sad.

The Temple and the Stone by Katherine Kurtz and Deborah Turn
The Temple and the Stone
by Katherine Kurtz and Deborah Turner Harris

If you enjoyed the Adept Series by these authors you will enjoy this book.If not, this probably is not the book for you either.Much like the Adept books this is an Esoteric Mystery book.Some of it takes place in the solid every day reality we are used to, but many of the clues are to be found in the Astral/unseen world.

I think that these are definitely niche market books, since I can easily see it offending both main stream Christians and die hard pagans.You need to be open for a place for both aspects in the world to be confortabe with the setting of this books world.The story is from the point of view of Templar Knights, and therefore has a Christian point of view, but they are also aware of and work with the esoteric world.It is very much a white light/dark light type of battle, but this book is even more from a Christian perspective because of the protagonists.Most of the good pagan aspects are also found among Christians in this book, in the form of the Columbian Monks.These monks seem to have taken all of the traditional druidic values and added the teachings of Christ to them.Alternately there is the dark cult that our protagonists battle.

As to the plot, I found the book to be fun light read.The points of history seem to be fairly accurate from what I can remember.It begins with the death of the Maiden of Norway and sees Scotland thru to the coming of the Bruce.For reasons of their own (which are given in the book, but I am trying to avoid spoiling the plot too much), parts of the Knights Templar have decided that it is important that Scotland remains sovereign.This is the story of how they aid in bringing that about.

To think of it this book would probably make a fun Module for NeverWinter Nights.There is a magical artifact for pretty much every need.

Great premise, but poor execution
I was drawn to this book by reading the back cover.How could anything revolving the story about William Wallace and Robert the Bruce be anything but good.I didn't even mind the battle between christian and pagan religions.It just seemed that whenever the Templars got in trouble they pulled out their Celtic stone, said some prayers and all was well.I was given the second book and will attempt to slog my way through it as I travel, however, I am so far not impressed 57 pages into it.I wish that the execution of this story and plot could have been done better as the idea was fantastic.I enjoyed some of the historical points of the book, but as written in earlier reviews they were repeated entirely too many times!I wouldn't buy this book if your looking for a fun, romping tale of the Knights Templar.Could have been much better.

Periods of drama and long lapses of boredom
I can make this one quick...interesting idea...too long...horrible ending.

I like the new perspective of William Wallace, but he doesn't enter the story until about 250 pages have dragged by.There are some exciting glimpses into "dark" characters and mystery but they are few and far between.The authors involve FAR too much conversation between characters and they constantly rehash the same things over and over and over.Chapter 35 was the true end of the story - great climatic drama.Chapter 36 was so incredibly dull that I skimmed it, read the epilogue and gladly put this book away!Not a keeper and not one I would recommend.Enough to keep you trying to find redeeming value and a sorry disappointment for your efforts. ... Read more

Product Description
With young King Kelson on the throne of Gwynedd, the priesthood of the Eleven Kingdoms felt its control deeply threatened. For Kelson was half Deryni -- part of that race of humans gifted with extrasensory powers...a race that had ruled two centuries earlier, but was dethroned and driven underground.

Now, the final battle for ultimate power was about to break into open conflict, led by the Church which equated the supernatural powers of the Deryni with witchcraft and heresy! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

High Deryni
An excellent look at a different type of culture that one can take for enjoyment and a bit of excapism.Good fantasy with well developed characters and plot.

solid ending to a fine rewrite
Although only fourteen years old and of Deryni background, Kelson Haldane has become the king of Gwynedd.Already having faced a difficult struggle to gain the throne, he has an even thornier time to keep his crown.The wary Church loathes anyone with the Dernyi magic flowing in their blood; let alone one wearing the crown.Kelson's nobles resent him on two counts; being a teen and his Deryni blood.

His rival monarchs also detests the upstart youth.Especially opposed to him is the ambitious King Wencit of Torenth, a sorcerer who plans to be the one sovereign ruling the eleven Kingdoms; he recognizes in the teen a potentially dangerous opponent. On the plus side Kelson has the support of powerful Duke Alaric Morgan and Father Duncan McLain, although both have been excommunicated by the Church for using magic.

The revision of the original Dernyi trilogyis a solid ending to a fine rewrite.The story line focuses on mostly political manipulations to either keep or dethrone Kelson.Although it behooves the audience to read the previous two tales (see DERYNI RISING and DERYNI CHECKMATE) as this is not a stand alone book, fans of the series will enjoy this more complex and in fairness convoluted version filled with new twists.

Harriet Klausner

Not Free SF Reader
The Church vs State fuelled war that began in the previous Deryni novel continues here, with the king out at the head of an army, trying to put down an anti-Deryni uprising.

While he does that, his advisors are looking to come to some sort of compromise with the church, diplomatically and religiously so that they can concentrate on stopping the violence.

Does this have to be the end?
I have followed the tales of the Deryni for years, and am hopeful that they won't end here, especially with such a weak ending.This is the third and last book of this series, but there are still so many unanswered questions.I am not the least bit dissapointed in what was developed in this installment, and truly loved the book despite my views on how it was ended.I would like to see much more however, and hope that Mrs. Kurtz plans to share more of the story with us in the very near future.

A rather interesting Ending to the Trilogy
With this novel, the initial trilogy of the Deryni comes to a close, and in ways that are ultimately unexpected.

