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The Childe Morgan #2
Childe Morgan
New York Times bestselling author of In the King's Service
Alaric Morgan has been pledged to the king's service. His Deryni blood makes him ideal to safeguard the Haldane kings and ensure that Prince Brion shall have the protection of his hereditary magic.
Alaric Morgan has been pledged to the king's service. His Deryni blood makes him ideal to safeguard the Haldane kings and ensure that Prince Brion shall have the protection of his hereditary magic.
325 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 5, 2006
73 people are currently reading
635 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Kurtz
108 books733 followersKatherine Kurtz is an American fantasy novel writer. She is best known for her Deryni series. She currently lives in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 4, 2021
Another re-read. I truly enjoy these books; they seem realistic in many ways and the characters are strong people who do what they need to do in order to accomplish their goals. The concept of "Deryni" is fascinating as well.
On the other hand, there are some issues in general with the books. First off, it seems somewhat anti-Church (no, I'm not Catholic, but I do respect them) in the sense that senior church leaders seem to be the least tolerant and least religious - and the higher you go, the less religious they become - of anyone in the series. There are bad apples everywhere, we all draw from the same hiring pool (the human race) - but I don't believe the bad apples are concentrated in any religious hierarchy. I also have trouble figuring out Deryni ethics; these seem to be very flexible when it comes to taking control of other people - something along the lines of "the end justifies the means"; if the end goal is laudable, then they're justified in doing things that are considered unethical in their opponents.
In this specific book, the young Alaric Morgan is far too intelligent for his tender years.
Having said that, I still enjoy the books and will continue to read them for entertainment.
On the other hand, there are some issues in general with the books. First off, it seems somewhat anti-Church (no, I'm not Catholic, but I do respect them) in the sense that senior church leaders seem to be the least tolerant and least religious - and the higher you go, the less religious they become - of anyone in the series. There are bad apples everywhere, we all draw from the same hiring pool (the human race) - but I don't believe the bad apples are concentrated in any religious hierarchy. I also have trouble figuring out Deryni ethics; these seem to be very flexible when it comes to taking control of other people - something along the lines of "the end justifies the means"; if the end goal is laudable, then they're justified in doing things that are considered unethical in their opponents.
In this specific book, the young Alaric Morgan is far too intelligent for his tender years.
Having said that, I still enjoy the books and will continue to read them for entertainment.
March 4, 2018
I'm glad I read the trilogy but it just doesn't have the same quality as the earlier series. And Alaric in, my favorite character in the previous books, is only a toddler.
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January 14, 2025I enjoyed this novel, as I do any Deryni novel, despite its relatively slow pace, even by Katherine Kurtz standards. It traces the growth of characters that would eventually play big roles in the very first books in the series, published decades before.
November 8, 2014
A bit slower in the first half than some might prefer , Childe Morgan was a wonderful trip back to Gwynedd for this reader who originally found K Kurtz and her Deryni in the 80s. this book sets into motion moving the key players inexorably toward the events in her original trilogy. The true action begins with the unfortunate death of a minor if beloved character and this triggers a series of events like dominoes falling one after another. I look forward to reading the latest book in the series due out in Dec 2014 and have no intention of holding off reading that book last like I did for this one. Thank you Ms Kurtz for your wonderful world and bringing us full circle back to where we started.
I bring you this benediction found at the end of the novel....
"In the name of Holy Camber, be king for all thy people of Gwynedd, human and Deryni, and reign in wisdom for all thy days.".
I bring you this benediction found at the end of the novel....
"In the name of Holy Camber, be king for all thy people of Gwynedd, human and Deryni, and reign in wisdom for all thy days.".
January 14, 2015
I am a huge fan of Katherine Kurtz's deryni novels. Although this is not one to start with, I am completely satisfied with the book as a whole. Although the series claims to be about Alaric Morgan, this book is really about his mother and to a small degree his father. If you want light reading you will not find it with the deryni novels for the most part. Although not difficult to read, her topics are deep, and rich. The characters are well developed, with flaws and strenghts to make them believable and I often walk away feeling as if they actually lived.
Many of the more avid fans are disappointed in the later books, but I am more willing to let the characters develop as she sees fit.
