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Camber of Culdi

(The Legends of Camber of Culdi #1)

Katherine Kurtz

3.90 · Rating details · 4,983 ratings · 108 reviews

Magic and mysticism come alive in this magnificent historical fantasy from the New York Times–bestselling author of the Chronicles of the Deryni.

Long before Camber was revered as a saint, he was a Deryni noble, one of the most respected of the magical race whose arcane skills set them apart from ordinary humans in the medieval kingdom of Gwynedd.

For nearly a century,

...more

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Kindle Edition, 314 pages

Published March 8th 2016 by Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy (first published January 1st 1976)

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Nov 19, 2012 Bookwraiths rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths .

Camber of Culdi was originally published in 1976, following on the heels of the thrilling exploits of the young King Kelson Haldane in The Chronicles of the Deryni trilogy. In Deryni chronologically terms, however, this novel is the oldest, going back in time to shed light on the mysterious Saint Camber, who is reviled and revered in equal measure by the populous of the Kingdom of Gwynedd in Kelson’s time. And here readers come face-to-face with this Deryni Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths .

Camber of Culdi was originally published in 1976, following on the heels of the thrilling exploits of the young King Kelson Haldane in The Chronicles of the Deryni trilogy. In Deryni chronologically terms, however, this novel is the oldest, going back in time to shed light on the mysterious Saint Camber, who is reviled and revered in equal measure by the populous of the Kingdom of Gwynedd in Kelson’s time. And here readers come face-to-face with this Deryni legend.

The ruler of Gweynedd at this time in Camber’s life is the young Imre; his ancestor Festil I, the Conqueror, having brutally overthrown the human kings centuries before, seizing power for the Deryni race. These very human-like people living along side the population, normal in every way except in their extraordinary mental powers which are rumored to be magic. And while the Deryni overlordship of the land has not been all bad, it has taken a decidedly downward turn upon the ascension of Imre, who is a horrible racist (He views humans as nothing more than livestock to be worked, taxed, and killed as needed.) and more than a little insane. These qualities having caused Camber MacRorie, Earl of Culdi, to retire from court; his duties to the crown passed to his eldest son, Cathan, who has been fast friends with Imre since childhood.

This self-imposed retirement of the Earl seems to be for the best. The quiet life suiting him, allowing Camber to spend his days on ecclesiastical and historical study as well as family time: his daughter Evaine mainly, though he is close with his sons Cathan and Joram too. The greater goings-on of the kingdom still of interest to him, but his belief that younger men should guide the king into more prudent rulership. But then two events occur simultaneously: Imre decreeing that innocent humans must die in punishment for the murder of a Deryni, and an elderly human on his deathbed passing along a deadly secret to Camber’s son-in-law Rhys Thuryn. These unrelated events setting off a chain reaction which forces Camber of Culdi to contemplate betraying his ruling monarch and, perhaps, the Deryni race itself!

Having read this (and the other Deryni novels) as a teenager growing up in the 1980s, picking up Camber of Culdi again after all these years was both a welcome return to a childhood haunt and a trepidatious homecoming for an older, more cynical me. And, after finishing my re-read, I have to admit being both pleased and disappointed with the novel, though I definitely feel more of the former rather than the latter.

On the pleased side, I have to point to the wonderful world of the Deryni, which I still found as engrossing and as entertaining as it was decades ago. This fantasy version of medieval Europe filled with royal houses, political machinations, and the unique Deryni. What set it apart from other series is Katherine Kurtz’s wholesale inclusion of the Catholic Church in her story; medieval Christianity fully in place with Jesus Christ having died on the cross, his followers having spread across the world, monasteries and militant orders dotting the landscape, and the learned quoting Latin Psalms. This inclusion of religion allowing the author to capture the true nature of this historical setting, to show the clash of secular and religious powers, and to juxtapose the dual nature of devotedly religious people committing horrible deeds in the name of secular power.

