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The Histories of King Kelson #4
King Kelson's Bride
“Kurtz’s strengths lie in her patient accumulation of telling detail, well-articulated plots, and believable magics. Should bring the fans flocking, and attract newcomers too.”—Kirkus Reviews
Speculation runs rampant throughout the kingdom of Gwynedd as to when, and to whom, King Kelson will finally be wed. As a rival monarch takes his rightful place on the throne of a nearby land, it becomes more imperative than ever that Kelson produce a long-awaited heir.
With the mystical Deryni blood flowing through his veins, Kelson can only hope for a woman whose power and conviction are equal to his own. Love is set aside for duty—and Kelson the king must make the choice that Kelson the man cannot….
Speculation runs rampant throughout the kingdom of Gwynedd as to when, and to whom, King Kelson will finally be wed. As a rival monarch takes his rightful place on the throne of a nearby land, it becomes more imperative than ever that Kelson produce a long-awaited heir.
With the mystical Deryni blood flowing through his veins, Kelson can only hope for a woman whose power and conviction are equal to his own. Love is set aside for duty—and Kelson the king must make the choice that Kelson the man cannot….
488 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2000
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610 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Kurtz
93 books743 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 52 reviews
March 17, 2016
Kada sam bolestan običavam da čitam knjige koje sam čitao XY puta. Osećam se, valjda, kao da sam u društvu starih prijatelja, koji su me videli u najrazličitijim stanjima, pa mogu da se ponašam shodno svom raspoloženju, umesto da tetošim nežna osećanja nepoznatih ili malo poznatih ljudi. Valjda je tako sa svim mizantropima.
No, roman King Kelson's Bride (The Deryni Novels) by Katherine Kurtz zapravo sam pre ovog čitanja pročitao samo jednom, kada je i objavljen - pre desetak godina, ili tako nešto. Zanimljivo za redovne kukumavke glede novog romana u Martinovom serijalu, između objavljivanja KKB i hronološki prethodnog romana u serijalu, The Quest for Saint Camber, prošlo je više od deset godina. Elem, kako je takođe prošlo više od deset godina kako sam ga ja prvi i jedini put pročitao, rešio sam da se upoznam s njim ponovo - najviše zbog toga što sam nabasao na novo izdanje. Proteklo vreme nije bilo milo prema mom pamćenju, pa sam ogromnu većinu sadržaja KKB zaboravio, tako da mi je u neku ruku ovo drugo čitanje bilo kao da je prvo.
Razlika između prvog i drugog čitanja očitovala se u čitalačkom iskustvu, sporijem čitanju i promišljanju. Kada sam prvi put pročitao KKB, završio sam ga u dahu, verovatno za četiri sata aktivnog čitanja. Ovoga puta mi je bilo potrebno više dana i nekih osam do deset sati za četristotinak stranica. To je manje bitno.
Bitnije je promišljanje o romanu, koji je čak najlošiji u tom serijalu od 16 knjiga (koje nisam sve čitao, jer nisu hronološki povezane), ali opet predstavlja izvrstan sažetak ne samo serijala u celini, već i stanja fantazije sedamdesetih i osamdesetih godina.
Kao što svi znamo, fantazija je uvek nipodaštavana spram naučne fantastike, ponajviše zbog isticanja njenog eskapističkog elementa i manjka društvene angažovanosti. Ove dve stvari teško da mogu da se spore, ali sa jedne strane zanemaruje se da je fantazija kao žanr mlađa od naučne fantastike (ma koliko to paradoksalno zvučalo), a sa druge strane - većina ovdašnjih teoretičara jedva da je išta i čitala od te fantazije, koju s tolikim žarom svrstavaju u manje vrednu rođakinju naučne fantastike, te je tako njihov stav upitan već na iskustvenom nivou.
Deriny Chronicles su sjajan primer svega što fantazija može da ponudi književnosti i fantastici u širem smislu. Ovaj serijal nije epska fantastika, već istorijska, ali je uprkos tom istorijskom elementu i danas svež i bitan. S jedne strane se oslanjajući na arturijanski mit, a na drugoj strani se oslanjajući na podele koje su šezdesetih i sedamdesetih godina potresale američko društvo - čiji su odjeci danas više nego aktuelni, Deriny Chronicles veoma vešto prepliće motive šireg društvenog konflikta - klasnog, rasnog, verskog i civilizacijskog - sa motivima ličnog razvoja, porodičnih odnosa, ličnog sazrevanja i suočavanja sa kako sopstvenim tako i sa tuđim predrasudama. Sve to pisano prelepim jezikom, koji asocira na najromantičniji period srednjeg veka, a da pri tom nije naporan čitaocu, i bez tmurne grimdark patine kojoj u poslednje vreme pribegava kako ko stigne.
