Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Del Rey (1978)
Description
Camber was the greatest of the Deryni who wanted to retire. But it was not to be. The kingdom of Gwynedd groaned under the tyranny of Imre and his sister and mistress, Ariella. And when Camber learned that Cinhil Haldane, a descendant of the previous kings, still lived, he was determined to set him on the throne in place of the evil ones....
User reviews
LibraryThing member willowcove
A truly great series, but the original trilogy is still the best.
LibraryThing member Karlstar
This is the first novel in a 'prequel' series. The Camber series comes far before the Kelson series, and tells the story of the heroic Deryni who tried to save the kingdom from its evil rulers, and in particular, the story of Camber of Culdi, who Kelson would later pray to as a saint. If you
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appreciate characters who are too good for their own good, ritualistic, holy and graceful magic, you'll appreciate these books. These are some of my favorite fantasy novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member Karlstar
This is the start of Kurtz's 'prequel' trilogy, going back in time to the life of Saint Camber. Camber was introduced in the previous trilogy as a patron saint of the Deryni and in particular the kingdom of Gwynedd.
I really enjoyed these novels. The combination of her magic system and the Deryni
I really enjoyed these novels. The combination of her magic system and the Deryni
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people, the richness of the medieval political and church background makes these very vivid books. The characters are strong, believable and complex. Very good books. This is a addition to my review of the paperback edition. Show Less
LibraryThing member ConalO
Katherine Kurtz really knows how to write a fantasy tale that keeps you both interested in the characters and moves the story on a nice pace. The Deryni novels are almost "must read" stories if you have interest in epic fantasy tales.
4.5 Stars for an excellent re-read.
4.5 Stars for an excellent re-read.
LibraryThing member threadnsong
The detail in this book is just incredible - the use of high ritual magic in tandem with High Church rituals is very well done and does not conflict. The different world (that can almost be our own world) called Gwynedd is populated by humans and Deryni, a human race who possess powers such as
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telepathy and accelerated healing of themselves and others. I was so fascinated by this first volume, despite its dearth of female characters (there is one, then a second who becomes the Queen) that I read on to the others in the series. And maybe it's the others in the series that have brought my rating down to 2 stars, as it's hard to read this volume knowing what happens in future volumes. But as a standalone book, it is quite good. A little bogged down in the Court detail, too: I'm not that interested in whose standard bears the Gules Rampant. Others who are will enjoy these details. I thought the story of wishing to restore the human Crown Prince of Haldane to the throne is a fine and noble one; just wish there could have been less sacrifice from all concerned. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
British Fantasy Award (Nominee — August Derleth Fantasy Award — 1977)
Language
Original publication date
1976