The previous volume left quite a mess for King Kelson to clean up, with a civil war to the south, an invading army to the north, a treasonous Earl, an adamantly opposed Archbishop, all lining up for various reasons against Kelson.His internal opponents are so blinded by their own dogmatic resistance to be able to comprehend that they are making their own situation worse by their opposition.They are convinced of the evil of the Deryni, and will oppose a Deryni Duke, even if it means that an evil Deryni warlord will invade and conquer.

King Wencit of Torenth already has the upper hand by his trechary, having slaughtered the armies in the north, the Cassini and Kheldish armies and is ready for pitched battle against a divided Gwynned.But even then, he has plans to skip the battle, a new plot and counterplot, a master schemer he is, pitting himself against both Gwynned and the Camberian Council.

There are a few interesting twists and a rather unsatisfying ending, but it does work out for the best, with no small amount of pain on the part of the victors.War is hell, and it is difficult to be king. ... Read more

Product Description
More than thirty years ago, Katherine Kurtz changed the face of fantasy with the Deryni Chronicles. In 2005, Ace published a newly revised and expanded Deryni Checkmate in hardcover. Now, that edition is available in mass market for the first time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Gift purchase
This book was purchased as a gift for someone who liked the first book in the series.

Not Free SF Reader
Kelson is now a young king.It takes pretty much zero time before he has problems with those annoying church wankers.

An archbishop is up in arms, wanting one of the nobles to basically not be Deryni.

Threats of excommunication, conflict, and running around ensue, as well as magical stuffups, executions, and outright battle.Not a good time for all, by any stretch.

Dull
I'm sorry to say that Deryni Checkmate is dreadfully dull.
There are two subplots which do nothing to advance the story, the characters are flat, and the setting just doesn't make sense.

I'd recommend skipping the series.

a book of intregue
I love Katherine Kurtz's deryni novels.This one is the weakest of the Deryni Chronicles but it is necessary in the set up for the next book.I know lots of people hate that but I think she did a good job of trying to describe the events within the kingdom and what could be happening by those who threaten at the boarders.If you like historical type fiction and a bit of mystery and magic this book could fit the bill.

I think Katherine's greatest talent is getting you to feel what the characters feel.I also think she does a great job of describing the social situation in her settings.

May the "Deryni" never end!!!!!!!!
Someone once told me "Women can't write good fantasy because they're afraid to kill your favorite characters" ... I then introduced him to Katherine Kurtz and the Deryni. I never heard that statement again.

I have been reading this epic saga over and over again for 20 years, and I will be reading them over and over again for the next 20 years.

Katherine Kurtz's blending of "Magic" with fact based "Church" ritual and her use of real medieval living truly makes you feel that the Kingdom of Gwynedd could truly have existed.

If you are looking for a series of books that you just cannot put down, these will keep you on the edge of your seat turning pages well into the wee hours of the morning. Though I must warn you to never assume what will happen next; and I advise always having a tissue on hand just in case. ... Read more

Product Description
Los Angeles policeman Jack Drummond travels back to 1972, World War II, and the time of the Crusades to investigate a bizarre series of murders in which the murder weapon was a stake through the heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Kurtz didn't write it,but it's in her vein and good action adventure!
I've read almost all of kurtz's work and am very pleased with almost all of it. This book was written obviously by a protege,a writer she is trying to bring along in her style of writing untill he fully developes his own style. The story is absolutely as good as some of the more successful blood and smut vampire drivel on the market. The story holds together and has good action flow.Scott deserves a better shake than he has been getting,he is not Katherine Kurtz,let his writing be judged by his prowess as an author to gain and hold a readers attention, not Katherines.I read the book,I liked the story,I would like to see a sequel. Jacamo

Knights of the Blood
'Knights of the Blood', by Katherine Kurtz, and Scott MacMillan, finds Detective John Drummond investigating a murder case that begins strange, and gets stranger as he digs deeper. Does the body of the victim, covered in Nazi tattoos and completely drained of blood, really have a connection with an uncaught serial killer from many years before? Or has Drummond stumbled into the middle of an ancient blood feud that is even more deadly?

Flawed, but fun
I think that your enjoyment of Knights of the Blood is dependant on two factors: your expectations and whether or not you are familiar with the author's previous work. When I picked up Knights of the Blood, I was completely unfamiliar with either author, and had no expectations other than to be entertained for a few hours, so I ended up fairly happy with the book.

Knights of the blood benefits from an interesting concept, namely an ancient order of Crusader Knights-turned-vampires battling a sinister order of Nazi vampires - what's not to like? I love a good vampire story, and this had the makings of a great one. Unfortunately the book suffers from poor execution. The writing is at times clumsy, the research seems a bit weak, the characters aren't as developed as they could be, etc. Given the subject matter I didn't expect greatness. After all, Salem's Lot and Vampire$ are the exceptions, not the rule. Still, a bit more professionalism would have helped.

In the end, Knights of the Blood delivered exactly what I expected - a fun book to occupy a few hours of my time. If you're into this kind of story, and aren't expecting high literature, you'll probably enjoy the book as well. It's not one you'll find yourself reaching for again, though. This one is strictly a "read it and trade it in" book.