Čak i ovaj roman, najslabiji od sedam o kralju Kelsonu, pravi je biser fantazijske književnosti i premda vrlo verovatno nije po ukusu savremenog čitaoca, može biti oguglalog od silne krvi i drobi, propraćenih specijalnim efektima u rangu holivudskih blokbastera (o kojima autori tih romana nesumnjivo sanjaju), kojima savremena fantazijska dela obiluju, divan je nostalgični povratak u vreme kada je fantazija imala širu slobodu izraza nego što je sada ima, bez pritiska tržišta i urednika i ukalupljavanja priča.
Možda ovakva fantastika više ne može da posluži ni kao užina jednom gladnom čitaocu, ali je zato divan popodnevni čaj - u moru jeftine kafe.
No, roman King Kelson's Bride (The Deryni Novels) by Katherine Kurtz zapravo sam pre ovog čitanja pročitao samo jednom, kada je i objavljen - pre desetak godina, ili tako nešto. Zanimljivo za redovne kukumavke glede novog romana u Martinovom serijalu, između objavljivanja KKB i hronološki prethodnog romana u serijalu, The Quest for Saint Camber, prošlo je više od deset godina. Elem, kako je takođe prošlo više od deset godina kako sam ga ja prvi i jedini put pročitao, rešio sam da se upoznam s njim ponovo - najviše zbog toga što sam nabasao na novo izdanje. Proteklo vreme nije bilo milo prema mom pamćenju, pa sam ogromnu većinu sadržaja KKB zaboravio, tako da mi je u neku ruku ovo drugo čitanje bilo kao da je prvo.
Razlika između prvog i drugog čitanja očitovala se u čitalačkom iskustvu, sporijem čitanju i promišljanju. Kada sam prvi put pročitao KKB, završio sam ga u dahu, verovatno za četiri sata aktivnog čitanja. Ovoga puta mi je bilo potrebno više dana i nekih osam do deset sati za četristotinak stranica. To je manje bitno.
Bitnije je promišljanje o romanu, koji je čak najlošiji u tom serijalu od 16 knjiga (koje nisam sve čitao, jer nisu hronološki povezane), ali opet predstavlja izvrstan sažetak ne samo serijala u celini, već i stanja fantazije sedamdesetih i osamdesetih godina.
Kao što svi znamo, fantazija je uvek nipodaštavana spram naučne fantastike, ponajviše zbog isticanja njenog eskapističkog elementa i manjka društvene angažovanosti. Ove dve stvari teško da mogu da se spore, ali sa jedne strane zanemaruje se da je fantazija kao žanr mlađa od naučne fantastike (ma koliko to paradoksalno zvučalo), a sa druge strane - većina ovdašnjih teoretičara jedva da je išta i čitala od te fantazije, koju s tolikim žarom svrstavaju u manje vrednu rođakinju naučne fantastike, te je tako njihov stav upitan već na iskustvenom nivou.
Deriny Chronicles su sjajan primer svega što fantazija može da ponudi književnosti i fantastici u širem smislu. Ovaj serijal nije epska fantastika, već istorijska, ali je uprkos tom istorijskom elementu i danas svež i bitan. S jedne strane se oslanjajući na arturijanski mit, a na drugoj strani se oslanjajući na podele koje su šezdesetih i sedamdesetih godina potresale američko društvo - čiji su odjeci danas više nego aktuelni, Deriny Chronicles veoma vešto prepliće motive šireg društvenog konflikta - klasnog, rasnog, verskog i civilizacijskog - sa motivima ličnog razvoja, porodičnih odnosa, ličnog sazrevanja i suočavanja sa kako sopstvenim tako i sa tuđim predrasudama. Sve to pisano prelepim jezikom, koji asocira na najromantičniji period srednjeg veka, a da pri tom nije naporan čitaocu, i bez tmurne grimdark patine kojoj u poslednje vreme pribegava kako ko stigne.
