A review by hoytreads
Camber of Culdi by Katherine Kurtz

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Re-re-read of this book that I originally read back in high school, then read again 15 years ago. I think I definitely appreciate it more now. This series provides the historical backstory for the author's earlier Deryni trilogy, and shows the improvement in her craft. The characters have much more depth, and the plot proceeds at a much better pace.  Overall, I'd probably call this something like an ecclesiastical fantasy? So many monks, priests, churches and monasteries!  This book puts the fantasy ever further into the background and is really more of a historical fiction piece. There is SOME magic used in the story, but it's pretty rare.  The main focus is more on the politics, drama, and action of overthrowing a tyrannical king. (I think that Mr. Martin must have read this book before writing Game of Thrones, because the evil king and his sister are definitely giving off some Lannister vibes :) )

I'm definitely looking forward reading the rest of the Deryni books. I never finished the series when they originally came out, so I'm curious to see where it all ended up.