Deryni Rising (1970)

I have a dim memory of having enjoyed this series some 30 years ago, but I find myself utterly indifferent to it now. DNF at page 38 due to complete indifference. ( )

This is an interesting take on an English society with the addition of magic and psychic abilities. Because the race that possesses those abilities the Deryni, once ruled as despots hundreds of years ago, they are feared and hated. The Chruch, based on the Catholic church stands against the magic users. While this is going on the crown prince is in danger of being assassinated.

It's not a very long book and a lot is going on so the characters don't get a lot of development, but hopefully they will be more fleshed out as the trilogy continues. ( )

Fantasy about a young king struggling to face down his enemies in a magical kingdom that is surprisingly rich in Catholic ceremony. Has moments of real resonance, but also plenty of cringe worthy sections. ( )

I love this series. Almost Authurian in feel. Young King Kelson almost a young Arthur and Alaric Morgan almost a Merlin. Big difference is that you have a race of magic people called Deryni (of which Morgan is one). For 200 years they have been persecuted because of course the church counts magic as evil so the Deryni must be as well. Kelson's father and now Kelson are trying to change that but the descendant of the Deryni rulers who once ruled Gyennedd wants the throne back and plans to kill young Kelson in a magic duel to do so before Morgan can find the key to release Kelson's own abilities.

Oh and to the reviews that complain about the female characters in this book.... the other books have better characters. Plus it was the 1970s and publishers didn't think women read fantasy. ( )

i just never became a Deryni fan. Perhaps because given both psychic and magical powers, I felt i could have done a lot better for theoretical Wales. i read this book in 1971. ( )