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nancy_13's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
micahhortonhallett's review against another edition
4.0
Historical fantasy with nice attention to detail, a good sense of time and place and well thought out magic. The prose felt a bit workmanlike through sections, like Katherine Kurtz was just trying to get from one scene to the next, but I will (one day) get around to the rest of the series.
apryde6226's review against another edition
4.0
I've been reading books by Katherine Kurtz since I was in the 6th grade. It's in large part because of this book and its sequel that I've loved to read most of my life.
I think the only reason that I didn't give this 5 stars is that the book is so short that some of the characters come across as more 2 dimensional than 3 dimensional. In some cases, there are more questions than answers. For example, how did the Festil's come to power to begin with? How did Cinhil's grandfather really escape and while it's clear that Dan Draper had told Nicolas / Cinhil about being the Haldane heir, why was it that he didn't believe him.
Beyond that, the author paints a picture of life in the dark ages that is fascinating. This is a great book for all ages.
I think the only reason that I didn't give this 5 stars is that the book is so short that some of the characters come across as more 2 dimensional than 3 dimensional. In some cases, there are more questions than answers. For example, how did the Festil's come to power to begin with? How did Cinhil's grandfather really escape and while it's clear that Dan Draper had told Nicolas / Cinhil about being the Haldane heir, why was it that he didn't believe him.
Beyond that, the author paints a picture of life in the dark ages that is fascinating. This is a great book for all ages.
branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
This book may well have been innovative for 1976, but having read it for the first time in 2022, it struck me as a fairly straightforward historical-ish fantasy. The standard cast of royals and priests and men-at-arms comes across as rather run-of-the-mill, and even the magic use is a bit superficial, with not much sense of mystery or wonder.
I haven’t read the original Deryni trilogy, to which this book begins a prequel trilogy, but presumably that series had references to historical events, and this book starts to lay out those events. As such, to me it reads a bit as an expansion of an outline, with little room for twists and unexpected occurrences.
There are a few interesting aspects - the relationship between Imre and Ariella surprised me, as did the shockingly tragic occurrence near the end. The conferring of power on Cinhil was the only time when I felt any depth to the supernatural aspect.
The ending feels a bit rushed, again as if Kurtz was just going through the motions to wrap up the story at an appropriate point in the known history. So, not badly written, but just not particularly impressive either.
I haven’t read the original Deryni trilogy, to which this book begins a prequel trilogy, but presumably that series had references to historical events, and this book starts to lay out those events. As such, to me it reads a bit as an expansion of an outline, with little room for twists and unexpected occurrences.
There are a few interesting aspects - the relationship between Imre and Ariella surprised me, as did the shockingly tragic occurrence near the end. The conferring of power on Cinhil was the only time when I felt any depth to the supernatural aspect.
The ending feels a bit rushed, again as if Kurtz was just going through the motions to wrap up the story at an appropriate point in the known history. So, not badly written, but just not particularly impressive either.
whim85's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Love this book . Alternative medieval setting, power struggle of good versus evil, intelligent women even in a man dominated culture, devotion within marriage, duty to God, comfort of Faith. Complex characters with strengths and quirks.
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Although I've read this series before, it's been a number of years, so this was a relatively fresh read for me.
For those completely unfamiliar with the Deryni series, it's alternative history/fantasy set in the early medieval period in Gwynedd (what we know as northern Wales) and presented as a historical record. Instead of Norman conquerors, the locals have the Deryni - sorcerors. Although sometimes their interests align, these two races are more often in conflict. One has the power, while the other has the numbers... this isn't a good solution.
So that's the background. This book, the first in the series, sets the scene for rebellion and the transformation of the ruling class during the hunt for the last true Haldane king. And this time, to prevent further wars, the king must be neither Deryni *or* human, but something between the two. Those who believe in the cause are passionate believers; they know something must be done, and are willing to make incredible sacrifices for it.
That sounds dry, but it's enthralling! If you like historical novels set in the early medieval period, and if you like a touch of magic mixed in with the early Catholic religion, you'll find yourself fascinated by this new world.
Word of warning though: the story ends at 78% in the Kindle book. What follows is a preview of Book 2, a bonus short story set about 200 years later, and the appendices (characters, place names, genealogies). I'd hold off on the short story if you haven't yet read the later books, because it may not make as much sense to you. Read the preview to see how the overall plot continues though!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Although I've read this series before, it's been a number of years, so this was a relatively fresh read for me.
For those completely unfamiliar with the Deryni series, it's alternative history/fantasy set in the early medieval period in Gwynedd (what we know as northern Wales) and presented as a historical record. Instead of Norman conquerors, the locals have the Deryni - sorcerors. Although sometimes their interests align, these two races are more often in conflict. One has the power, while the other has the numbers... this isn't a good solution.
So that's the background. This book, the first in the series, sets the scene for rebellion and the transformation of the ruling class during the hunt for the last true Haldane king. And this time, to prevent further wars, the king must be neither Deryni *or* human, but something between the two. Those who believe in the cause are passionate believers; they know something must be done, and are willing to make incredible sacrifices for it.
That sounds dry, but it's enthralling! If you like historical novels set in the early medieval period, and if you like a touch of magic mixed in with the early Catholic religion, you'll find yourself fascinated by this new world.
Word of warning though: the story ends at 78% in the Kindle book. What follows is a preview of Book 2, a bonus short story set about 200 years later, and the appendices (characters, place names, genealogies). I'd hold off on the short story if you haven't yet read the later books, because it may not make as much sense to you. Read the preview to see how the overall plot continues though!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
therearenobadbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mpetruce's review against another edition
3.0
A reread from adolescence. Didn't remember a thing about it. I don't think I liked it as much this time as I did then. But, still a quick read and fun and managed to put me into the world the author creates quickly each time I began reading. Maybe I'll even actually finish this trilogy.
davidlz1's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy this author and her take on an alternative history with a fantasy flare. This is the beginning of a second series in her world. Not a difficult read. A fresh spin on the fantasy genre that was written in the 70s.
rachelini's review against another edition
3.0
Read as I attempted a version of "read what you own September". This was part of an ebook bundle of women fantasy authors I bought a few years ago. This is an author I wish I'd read years ago - there was so much good here, but I'm very tired of fantasy that's so closely based on English/European history.