King Kelson's Bride
by Katherine Kurtz
The Histories of King Kelson (4), Deryni Novels: timeline (June 1128 - August 1128), Deryni Novels: publication order (18), Deryni Novels: chronological order ((Histories of King Kelson 4) 16)
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"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 show more 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.... show lessTags
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I think this book works really well as a conclusion to the whole Kelson timeline. Almost every dangling thread from previous events books gets brought to a satisfactory conclusion, and everyone gets a well-deserved (and believable) happily ever after. As a long-time fan, I was very pleased with how well everything fell into place.
This is not, however, a book for readers not already invested in the Deryni universe. Without the backstory, the book will be absolutely pointless, as it doesn't bother to build its own story apart from those dangling threads. There's also not much "action" to speak of... mostly just a lot of talk talk talk as various players work out the details of various alliances.
This is not, however, a book for readers not already invested in the Deryni universe. Without the backstory, the book will be absolutely pointless, as it doesn't bother to build its own story apart from those dangling threads. There's also not much "action" to speak of... mostly just a lot of talk talk talk as various players work out the details of various alliances.
This book was written years after the other Kelson books, and though Katherine Kurtz promised the fans of the Deryni books that there was one more book left, this one feels very forced. Once again, Kelson is betrothed to a suitable, willing young lady, for the 3rd or 4th time. Will he actually marry the girl this time, and will she survive until the wedding are the big questions of this book, and that's about all that's interesting about it.
finishes, happily, the story of King Kelson. At least, he finally gets married successfully.
I'm guessing there was enough outcry at how she left her Histories of King Kelson series that her publisher wanted to wrap it up happily.
It was just to wordy though. To much description of everything: clothes, scenery, people, objects, ceremonies. She described a bloody picnic for almost 2 pages. I was glad to see a happy ending for Kelson, but I have no real interest in any more of her stuff. It seems to be church history with a tiny bit of magic thrown in. I was not enthralled.
I'm guessing there was enough outcry at how she left her Histories of King Kelson series that her publisher wanted to wrap it up happily.
It was just to wordy though. To much description of everything: clothes, scenery, people, objects, ceremonies. She described a bloody picnic for almost 2 pages. I was glad to see a happy ending for Kelson, but I have no real interest in any more of her stuff. It seems to be church history with a tiny bit of magic thrown in. I was not enthralled.
Oh My God! Something "good" finally happens to Kelson, and nothing happens at the end to spoil it! I am not sure if this book was supposed to be a stand-alone, or the start of a new trilogy--there were enough loose ends left that it could very be the beginning of more adventures. If the latter, I would love to read more.
A decent read if you are familiar with the series.
There is not enough background to follow the plot unless you are familiar with the Deryni world.
More seriously too many words not enough plot.
There is not enough background to follow the plot unless you are familiar with the Deryni world.
More seriously too many words not enough plot.
A truly great series, but the original trilogy is still the best.
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Author Information
66+ Works 28,766 Members
Katherine Kurtz was born in Coral Gables, Florida on October 18, 1944. She received a four-year science scholarship to the University of Miami where she graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry. She completed an M.A. in medieval English history at UCLA while writing her first two novels, and working as an instructional designer for the Los Angeles show more Police Academy. She is also a professionally trained hypnotist, a student of comparative religion, and somewhat of an authority on heraldry and chivalry She has also joined with Deborah Turner Harris, and together they have written five books in an adept series of occult detective thrillers set in modern Scotland. Her first editing foray, Tales of The Knights Templar, appeared from Warner Books in 1995, which wa followed by a second volume, On Crusade: More Tales of The Knights Templar. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Common Knowledge
- Original publication date
- 2000
- People/Characters
- Kelson Haldane (King of Gwynedd); Jehana Haldane; Nigel Haldane; Duncan McLain; Alaric Morgan
- Important places
- Gwynedd (fictional)
- Dedication
- For Robert Reginald, who is also Brother Theophilus:
faithful fellow venturer into the exotic lands East of Gwynedd, where many things are very different, indeed... - First words
- He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house.
- Proverbs 15:27
"Mark me well, my brother, for I tell you truly that Kelson of Gwynedd means to wed."
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord.
- Proverbs 18:22
Marriage was very much on the mind of Kelson of Gwynedd as, later that evening, he paused before the door to the ch... (show all)apel royal at Rhemuth Castle. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"Gwynedd expects -"
"- every man to do his duty!" she finished for him, laughing, just before he hushed all further commentary, at least with words, with the sweet questing of his lips to hers, tasting and then drinking deeply of her yielding in a heady union of duty with growing desire, as Kelson of Gwynedd at last came into his full kingship with his true queen.
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- Popularity
- 34,464
- Reviews
- 6
- Rating
- (3.46)
- Languages
- English, French
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 6
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 5
