Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Spectra (1993), Edition: Reprint, 480 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Mythology. HTML:�??This grand saga is by a wide margin the best Celtic fantasy around.�?��??Chicago Sun-Times Even as a young girl, Jill was a favorite of the magical, mysterious Wildfolk, who appeared to her from their invisible realm. Little did she know her extraordinary friends represented but a glimpse of a forgotten past and a fateful future. Four hundred years�??and many lifetimes�??ago, one selfish young lord caused the death of two innocent lovers. Then and there he vowed never to rest until he'd rightened that wrong-and laid the foundation for the lives of Jill and all those whom she would hold dear: her father, the mercenary soldier Cullyn; the exiled berserker Rhodry Maelwaedd; and the ancient and powerful herbman Nevyn, all bound in a struggle against darkness. . . and a quest to fulfill the destinies determined centuries ago. Here in this newly revised edition comes th… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member TraceyLea
While I was reading Robert Jordan one of my best friends, N, was reading Katherine Kerr. Not sure how long she’d been reading Katherine Kerr for but somewhere, most likely during of our epic phone conversations, it came up that we had moved from reading the likes of Jane Austen and Charlotte
I suggested a swap. I have not had much exposure to the genre and was keen to read something new. I read Daggerspell in three days. I don’t think I had ever read a book so quickly, I loved it. It pulled at my heartstrings, I hated characters, I loved characters and I was constantly surprised by the plot.
Thumbing through the book, which I have so long neglected, brings back the memories of an awkward teenager, who sat in the back yard, on beach towels, drinking tea, under an umbrella, at the height of the Australian summer with her sisters rereading the story until she had a grasp on what had actually happened.
The story is definitely a 5/5 stars. There are not many fantasy authors with the skill to pull off such a complicated plot and not miss a thing. This book is what a fantasy novel should be, it is concise and the characters have immeasurable depth. It is a complete story but one which continues and if you don’t have the next book, you’ll probably have to quickly find the car keys and drive to your nearest bookstore.
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Brontë to a new genre, Fantasy. I suggested a swap. I have not had much exposure to the genre and was keen to read something new. I read Daggerspell in three days. I don’t think I had ever read a book so quickly, I loved it. It pulled at my heartstrings, I hated characters, I loved characters and I was constantly surprised by the plot.
Thumbing through the book, which I have so long neglected, brings back the memories of an awkward teenager, who sat in the back yard, on beach towels, drinking tea, under an umbrella, at the height of the Australian summer with her sisters rereading the story until she had a grasp on what had actually happened.
The story is definitely a 5/5 stars. There are not many fantasy authors with the skill to pull off such a complicated plot and not miss a thing. This book is what a fantasy novel should be, it is concise and the characters have immeasurable depth. It is a complete story but one which continues and if you don’t have the next book, you’ll probably have to quickly find the car keys and drive to your nearest bookstore.
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LibraryThing member magemanda
This is the first book in Katharine Kerr's long-running series about Deverry and the Westlands. It introduces the three linked characters of Jill, Rhodry and Nevyn. This book - and indeed the series - is set up in such a way that it will jump from future to past and back again. It can make for
The idea is that in the year 643 Galrion (who is to become Nevyn) makes a series of decisions that causes his lady love Brangwen to turn away from a life of dweomer (the name for magic) and become embroiled in an incestuous relationship with her own brother. Nevyn makes a vow that he will never rest until he has put things right. Consequently, he is unable to die and experiences the characters being reborn again and again while he tries to bring Brangwen to a life of dweomer. Jill is the latest woman that has the soul of Brangwen.
The strength of Kerr's writing is not so much in the story itself, but in the characters who inhabit it, and in the way she is able to tell each of the short stories about one of the lives that Brangwen lives. Her ability to invest you in what is essentially a short story is exceptionally good.
There are some tired cliches - the Elves for instance. Here called the Westfolk or the Elcyion Lacar, they are nomads with pointed ears and cat pupil eyes. They are foreign to the humans, and able to see the Wildfolk - the denizens of the etheric plane.
I also got frustrated with two recurring over-uses of description. Many of the characters, especially the women, toss their heads. Constantly. Many of the characters keen in mourning. Frequently. Barring these two things, the writing flows well.
I enjoyed the heavy Celt flavouring to Deverry, it was tied richly into the story. I do have a small complaint that a number of the names are familiar and Kerr does not bring on the characters of those in the secondary string enough for you to tell easily between your Pedyr's and your Daumur's.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first instalment of the series and will read onwards eagerly.