Čak i ovaj roman, najslabiji od sedam o kralju Kelsonu, pravi je biser fantazijske književnosti i premda vrlo verovatno nije po ukusu savremenog čitaoca, može biti oguglalog od silne krvi i drobi, propraćenih specijalnim efektima u rangu holivudskih blokbastera (o kojima autori tih romana nesumnjivo sanjaju), kojima savremena fantazijska dela obiluju, divan je nostalgični povratak u vreme kada je fantazija imala širu slobodu izraza nego što je sada ima, bez pritiska tržišta i urednika i ukalupljavanja priča.
Možda ovakva fantastika više ne može da posluži ni kao užina jednom gladnom čitaocu, ali je zato divan popodnevni čaj - u moru jeftine kafe.
July 20, 2015
I discovered Katherine Kurtz when my dad bought me her original Deryni series for Christmas ages ago and I realized I could OWN the books I was reading from the library . . . a grave mistake on my dad's part. *grin* In any case, I loved the series and devoured all of the books then currently out by Katherine Kurtz and anything that was coming out shortly after that. Then Kurtz turned to other non-Deryni novels and I wasn't as interested in those, so I ended up not reading anything of hers for a while. Happily, she's returned to the Deryni world. I bought the books (I think there's four of them now) as they came out in hardcover, but only just got to reading this first one.
Premise: King Kelson needs to choose a bride. His first choice--made for political reasons--died in his arms at the altar after a betrayal by the bride's brother. His second choice--made for love--refuses to accept, after her own "betrayal" of marrying Kelson's traitorous cousin when she thought Kelson himself had died. Now he needs to choose again. But how can he reconcile marriage with the love he still feels for Rothana, even though he knows a king cannot ever be expected to marry for the heart? Kelson struggles with this as he and his court accompany their ward of four years Liam-Lajos of Torenth back to his homeland to claim his crown and throne. But Liam's uncles and mother are loath to give up their regency, and have their own plans for betrayal . . . that may take the life of both Liam and Kelson!
I have to admit that I was worried when I sat down to read this book. I have such fond memories of reading the Deryni novels a good *coughcough* twenty years ago. I thought that perhaps I'd have "outgrown" the world or the characters or the writing style and that picking up another Kurtz book after so long would somehow ruin those memories. But I was wrong. I immediately sank back into the world of King Kelson, even recalling the majority of the events and dangling plot threads that this book picks up and ties off. I immediately rediscovered why I'd enjoyed Kurtz' books so much and thankfully dove into the world anew.
And that's one of the best parts of Kurtz' books: this is a true medieval fantasy. It isn't the trappings of the medieval world, you really feel as if you are living in medieval times, although of course you're getting the aristocracy's view of it, since the books deal with the king and his court. But it isn't just the world that's so realistic that keeps you reading, it's the characters as well. Kelson is like a dear friend and with this book you pick back up with his life and get to revisit him and all of his cohorts as they travel from the familiar Gwynnedd to Torenth. So here we get to see a new part of the world, a new land, and get to (attempt) to crown its kind, even though Torenth is considered a vassal state of Gwynnedd.
The only drawback to the novel, and the reason that it wasn't given 5 stars, is that the plot itself was slightly weak. Overall, it moved along well, and the confrontation between Liam, Kelson, and the traitorous uncles was everything that you'd expect. If hat had been the culmination of the book, with the wedding of Kelson afterwards, than it would have been a deeply fulfilling novel. However, that wasn't the culmination. One of the traitors escapes and threatens to ruin the upcoming wedding. This by itself wasn't a bad plot move, in particular, but Kurtz drives the tension up so high, and gives the villain enough character, that when the attack finally comes . . . it's kind of anticlimactic. This doesn't ruin the whole book--there is plenty here that I thoroughly enjoyed--but as an ending it was kind of a letdown.
Not that that will stop me from reading the next few books or any of the others that might come out in the meantime. I'm happy to report, for those of you like me who read the Deryni novels years ago, that fears of ruining those hopefully fond memories are all for naught. This is a grand revisit to the realm that you loved . . . and if you haven't read any of Kurtz's novels, you should start now, with Deryni Rising. You won't regret it.