Congrats, dear authors. You blew it.
Amazing. Reading other books from Katherine Kurtz, I expected, like many other readers, more from this... ahemm... series. What rattles me is rather simple. The basic idea behind the story is rather promising for a fictional story. The research done though to write the story is, how to put it politely...not very professional. You can't translate English into German by just looking up the words in a dictionary. If it were that easy, wow, I'd be fluent in more languages than you could shake a stick at. Ever heard of Grammar, Scott and Katherine? Sentence structure? Or, 'lo and behold, the fact that the meaning of a word can translate into more than one meaning in another language? Just a quick example. The German word 'sensibel' translates to 'sensitive' in English, not 'sensible' as one might think. We call words like these 'false friends', and boy, did you manage to find a lot of them. Next: Geography. For crying out loud, pick up a road atlas the next time you want to bring some scenery into a story. Please. The distances this bloke travels are stunning. Look it up yourself, think how fast he must drive to get from point to point and then shake your head as well in amazement. Sloppy work, my dear authors, bad and sloppy work. And please, if you need to come up with castlenames, go for something believable. The direct translation of the showdown in the second book might sound stunning in English, but elicits only a wince of pain from anyone knowledgeable in the language the authors clearly are not capable of. I got to wonder why noone had someone proofread the books before they went into print. Enough former GIs and their families who used to live in (southern to middle) Germany for quite a while, and quite well know the locations and the language. Not to speak of the people who picked up German in College.
As to the question of a third book? Don't...unless you do some research, alright?

Good, Fun Book
I'm a little bewildered by some of the reviews below. The first review was my first guess that the cup in question was the Holy Grail. I understood it simply to be a sacramental cup from a church. The blood drinking is a very Medieval thing, though a bit pagan in origin (drinking of an enemies blood transfers their power to you).
It's a book that doesn't take itself too seriously...
It's fun, I heartily look forward to the third book in the series.
Maybe it's not for fans of the authors wife , but I think she'd disagree... maybe it is only for those fans who can enjoy a book without a running list of criticisms. ... Read more

Product Description
When Camber of Buidi, master of arcane Deryni powers, led a successful revolution against Imre, his sister Ariella, plotted war against Cinhill, her brother's successor. But Cinhill didn't want a fight, he didn't want power, and it was up to Camber to save crown and country....
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Camber of culdi
I just loved this series.If you can still get it I highly recommend it.

Deryni History
I have read all the deryni series and this one is a good one.There is a really good twist in this book that will affect the events in all the other books in the series. It is also action pact with a hint of mystery, magic, and suspence.A good read, should be the 2nd one read in the whole series. Enjoy!

Recommended reading.
I continue to enjoy this book, just watching Camber getting himself into more trouble.

Camber, the elderly Deryni lord who led a human revolt against his own magic-wielding kind in the land of Gwynedd, begins to cope with the aftermath of the successful coup.

King Cinhil, once a monk, blames Camber for the loss of his vocation and the infinite difficulties of his new life and is not coping with them (or his ertswhile magic-wielding allies) well at all.

If Camber's priestly son Joram knows his father, Camber will do whatever it takes to make sure Cinhil--and Gwynedd--come out right. Even risking death...or worse, his soul!

Camber, in this book and it's sequel (Camber the Heretic), is at his strong-willed, best-intentioned, and soul-searching best. His dilemmas and solutions to them, bad and good, make an impression on the reader as well as the kingdom he serves.

A fast moving novel!
This is a very fast moving, action packed, enjoyable book!A great compliment to the previous Deryni novels.A must read and a gauranteed favorite of all ages.

One of the best
This review is actually directed at all Deryni novels. I havent read them for a few years and have moved several times and only have 5 or 6 of the total deryni series but am going to buy all of them again.They are among the best books I have ever read and I have a large collection of about 150 books.If you are a fan of SciFi/Fantasy you will love this book.Without giving away too much this is one of the most pivotal of all the books by giving away some of the intrigue and a double person? ... Read more

Product Description
Filled with richly drawn characters and unforgettable intrigues, Katherine Kurtz's Deryni novels inspired some of her most devoted fans to write their own Deryni tales-and Kurtz has collected eight of her favorites in this exciting anthology. Deryni Tales is a heartfelt tribute to the world she created-from the devoted fans who have made it their own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

excellent fan fiction edited by the creator of the series
I was initially hesitant to read this collection of Deryni short stories.The Deryni series is one of my all time favorites, but Deryni Tales is fan fiction.I don't normally read fan fiction, but it appears that with Katherine Kurtz herself editing the collection, these stories are now part of the Deryni canon.This was important to me as I did not want to read anything that did not officially fit into the Deryni canon.

I'm glad that I did read these stories.While nothing major happens (as far as affecting any of Kurtz's storylines or characters), but it does shed some light on events throughout the Deryni history.Surprisingly enough, some of these stories are just as good as anything Katherine Kurtz might have written.Some she claims to wish that she had written them.There are several stories that I thought were simply excellent: "Lovers of Shadows", "A Midsummer's Questing", "Arilan the Talmud Student", "The Green Tower", and "Dhugal at Court".Okay, I see that this is more than a couple stories.I'm not sure there is really a weak link in this collection.The only disappointment for me was that there was only one story set in the era of Joram and Evaine (A Midsummer's Questing").Hopefully there will be future volumes of Deryni Tales that will further illuminate the world that Katherine Kurtz has created.If the fan fiction she publishes is this good, I will gladly accept more while I wait for Kurtz to publish another novel of her own.Highly recommended for fans of the Deryni.

Liber Amoris
Normally, I tend to avoid fan fiction, so it was with some trepidation that I bought this novel.However, a fan of the series I couldn't stay away. It far exceeded my expectations!

Everyone seems to focus on the stories "Arilan the Talmud Student" and "Lover of Shadows"--for me the best though is "A Midsummer's Questing."Spoiler-free, let me say that teh author shows a deep understanding of the psedo-Catholic doctrine extant in Ms. Kurtz's work and also of the true meaning behind the Love of God.