On the disappointed side, I have to acknowledge this group of characters were a bit of a letdown for me (though, to be completely honest, I never loved them as much as I did Kelson, Morgan, and company). Camber always seemed more a saint than a real person. His children Cathan, Joram, and Evaine (as well as other confidantes like Rhys) had brief flashes of personality, but never received a real opportunity to grow into anyone truly special. King Imre and other “bad guys” were penned as fairly one dimensional creatures, easily labeled as the “insane tyrant”, “the “evil temptress”, or the “scheming liar.” And there was a complete absence of female main characters, though that might be a result of the time period when the book was first published more than anything else.

Overall, Camber of Culdi is a fine fantasy read filled with political scheming, dynastic intrigue, and a touch of magic, set in a wonderfully developed faux-medieval Europe with a fully realized Catholic Church. For longtime lovers of the Deryni novels, it will be a joyful return to a familiar home, replete with iconic characters and an easily followed tale told in Katherine Kurtz memorable style. To those new to the series, I would encourage them to read the first trilogy, The Chronicles of the Deryni, before delving in here, because the revelations in this book could ruin very important plot elements there.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone. ...more

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Apr 02, 2018 Gary Sundell rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Others have described the plot. In the timeline of the Deryni novels this is the earliest.
I read this when it was first released about 40 years ago. I liked it just as well this time as well. I had forgotten many of the plot elements. It was good coming back to this after so many years.

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Apr 07, 2014 Steelwhisper rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Everyone who loves magic. kings, princes and politics

Shelves: influential, strong-heroine, 5-brilliant, other-eras, fantasy, favorites, historical-fiction, politics

Re-read. As good as it was the first time, this is what fantasy should be like. And sorry, against this--very much so--most of the current similar efforts still suck donkey balls.

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May 16, 2016 Joseph rated it really liked it

So sometime back in the early 1980s I became aware of Katherine Kurtz' Deryni books -- mostly likely through an article in Dragon Magazine (which I read religiously), although I had probably also seen the books on the shelf in the local bookstore. When I found out that the Camber books, although written after the original Deryni trilogy (Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni) were prequels set a hundred years before the original trilogy, I decided I had to start there. (I had to! They So sometime back in the early 1980s I became aware of Katherine Kurtz' Deryni books -- mostly likely through an article in Dragon Magazine (which I read religiously), although I had probably also seen the books on the shelf in the local bookstore. When I found out that the Camber books, although written after the original Deryni trilogy (Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni) were prequels set a hundred years before the original trilogy, I decided I had to start there. (I had to! They happened first!) So I picked them up, took them home, read them a few times during my high school years, and never kind of went any further than that.

Fast forward thirty years. (view spoiler) In the intervening years, I did finally get around to reading the original Deryni trilogy (as part of my project to read everything published in the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series in the late 1960s and early 1970s; Kurtz was one of the few authors who debuted in the series, and I believe she's the only one who went on to have any kind of significant career), but I never went back to the Camber books until now, driven by a confluence of circumstances: Judith Tarr's reread on tor.com of the original Deryni trilogy, and the release of the Camber books in eBook format for the very first time.

And I'm pleased to say that the first book holds up quite well after all these years. As I said in my review of Deryni Rising, I think these books are clearly in the lineage that led to Game of Thrones, although they may not always get the credit that they should.

The setting is an imaginary world, but one that is very, very, very close to our own, to the point where the dominant religion (in this area, at least, which is very England/Ireland/Scotland/Wales) is Christianity and the chapters all begin with quotes from scripture -- primarily the Old Testament.

The Deryni are a race of humans who can use magic. A hundred years prior to the events of Camber of Culdi, they overthrew the last human king and installed one of their own upon the throne. Now the latest Deryni king, Imre, came to the throne too young and is casually cruel and brutal, especially to non-Deryni. (And also has a sister with whom he has a mildly skeevy relationship.)

Camber MacRorie, himself a Deryni and one of the old king's favorites, and who has withdrawn to his estate in disgust at Imre's actions, becomes aware that the last Haldane king (the human dynasty) may, in fact, have a legitimate heir although, just to complicate things, that heir took vows and has been living in a monastery for pretty much his entire adult life and so may not be in fit shape to lead an open rebellion ...