Premise: King Kelson needs to choose a bride. His first choice--made for political reasons--died in his arms at the altar after a betrayal by the bride's brother. His second choice--made for love--refuses to accept, after her own "betrayal" of marrying Kelson's traitorous cousin when she thought Kelson himself had died. Now he needs to choose again. But how can he reconcile marriage with the love he still feels for Rothana, even though he knows a king cannot ever be expected to marry for the heart? Kelson struggles with this as he and his court accompany their ward of four years Liam-Lajos of Torenth back to his homeland to claim his crown and throne. But Liam's uncles and mother are loath to give up their regency, and have their own plans for betrayal . . . that may take the life of both Liam and Kelson!
I have to admit that I was worried when I sat down to read this book. I have such fond memories of reading the Deryni novels a good *coughcough* twenty years ago. I thought that perhaps I'd have "outgrown" the world or the characters or the writing style and that picking up another Kurtz book after so long would somehow ruin those memories. But I was wrong. I immediately sank back into the world of King Kelson, even recalling the majority of the events and dangling plot threads that this book picks up and ties off. I immediately rediscovered why I'd enjoyed Kurtz' books so much and thankfully dove into the world anew.
And that's one of the best parts of Kurtz' books: this is a true medieval fantasy. It isn't the trappings of the medieval world, you really feel as if you are living in medieval times, although of course you're getting the aristocracy's view of it, since the books deal with the king and his court. But it isn't just the world that's so realistic that keeps you reading, it's the characters as well. Kelson is like a dear friend and with this book you pick back up with his life and get to revisit him and all of his cohorts as they travel from the familiar Gwynnedd to Torenth. So here we get to see a new part of the world, a new land, and get to (attempt) to crown its kind, even though Torenth is considered a vassal state of Gwynnedd.
The only drawback to the novel, and the reason that it wasn't given 5 stars, is that the plot itself was slightly weak. Overall, it moved along well, and the confrontation between Liam, Kelson, and the traitorous uncles was everything that you'd expect. If hat had been the culmination of the book, with the wedding of Kelson afterwards, than it would have been a deeply fulfilling novel. However, that wasn't the culmination. One of the traitors escapes and threatens to ruin the upcoming wedding. This by itself wasn't a bad plot move, in particular, but Kurtz drives the tension up so high, and gives the villain enough character, that when the attack finally comes . . . it's kind of anticlimactic. This doesn't ruin the whole book--there is plenty here that I thoroughly enjoyed--but as an ending it was kind of a letdown.
Not that that will stop me from reading the next few books or any of the others that might come out in the meantime. I'm happy to report, for those of you like me who read the Deryni novels years ago, that fears of ruining those hopefully fond memories are all for naught. This is a grand revisit to the realm that you loved . . . and if you haven't read any of Kurtz's novels, you should start now, with Deryni Rising. You won't regret it.
February 6, 2012
I read Kurtz's most recent book, "King Kelson's Bride." in addition to "The Chronicle of the Deryni" and "The Histories of King Kelson" I enjoyed this book but did not feel the same sense of innocence. Some parts of the story felt as though they had been overly tampered with by publishing editor. Still, it was a fun read.
My son bought me a hardbound version of "The Chronicle of the Deryni"for Christmas. It was a heartfelt gift as the books were the ones I read while I was on bed rest waiting his arrival. I liked both the name and the characteristics of a key character so much, I named my son after him, Alaric. Now he is an adult, he actually looks much like I envision this character and exhibits many of the same characteristics such as loyalty, compassion, adventurist.
Re-reading the "Chronicles of the Deryni" and "The Histories of King Kelson" series again was fantastic fun. The plots are engaging, the characters have depth and deep emotion that are realistic and touching. What I enjoyed most was the sense of innocence in the stories. Much has changed since 1979!
My son bought me a hardbound version of "The Chronicle of the Deryni"for Christmas. It was a heartfelt gift as the books were the ones I read while I was on bed rest waiting his arrival. I liked both the name and the characteristics of a key character so much, I named my son after him, Alaric. Now he is an adult, he actually looks much like I envision this character and exhibits many of the same characteristics such as loyalty, compassion, adventurist.
Re-reading the "Chronicles of the Deryni" and "The Histories of King Kelson" series again was fantastic fun. The plots are engaging, the characters have depth and deep emotion that are realistic and touching. What I enjoyed most was the sense of innocence in the stories. Much has changed since 1979!