Many of the more avid fans are disappointed in the later books, but I am more willing to let the characters develop as she sees fit.
April 3, 2019
I had to re-read the first in this trilogy, In the Kings Service, as it has been many years since I first read it. Amazing how much I forget, because it was as if I had never read it before! It set me in the right place to come to this - the middle book in the trilogy - which takes us through the early years of the Deryni Alaric Morgan as he develops his skills and knowledge in order to fulfil his destiny as supporter of Prince Brion once he becomes King and the Haldane Magic is released. Deryni are close to anathematised within the Haldane Kingdom, with the powerful church exacting cruel punishment on those found to be exercising magic. Although fantasy, this book is more about the politics and battles of Kingdoms, and the defining of what is good and what is evil. Great characters and story.
November 5, 2018
This was the book I was expecting. The story telling was more like the early Kurtz work that I enjoyed in my teens. She managed to make the story engaging, even though we "know" most of the facts before hand because the information is included in those books that fall later in the timeline, but were written decades ago.
Even at this early age, Alaric Morgan shows signs of the man he will one day become, and I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me want to pick up those first books to re-read. Alaric has always been one of my favorite characters out of that first trilogy, so much so that I used the name for one of the main characters in my own work.
Even at this early age, Alaric Morgan shows signs of the man he will one day become, and I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me want to pick up those first books to re-read. Alaric has always been one of my favorite characters out of that first trilogy, so much so that I used the name for one of the main characters in my own work.
February 11, 2019
I stopped reading the Deryni books several years ago because my mind was full and I needed something lighter. Recently I've been wanting to read more challenging books and I ran across this one in my local library.
This was a nice interlude. It's easy to see where Morgan got his confidence. He was loved. It's also easy to see where he learned to hide his vulnerabilities. He's a character to be reckoned with.
I may re-read the series. I miss the depth.
This was a nice interlude. It's easy to see where Morgan got his confidence. He was loved. It's also easy to see where he learned to hide his vulnerabilities. He's a character to be reckoned with.
I may re-read the series. I miss the depth.
October 29, 2017
A worthy entry in the world of the Deryni and the Haldane Kings
Katherine Kurtz continues the story of Alaric Morgan's childhood, his parents Alyce De Corwyn and Kenneth Morgan. We say farewell to some old friends and greet new characters as they move become more important to the story. Overall an excellent read!
Katherine Kurtz continues the story of Alaric Morgan's childhood, his parents Alyce De Corwyn and Kenneth Morgan. We say farewell to some old friends and greet new characters as they move become more important to the story. Overall an excellent read!
May 9, 2018
If you enjoy the Deryni series and King Kelson, you will enjoy this preview of prior to Kelson's birth. This tracks Alaric from after his mother, Alyce's death, to Kelson's birth. It depicts the trials being a Deryni at court, the upheaval of Bishop Nore and Alaric and King Brion coming into their magical powers.
March 2, 2020
This book was okay, it continued the series nicely.Not the best thing I've read lately, but good enough to keep me reading. Not sure why the lack luster review, except that the pace of these is slow, and if you were to ask me what the plot was I'd have trouble telling you. It's very episodic.
July 26, 2017
This book is so incredibly boring. Absolutely NOTHING happens! Day to day life and that's pretty much it.
September 14, 2017
The continues the story started in "In King's Service". Rounds out King Donal & Alyce de Corwyn Morgan's story and spends more time developing Sir Kenneth's character, and not much more.
For fans and completists only.
For fans and completists only.
December 29, 2017
Good to know about Morgan :)
July 2, 2018
This was a great Deryni book. I was so/so on the first of this series, but this one was excellent.
July 15, 2018
This novel in the Derynii saga highlights the childhood of Alaric, and foreshadows future events.
May 24, 2018
Way better than book 1 of this series. I'm a big fan of the Deryni series. Wish I could still get the earlier books from the library (they purged them - the nerve!) I may be forced to buy them to reread!