All the stories are excellent examples of fan fiction. The reason for 4 stars is that a few just don't have the same spark as Kurtz's novels.They're not bad, just lacking something intangible.

Deryni Tales from the Deryni Archives
A fine collection of some of the best offerings from the Deryni Fan community.These tales, originally published in the Magazine _Deryni Archives_, have now been polished and re-worked into a fine fan anthology.Ms. Kurtz also presents a new short tale of her own in this volume.

Among this collection are some wonderful tales from author's I sincerely hope to see in print again soon.Lohr Miller's _Lover to Shadows_, a piece about Charissa's private life, is worth the price alone.Frankly I cannot praise this piece too highly.

Arilan the Talmud Student, addresses the subject of Jews in Gwynedd.A thought provoking and well written tale.

I could go on and on, but simply put there is not a tale in this volume not worth reading.If only to see how the universe is envisioned, or perhaps more aptly put, expanded upon by a group of very fine writers.

I can but hope that one day a Volume II will be published.

Good, not remarkable or great
This collection of fan fiction from the Deryni universe is enjoyable, but not especially gripping.The one exception to this is, as other writers have noticed, John Mohr's story, "Lover of Shadows."That is a beautifully-crafted interesting and marvelous story.I hope he writes some more.It is a pleasure to encounter familiar characters again, such as Joram, Evaine, Rhys, Richenda, Dhugal and so on, and get some more information about them.

This collection also cleared up something for me, in that Ms. Kurtz explains that she tries to write her female characters closer to the way medieval woman actually lived.Her choice, of course, but, I have to say, if I wanted to read about the way women lived, I would read history, not fantasy.I also notice, interestingly, that she does not follow our medieval history by producing great female abbesses or theologians.Surely, the Church of Gwynedd could produce a Hildegard of Bingen, a Hilda of Whitby or a Catherine of Siena?Again, her choice, but I have to say one of the reasons I only get the Deryni books from the library instead of buying them is that the only women who actually hold real power are either misguided or evil, and that her most sympathetic and interesting characters are invariably male.

Fan Fiction at its Best!
In Deryni Tales, Katherine Kurtz has pulled together 8 of the best fan-written stories dealing with her Deryni universe.The stories are not only well worth reading, but showcaes the talent and devotion of these Deryni fans.There is also a story by Kurtz herself in the volume, reason alone for having the book, but all of the stories are more than worthwhile reads. If you have read the Deryni series and enjoyed it, you owe it to yourself to read these additional Tales. ... Read more

Product Description
Here, for the first time, the secrets of the Deryni, that mysterious race of wizards and healers blessed with arcane mental powers, are revealed.
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Customer Reviews (3)

More a Reference
This book seems to be more of a reference and informational tool in regards to the Deryni series.It isn't a book to be read and enjoyed from cover to cover.

Great, but not one of her best.
I have read every Deryni book out there at least twice and i'll be the first to admit that this one is my least favourite. She was abviously trying to catch the readers up on her visions of the Deryni, and she didthat well. It's not a book you want to read if you aren't a Fan already.

Dull, Pretentious, Pointless
I really like the Deryni series and I wanted to like this book. Too bad I just couldn't. When the author refers to quotes from her own books as "(a character) entering something into the canon," you knowsomething's not right. Though the book is helpful in compiling most of theinstances of magic in the books so far, the overuse of quotes and the dullwriting make this a chore to work through. Magic is classified into useswhich serve as chapter headings and then doesn't keep to the subject. Notmuch is "revealed" either, or even clarified. I learned more justre-reading the original books. A definite miss. ... Read more

Product Description
With young young King Alroy on his deathbed, the power-hungry Regents are plotting to keep the legitimate heir from ascending the thrown. But Prince Javan is a formidable opponent. And the Regents vow to stop at nothing to wrest back control of Gwynedd. To prevail against the Regents, to rule his kingdom justly, and even to live, Javan has to be strong. He has to be clever. And he has to be very lucky indeed...
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Customer Reviews (12)

Suspensful!
Well, the title tells you to not expect a happy ending.This is a rare book in that the author basically tells you up front that something horrible is going to happen to the main character at the end of the book. There is a lot of suspense, however, in wondering just how everything will turn out, and whether poor Javan will be alive at the end of his year, or not... it's a very dark and scary book, and I'd not reccomend it for children under 13. It's also part 2 of three, so read The Harrowing of Gwynned first and The [...] Prince after.

Great Read
This is a great novel with great characters - the only problem is that we know from the family tree at the rear of the book that King Javan's year is not going to be a happy ending. As always Katherine's characters are her strength and even the bad guys are much more than cardboard cut outs.
Highly recommend this triology

Evil overcomes Good
The second volume of the 'The Heirs of Saint Camber' series this volume tells anther depressing tale of treachery and evil overcoming good. At the end most of the good characters are killed including the main character so much of the book is spent developing. Even though I had trouble just finishing the book it's still highly recommended. If you haven't read one of Kurtz's Deryni books the setting is a medieval human kingdom with a human race, the Deryni, that have magic-like powers. Most of the series plots revolves around ordinary human - Deryni conflict. If you haven't read any Deryni books start with either 'Deryni Rising' the first book written or 'Camber of Culdi' the chronologically first Deryni book written.

The eternal battle between good and evil.
I am in a love/hate relationship with this book. The book was so well written you quickly become attached to the characters and fall in love with them. You find a continuation of events from previous novels accompanied by new developments.This of course leaves you wanting more.It is for all of these reasons that I loved the book.