March 20, 2015
3.5
Katherine Kurtz published Deryni Rising, her first novel about young King Kelson, in 1970 and published The Quest for Saint Camber, which seemed to be the final story in the HISTORIES OF KING KELSON in 1986. Then, eleven years later, she published King Kelson’s Bride, a story that ties up many loose ends and answers a few questions about how life turned out for Kelson Haldane. There will be spoilers for the previous books here, so you may want to skip this review until you’ve read up to this point.
King Kelson’s Bride begins about three years after the events of The Quest for Saint Camber. There are two major events going on in Kelson’s life right now and they will become intricately intertwined in this story.
The first is ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Katherine Kurtz published Deryni Rising, her first novel about young King Kelson, in 1970 and published The Quest for Saint Camber, which seemed to be the final story in the HISTORIES OF KING KELSON in 1986. Then, eleven years later, she published King Kelson’s Bride, a story that ties up many loose ends and answers a few questions about how life turned out for Kelson Haldane. There will be spoilers for the previous books here, so you may want to skip this review until you’ve read up to this point.
King Kelson’s Bride begins about three years after the events of The Quest for Saint Camber. There are two major events going on in Kelson’s life right now and they will become intricately intertwined in this story.
The first is ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
October 20, 2017
Decades ago I devoured Kurtz's Deryni series. The first trilogy captivated me, then the second trilogy and then the prequel trilogy and then, there I was, in the mid-1990's having read all she would write on her land of Gwynedd. It was a harsh reality, the second trilogy ended on a rather sad note and with too many loose ends. I checked the bookstore and library shelves for a new volume for years. I'm not sure if I knew this book existed until I found in while updating my reading list for this database. I feared, since the book was published in 2000, that I had found it back then and read it, but it's clear, though the characters and many of the situations are very familiar, I had not read this book. It picks-up a few years after the 3rd book (published in 1986) ends and takes us for a roller-coaster ride of dynastic intrigue. I have loved Kurtz's world since the very first time I read Deryni Rising. A world very clearly based on a medieval England/Europe but with a twist of magic and perhaps a bit of 20th century enlightenment applied to the sensibilities of the heroes of the tales. I suppose, looking though today's lens, Kurtz's books are still largely a fairy tale of swords and sorcery of the wealthy, but I also suppose there should still be room for escapism in fiction. In the end I only have to add that the final chapter was a letdown. It felt rushed, a little forced, like she had come to the end of a very long telling and needed to wrap it up lest it drag out. After waiting two decades to see if King Kelson finally gets his happily ever after it's probably better that he got it even if the author stumbled a bit across the finish line.
October 25, 2008
A sweet well written book about the marriage of King Kelson and his bride Araxie.
If you like J.K. Rawling's writing, with her magical Harry Potter series. You will like Katherine Kurtz's writings about the Deryni with the use of their magic. Katherine does and excellent job with her characters. They have a constant depth to them and never stary from the way she has portrayed them. She is very descrptive in her scenes.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy.
It is a good clean read.
If you like J.K. Rawling's writing, with her magical Harry Potter series. You will like Katherine Kurtz's writings about the Deryni with the use of their magic. Katherine does and excellent job with her characters. They have a constant depth to them and never stary from the way she has portrayed them. She is very descrptive in her scenes.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes fantasy.
It is a good clean read.
January 10, 2011
When I read this years ago, I thought this was dull.
But on re-reading, it had far more action than I remembered and I enjoyed seeing some favorite characters from years back receive a happy ending.
But on re-reading, it had far more action than I remembered and I enjoyed seeing some favorite characters from years back receive a happy ending.
September 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. It was a nice change to have a happy ending.
October 29, 2013
A good end to Kelson's story. This is what we were missing after the end of the last series, and I think it wraps up nicely.
January 3, 2015
Fitting end (so far) to the Histories of King Kelson.
June 11, 2022
Kelson Haldane's life is described in The Histories of King Kelson trilogy. This book, King Kelson's Bride, is a standalone novel about King Kelson's search for a bride, set three years after the end of that trilogy. At this time, in addition to finding a bride, Kelson must see young Liam-Lajos installed on the throne of the rival kingdom of Torenth. Is this installation a good idea? Although it is a rival kingdom, Liam has served Kelson as a vassal for four years and has, hopefully, developed the honesty and integrity that characterizes Kelson's own reign in Gwynedd. But Liam himself has rivals, as does Kelson, and the secret murderous plots are ... complicated. Meanwhile, due to early tragedies and commitments, the one that Kelson loves will not marry him. Among the various intrigues (at two different castles) are the additional rumors and schemes to find the right woman for Kelson.