Definitely a product of its time -- the narrative does a fair amount of head-hopping, as was the style at the time, and there are some things (a fifteen year old child bride, e.g.) that pass without the sort of comment they might get today -- but well-written, fast-paced and definitely worth revisiting. ...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Metaphorosis rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2016-rev, reviewed

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 ...more

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Mar 30, 2012 Edie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is really the first book, chronologically. I love this series and it may well be my all-time favorite. It introduced me to magic and sword and sorcery and alternate worlds, and Katherine Kurtz's works for this series (The Deryni and Gwynedd) are really really good. The characters she draws I want to know (well, the ones that aren't villans), the land she creates is a place I want to live, the magic she describes is magic I would love to know.

For me, the best way to read this series is in ...more

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Sep 06, 2017 Drew rated it really liked it

This was a fun re-read. I first read this back . . . oh, 25 or 30 years ago, I think, and really enjoyed the mix of church politics and court intrigue in a land not entirely dissimilar from medieval Europe. Kurtz has this ability to create characters you really get attached to -- and then kill them off in horrible ways.

I'm tempted to continue on through the series now, chronologically, since I've never read the most recent trilogy in the series.

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Mar 15, 2019 Rui Mateus rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, own, 2019

I really loved how Katherine Kurtz managed to put this huge story into 300 pages. It doesn't drag but it's not too fast-paced either, it's just perfect. This Deryni world really is something

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May 04, 2016 Stacie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I. ADORE. Terry Brooks.

Back a few years…and by “a few,” I mean sixteen years ago…I was living in a new town. I didn’t know anyone, I was far away from family and friends and lonely as all heck. One day, I was driving around, trying to familiarize myself with the town, when I passed a library. I pulled over immediately, went inside, discovered the Shannara books there by Terry Brooks, and have been a fanatic fan of his ever since.

But what do you do, when you’ve read every book that the author has I. ADORE. Terry Brooks.

Back a few years…and by “a few,” I mean sixteen years ago…I was living in a new town. I didn’t know anyone, I was far away from family and friends and lonely as all heck. One day, I was driving around, trying to familiarize myself with the town, when I passed a library. I pulled over immediately, went inside, discovered the Shannara books there by Terry Brooks, and have been a fanatic fan of his ever since.

But what do you do, when you’ve read every book that the author has released about eighteen times and need something new?

You read Katherine Kurtz.

I had never heard of Katherine Kurtz, until about a month ago. (I know, I know. I’ll go sit in a corner and think about my bad behavior.) But I was literally driving myself nuts, wanting to find an author…specifically a series…that had the Shannara feel to it. And I had been striking out for a few months. But when I was offered the opportunity to read “Camber of Culdi,” I jumped at the chance. The reviews looked pretty great, and the story sounded pretty dang awesome.

Now, from what I understand, this is not a new book. This is simply a newly released edition (i.e. same book, new cover). The original one was released on June 12, 1976. It was the fourth novel in her Deryni novels and the first book in her second Deryni trilogy, The Legends of Camber of Culdi. However, “Camer of Culdi” is the first book in the internal story. Clear as mud? (In other words, read this one first.)

I was so excited, as I dug into this book. The storyline is so good. It has the perfect amount of mystery, magic and medieval. The characters are incredibly developed, easy to relate to, and easy to develop an affection for. The one thing that I love about the Shannara books, is that you forget that you are reading a book. The same holds true for this book, as well. I would be so engrossed in the happenings, the surroundings and the author’s wonderful ability to paint pictures with words, that I would forget that I was reading a book. That, my dear readers, is when you know you’ve struck gold with an author. When they are able to trigger your imagination to such a degree, that you lose all sense of time and space, then you know that you’re holding a treasure.

I can’t wait to get the other books in this series, as well as the others that she has written as well. Something tells me that I’ll be reading them for the next sixteen years. ...more

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Apr 04, 2016 Hilary rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, netgalley

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, ...more

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May 11, 2013 James Swenson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Legends of Camber of Culdi are intriguing for their setting: a fantasy Earth where humans live uneasily alongside the magic-using race of Deryni. The names of the places and the existence of magic demonstrate that this is not our world, but humans and Deryni alike worship the familiar Christian God with rites and sacraments indistinguishable from those of the Catholic Church. Religion serves to animate and motivate the characters -- memorably, the human heir-in-exile, Cinhil, who is ...more

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Sep 15, 2017 Evaine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Every once in a while I get the urge to revisit old favourites and Katherine Kurtz's Deryni novels are definitely faves of mine. I think the Camber books and the Heirs of Camber books are some of Katherine's strongest work.

