Alternative Worlds
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Childe Morgan
Katherine Kurtz
Ace, Dec 2006, $24.95
ISBN 0441012825
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, King Donal Haldane grieves the loss of his out of wedlock offspring Kelson, whom he thought would make a suitable companion to his heir, fourteen years old Prince Brion. Still the monarch feels good that four years old half-breed Deryni Alaric Morgan has been pledged by his parents to use his magic like they do to keep the rulers safe though the vow must be kept secret even as the king keeps the Deryni safe from fanatical religious tyranny.
King Donal knows he walks a dangerous line as he protects the Deryni because his Bishops especially Bishop Oliver de Nore, whose brother was executed by order of the king for having Kelson killed, would excommunicate him without a second thought. Besides the troubles with the religious leaders, neighboring nation Torenth threatens to invade. However, though feeling his age and his concerns, Donal receives good news that gives him hope for the future; he learns that Torenth Prince Nimur is dead and his younger brother Torval is insane because they played with dangerous taboo magic. Still Prince Hogan has his mage Zachris Pomeroy preparing to cause havoc as he wants the throne with Alaric being the key to preventing a hostile takeover.
This is an interesting Deryni tale though the action is somewhat limited as much of what occurs is off screen mostly from an introspective King Donal. The monarch is a fascinating character as he struggles with the Bishops, his neighbors, and betrayals to insure his son inherits the throne and has the Deryni protection to keep him safe yet is feeling weary and worn out. This is more of a character study of a tired medieval ruler than a fantasy but fans of the series still will appreciate his plight but more so when the Deryni use their magic.
Katherine Kurtz
Ace, Dec 2006, $24.95
ISBN 0441012825
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, King Donal Haldane grieves the loss of his out of wedlock offspring Kelson, whom he thought would make a suitable companion to his heir, fourteen years old Prince Brion. Still the monarch feels good that four years old half-breed Deryni Alaric Morgan has been pledged by his parents to use his magic like they do to keep the rulers safe though the vow must be kept secret even as the king keeps the Deryni safe from fanatical religious tyranny.
King Donal knows he walks a dangerous line as he protects the Deryni because his Bishops especially Bishop Oliver de Nore, whose brother was executed by order of the king for having Kelson killed, would excommunicate him without a second thought. Besides the troubles with the religious leaders, neighboring nation Torenth threatens to invade. However, though feeling his age and his concerns, Donal receives good news that gives him hope for the future; he learns that Torenth Prince Nimur is dead and his younger brother Torval is insane because they played with dangerous taboo magic. Still Prince Hogan has his mage Zachris Pomeroy preparing to cause havoc as he wants the throne with Alaric being the key to preventing a hostile takeover.
This is an interesting Deryni tale though the action is somewhat limited as much of what occurs is off screen mostly from an introspective King Donal. The monarch is a fascinating character as he struggles with the Bishops, his neighbors, and betrayals to insure his son inherits the throne and has the Deryni protection to keep him safe yet is feeling weary and worn out. This is more of a character study of a tired medieval ruler than a fantasy but fans of the series still will appreciate his plight but more so when the Deryni use their magic.