I hate this book for only one reason, and it directly correspondes with my fast growing love for the characters and how and when King Javan's Year comes to an end. A must read, but be prepared for tears.

my favorite of all the deryni novels
I believe this was the first of the Deryni novels that i read, so perhaps my fondness for the book stems from that.I knew nothing about the Deryni, the history of the Eleven Kingdoms, or the Regency; but this world drew me in and kept me there.

If you have read any of the Deryni novels and have looked at the Haldane lineage, you know how long Javan lived and served as king.From the title "King Javan's Year", you have an idea what is going to happen.

In so many fantasy novels, the main characters are treated lightly and make it through and they save the day.In the Deryni novels, things are much darker for the protagonists and what surprised me was how vicious things were against Javan.Through all of this darkness, the light of who Javan is shines through and I really cared what happened to him and was somewhat upset at how this ended...

I suppose that is the mark of a good writer, that you can be drawn into the the world and care about the characters.The characters i care the most about, though, are those who are earliest in the timeline (Joram, Evaine, Camber, Javan, etc)...i really hope Katherine Kurtz returns to the earlier times of the Eleven Kingdoms.Until that day, i will continue to read about Camber and his children. ... Read more

Product Description
As a rival monarch takes his rightful place on the throne of a nearby land, it becomes more imperative than ever that King Kelson produce a long-awaited heir. Love is set aside for duty-and Kelson the king must make the choice that Kelson the man can not.

Katherine Kurtz's triumphant return to the magical Medieval realm of Gwynedd...Exciting and intriguing. (SF Site)

Kurtz, one of the founders of modern historical fantasy, after nearly thirty years continues to be one of its most accomplished practitioners. (Publishers Weekly)

Ms. Kurtz creates compelling characters, a byzantine plot and magical wonder for a beguiling reading experience. (Romantic Times)Amazon.com Review
When we first met Kelson (in Kurtz's debut novel, Deryni Rising), he was fourteen and about to ascend to the throne of Gwynedd, the medieval realm that never was, where a small minority of the populace, the Deryni, have magical abilities.

Many novels later, King Kelson--in whom the Deryni blood flows strong--has come fully into his power and it is time to marry and begin the serious business of begetting heirs. Aficionados of The Deryni Chronicles will know that marriage and Kelson don't mix: his first betrothed was murdered on their wedding day and his second was tricked into marrying another. Now the young heir of Torenth, a rival kingdom, is about to be crowned, and securing Kelson's succession has become a matter of urgency--and intrigue. Kelson's mother, his friends, his ex-fiancée, the mysterious Camberian Council, rival powers, and friendly allies all have their own candidates and agendas. With the future of Gwynedd at stake, Kelson has to learn to trust his enemies, use all his magic and might, and find a middle path between his duty as king and his feelings as a man. The king, like the author, succeeds admirably. --Luc Duplessis ... Read more

Customer Reviews (76)

One plot wonderful, one plot... not so much.
The plot concenring Torenth and Liam was wodnerfully well done and enjoyable. This book is worth reading for this plot alone.

The orther plot, about Kelson's marriage left me a little cold. The politicking around it was interesting, but thee fact that he's been pining for Rothana for three years and then marries the woman she suggests... first, his feelings for Rothana aren't love anymore, they're obsession and Araxia is just too perfect.

Read the Toernthi plotline, skim through the Kelson's marriage plot.

Don't these people have flaws?

Nice book
It was great for me to get back into the world of Gwynedd, and I appreciate that Kelson finally finds a bride.

Love the Deryni
As a long time lover of books about the Deryni this was another hit.Wish there were a lot more stories like this one out there to read.

Was SO looking forward to this one, but....
It's been a few years since I eagerly bought this book and read it, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.I've been a devoted Kurtz fan since the early 80's when an Army buddy gave me a copy of Deryni Rising and told me to read it, I read the book in one night!

This book left much to be desired, not enough Morgan for my taste and seemsed so wishy washy.....not up to her usually high work standard!

I so wish she would go back and re-write this book, it just seemed so rushed and lacking the magic....FORGIVE ME KATHERINE!!!!

Trite
Trite, pretty much sums up my feelings for this book. Kelson's saga deserves better... I got the distinct impression the author is tired of her character and wanted to tie up loose ends and be done with him. Kelson is my favorite character in the Deryni universe and I will continue to revisit the earlier novels, but not "King Kelson's Bride". ... Read more

Product Description
Adam Sinclair, the Adept, faces mankind's most dire threat--a cult older than Christianity, with the power to resurrect a new, demonic Third Reich. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Waste of time
I'm a huge fan of wacky World War II occult/super-science stuff. Indiana Jones, Wolfenstein, that kind of stuff.
When I see that the book's got a swastika on the cover, has a title like "Dagger Magic", and the synopsis talks about crashed Nazi submarines and Nazi black magic threatening the free world, my attention is piqued.

Too bad 3/4 of the book is dominated by a wedding party, the honeymoon of two characters, and the investigation of a completely unrelated side-plot involving a woman astral-projecting and unknowingly causing accidents on a freeway.

The book opens by introducing the Nazi submarine and having ominous Tibetan monks killing some coast guard employees, and then the entire Nazi plot that the book is allegedly about doesn't come up again for a full 220 pages when the "bad guys" finally reveal what their devious plan actually is.
Even then, the "bad guys" don't get anywhere near the submarine to even execute their plan until after page 300. And despite this, the book is dominated by a whole lot of inane talking and not a lot of doing.

To make it even worse, in a book dominated by dialogue, every character sounds the same, except for a couple mercenaries who show up around page 300 and then end up getting killed 10 pages later. Every character "murmurs" and "grins wryly".