The novel is set in the Deryni medieval universe created by Katherine Kurtz. The novels include both intricate Church rituals (modeled after the medieval Catholic world) and intricate rites and practices of the Deryni, a people of magical powers.
The book is detailed, well-written, but slow. It is not a "page-turner" but intended for reading across a rainy weekend, where one slowly enjoys each scene. At times I skimmed through the church rituals or the detailed descriptions of the royal attire in order to get to the more exciting events.
Past events, from the earlier trilogy, are summarized at appropriate times. Still it is probably helpful if this book is read after the trilogy. (I had not read the trilogy prior to reading this book.)
My sister and I discovered Kathryn Kurtz's medieval high church fantasies thirty (forty?) years ago, buying and reading the Legends of Camber of Culdi and sharing our enjoyment of them. I had forgotten about these novels until I saw this book in a local library. I wish Diana were still alive, so that I could renew our conversations about Camber, the Deryni, and the Eleven Kingdoms.
The novel is set in the Deryni medieval universe created by Katherine Kurtz. The novels include both intricate Church rituals (modeled after the medieval Catholic world) and intricate rites and practices of the Deryni, a people of magical powers.
The book is detailed, well-written, but slow. It is not a "page-turner" but intended for reading across a rainy weekend, where one slowly enjoys each scene. At times I skimmed through the church rituals or the detailed descriptions of the royal attire in order to get to the more exciting events.
Past events, from the earlier trilogy, are summarized at appropriate times. Still it is probably helpful if this book is read after the trilogy. (I had not read the trilogy prior to reading this book.)
My sister and I discovered Kathryn Kurtz's medieval high church fantasies thirty (forty?) years ago, buying and reading the Legends of Camber of Culdi and sharing our enjoyment of them. I had forgotten about these novels until I saw this book in a local library. I wish Diana were still alive, so that I could renew our conversations about Camber, the Deryni, and the Eleven Kingdoms.
July 13, 2020
An appropriate ending....
I have read these series for a number of years as I have found myself growing to love the characters. We get a good glimpse of Torenthi customs here. One thing that really sorta bothers me is young King Kelson. KK teased us with a marriage of state that ended disastrously; followed by a budding romance with Rothana - only to have Conal take her. I realize that Kelson was presumed dead while all of that was unfolding; but it just happened so fast. Rothana really should've waited. I know Conal had manipulated her and she felt she owed Conal everything as the new presumptive queen - but it's just, if you loved someone else, she really should've waited until any investigation would've yielded Kelson's body. Her refusal to marry Kelson after the fact, even him offering to count Conal's son as his own brought him so much pain and torment. I really felt for Kelson. So much of that seemed unnecessary for the story overall. But still a very good story!
I have read these series for a number of years as I have found myself growing to love the characters. We get a good glimpse of Torenthi customs here. One thing that really sorta bothers me is young King Kelson. KK teased us with a marriage of state that ended disastrously; followed by a budding romance with Rothana - only to have Conal take her. I realize that Kelson was presumed dead while all of that was unfolding; but it just happened so fast. Rothana really should've waited. I know Conal had manipulated her and she felt she owed Conal everything as the new presumptive queen - but it's just, if you loved someone else, she really should've waited until any investigation would've yielded Kelson's body. Her refusal to marry Kelson after the fact, even him offering to count Conal's son as his own brought him so much pain and torment. I really felt for Kelson. So much of that seemed unnecessary for the story overall. But still a very good story!
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October 2, 2024I enjoyed this book immensely. Katherine Kurtz is a master at meticulous storytelling, treating her characters and plot elements as realistic entities to be unraveled, not rushed through to make each chapter cover as much ground as possible. I think her fantasy is so appealing because she writes people and drama so well, outside of any fantasy elements. This is a world of subtle magic, not wizards riding around on magic carpets shooting fireballs. As such, it's not a collection of fantasy tropes melded into a storyline, but instead, really well done drama with some fantasy elements. The tension lead right up to the end. I rarely actually feel something terrible is actually going to happen, but Kurtz leaves it hanging over your head wondering if she's *really* going to do what you think she's setting things up for.