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complicated reading and an issue with pacing, but it genuinely brings the events to life.The idea is that in the year 643 Galrion (who is to become Nevyn) makes a series of decisions that causes his lady love Brangwen to turn away from a life of dweomer (the name for magic) and become embroiled in an incestuous relationship with her own brother. Nevyn makes a vow that he will never rest until he has put things right. Consequently, he is unable to die and experiences the characters being reborn again and again while he tries to bring Brangwen to a life of dweomer. Jill is the latest woman that has the soul of Brangwen.
The strength of Kerr's writing is not so much in the story itself, but in the characters who inhabit it, and in the way she is able to tell each of the short stories about one of the lives that Brangwen lives. Her ability to invest you in what is essentially a short story is exceptionally good.
There are some tired cliches - the Elves for instance. Here called the Westfolk or the Elcyion Lacar, they are nomads with pointed ears and cat pupil eyes. They are foreign to the humans, and able to see the Wildfolk - the denizens of the etheric plane.
I also got frustrated with two recurring over-uses of description. Many of the characters, especially the women, toss their heads. Constantly. Many of the characters keen in mourning. Frequently. Barring these two things, the writing flows well.
I enjoyed the heavy Celt flavouring to Deverry, it was tied richly into the story. I do have a small complaint that a number of the names are familiar and Kerr does not bring on the characters of those in the secondary string enough for you to tell easily between your Pedyr's and your Daumur's.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first instalment of the series and will read onwards eagerly.
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LibraryThing member Queensowntalia
I could not recommend this series more. The plotline is based around what is essentially reincarnation, and it jumps back and forth in time throughout the series as it follows several souls who keep reincarnating until they fulfill their wyrds, or destinies. Usually jumping around from perspective
Daggerspell introduces you to the primary or "present day" characters. The next few books hop back and forth between previous incarnations and what the "current" individuals are up to.
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to perspective and through assorted plots annoys me, but its very well done here and each new storyline will drag you right in. Daggerspell introduces you to the primary or "present day" characters. The next few books hop back and forth between previous incarnations and what the "current" individuals are up to.
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LibraryThing member lycomayflower
A very good read. I was properly caught up in the story and wanted to know what would happen to the characters. A potentially confusing reincarnation plot was handled very well. And the writing is quite good (and blissfully, blissfully free of the most annoying writing tics that so often pop up in
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genre fiction--like adverbs strewn all over the dialogue tags). Perhaps just a touch drag-y for a bit in the third quarter, but otherwise a solid, enjoyable fantasy novel with an interesting plot and memorable characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member page.fault
I didn't finish this book, so I can't rate it. I got approximately 75% of the way through, and it is actually revulsion for aspects of the plot that caused me to stop.
Books whose major themes are rape and incest bother me.
This is a book in which the major characters are reincarnated over and over,
I really wish I could like and/or finish the book; I am enchanted by the worldbuilding, which is based on Welsh culture and legend. It actually takes place in Annwn, which is sort of the Welsh equivalent to Tir na nOg. The main non-flashback protagonist is a strong and likeable female character. I really, really want to like this book, or at least make it to the end. It just has too much of a depressing ick-factor for me. I can't finish it.
Books whose major themes are rape and incest bother me.
This is a book in which the major characters are reincarnated over and over,
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typically as family members, and each time they are reincarnated, rape, murder, and/or incest results, from brother-sister to (ughh) father-daughter. Reincarnation is an interesting idea, but I don't really understand what is being reincarnated here. Clearly it is not memories; if it is souls, how can souls that are capable of these horrific acts ever be "good" or "pure" in other lives?I really wish I could like and/or finish the book; I am enchanted by the worldbuilding, which is based on Welsh culture and legend. It actually takes place in Annwn, which is sort of the Welsh equivalent to Tir na nOg. The main non-flashback protagonist is a strong and likeable female character. I really, really want to like this book, or at least make it to the end. It just has too much of a depressing ick-factor for me. I can't finish it.
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LibraryThing member RosemerrySong
A glorious Celtic fantasy that sweeps you up and won't let go. Katherine Kerr even manages to shift between different times and use characters who are reborn again and again into different lives as they work out their destinies without confusing the reader and while still maintaining a clear thread
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of narrative. Show Less
LibraryThing member lexilewords
You ever read an older book, one that's been around for decades (30ish in this case) and say "If only I'd found you sooner".
DAGGERSPELL is that book for me. I vaguely remember always seeing these books on the shelves at the used book stores I frequented, but it never occurred to me to pick it up.
Jill, a young girl who's destined for great things and caught between two futures.
Cullyn, a gruff merc who wants to deny the future as much as possible because the now is fine.
Rhodry, a nobleman who feels aimless but largely wants nothing more then to do the right thing.
Nevyn, wise weirdo who probably shouldn't keep all those secrets to himself because let's face it they do no one any good unsaid.
All stuck in a fate they all couldn't avoid if they tried.