I should have learned my lesson after I picked up 'Lammas Night' by Katherine Kurtz for the same exact reason I picked this book up. 'Lammas Night' was plagued by similar problems - every character sounded the same and did a whole lot of (often repetitive) talk and very little interesting action.

Maybe I'd have liked 'Dagger Magic' more if I was a fan of the series it's a part of, but the book really felt like a bait-and-switch based on the description and I ended up being bored to tears.

Great price for out of print book
I ordered this book form the vendor and it arrived on time and in good condition.

The Quaint Ol' Occult Detective Returns
At first blush DAGGER MAGIC seems to have all the elements that make up a really well told thriller. The fourth book in THE ADEPT series concerns the discovery of sacred oriental black magic texts on board a derelict Nazi submarine, and an evil Tibetan monk who turns out to be an Ubermensch hiding incognito.

Ludlum, Follett and Forsyth could do no better in creating mesmerizing plot elements. Added to this, DAGGER MAGIC has a wonderful subplot about a character's past life incarnation that is impinging disastrously on the present day. Kurtz and Turner Harris' writing is detailed and gives the reader a fine sense of place.

So why only two stars?

Essentially because although DAGGER MAGIC is a quality work it's becoming very evident that THE ADEPT is getting tired. After taking a hiatus from the Lodge of the Lynx in THE TEMPLAR TREASURE, Kurtz and Turner Harris have yoked this novel to the further adventures of Lynx-Master Francis Raeburn. Somehow, you know you've read it before. It's obvious from the outset that Raeburn is going to manage to elude Sir Adam Sinclair's Hunting Lodge yet again, leading us into Book Five.

Frankly, Raeburn isn't that interesting or that evil. Kurtz and Turner Harris haven't given the character any depth or complexity. He may be the Master of a Black Lodge but he's far too au courant to make you cheer for his downfall. Raeburn is a caricature of a nasty politician or a bad boss, not a picture of a man dedicated to all forms of wickedness. He seems to have no particular vices other than a yen for personal power, and so what? In short, Aleister Crowley he ain't.

What the esteemed Lynx-Master should be doing is seducing schoolgirls, smoking opium, and funding assassination squads, not examining ancient grimoires with a magnifying glass. What a dangerous pastime for a man to cultivate. The worst thing I can say about Raeburn is that he's rude and treats the servants like coolies. Hardly a fit heir for all the evils of the world.

By making their primary bad guy such a milquetoast, Kurtz and Turner Harris have practically guaranteed that the epic battle between good and evil that is the backbone of this series degenerates into a proxy fight between the impeccably tailored Sir Adam and the equally impeccably tailored Raeburn.

I'd like to like this book. The earlier volumes all have a quirky charm which is not missing here, but this book probably would be much better if the authors had put less effort into moving their continuing plotline along and more into good plain storytelling. As it is, despite it's strengths, DAGGER MAGIC doesn't stick with you.

MORE MORE MORE
PLEASEPLEASE .............
MORE OF THE ADEPT.ALL OF THE BOOKS ARE GREAT READING..
COULD SPENDHOURS RAVING ABLUT THIS SERICES.
PLEASE MORE THAN JUST 5.

This book is an extremely imaginative blend.
I loved "Dagger Magic"and the other Adept novels.I would not recomend it for serious reading, but it is fun and imaginative, and had interesting devolopments of the Adept World View.Some readers may be putoff by it's glimpse in the life of Adam Sinclair Style, and the fact thatthe supposed main focus of the book is stuck in the last quarter of it.Istill found my emotions aroused, and my imagination put to the test. Perhaps it should not go down in literary history, but it has inspired meto read the other Adept books, I have already read the first one. ... Read more

Product Description
THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER

The power-hungry former Regents of the three Haldane princes were pleased. They controlled Gwynedd once more, now that Rhys Michael was king--malleable, wine-loving, and soft. Or so they thought...
Unbeknownst to the Regents, Rhys Michael was coming into his birthright. With secret Deryni aid, he struggled to grasp the magic bequeathed to all anointed kings. And when Marek--heir to Gwynedd's last degenerate deposed Deryni despots--marched into Gwynedd at the head of an army, even the Regents had to admit that Rhys Michael must take to the field himself as king to repel the pretender.
Rhys Michael saw his chance at last. He swore that the power of the throne--from now on and for all time to come--was to be held by Gwynedd's rightful king. For this, for his sons, and for his country, the king would risk all...
FIRST PAPERBACK PUBLICATION
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Customer Reviews (6)

Be Ready for Tears
A great book, but a tear jerker. Kartherine Kurtz has always had a knack for making her characters real and loveable, and this novel is no exception.Her character development and description is simply amazing as always.

The story outlines Gwynedd's growing difficulty with their Torenthi neighbor, and the threat that an illigitimate heir to the Torenthi throne poses.The ending is a shocker, especially since Mrs. Kurtz has a goal of always keeping her readers guessing.She has reached her goal yet again.It is my hope that the story will continue even further yet.

The Best of the Best of the Best
I have been a devoted fan of this series since my aunt sent me the Bishops heir as a Christams Present when I 13.I opened that book and saw that this was just the latest in a well established series.Well being just a bit Obsessive complusive about reading things inorder I went and bought the entire series leading up to it, well after a few months anyway it takes a while to get up that kinda money when you don't even have a job yet ;>.I have been hooked ever since...In fact the huges lags of time between books in this series are one of the more fustrating things in life.With each book Kurtz proves why it take so long though, and this was the greatest of them all.I was totally Obsessed with this one when a read it a few years back.When I got the end, I just about cried because the book was that good, and the story that moving, and the fact I was going to now have to wait 4 years + most likely to see its like again.Thankfully Terry Goodkind came along and helped me pass the time somewhat.So basically, if you love fantasy and you read Eddings, Goodkind, Jordan, and Martin read this read the whole thing yo will not be dissapointed.

