ladyofbooks's review
2.0
DNF'D. At 15%.
Y'all. I just couldn't bring myself to care to read this. :'( I wanted to but I just did not care about the plot, characters, or setting at all.
May try again in the future.
But I *highly* doubt it.
Y'all. I just couldn't bring myself to care to read this. :'( I wanted to but I just did not care about the plot, characters, or setting at all.
May try again in the future.
But I *highly* doubt it.
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.
gndlf's review against another edition
4.0
This book has some flaws, mainly the bonkers ratio of men to women. The setting is interesting, though not my preferred cup of tea. But the it reads really well. The pacing suits me alot. I will read the other two books, thanks to that. Skillfully written in my opinion and worth reading.
metaphorosis's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars - Metaphorosis Reviews
King Imre is a Deryni, a magic-using descendant of the race that overthrew human kings some generations back. As he begins to abuse his powers, Earl Camber of Culdi and his family, also Deryni, plot a return to the human lineage.
I loved Katherine Kurtz' Deryni books when I first read them back in the seventies. Alaric Morgan and Duncan McLain rediscover ancient magics! There's a secret council! A young man finds he has secret powers! The books were great fun. In this second series, about Camber of Culdi, I liked going back to learn what the title character was really like. I recall being sorry there wasn't more about magic, but still - Camber of Culdi! Sadly, by the time the third trilogy came out, the magic was gone - almost literally. The books had devolved into purely fantasy-political stories. I kept reading, but eventually, when a book (I think King Kelson's Bride) came out in which nothing happened, I mostly gave up. Still, I remember liking the first two trilogies a lot, so I picked up this reissue of Camber of Culdi looking forward to re-reading an old favorite.
A long time back, while I was still enjoying the Deryni series, I read Ursula Le Guin's essay “From Elfland to Poughkeepsie,” in which she cruelly points out the essentially political, non-fantasy nature of the books. I saw her point, and I dislike fictional politics, but I liked these books anyway.
On this re-read, Le Guin's views came sharply back into focus. Counter to my memory, there's almost no magic in this book. Instead, it is a heavily political story about dynastic succession, with religious trappings and a hint of magic here and there for flavor. It's well written, but almost all of the writing is about things I don't care about. While I recalled Kurtz as being focused on religion, a lot of the book is what these days people would likely call ecclesiastical porn - lots of details of vestments and monasteries and priestly devotion; certainly far more than there is about magic.
[some mild spoilers below]
The books are also heavily male-centric. There are a few females involved - the evil temptress, the innocent maiden, the sympathetic friend. Granted, the books are a bit dated, but they're from the 70s, not the 30s. It's hard to set aside "if we do not support our men in their good works, what hope is there for any of us". And, of course, it's worse to kill women than men. Yes, it's a vaguely historical fantasy, but if we can have magic powers, why not independent women? Only in the bonus story - one of the best parts of the book - is there a woman who really acts for herself. The implicit condemnation of gays is less frequent, but no more palatable. That's not even touching the devoted servants who will do anything for their kind masters.
The bad guys are caricatures, and not very credible. Camber's son is very close to the cruel tyrant, but there's never any indication of why he would be - the guy is a cartoon villain, while the son is good and noble.
The book is of two minds. On the one hand, the plot machinations are to depose Deryni in favor of humans. On the other, it's clear that Deryni are special. While it's a given of the series that Deryni have special powers, Kurtz also seems to extend their special place to other issues - for example, "a thoroughness possible only for Deryni", which doesn't seem explained by their standard powers. This special place is nowhere more clear than in dealing with Cinhil - the reluctant pretender. Without really any qualms, his 'friend' and confidante waits until he trusts her, then messes with his volition - and we're meant to feel good about it.
All in all, a vastly disappointing return to the magic of yesteryear. I came into this book expecting to love it almost as much as I had before. Instead, I was mostly bored. I'd been looking forward to re-reading the first two Deryni trilogies. Now I'm a little worried about going back even to the first one.
If you want an alternate history stuffed with the ecclesiastical trappings, political machinations, and just the faintest bit of magic, this is for you. If you want a true fantasy, you may want to look elsewhere.
King Imre is a Deryni, a magic-using descendant of the race that overthrew human kings some generations back. As he begins to abuse his powers, Earl Camber of Culdi and his family, also Deryni, plot a return to the human lineage.
I loved Katherine Kurtz' Deryni books when I first read them back in the seventies. Alaric Morgan and Duncan McLain rediscover ancient magics! There's a secret council! A young man finds he has secret powers! The books were great fun. In this second series, about Camber of Culdi, I liked going back to learn what the title character was really like. I recall being sorry there wasn't more about magic, but still - Camber of Culdi! Sadly, by the time the third trilogy came out, the magic was gone - almost literally. The books had devolved into purely fantasy-political stories. I kept reading, but eventually, when a book (I think King Kelson's Bride) came out in which nothing happened, I mostly gave up. Still, I remember liking the first two trilogies a lot, so I picked up this reissue of Camber of Culdi looking forward to re-reading an old favorite.
A long time back, while I was still enjoying the Deryni series, I read Ursula Le Guin's essay “From Elfland to Poughkeepsie,” in which she cruelly points out the essentially political, non-fantasy nature of the books. I saw her point, and I dislike fictional politics, but I liked these books anyway.
On this re-read, Le Guin's views came sharply back into focus. Counter to my memory, there's almost no magic in this book. Instead, it is a heavily political story about dynastic succession, with religious trappings and a hint of magic here and there for flavor. It's well written, but almost all of the writing is about things I don't care about. While I recalled Kurtz as being focused on religion, a lot of the book is what these days people would likely call ecclesiastical porn - lots of details of vestments and monasteries and priestly devotion; certainly far more than there is about magic.
[some mild spoilers below]
The books are also heavily male-centric. There are a few females involved - the evil temptress, the innocent maiden, the sympathetic friend. Granted, the books are a bit dated, but they're from the 70s, not the 30s. It's hard to set aside "if we do not support our men in their good works, what hope is there for any of us". And, of course, it's worse to kill women than men. Yes, it's a vaguely historical fantasy, but if we can have magic powers, why not independent women? Only in the bonus story - one of the best parts of the book - is there a woman who really acts for herself. The implicit condemnation of gays is less frequent, but no more palatable. That's not even touching the devoted servants who will do anything for their kind masters.
The bad guys are caricatures, and not very credible. Camber's son is very close to the cruel tyrant, but there's never any indication of why he would be - the guy is a cartoon villain, while the son is good and noble.
The book is of two minds. On the one hand, the plot machinations are to depose Deryni in favor of humans. On the other, it's clear that Deryni are special. While it's a given of the series that Deryni have special powers, Kurtz also seems to extend their special place to other issues - for example, "a thoroughness possible only for Deryni", which doesn't seem explained by their standard powers. This special place is nowhere more clear than in dealing with Cinhil - the reluctant pretender. Without really any qualms, his 'friend' and confidante waits until he trusts her, then messes with his volition - and we're meant to feel good about it.
All in all, a vastly disappointing return to the magic of yesteryear. I came into this book expecting to love it almost as much as I had before. Instead, I was mostly bored. I'd been looking forward to re-reading the first two Deryni trilogies. Now I'm a little worried about going back even to the first one.
If you want an alternate history stuffed with the ecclesiastical trappings, political machinations, and just the faintest bit of magic, this is for you. If you want a true fantasy, you may want to look elsewhere.
texile's review against another edition
4.0
CW: on-screen infant murder
So that was a nasty shock, but overall a reasonably absorbing read; will continue with the series.
So that was a nasty shock, but overall a reasonably absorbing read; will continue with the series.