This book, maybe because of when it was written (and revised) feels like my childhood reading Mercedes Lackey, Marjorie Kellogg, Tanya Huff, Janny Wurts and Elizabeth Scarborough. The paperback is old - yellowed, stained and with a very creased binding while retaining that old paperback smell of well worn paper and ink. The pages feel roughly textured and the speech is oddly formal even amongst the common folk and their rough slang.
I think nostalgia partially had me enjoying this since some of it bored me (I was more interested in Jill than any of her past lives) and I was somewhat nettled by how casually Cullyn's answer to getting Jill to listen was to slap her. 13 year old Alex wouldn't have even given it a second thought, 34 year Lexie is like WHY YOU TAKE THAT JILL.
I do have the next two books in the series so I'll be reading them. It's...a good length long so eventually I might get to them all.
DAGGERSPELL is that book for me. I vaguely remember always seeing these books on the shelves at the used book stores I frequented, but it never occurred to me to pick it up.
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Having read this first one I wonder at why that was. This is basically every single trope I thirsted for as a tween/teen desperately seeking fantasy.Jill, a young girl who's destined for great things and caught between two futures.
Cullyn, a gruff merc who wants to deny the future as much as possible because the now is fine.
Rhodry, a nobleman who feels aimless but largely wants nothing more then to do the right thing.
Nevyn, wise weirdo who probably shouldn't keep all those secrets to himself because let's face it they do no one any good unsaid.
All stuck in a fate they all couldn't avoid if they tried.
This book, maybe because of when it was written (and revised) feels like my childhood reading Mercedes Lackey, Marjorie Kellogg, Tanya Huff, Janny Wurts and Elizabeth Scarborough. The paperback is old - yellowed, stained and with a very creased binding while retaining that old paperback smell of well worn paper and ink. The pages feel roughly textured and the speech is oddly formal even amongst the common folk and their rough slang.
I think nostalgia partially had me enjoying this since some of it bored me (I was more interested in Jill than any of her past lives) and I was somewhat nettled by how casually Cullyn's answer to getting Jill to listen was to slap her. 13 year old Alex wouldn't have even given it a second thought, 34 year Lexie is like WHY YOU TAKE THAT JILL.
I do have the next two books in the series so I'll be reading them. It's...a good length long so eventually I might get to them all.
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LibraryThing member AnnieSeiler
Great series. :)
LibraryThing member kinwolf
A peculiar and intriguing storyline, I liked it. My only gripe is small, it's the name given to the main characters, they are so difficult to remember and sometime so similar that it gets confusing. Plus, remembering who is who across the ages can give you an headache. But it's worth it. Also be
The writing and pacing are excellent, it is a fun read from the start.(Well, sad, but fun read. you know what I mean)
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warned, the story can be hard on the morale. The initial story of Brangwen is terribly, terribly sad.The writing and pacing are excellent, it is a fun read from the start.(Well, sad, but fun read. you know what I mean)
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LibraryThing member Gkarlives
I had thought about starting the Deverry series for a long time, but something made me put it off time and again. Well, I have finally read the first book. Very much in a Celtic vain, the story is well written and evokes much of the myths and legends of ancient Ireland, bringing the beings and
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magic to life. The true strength of the novel; however, lies in the choices the characters make, especially Nevyn, who is cursed by his father the king and indebted through time by his lost love. Can honor carry him through the lonely centuries? Show Less
LibraryThing member littlebookworm
This book was much more wonderful than I expected. Though Kerr tends to use unusual words with a noticeable frequency, it barely detracts from the enchanting Celtic world that she creates. I'd recommend this to any fantasy fan - I've read more acclaimed works that fall short of this novel, which
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I'd never heard of until my friend gave it to me as a gift. I can't wait to buy the next! Show Less
LibraryThing member Sweet_Serenity
Although I've given this book a rating of three, it really wavers between three and four.
I adore the magic behind the story, the idea of the characters' "wyrds" wildfolk, & dweamor.
The language of the story is charming- after reading the book, I found myself adding the word "truly" to my thoughts
I also really like Jill, the main heroine.
On the other hand, I was very annoyed by the other male characters' overshadowing of Jill and her past selves. Nevyn had entirely too much of the narration to himself, which got boring after awhile- his dweamor powers are too great, which takes the fun out of learning about the magical possibilities. He also explained too much, without explaining enough. He gave away the identities of the characters' reincarnations and the consequences of their every action, which I would have liked to puzzle out for myself. He didn't explain how their reincarnations work, and how close they are or aren't to the original characters.
I also thought the jealousy of the men around her came across a bit too strong- I know it's essential to the story, but it tended to lead to a neglecting of Jill and the telling of her story. At first, when it came from Nevyn's POV I thought it was merely a flaw on his part that he zeroed in on her male companions and their issues rather than on her, but as the story went on it seemed to come directly from the writing. I wanted to scream at them to get lost and let Jill (and her past selves) tell her story.