Definitely worth a try
Many of Kathryn Kurtz's strengths as a writer shine in this book: realism (hard though it may be for us readers, and properly described as gothic), unabashed romance and violence, and clearly drawn battle lines.

Kurtzdoes fall into several traps. I do hate to say this book fits the mold--forthere are fascinating moments for which I think this book definitelydeserves a chance on its own merits--but I probably should. Noble Haldanekings, beautiful ladies in distress, Deryni and humans alike who will dowhat they have to in order to gain power... The underground Deryni movementseems uninspired in many ways since Camber's death, unable to fight theRegents on any more than a strictly practical level. Maybe that is areflection of the Deryni presence at that time, a reality that explains alater Camberian Council that suffers from a lack of faith and ideals.

Icould wish that young Rhys Micheal were more convincing in some ways, moreaware of his unfortunate role in bringing about as well as solving hisroyal dilemma. Michaela, Rhysel, and Joram show the same lack ofdevelopment. Kurtz's observations about prejudice and discrimination areobscured at times by her protagonists' disregard for the consequences oftheir own actions.

There is, however, much to like in this newestaddition to the Deryni saga. Queron Kinevan's development is welcome. Hecomes into his own after all he has passed through. Rhys Micheal is a veryengaging character in many ways, and his death, like the deaths of hisbrother Javan and his namesake Rhys Thuryn, leaves an ache that is part ofgood storytelling. I liked his solution to the regent problem. Kurtzdoesn't pull punches, so you're never sure the bad guys aren't going towin. Many of the deficiencies that may marr Kurtz's characterizations ofthe good guys are gloriously absent among her villains; the Regents are afascinating cross section of corrupt humanity. So enjoy this chivalricromance; for all its faults, it's still quite a story.

good continuation of the Deryni Saga
This book continues the fine tradition of the Deryni Saga of Katherine Kurtz.Having been hooked on Ms. Kurtz's books for some time, this one was not a disappointment.Although I do not always agree with turns of the plot, Ms. Kurtz always has a surprise waiting for the reader.It is this suspense, and bringing of the characters to life, that makes her books special and The Bastard Prince continues in this tradition.Rhys Michael has been king for eight years, under the tight control of the regents which ruled during his childhood.Faced with a challenge fromMiklos, a prince of Torenth, and claimant to his crown, Rhys Michael accepts his challenge.Not only must the young king contend with his rival, but also his domineering regents, and newfound Deryni powers of the Haldane legacy, which must be kept a secret until the time is right. A very good continuation of the Deryni saga.Can't wait for the next one to be published.

One of the best Deryni novels to date
The Bastard Prince is my favorite of Katherine Kurtz's novels dealing with her earlier time frame of history and characters.Until this book, the Haldane Royal family and the Deryni who sup- ported them appeared to be doomed and also isola- ted from contact with one another. In Bastard Prince, they re-establish contact through Rhys and Evaine's daughter Rhysel, posing as a maid to Queen Michaela.Once Rhys Michael regains the Haldane power, he uses his magic to temporarily defeat a threat from the Festillic pretender, and later the former regents who hold him and his family hostage.He gains the support of the Kheldourlords and drafs a new will naming them as regents for his underage son and unborn baby should he die. Which, unfortunately, he does. Wounded in his battle, Rhys Michaelbecomes ill, and is ultimately murdered by his enemies. In the last three chapters they too meet their ends in satisfying ways, and the Haldane crown is free again. ... Read more

Product Description
When vandals break into St. Patrick's Cathedral, a gargoyle named Paddy takes to the streets of Dublin in search of revenge-but nothing could have prepared him for the evil that descends when he finds it.

"[Kurtz] wraps plenty of Dublin sights, fascinating bits of Catholic history, much ecumenical Christian goodwill, a cast of endearing characters, amusing dialogue and just enough thrills into a charming package of a tale." (Booklist, starred review) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

As a short story, I think it was probably wonderful
The book originated as a short story based on an actual cathedral break-in in Dublin, Ireland.I would love to have read the original story--you can almost put it together from reading the interactions between the Gargoyle Paddy and Francis Templeton.Sadly, what fills in the blanks is a very interesting travelogue of Dublin and some history of Irish politics and church Reformation.If you're into reading that kind of history, you may want to check out a more authoritative source.

"St. Patrick's Gargoyle" may be a good book for young adults if you can find youth readers that can keep their attention on the book.Some passages are truly evocative, especially when Kurtz writes about Francis Templeton and his love for his old Rolls, Phyllida.

Yawn
A third of the way through the novel and still there's no conflict and no plot, just a tour of Irish cathedrals by a character I hardly care about. It started off wonderfully, but quickly lost my interest after the initial "chase" scene. I fought heavy eyelids for one dull paragraph after another, finally gave up. If this was the last novel on earth, I'd work harder to get through it, but there are far more interesting reads available. I expected far better from this author.

It could have been lovely.
Up until 1/3 of the way through, I loved this book. Charming characters, & a wonderful premise.

Then, for some absurd reason, Ms. Kurtz introduces a plot device that spoils the whole book:

For some reason, anybody who personally witnesses proof of the existance of God, must die, by Divine command.