Yeah, there's stuff in here that might be problematic these days - I mean, it was originally published in 1976 - but I can deal with that. I'm happy to say that although I notice the problems over 40 years later (with a few rereads between), they don't impinge on my enjoyment ...more

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Feb 08, 2015 Mark added it · review of another edition

This is a well written book by a lady who really knows her medieval culture. By that I mean that even though this is a secondary world, her scholarship enabled her to bring all sorts of small details to make it real.
Now it's not an action-packed story, so if you're looking for epic battles and sword fights, this isn't it. But the characters are well done, the world building is deep, and the read is satisfying.
I felt the end came about a bit too quick, but that's me.

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Feb 09, 2018 Jeff J. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I decided I wanted to reread the Deryni series from Katherine Kurtz which I loved when I was younger. After some research I discovered, to my delight, that the original six books has grown to 16 ( plus a couple of short story collections). Rather than read them in order of publication I plan to read them in chronological order and began with this title, which is actually the fourth book published. It was as good as I remembered and I look forward to future titles.

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Jul 01, 2014 Carole-Ann rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Umpteenth re-read: still as enjoyable as ever.

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May 04, 2011 Bev rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I loved this when I read it many moons ago (early 80s at the latest)--so I'm giving it four stars based on foggy memories of that love. I don't know if this would be my kind of book now.

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Apr 01, 2017 elbren rated it liked it · review of another edition

the christian religious magic was interesting, but I'm bored of books about kings

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Feb 24, 2018 Stephen Simpson rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: own

Came into this completely cold - had never heard of it or the author (it was part of a Humble Bundle).

Nothing all that special or new here. I suppose I'll put a (view spoiler) ...more

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Jan 06, 2018 Lin rated it liked it

About Time...

Another Kindle daily deal, one I knew had been around for many years, yet never read. It took a while to get into the story, but once I did, I enjoyed it. The plot dragged in some places, but not impossibly. Overall, a decent book, but I'm not really interested enough to read the rest of the series. Worth the $1.99 deal, though! ...more

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Aug 14, 2019 Andria Potter rated it it was ok · review of another edition

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.

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May 20, 2017 Michael Farrell rated it liked it · review of another edition

Not much meat in this sandwich. Only two and half stars from me.

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Apr 03, 2013 James Oden rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Katherine Kurtz does a great job of weaving a tale that is both entertaining and insightful. She juxtaposes the political intrigues and jealousies found in any seat of power against the responsibility of those who govern towards those they govern. She also explores the psychology of rebellion, and the conflict between faithfulness towards one's rulers and righteous rebellion against tyranny. In the story she shows both sides views and rationalizations, and how those who would rebel against ...more

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May 14, 2018 Kay rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Classic Tale from a Beloved Fantasy World

It's been many years since I've read the Deryni books. They were some of my first fantasy stories, and while I remember that I enjoyed reading all of them, the plots have been forgotten.

Since the books have been in print for a long time, I can now read them in chronological order and fully appreciate the medieval fantasy world of both magic and religion that Ms. Kurtz developed so fully.

Camber and his family are wealthy and powerful yet have a finely ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 Lauren rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Definitely a fantasy story that withstands the test of time. My boyfriend had a whole stash of old fantasy books in the basement and I made him dig them all out. I admit I have only really gotten into the fantasy genre within the last two years, and I am so happy that I did!

This is what I would consider a classic fantasy story. I have to say that I am not necessarily morally on board with the main character, Camber, as he has some pretty high handed ideals when it comes to how to deal with ...more

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Jun 07, 2016 Kerry rated it liked it

Shelves: ebooks, reread, rereads-in-2016, fantasy, 7, 2016

Reread with Judith Tarr and Tor.com

I'm definitely enjoying my reread of the Deryni books, but an in-depth, 21st century look at these books is also showing up problematic elements that I never noticed as a teenager and early-20s reader.

