"interesting Deryni tale"

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.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 28, 2006

Summary

Alaric Morgan has been pledged to the king's service, for his Deryni blood makes him ideal to safeguard the Haldane kings and ensure that Prince Brion shall have protection of his hereditary magic. But the Deryni are feared by the populace of Gwynedd and are viewed with deep suspicion by the Church. And the Camberian Council, which secretly oversees the activities of Deryni, scorns Alaric for his half-breed ancestry. Alaric has the king's protection, and a future mapped out for him that in time should ensure his survival as well as that of the king's heir. But Alaric is only four years old—and first he must survive to reach manhood.