How VILE!!! Ms. Kurtz has reduced the Almighty to the status of a common terrorist or hoodlum, "eliminating the witnesses".

It could have been great, it ended in a fashion that was at best, unattractive.

First Kurtz the Last?
This was the first Katherine Kurtz book that I read, and while I was not `put-off' by it, I certainly was not impressed.The overall story was interesting, and I really liked the idea that the gargoyles were actually avenging angels.Paddy and Templeton were fairly well developed, but it would have been nice to learn more about Marcus Cassidy, the Knight, and Templeton's family.
At times Kurtz goes off on a tangent about the Catholic Church, and the Protestant Church.While some of the information is interesting, it reads like a textbook on theology, thus does nothing for the story flow.It seems to me that the information could have been integrated into the story in a more useful way.
The ending was very lackluster, and instead of being happy and/or sad, I was just relieved to be finished with the book.

Great book!
If this is Katherine Kurtz at play, she can play on my bookshelves any day!A fun book, with some details on Dublin I find interesting, as well as a good mystery. Good characterization and it sounds like there may be a sequel.If there is, I'll buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
Sir Adam Sinclair, the mystic historian known as the Adept, has emerged victorious from his encounters against the forces of darkness. But now he faces the most unthinkable crime imaginable against his kind: murder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The Quaint Ol' Occult Detective Goes Sharp-Edged
DEATH OF AN ADEPT is the fifth, the latest,(and thus far, the last) volume in THE ADEPT series. Hopefully, authors Kurtz and Turner Harris will reincarnate the series at some point in the future, as it is engaging and highly enjoyable. DEATH OF AN ADEPT, moreover, moves the series in new directions.

DEATH OF AN ADEPT finally sees Sir Adam Sinclair marry his lady love, Dr. Ximena Lockhart. The two settle into married domesticity at Strathmourne House where they are soon under attack by The Lodge of The Lynx, their nemesis throughout the series.

Several Adepts do die in the course of the story, and in some particularly unpleasant ways. It appears that Kurtz and Turner Harris have finally realized that mere self-centered selfishness such as we've seen before in the series does not equate with real evil, and have redrawn their bad guys, particularly Francis Raeburn, as corrupt and sociopathic---in a word, vile.

Peregrine Lovat and his wife Julia are almost overcome by an occult device known as a "Hand of Glory" made from the body parts of a gibbeted criminal. Sir Adam himself is captured by Raeburn and used as the sacrificial victim in a particularly detailed and gruesome Black Mass. Raeburn reanimates the spirit of the nefarious William de Soulis, a Scottish sorcerer of the 1700s who wreaks havoc in his new incarnation.

DEATH OF AN ADEPT is a tale noir far more than any of its predecessor novels. There are even a few four-letter words sprinkled into the dialogue, something that hasn't happened before in this series, which always had the quaint and proper air of the drawing room about it.

DEATH OF AN ADEPT is both a modern murder mystery and a gothic horror tale. Kurtz and Turner Harris do a fine job here. It's a shame they haven't continued the series as of yet, because here, embryonically, we have a syncretic "Profiler Meets Dracula" theme which opens up all kinds of fascinating possibilities for this already well-established series and its characters.

Addictive fluff
The "Adept" series by Kurtz and Harris combines all the worst features of formula romance novels, Extruded Fantasy Product, and pseudohistorical conspiracy theories.The prose is tepid, the dialogue stilted, and the characters one-dimensional (at best).Plot complications are carefully piled up, only to be resolved miraculously at the last moment by a wave of the hand.

So why do I keep reading them, and checking to see if a new one is out?The same reason I eat Twinkies, I suppose -- they may be content-free fluff, but they're *definitive* content-free fluff.Sometimes it's fun to turn the brain off.

If you like romance novels, ritual magic, secret societies, and the city of Edinburgh, you might very well enjoy these books a lot.If you require plot, characterization, command of the language, or important themes from your reading, don't bother.

An fine successor to Dion Fortune's "Dr. Taverner" stories
In every one of Ms. Kurtz's "Adept" books, there comes a moment of such overwhelming mythic beauty that I get watery-eyed, or cry. "The Death of An Adept" is no exception, and for me, it is when the young psychic artist Peregrine finally gains his wings as a magical adept in his own right. Every book in this series is a fine successor to the occult fiction of Dion Fortune, combining hermetic principles effectively with skillful and dramatic storytelling and a high moral sense. Here, as previously, we see that evil is its own punishment, and that a good heart, and one annealed by self-discipline and fine training, can overcome many (supernatural) obstacles.

A Great Followup
I started reading the Adept because K. Kurtz wrote it and I liked her Deryni series.I had no idea how good it was.Since that first book, I have continued to read and be impressed.Death of an Adept keeps the standard of the Adept series has high as ever.It is a fitting end to the series of events that started in book 1.I loved it.I usually get bored with book series after awhile, but The Adept is proving to be the exception.I can't wait for the next book. Here's hoping that The Adept series continues to hit new heights.

I wish I could rate it higher ...
I was delighted when I saw a new book in the Adept series was out.I am one of the people who's hoped since the second book that Adam and Ximena would eventually marry.The relationship between the two of them is beautifully drawn.

Unfortunately, the rest of the book doesn't hold up.The mystic elements have gone from original and intriguing to repetitive and boring.If you've read the previous books, you can predict what mystic events will occur in this one.

I really wish I could give this book a higher rating.The series started out with so much potential.Hopefully, if further books in the Adept series come out, the authors will be able to break this tired formula. ... Read more