In order to claim the throne of Gwynedd, young Kelson Haldane had to reveal his magical Deryni powers, putting him at odds with the most powerfu... read full description
reviews
Aug 24, 2010
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it: 
If you read my review of Deryni Rising you know I didn't spend a lot of time on the fictional (fantasy) depiction of the church. That will not be possible here.
The book itself follows the events having to do with the church demanding that Deryni (all Deryni) renounce their powers and abilities, or be excommunicated. The actions of a rabid and hate filled persecutor will also play a role in the story, which does not complete with this volume.
************* SPOIL More...
The book itself follows the events having to do with the church demanding that Deryni (all Deryni) renounce their powers and abilities, or be excommunicated. The actions of a rabid and hate filled persecutor will also play a role in the story, which does not complete with this volume.
************* SPOIL More...
Mar 16, 2011
Legsoffury
rated it: 
Not as good as the first book. It doesn't deserve a 2 star, but maybe 2.5
My review of the first book applies to the second also.
Even less female influence in this one, though I can easily imagine much of the dialogue occuring between two women rather than two men. I suppose I can excuse it by accepting that the magic bond between certain male figures creates an intimacy that would not exist otherwise. But seriously, the male characters don't hide anything. They really lay ther More...
My review of the first book applies to the second also.
Even less female influence in this one, though I can easily imagine much of the dialogue occuring between two women rather than two men. I suppose I can excuse it by accepting that the magic bond between certain male figures creates an intimacy that would not exist otherwise. But seriously, the male characters don't hide anything. They really lay ther More...
Feb 02, 2010
Brad
rated it:
I was between three and four stars on this one. I loved the first one (Dernyi Rising) and love each of the characters. They are fun and interesting. The plot of the book is nice, but follows typical "trilogy format" (book 1 - introduce characters include provincial victory Book 2 - broaden the scope and make a big mess Book 3 - clean up the mess, kill one main character and good triumphs over evil.) Fun, playful, great religious/faith overtones that give the book a fun distinguishi
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Mar 01, 2008
Fred D
rated it: 
These comments apply to all 3 books of the original Deryni Trilogy, Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, and High Deryni. I really enjoyed this series. I liked Kurtz's writing style, and she did a great job creating and describing the fantasy world of Gwynnedd. I could see a lot of Welsh influence in the world she created. I think the series teaches a good lesson about tolerance of minorities and overcoming ignorance. However, the story line seemed to have some anti-religious undertones which I wasn
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Apr 13, 2011
Donna
rated it:
Second in the trilogy. I'm re-reading these after many years. This one was a solid story as things start to really heat up. A group of priests breaks away from the main Church over the Deryni question and a religious zealot with his own mysterious powers wants to start a new Deryni persecution. The only thing that seemed a little off to me was the subplot of the marriage of Morgan's sister Bronwyn. It didn't seem to advance the story at all unless it pops up somewhere later in the third boo
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Jun 08, 2010
Mailis
rated it:
Solid somewhat historic fantasy, characters dont pull you in immediately but half-way through i started to get in to it more. Lacks a bit of emotional connection and the feeling of epic drama might not be obvious, still the philosophical undertones and religious questions are irrelevant and timeless if you find in yourself the motivation the immerse yourself in the ideas.
Jul 29, 2011
Neill
rated it: 
In the second book of the introduction to the Deryni, Kelson must overcome the enmity of his mother and the ecclesiastical powers of his court to his Deryni powers in time to protect his kingdom from an anti-Deryni crusader and a neighbouring Deryni ruler intent of taking the crown and territory of Gwynned.
Aug 18, 2010
Michelle
rated it:
The great thing about getting old is that I forget things. I've read this before (more than once) and I still only remembered things barely before they happened. Gotta love Morgan and Duncan.
Jul 19, 2009
Tiffany
rated it:
Excellent! I loved the action, characters, magic and the world Kurtz created. I especially liked the dilemma Kurtz poses for Duncan, a priest but also Deryni. Can't wait to read the next installment.
Jul 19, 2010
Lauren
rated it:
Once again, I loved it! It was just as action-packed as the first in the set. It made me laugh, cry, and hide behind my hands when things got suspenseful (as weird as it sounds). The heroes are easy to love and, unfortunately, so are the expendable characters. I can't believe no one told me about this author sooner. She's great!
Jun 03, 2011
I saw the doom coming from miles away and I just couldn't make myself finish it, especially since it was of the variety of 'man victimises woman!'. Bleah.
Feb 10, 2012
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