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A review by felinity
Camber of Culdi by Katherine Kurtz
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.