Perhaps I was wrong, but I had a strong sense that Jill was the main heroine, the centre of the story. She is certainly the most interesting/likeable character.
I also had difficulty keeping the names of the people, clans and cities straight. I feel like the division of the kingdom is too complicated. A cheatsheet would have been welcome.
Lastly, I feel like the structure makes everything a bit incoherent. Too much time is spent on one scene or short story, not enough on another. It needs an internal logic to support it- if there is one already it isnt obvious enough. It doesn't have to be a linear logic- even a moral logic, or a character growth logic, some sort of order to help me keep things straight.
In summary, this is a beautiful book, with complex and lovely magic and characters, which I wholeheartedly recommend reading. But I warn you that you will either need to put up with a layer of confusion and frustration underneath it all, or devote yourself to memorising every little name or event, and tackling the book as though it were a research project. It has its flaws, but it is worth pushing through them to get to the beautiful core.
I adore the magic behind the story, the idea of the characters' "wyrds" wildfolk, & dweamor.
The language of the story is charming- after reading the book, I found myself adding the word "truly" to my thoughts
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every now and again. I also really like Jill, the main heroine.
On the other hand, I was very annoyed by the other male characters' overshadowing of Jill and her past selves. Nevyn had entirely too much of the narration to himself, which got boring after awhile- his dweamor powers are too great, which takes the fun out of learning about the magical possibilities. He also explained too much, without explaining enough. He gave away the identities of the characters' reincarnations and the consequences of their every action, which I would have liked to puzzle out for myself. He didn't explain how their reincarnations work, and how close they are or aren't to the original characters.
I also thought the jealousy of the men around her came across a bit too strong- I know it's essential to the story, but it tended to lead to a neglecting of Jill and the telling of her story. At first, when it came from Nevyn's POV I thought it was merely a flaw on his part that he zeroed in on her male companions and their issues rather than on her, but as the story went on it seemed to come directly from the writing. I wanted to scream at them to get lost and let Jill (and her past selves) tell her story.
Perhaps I was wrong, but I had a strong sense that Jill was the main heroine, the centre of the story. She is certainly the most interesting/likeable character.
I also had difficulty keeping the names of the people, clans and cities straight. I feel like the division of the kingdom is too complicated. A cheatsheet would have been welcome.
Lastly, I feel like the structure makes everything a bit incoherent. Too much time is spent on one scene or short story, not enough on another. It needs an internal logic to support it- if there is one already it isnt obvious enough. It doesn't have to be a linear logic- even a moral logic, or a character growth logic, some sort of order to help me keep things straight.
In summary, this is a beautiful book, with complex and lovely magic and characters, which I wholeheartedly recommend reading. But I warn you that you will either need to put up with a layer of confusion and frustration underneath it all, or devote yourself to memorising every little name or event, and tackling the book as though it were a research project. It has its flaws, but it is worth pushing through them to get to the beautiful core.
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LibraryThing member scroeser
A bit too generic for my taste. The story was good, as these things go, but the writing was a little too clunky for me to really enjoy it. Mind you, I suppose this is not a genre I visit often, so I'm not much of a judge.
LibraryThing member MrDowney
I love the Deverry series of books because it combines two of my favorite subjects: Fantasy and reincarnation. Some of the twist and turns the characters take in the series are annoying, and the magic 15th book leaves a few loose ends, but all worth the read.
LibraryThing member irishkitsune
Easily my favorite fantasy series, Katherine Kerr's tales of Deverry and the Westlands brings a new spin to some familiar elements of Celtic lore and fantasy. The story covers a span of several hundred years while keeping some common elements (mostly in the undying sorcerer Nevyn) to anchor it. The
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consequences that one life can have on the next generation is a recurring theme in these books, and it's fun to watch how the actions of a person influences their reincarnations and children hundreds of years later. Kerr has been working on this series for a long time, and there are currently 11 books. The most frustrating part is that the last two books in the series haven't been finished yet, but I wait patiently. Show Less
LibraryThing member lbspen
Finally a fantasy story that is not a close cousin to LoTR! The world of magic is unique among the books I have read and I expect will be explored in greater detail in the rest of the series.
Some of the characters are a little flat and opaque, but most of them are understandable and sympathetic.
Some of the characters are a little flat and opaque, but most of them are understandable and sympathetic.
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The author manages to easily avoid the anachronistic feminist tendencies even with her adept swords-woman character. Show Less
LibraryThing member jazzbird61
Just as good as the first time.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1986
1993-12 (Bantam revised edition)
Physical description
6.8 inches
ISBN
0553565214 / 9780553565218