November 15, 2017
While still struggling to mend his heart after it suffered a bad break with Rothana, King Kelson must still continue searching for a bride and secure the Haldane line to the throne. He must also be sure to keep the Torenthi heir alive while doing it. Kelson must face several political struggles in Gwynedd, without neglecting his personal struggles with his heart. A tough task to be sure.
This is a very touching, and well written novel that is a very fast read. I found it extremely hard to put down. There are many plot twists and countless surprises as you follow Kelson and his most trusted allies along on their journeys. Ms. Kurtz makes sure that you won't be disappointed.
This is a very touching, and well written novel that is a very fast read. I found it extremely hard to put down. There are many plot twists and countless surprises as you follow Kelson and his most trusted allies along on their journeys. Ms. Kurtz makes sure that you won't be disappointed.
April 12, 2021
Weddings abound! As Kelson escorts Liam back to Torenth to become king, everyone wonders if Kelson will ever marry. His true love, Rothana, is unwilling after her interlude with Connall and chooses a new bride for him--Araxie. Nigel's son Rory is also to wed, as is Araxie's sister Richelle.
Liam is restored to his throne and true friendship is established between Torenth and Gwynedd. Kelson becomes more comfortable, and overt, with his powers. Jehana also discovers that being Deryni is not a curse and comes to embrace her heritage. Kelson and Araxie find themselves truly drawn to each other and discover a love match and rapport.
Liam is restored to his throne and true friendship is established between Torenth and Gwynedd. Kelson becomes more comfortable, and overt, with his powers. Jehana also discovers that being Deryni is not a curse and comes to embrace her heritage. Kelson and Araxie find themselves truly drawn to each other and discover a love match and rapport.
September 29, 2023
Middle school appropriate but high level vocabulary makes this a book for adults. If you like political intrigue and books like the Game of Thrones but much much happier, this is a good choice. It is, like the others in the series, and example of the “noble bright” genre where rulers are wise and good and deserve to rule because of their innate goodness (think King Arthur). Characters are deeper in this novel than in Deryni Rising but in general, I personally found the book long-winded and dull.
February 16, 2019
I had some trepidation reading this on public transportation - the title and cover art makes it appear to be a romance novel - but after dedicating myself to reading the entire series I couldn't stop with the final book. And it was a good conclusion to the series, wrapping up loose threads and resolving the overall story line about the fate of the Derynii. For most, a happy ending.
June 14, 2018
I found this a good conclusion and a fitting ending to a good saga of magic wielders who went from inspired to despised and tried to forge the way way back to a restoration of balance between themselves and us ordinary mortals
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed reading about these deryni lives. This volume definitely felt like a cleaning up of many parts, a conclusion, which was also a little sad. I wanted to sit down to read & realized I finished the book & felt a little sad. But that's a good sign!
July 30, 2022
A Lovely End
Most things were tied up, though not all. I really would like to have read more, but I don’t think there will be any more books of Gwynedd after this many years. Ms. Kurtz is, of course, more than welcome to prove me wrong.
Most things were tied up, though not all. I really would like to have read more, but I don’t think there will be any more books of Gwynedd after this many years. Ms. Kurtz is, of course, more than welcome to prove me wrong.
April 10, 2023
Suddenly the 11 kingdoms have a shit-ton of personable, good-looking teenagers who need to get married to each other. Also, Kelson is creating new titles (or resurrecting old ones) to make everyone happy and I can't help wondering what his budget looks like.
December 1, 2025
Enjoyable, if a bit slow. For such a long book not much happens. There is a lot of description of ceremonies and clothing. And, as with all earlier books, the 'goodies' are without flaw, and the 'baddies' evil beyond words. I'd like to have seen a few morally grey characters.
July 7, 2018
A continuation of the previous 3 in the series, further developing characters and relationships, creating new ones and adjusting old...
December 7, 2018
Truly An Enjoyable Story!
Love Kurtz's work and fantastic weaving of a story within the magical world of Gwynedd. I loved it and the characters seem to come alive.
Love Kurtz's work and fantastic weaving of a story within the magical world of Gwynedd. I loved it and the characters seem to come alive.
November 20, 2021
Historical fantasy. Well written enough, but overlong for me and an essential character/plot was left unresolved, I was annoyed about that.