I'm kind of sad about that, as I still have hugely fond memories of them and the world building and the details are still fantastic. I want to reread them and find all that love again, and while there's a lot of good feelings, I can't all out fall in love with ...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Magda rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-fairytales

The characters in this first book of the "second" trilogy were as friendly to get to know as those of the first trilogy. Except the new-king was annoying, and unmonklike while supposed to be super-monkish. He's really just selfish, which makes me wonder whether the author even knows any monks. I mean, he's really whiny.

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Jun 07, 2015 April rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: library, fantasy

This was good, if a bit short. I also think that I would have enjoyed it much more if it had been in audio as I listened to the Kelson arc via audio and really liked it. Regardless, I'll be reading the next book as soon as I can get a copy.

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Sep 04, 2008 Ron rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

I liked it, but was disappointed by the sequels. Even then, the first trilogy is better than later additions.

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Nov 25, 2019 Nicky rated it it was ok · review of another edition

If you're looking for Eurocentric medieval political intrigue and family in-fighting, etc, there's an obviously better choice in the Song of Ice and Fire. If you're looking for mages finding their way through a realistic world, I'd recommend Kingkiller Chronicle. If you want some exploration of religion clashing against religion and/or political power in your science fiction/fantasy then I'd recommend the Books of the New Sun or Long Sun, or again for a medieval setting go with Mists of Avalon. If you're looking for Eurocentric medieval political intrigue and family in-fighting, etc, there's an obviously better choice in the Song of Ice and Fire. If you're looking for mages finding their way through a realistic world, I'd recommend Kingkiller Chronicle. If you want some exploration of religion clashing against religion and/or political power in your science fiction/fantasy then I'd recommend the Books of the New Sun or Long Sun, or again for a medieval setting go with Mists of Avalon. Want a book geared towards a 10 year old reading level? I'd recommend the whole Prydain series.

Each of those may have their own flaws - Song of Ice and Fire isn't finished and never will be, Kingkiller gives me lists of weird names of fighting stances and sex poses that all seem to blend together to no purpose, Wolfe can be so damned esoteric you need a few dictionaries on hand, and Mists of Avalon features an awful lot of repetition - and yet each actually accomplishes something that this book can only aspire to.

Granted, this is a tiny fraction of the page count, so I wouldn't expect it to really read at the same level as any of the above examples, but it really doesn't even come close. I can't quite get a grasp on why anything is happening. Yeah, Imre is a tyrant, but why? He's broken up about murdering his longtime friend, but why? Why was Cathan his friend anyway? Even the grander issues at stake - Deryni vs human, church vs state - just aren't explored. And yet, this is a prequel to Kurtz's other Deryni novels, so you'd think some of that would be set up here.

Imre is taxing people real hard and apparently using some old law to find a murderer by executing random people. Brutal stuff, to be sure. Oh, but actually let's just forget about that murder and the taxes, it isn't that important. In fact, forget about the executions too, there are bigger issues to consider. Oh, my son was murdered? Well, that's Imre for you! Imre is torn up about the murder for some reason even though he was positive Cathan had lied to him? I'm sure we'll come back to that idea later (no we won't). For now, let's sneak around and not tell anyone what we're doing oops nevermind everyone already knows that there are rumors of a Haldane heir and the entire Culdi clan is being followed and spied on preemptively.

Come on, focus up, this heir to the prior royal line, what if he isn't suited to being a monarch? What if he is unwilling? Actually...nevermind if that's the case, we'll literally just force him into it no matter what he wants by hypnotizing him. Couldn't anyone then be convinced hypnotically they are descended of the royal line? Oh umm, Cinhil also has magic powers now!

Ok, but we certainly can't start a coup without a solid line of succession. Hmm, how about we get Cinhil married immediately? Ok, but only if she's willing ha ha no just kidding, how about this random 15 year old girl that hadn't previously been mentioned? I don't know what she brings to the succession equation. She's not rich, has no political power or connections of any kind, in fact she's a ward of a now completely exiled family, but she's pretty? GOOD ENOUGH. Cinhil says he can never give up his priestly calling and would never love his wife oops nope I meant he loves her a lot and can't wait to have all kinds of babies (post-hypnotic suggestion or character development? WHO CARES) and also what the hell, we invited some total rando priest that had admitted to being captured by Imre (who is Deryni and so is capable of all the same psychic powers as our protaganists and this is not a secret to any character in the book p.s.) so he could poison the wee babe at his baptism which was the reason we were waiting around for so long (in a cave? the mountains? I dunno) and now we have to wait for these twins to be born oh man what am I talking about let's just go for it, amiright?! We've got a man on the inside, our old Archbishop. Does he have some ulterior motives or frankly, any motives at all? NO, MOVING ON.