January 5, 2021
Much better than volume 1, but still not as enthralling as the Kelton and camber series
December 27, 2014
=== Bland beginning, stirring conclusion ===
Katherine Kurtz may not be the most prolific fantasy writer. That distinction may belong to S M Stirling although his works straddle a number of genres. But I think the Deryni books by Kurtz may hold the record for the most fantasy books, at sixteen (as well as three additional ancillary works), that follow a timeline of more than two hundred years (903 to 1128) chronicling the adventures and travails of succeeding Gwynedd monarchs, the Deryni magic-empowered race, adversarial bishops and sinister clergy, and the neighboring Torenthi usurpers and pretenders to the throne.
The first Deryni book was ‘Deryni Rising,’ published in 1970 and the most recent, and likely the last, ‘The King’s Deryni,’ in 2014; that totals forty-four years it has taken to build a medieval fantasy saga, surely a monumental achievement by any measure. Some books are out of print. Perhaps one day the complete saga could be republished in chronological order.
If read chronologically, ‘Childe Morgan’ is the eight book in the Deryni series of sixteen, the second volume of the Childe Morgan trilogy. In terms of publishing sequence it is the penultimate volume and one of the shortest. Continuing from the first book of the trilogy, ‘In the King’s Service,’ its central character is Kenneth Kai Morgan, the most trusted aide to King Donal Haldane. His much younger wife Alyce de Corwyn Morgan has birthed a son, Alaric Morgan, who is the ‘childe’ of this trilogy and the third book will tell of his adult experiences in support of the king and defense of the Kingdom of Gwynedd.
This book struck me as a being short of adversarial plots and dramatic encounters except towards its conclusion. Its first half consists mostly of placid dialog and descriptions of events that are inconsequential to the plot. As is Kurtz’s style we are inundated with introductions and references to new characters and their genealogies. These come in lumps and clumps at the beginning of many of her books and challenge readers’ recollective abilities. The ‘Index of Characters’ in the appendix is of some help but lack detail in order not to reveal pending events. However, by its middle this novel gains more substance and I found the book’s ending had made it worth getting through its bland first half. The ending sets the stage very well for the next book ‘The King’s Deryni’ which should be much more substantial at over five hundred pages in length.
Katherine Kurtz may not be the most prolific fantasy writer. That distinction may belong to S M Stirling although his works straddle a number of genres. But I think the Deryni books by Kurtz may hold the record for the most fantasy books, at sixteen (as well as three additional ancillary works), that follow a timeline of more than two hundred years (903 to 1128) chronicling the adventures and travails of succeeding Gwynedd monarchs, the Deryni magic-empowered race, adversarial bishops and sinister clergy, and the neighboring Torenthi usurpers and pretenders to the throne.
The first Deryni book was ‘Deryni Rising,’ published in 1970 and the most recent, and likely the last, ‘The King’s Deryni,’ in 2014; that totals forty-four years it has taken to build a medieval fantasy saga, surely a monumental achievement by any measure. Some books are out of print. Perhaps one day the complete saga could be republished in chronological order.
If read chronologically, ‘Childe Morgan’ is the eight book in the Deryni series of sixteen, the second volume of the Childe Morgan trilogy. In terms of publishing sequence it is the penultimate volume and one of the shortest. Continuing from the first book of the trilogy, ‘In the King’s Service,’ its central character is Kenneth Kai Morgan, the most trusted aide to King Donal Haldane. His much younger wife Alyce de Corwyn Morgan has birthed a son, Alaric Morgan, who is the ‘childe’ of this trilogy and the third book will tell of his adult experiences in support of the king and defense of the Kingdom of Gwynedd.
This book struck me as a being short of adversarial plots and dramatic encounters except towards its conclusion. Its first half consists mostly of placid dialog and descriptions of events that are inconsequential to the plot. As is Kurtz’s style we are inundated with introductions and references to new characters and their genealogies. These come in lumps and clumps at the beginning of many of her books and challenge readers’ recollective abilities. The ‘Index of Characters’ in the appendix is of some help but lack detail in order not to reveal pending events. However, by its middle this novel gains more substance and I found the book’s ending had made it worth getting through its bland first half. The ending sets the stage very well for the next book ‘The King’s Deryni’ which should be much more substantial at over five hundred pages in length.