February 15, 2022
Of all the Deryni books, this is my least favorite but also important because of how it ties up a lot of loose ends.
March 27, 2023
A lovely coda to the series, tying up loose ends and marrying off the court at large.
January 16, 2021
The quite satisfying conclusion to the histories of King Kelton. You do need to have read the earlier books to follow much of what happens.
September 22, 2015
I have been a loyal Deryni fan since the early 70s started the chronicles with ‘Deryni Rising’ up to the sixteenth volume ‘The King’s Deryni’ published last year (2014). After reading the ‘Legends of Camber of Culdi’ trilogy, I merely bought subsequent Deryni books and put them on the shelf to read later. In the 2010s I picked up some I had missed from used book sellers. Having more spare time on my hands I resumed reading unread books in chronological order rather than the order in which they were published. Now I have just finished ‘King Kelson’s Bride’, the sixteenth and last book chronologically.
It has been quite a ride. To be honest, looking back, I have not always been happy with Kurtz’ Deryni books. Quite a bit of the time it was only my determination to complete all the books that kept me reading. Kurtz is the epitome of an antonymous minimalist. She describes clothing and regalia in infinite detail. She delights in ceremony, liturgy, incantations and magical abracadabra. She simply has to name genealogies, providing bewildering arrays of names and relationships; some characters go by more than one name, title or status in the narrative. Books may have a cast of characters numbering thirty, forty or more. Dialogues between members of a cluster of people can get confusing—as you are reading it you ask yourself ‘who is saying this in response to whom?’ Trivialities abound. But despite these idiosyncrasies of Kurtz’ writing, devotees of medieval sword and sorcery will get a lot of pleasure from most of the sixteen Deryni books. There is ample drama, intrigue, suspense and, occasionally, romance. There are heroes and villains aplenty. Plots are well thought out.
I have rated most of the books four or five stars but there were some threes. I debated whether to give this book a two but gave it a three even though two and a half would be most accurate. All of the idiosyncrasies I named above apply to this book. I read page after page waiting for the inevitable to happen and when it did it was anticlimactic. The book could have been much shorter and accomplished the same by its conclusion for most readers. The ending leaves a dangling lose end inviting another book to follow but if other readers are like me I think we are sated. Last year’s ‘The King’s Deryni’ was disappointing. We don’t need another one like it. Thank you Katherine for giving us a lot of reading enjoyment for more than forty years!
It has been quite a ride. To be honest, looking back, I have not always been happy with Kurtz’ Deryni books. Quite a bit of the time it was only my determination to complete all the books that kept me reading. Kurtz is the epitome of an antonymous minimalist. She describes clothing and regalia in infinite detail. She delights in ceremony, liturgy, incantations and magical abracadabra. She simply has to name genealogies, providing bewildering arrays of names and relationships; some characters go by more than one name, title or status in the narrative. Books may have a cast of characters numbering thirty, forty or more. Dialogues between members of a cluster of people can get confusing—as you are reading it you ask yourself ‘who is saying this in response to whom?’ Trivialities abound. But despite these idiosyncrasies of Kurtz’ writing, devotees of medieval sword and sorcery will get a lot of pleasure from most of the sixteen Deryni books. There is ample drama, intrigue, suspense and, occasionally, romance. There are heroes and villains aplenty. Plots are well thought out.
I have rated most of the books four or five stars but there were some threes. I debated whether to give this book a two but gave it a three even though two and a half would be most accurate. All of the idiosyncrasies I named above apply to this book. I read page after page waiting for the inevitable to happen and when it did it was anticlimactic. The book could have been much shorter and accomplished the same by its conclusion for most readers. The ending leaves a dangling lose end inviting another book to follow but if other readers are like me I think we are sated. Last year’s ‘The King’s Deryni’ was disappointing. We don’t need another one like it. Thank you Katherine for giving us a lot of reading enjoyment for more than forty years!
February 24, 2017
Some Happy Endings For a Change
One if the better in the series, we get to visit some other locations and be introduced to the different cultures. There is still intrigue and mayhem, but more light hearted moments and some happy endings. A good end to this particular series in the whole.
One if the better in the series, we get to visit some other locations and be introduced to the different cultures. There is still intrigue and mayhem, but more light hearted moments and some happy endings. A good end to this particular series in the whole.
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