Actually, no, let's not move on we'll just call it a day now, THE END.

Finally, for a book called "Camber of Culdi," Camber himself gets about 10 pages dedicated to him. The whole damned prologue said this was going to explain why he's so great, but he's already considered to be great at the start and then we don't spend any time with him. I don't know Camber any better now than I knew him from reading the back of the book. Ultimately, I also DO NOT CARE about any character enough to read any of the other books in this universe. Even compared to other 'young adult' fantasy I didn't read as a 'young adult' but am reading now as a real-deal adult, this just doesn't hold up. I simply cannot recommend this on any level, to anyone. ...more

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May 05, 2018 Marion Hill rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.75 Stars

Sometimes an article can make you read a novelist you have seen in used bookstores for years. This article from the Strange Horizons website gave spotlight to Katherine Kurtz’s Deryni novels. I had seen the Deryni novels in my local used bookstores here in San Antonio for a while. I will admit I never had no desire to read them and dismissed the series as typical epic fantasy. However, I read the aforementioned article and learned that Kurtz’s impact on the genre was a lot more 3.75 Stars

Sometimes an article can make you read a novelist you have seen in used bookstores for years. This article from the Strange Horizons website gave spotlight to Katherine Kurtz’s Deryni novels. I had seen the Deryni novels in my local used bookstores here in San Antonio for a while. I will admit I never had no desire to read them and dismissed the series as typical epic fantasy. However, I read the aforementioned article and learned that Kurtz’s impact on the genre was a lot more widespread that I had known. The Deryni novels had influenced writers like Guy Gavriel Kay and George R.R. Martin. Since she had that kind of influence on the genre, I decided to try out Katherine Kurtz.

Camber of Culdi is the first book of the second published trilogy of Deryni novels. However, I learned from the author’s website it is the first book in chronological order of the series. The Deryni world is influenced by 10th, 11th, and 12th England, Scotland, and Wales and the story takes place in the kingdom of Gwynedd. Gwynedd is rule by the evil Imre of Deryni heritage and his sister, Ariella. And their relationship is a lot closer than sibling relationship should be. Camber of Culdi who is also of Deryni heritage has watched Gwynedd become ruined by Imre’s rule.

The Deryni possess magical powers that come into conflict with the humans of Gwynedd. The medieval church (based on the Roman Catholic Church) views their magical power as evil and has caused tension between the two parties and other Deryni (like Imre) who want absolute power. Kurtz develops in the interracial and religious conflicts well in the novel and kept me interested as a reader.

Camber learns of a living descendant from an earlier kingdom that could help him defeated Imre and his sister. The patron sends men to find out if this descendant of the old Haldane kings is actually alive. Camber’s men find the descendant and learns he has become a monk. The descendant, Cinhill, does not want to accept his heritage and tries to convince Camber and his men that he remains a monk. Gwynedd is on the brink of ruin and Camber persuades and manipulates Cinhill of his heritage and rightful place in Gwynedd society.

Kurtz does an excellent job of characterization for both heroes and villains and I learned quickly that no one is safe from their fate. I could see where George R.R. Martin took a page out of Kurtz’s playbook on how treat characters in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. Camber of Culdi was an excellent page-turner and the religious, historical element added a different dimension to the genre at the time it was published in 1976. The novel did not have a dated feel but there were aspects about King Imre’s character I thought could have been handled better.

I’m glad to have discovered Camber of Culdi and I’m looking forward to reading the remaining two books in this trilogy: Saint Camber and Camber the Heretic. I believe Katherine Kurtz is a novelist that has been overlooked in the genre and deserves to be rediscovered for a modern audience. ...more

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