January 7, 2015
I've been a fan of Katherine Kurtz since I first read the Camber trilogy in the early 1980s. I can't say how many times I have re-read her first four Deryni trilogies and short stories.
Childe Morgan is part of a prequel trilogy with the stories of Alaric Morgan's parents and childhood under King Donal and then King Brion (Kelson's father). The third book in this trilogy, The King's Deryni, was just published in December 2014 so I decided to refresh my memory before starting on the new one. My recollection was that In the King's Service, the first book in this trilogy, was very dry and basically infodumps about too many characters to keep track of, but that Childe Morgan was better. So I re-read Childe Morgan without re-reading the preceding book.
Overall, this was disappointing. I never felt fully identified with the characters. It was more of a history book (leaving aside that it is history of a fictional realm) than an action story or a character-driven novel. If I wasn't already familiar with the setting, I wouldn't have understood the issue of who the Deryni are or why the reader should care about them. The last two chapters were more action-oriented and more interesting, although I still didn't feel connected to the Deryni characters.
Hopefully The King's Deryni will bring back the magic.
Childe Morgan is part of a prequel trilogy with the stories of Alaric Morgan's parents and childhood under King Donal and then King Brion (Kelson's father). The third book in this trilogy, The King's Deryni, was just published in December 2014 so I decided to refresh my memory before starting on the new one. My recollection was that In the King's Service, the first book in this trilogy, was very dry and basically infodumps about too many characters to keep track of, but that Childe Morgan was better. So I re-read Childe Morgan without re-reading the preceding book.
Overall, this was disappointing. I never felt fully identified with the characters. It was more of a history book (leaving aside that it is history of a fictional realm) than an action story or a character-driven novel. If I wasn't already familiar with the setting, I wouldn't have understood the issue of who the Deryni are or why the reader should care about them. The last two chapters were more action-oriented and more interesting, although I still didn't feel connected to the Deryni characters.
Hopefully The King's Deryni will bring back the magic.
February 9, 2013
This is a solid read, with maybe a few too many names thrown around for the reader with an average memory (such as myself) to keep up with.
It was a bit disappointing as I was wanting to read about Alaric (and Duncan) and while they both featured in this book, they were both toddlers with very little to do.
This book is really about Alaric's parents, Kenneth and Alyce, with a touch of information about the Haldane kings before Kelson thrown in. That's fine in and of itself, but I feel a bit cheated as I was hoping for more about the children.
There's an awful lot of their lives to fit in in the third book if that goes up to the events of Deryni Rising as it says on Kurtz's website. I'm afraid there won't be enough pages to do it all justice, and that's what I've been wanting to read for years, ever since there were first rumours there would be a book about Alaric's youth.
It was nice to get to know Duke Richard though, as I've finally figured out that he's Araxie's father (or at least, I think he is as I don't have my other books with me to check the genealogy and it is all pretty convoluted).
A good book, but it wasn't actually the one I was hoping it would be. It's positively kittens and fluffy bunnies for Kurtz too, with only a small number of people dying and none in horribly grim and nasty ways.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 9 February 2013]
It was a bit disappointing as I was wanting to read about Alaric (and Duncan) and while they both featured in this book, they were both toddlers with very little to do.
This book is really about Alaric's parents, Kenneth and Alyce, with a touch of information about the Haldane kings before Kelson thrown in. That's fine in and of itself, but I feel a bit cheated as I was hoping for more about the children.
There's an awful lot of their lives to fit in in the third book if that goes up to the events of Deryni Rising as it says on Kurtz's website. I'm afraid there won't be enough pages to do it all justice, and that's what I've been wanting to read for years, ever since there were first rumours there would be a book about Alaric's youth.
It was nice to get to know Duke Richard though, as I've finally figured out that he's Araxie's father (or at least, I think he is as I don't have my other books with me to check the genealogy and it is all pretty convoluted).
A good book, but it wasn't actually the one I was hoping it would be. It's positively kittens and fluffy bunnies for Kurtz too, with only a small number of people dying and none in horribly grim and nasty ways.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 9 February 2013]
July 5, 2008
I've enjoyed the Deryni series, but Ms Kurtz's recent additions haven't been as good as the early books. I still enjoy reading more stories in this rich world, but my favorites will always be the early works.
This particular book focuses on the early childhood of one of the main characters in the later Deryni series, Alaric Morgan. Having read all of these other books, I already knew the fate of the characters.
The Deryni world is one for which I have always wanted the gaps filled. Unfortunately, that means most of the history is filled with tragic death.
Although I knew it was coming, Ms Kurtz is true to form. She writes such that the reader cares so much for the characters that even though we know what is coming, it is still an emotional read.
Seeing the names in her genealogies with the dates of death, and reading the mentions of those deaths in other books, still doesn't prepare the reader for how well she weaves the story of the character's actual demise.
Child Morgan works as a fill-in-the-gaps book in the history of the Deryni world and its people. It is well written and the characters are vivid. But it can't stand alone without the rest of the books, and its only appeal is to fans of the Deryni world.
This particular book focuses on the early childhood of one of the main characters in the later Deryni series, Alaric Morgan. Having read all of these other books, I already knew the fate of the characters.
The Deryni world is one for which I have always wanted the gaps filled. Unfortunately, that means most of the history is filled with tragic death.
Although I knew it was coming, Ms Kurtz is true to form. She writes such that the reader cares so much for the characters that even though we know what is coming, it is still an emotional read.
Seeing the names in her genealogies with the dates of death, and reading the mentions of those deaths in other books, still doesn't prepare the reader for how well she weaves the story of the character's actual demise.
Child Morgan works as a fill-in-the-gaps book in the history of the Deryni world and its people. It is well written and the characters are vivid. But it can't stand alone without the rest of the books, and its only appeal is to fans of the Deryni world.
September 26, 2013
This is, I believe, the fifteenth novel in Kurtz' Deryni series. I have read all of them - except the one that directly precedes this one, "In the King's Service." If you must read this book, I highly recommend reading it first. However, I don't particularly recommend reading either of them. This book barely qualifies as a novel. Reading it is akin to spending time with an extremely gossipy acquaintance who insists on chattering at length about people that you barely remember. "Oh did you hear that so & so had a baby? Really, and so & so is marrying so & so, and OH, did I tell you that so & so's son died? Oh, so tragic! I could hardly believe it."
For the first 2/3rds of the book, absolutely nothing happens except history-style updates on characters who are never fleshed out. I'm assuming that I was supposed to have learned who all these people were in the previous book, and that I wouldn't need more characterization after that.
In the final third of the book, a plot finally comes together - people are out to get the young Alaric Morgan, whose parents swore him to the magical service and protection of his king. Things go rather badly, people die. That's about it.
For the first 2/3rds of the book, absolutely nothing happens except history-style updates on characters who are never fleshed out. I'm assuming that I was supposed to have learned who all these people were in the previous book, and that I wouldn't need more characterization after that.
In the final third of the book, a plot finally comes together - people are out to get the young Alaric Morgan, whose parents swore him to the magical service and protection of his king. Things go rather badly, people die. That's about it.
December 31, 2019
This book is the second book of a trilogy. The first book of this trilogy is “In the King’s Service.”
The Deryni books all enthrall me. This one was no different, as I became wrapt up in the fate of the well-detailed medieval life and the emotions of the characters described. I do not suggest starting reading about the Deryni with this book, or even this trilogy. There are others where the clash of the cultures and the back story of the society are laid out more clearly. See Kurtz’s suggestion for the order in which you should read the books. if you have read and enjoyed any of the others in the Deryni universe do not miss this one.
If you are new to Katherine Kurtz, you should know that she is a historian, with an excellent grasp of detail and the ability to draw you into a different world. She writes well, with a good level of complication in her plots and characters, and a talent for vivid description.
The Deryni books all enthrall me. This one was no different, as I became wrapt up in the fate of the well-detailed medieval life and the emotions of the characters described. I do not suggest starting reading about the Deryni with this book, or even this trilogy. There are others where the clash of the cultures and the back story of the society are laid out more clearly. See Kurtz’s suggestion for the order in which you should read the books. if you have read and enjoyed any of the others in the Deryni universe do not miss this one.
If you are new to Katherine Kurtz, you should know that she is a historian, with an excellent grasp of detail and the ability to draw you into a different world. She writes well, with a good level of complication in her plots and characters, and a talent for vivid description.
September 30, 2014
Most of the failures of this book are included in the other reviews. However, I feel you must know that this book probably has the laziest ending I've ever seen in a fantasy novel. You will NOT be rewarded with fireworks for all the gossip you just schlepped through. Instead, the ending comes as close as you can get to a big old Deus Ex Machina. God knows why, since she hardly backed her characters into a serious corner anyways. I realize one probably gets tired with how many books she's written, but it's unbelievable that her editor didn't make her rewrite it.
I'm sure this will not stop her fans, but to my friends who might be curious: don't read this. It's not horribly bad enough to be funny, just bad. Plain ol' bad.
I'm sure this will not stop her fans, but to my friends who might be curious: don't read this. It's not horribly bad enough to be funny, just bad. Plain ol' bad.
February 29, 2008
I normally have very high regard for Katherine Kurtz, and I read this one just because it was from her, and in the very solid Deryni series.
Overall, rather disappointing. The story, the plot just wasn't there. It felt more like she was just trying to bridge the gap between the previous book and the beginning of the Kelson stories. There were whole sections of the book where it felt like she was just killing time, and it almost felt like she was obliged to kill characters off because of when their deaths fell in her family trees in earlier books.
Not a great effort, and it didn't really add much to the series to me. I'd much rather see a new kelson book!
Overall, rather disappointing. The story, the plot just wasn't there. It felt more like she was just trying to bridge the gap between the previous book and the beginning of the Kelson stories. There were whole sections of the book where it felt like she was just killing time, and it almost felt like she was obliged to kill characters off because of when their deaths fell in her family trees in earlier books.
Not a great effort, and it didn't really add much to the series to me. I'd much rather see a new kelson book!
December 7, 2008
I'd forgotten how much I loooooove Katherine Kurtz's Deryni novels. Within a paragraph she's completely enveloped you in her rich world of Gwynedd, based on 14th century England and alive with details. I was thrilled a few years ago when she started writing these stand alone books, like King Kelson's Bride. This one was a little rocky at first, in that she reminded us of what had happened in the previous book a few too many times, but after the first few chapters it was wonderful stuff. I love seeing Morgan as a child, and the characters of his parents, the old king, etc., are classic Kurtz: real and human and engaging.
October 19, 2014
Katherine Kurtz’s first Deryni series introducing the land of Gwynneth and its young, just-made King Kelson and his advisor Alaric Morgan is a justifiably acclaimed fantasy classic. Since that first trilogy, Kurtz has given us several series of books dipping into Gwynneth’s far history as well as Kelson’s near future. While, as is true of just about any such multi-volume fantasy series, there have been some stumbles here and there, for the most part Kurtz has maintained the high level of quality set by that first trilogy, especially with regard to the Camber of Culdi ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
March 10, 2009
I've been a big fan of Kurt'z Deryni novels since I was in high school and a friend of mine turned me on to them. I haven't read one in many years so I was looking forward to this one. Though I enjoyed it, I was a bit disappointed. Perhaps because so much time had gone by and I had lost some of the details of the other books or perhaps it really just was a tad slow.
Still, a mediocre Kurtz is better than most and it was a pleasure to return to Gwynedd and immerse myself in the detailed universe she has created.
Still, a mediocre Kurtz is better than most and it was a pleasure to return to Gwynedd and immerse myself in the detailed universe she has created.
June 1, 2015
The death toll in this makes me think that Ms. Kurtz has been taking a leaf out of GRR Martin's plotting devices, though to be fair, very few were violent deaths. Disease is one of those reasons I wouldn't really want to visit the Middle Ages.
The book is enjoyable but sadly many characters aren't around long enough for you to get to properly know them. The writing style flows well as always, except for the initial checking on how a new character's name is pronounced.
Now I just have to wait until November for the paperback edition of volume 3!
The book is enjoyable but sadly many characters aren't around long enough for you to get to properly know them. The writing style flows well as always, except for the initial checking on how a new character's name is pronounced.
Now I just have to wait until November for the paperback edition of volume 3!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews