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The Histories of King Kelson #2
The King's Justice
A young liege goes to battle in a medieval land teetering on the brink of civil war and church-sanctioned genocide in the second chronicle of the reign of King Kelson In troubled Gwynedd, the crown sits heavy on the head of King Kelson Haldane. In a realm historically torn asunder by deep-seated suspicion and fear of the magical Deryni who live among them, young Kelson is both beloved for his humanity and abhorred for his Deryni blood. Now, the traitorous cleric, Bishop Loris, has joined forces with Queen Caitrin, the Pretender of Meara, in her attempts to rip her homeland away from Gwyneddan rule. But Loris has even darker intentions. His scheme to reignite the terrible flames of holy civil war against the Deryni, coupled with Caitrin’s campaign of violent secession, draw Kelson and his army away from the royal court—where, in the king’s absence, an assassination plot is brewing. An extraordinary world-builder, acclaimed fantasist Katherine Kurtz returns readers to the Middle Ages of an alternate Earth in her continuing chronicles of the Deryni. Kurtz’s second history of the troubled reign of King Kelson is a breathtaking tale of majesty, magic, war, treachery, faith, and intolerance that once again brings a fascinating world and its diverse peoples to glorious life.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1985
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898 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Kurtz
93 books743 followersKatherine Kurtz is an American fantasy novel writer. She is best known for her Deryni series. She currently lives in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 4, 2017
The second book in the second trilogy featuring Kelson Haldane. The Meagan uprising continues from the prior book. King Kelson is ready to lead his army to put down thd rebellion. I love the characters. Deryni magic is considered evil by the Church. Former Archbishop Loris has joined the Mearan pretender in the rebellion. I really hate Loris.
There are some really tough scenes in this book. This series should be read in publication order for readers picking it up for the first time. I first read this when it was released in HC years ago. It still packs an emotional wallop.
There are some really tough scenes in this book. This series should be read in publication order for readers picking it up for the first time. I first read this when it was released in HC years ago. It still packs an emotional wallop.
March 20, 2015
3.5 stars Originally posted at Fantasy Literature.
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The King’s Justice is the second book in Katherine Kurtz’s THE HISTORIES OF KING KELSON trilogy, which is part of her DERYNI CHRONICLES. It’s the fifth book about young King Kelson. You really ought to read the books in this order: Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni, The Bishop’s Heir and THEN this book, The King’s Justice.
Kelson is now 17 years old. In the previous book, The Bishop’s Heir, Kelson and his advisors (Morgan and Duncan) dealt with the rebellion of the province of Meara, which used to be independent. The rebellion was led by a woman who wants Meara to regain its independence and who has a claim to its throne. She was aided by Archbishop Loris, the sadistic escaped rebel priest who persecuted the Deryni. At the end of The Bishop’s Heir, the Mearan prince dealt a brutal personal blow to Kelson.
The King’s Justice is essentially part two of the story of the Mearan rebellion. (There’s enough reminder about what happened in The Bishop’s Heir that you don’t need to re-read that book if it’s been a while.) Kelson has vowed revenge for what the Mearan prince did and he plans to get Meara back under his control and rid the world of Archbishop Loris (for good this time). The story begins with Kelson declaring his Uncle Nigel heir until Kelson has his own son. He and Morgan and Duncan then invest Nigel with some of the Haldane powers so Nigel will be able to rule while Kelson is on his campaign against Meara. Much time is spent on the related planning, debates, and ceremonies.
During all this, Kelson’s mother shows up. For years she has been sequestered in a convent because she is trying to repent for her use of Deryni powers to save Kelson when he was younger. She has been taught that these powers are evil and she thinks, therefore, that she is evil. A subplot of the story involves her disgust of her own son’s behavior. She hopes to find Kelson a nice wife who will discourage him from using his powers. Another subplot involves Dhugal’s recent discovery about his paternity.
As usual, there is a lot of mind-reading, ceremonies, fighting, chasing, captures, rescues, rebellion, assassination attempts, and torture. Even though The King’s Justice is simply a continuation of the story of the previous book, and even though it drags in places (especially the meetings, ceremonies, mind-reading, and torture), I am compelled to read on because I really like Kelson, Morgan, and Duncan and I care what happens to them.
Poor Kelson. He’s only 17, his father is dead, his mother is disgusted by him, and the crown weighs so heavy on his head. A lot of the time I think he is too mature and decisive to be believed, but sometimes, as in this book, he does something immature and impetuous and we remember that he’s still a teenager. In a particularly touching scene, Kelson is shaken up when he’s forced to experience rape from a woman’s perspective. It’s easy to resonate with Kelson. I hope we’ll see him happy and secure on his throne someday.
Katherine Kurtz’s world and characters feel real. When I read the DERNI CHRONICLES, I feel like I’m actually eating a meal in a medieval castle, watching an archery match, riding through the gates of a fortress, or in the midst of a cavalry charge. If you love that sort of epic fantasy, I recommend this series. I’m listening to the audio versions read by Nick Sullivan and produced by Audible Studios. These are very nice productions. The King’s Justice is 14 hours long.
http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The King’s Justice is the second book in Katherine Kurtz’s THE HISTORIES OF KING KELSON trilogy, which is part of her DERYNI CHRONICLES. It’s the fifth book about young King Kelson. You really ought to read the books in this order: Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni, The Bishop’s Heir and THEN this book, The King’s Justice.
Kelson is now 17 years old. In the previous book, The Bishop’s Heir, Kelson and his advisors (Morgan and Duncan) dealt with the rebellion of the province of Meara, which used to be independent. The rebellion was led by a woman who wants Meara to regain its independence and who has a claim to its throne. She was aided by Archbishop Loris, the sadistic escaped rebel priest who persecuted the Deryni. At the end of The Bishop’s Heir, the Mearan prince dealt a brutal personal blow to Kelson.
The King’s Justice is essentially part two of the story of the Mearan rebellion. (There’s enough reminder about what happened in The Bishop’s Heir that you don’t need to re-read that book if it’s been a while.) Kelson has vowed revenge for what the Mearan prince did and he plans to get Meara back under his control and rid the world of Archbishop Loris (for good this time). The story begins with Kelson declaring his Uncle Nigel heir until Kelson has his own son. He and Morgan and Duncan then invest Nigel with some of the Haldane powers so Nigel will be able to rule while Kelson is on his campaign against Meara. Much time is spent on the related planning, debates, and ceremonies.
During all this, Kelson’s mother shows up. For years she has been sequestered in a convent because she is trying to repent for her use of Deryni powers to save Kelson when he was younger. She has been taught that these powers are evil and she thinks, therefore, that she is evil. A subplot of the story involves her disgust of her own son’s behavior. She hopes to find Kelson a nice wife who will discourage him from using his powers. Another subplot involves Dhugal’s recent discovery about his paternity.
As usual, there is a lot of mind-reading, ceremonies, fighting, chasing, captures, rescues, rebellion, assassination attempts, and torture. Even though The King’s Justice is simply a continuation of the story of the previous book, and even though it drags in places (especially the meetings, ceremonies, mind-reading, and torture), I am compelled to read on because I really like Kelson, Morgan, and Duncan and I care what happens to them.
Poor Kelson. He’s only 17, his father is dead, his mother is disgusted by him, and the crown weighs so heavy on his head. A lot of the time I think he is too mature and decisive to be believed, but sometimes, as in this book, he does something immature and impetuous and we remember that he’s still a teenager. In a particularly touching scene, Kelson is shaken up when he’s forced to experience rape from a woman’s perspective. It’s easy to resonate with Kelson. I hope we’ll see him happy and secure on his throne someday.
Katherine Kurtz’s world and characters feel real. When I read the DERNI CHRONICLES, I feel like I’m actually eating a meal in a medieval castle, watching an archery match, riding through the gates of a fortress, or in the midst of a cavalry charge. If you love that sort of epic fantasy, I recommend this series. I’m listening to the audio versions read by Nick Sullivan and produced by Audible Studios. These are very nice productions. The King’s Justice is 14 hours long.
April 22, 2010
The Deryni books are great sword and sorcery fantasy. What makes them unique is that they're a blend of historical fantasy and high fantasy. What marks a book out as high fantasy is a completely imaginary world with no links to real history--legend maybe, but the ties are tenuous, even when like Tolkien's Middle Earth, Lackey's Valdemir or Pierce's Tortall, they have a pseudo-medieval feel.
This on, the other hand, is Christian Europe--yet not quite. Gwynedd is recognizably Britain--more so than what you see usually see in high fantasy, even if there aren't any real historical parallels to the Haldane dynasty--or the Deryni for that matter, magically talented people who are persecuted by the Church. But more unusually, their "Holy Church" is quite recognizable as the Roman Catholic Church, and the church's beliefs are important to the characters, particularly Bishop Duncan McLain, a Deryni and priest, one of my favorite characters in the series. This isn't like Pullman's His Dark Materials. Kurtz's Holy Church isn't evil, and there are good people within in--and yes, evil ones such as Archbishop Loris. I felt for Jehana, King Kelson's mother, who tries to reconcile her religious convictions with her Deryni heritage.
One thing that also makes this series different is that instead of standalone books with a common backdrop, or closely connected books that proceed chronologically, they tend to be grouped into trilogies. The first, The Deryni Chronicles, focused more on Kelson's supporters, Duke Morgan and Bishop McLain. The focus on the "Histories of King Kelson" are naturally on the young king who came to the throne in that first trilogy. I do like how Kelson is developed here. He's an admirable character by and large, but Kurtz doesn't pull her punches about the more ruthless qualities and actions his position brings out in him. I find this a very enjoyable series with characters I cared about.
This on, the other hand, is Christian Europe--yet not quite. Gwynedd is recognizably Britain--more so than what you see usually see in high fantasy, even if there aren't any real historical parallels to the Haldane dynasty--or the Deryni for that matter, magically talented people who are persecuted by the Church. But more unusually, their "Holy Church" is quite recognizable as the Roman Catholic Church, and the church's beliefs are important to the characters, particularly Bishop Duncan McLain, a Deryni and priest, one of my favorite characters in the series. This isn't like Pullman's His Dark Materials. Kurtz's Holy Church isn't evil, and there are good people within in--and yes, evil ones such as Archbishop Loris. I felt for Jehana, King Kelson's mother, who tries to reconcile her religious convictions with her Deryni heritage.
One thing that also makes this series different is that instead of standalone books with a common backdrop, or closely connected books that proceed chronologically, they tend to be grouped into trilogies. The first, The Deryni Chronicles, focused more on Kelson's supporters, Duke Morgan and Bishop McLain. The focus on the "Histories of King Kelson" are naturally on the young king who came to the throne in that first trilogy. I do like how Kelson is developed here. He's an admirable character by and large, but Kurtz doesn't pull her punches about the more ruthless qualities and actions his position brings out in him. I find this a very enjoyable series with characters I cared about.
February 26, 2018
This sequel to The Bishop's Heir continues to prove the author's mastery of medieval setting and culture.
The war against the Mearan pretender Caitrin and her supporters, including the renegade and virulently anti-Deryni archbishop Edmund Loris, is detailed masterfully in this volume. Of course we know that Kelson, King of Gwynedd and rightful ruler of Meara and the neighboring border provinces, can and must prevail. How he does this builds a suspenseful tale with complicated events of treason and battle. The resolution is decisive but neither pleasant nor happy for many, Kelson included.
In a very real sense, this novel relates Kelson's coming of age, in which he is forced to exercise the judgement of a ruler even when his heart would lean toward more merciful conclusions. The story is dark, with more to come.
Very fine writing, excellent characters, plenty of pageantry. These novels might easily have made it to the movie screen but would have suffered a tremendous loss of detail in that process.
Recommended to lovers of fantasy and/or medieval history and politics. (But do read Kurtz in order. Jumping into the middle would be pretty confusing.)
The war against the Mearan pretender Caitrin and her supporters, including the renegade and virulently anti-Deryni archbishop Edmund Loris, is detailed masterfully in this volume. Of course we know that Kelson, King of Gwynedd and rightful ruler of Meara and the neighboring border provinces, can and must prevail. How he does this builds a suspenseful tale with complicated events of treason and battle. The resolution is decisive but neither pleasant nor happy for many, Kelson included.
In a very real sense, this novel relates Kelson's coming of age, in which he is forced to exercise the judgement of a ruler even when his heart would lean toward more merciful conclusions. The story is dark, with more to come.
Very fine writing, excellent characters, plenty of pageantry. These novels might easily have made it to the movie screen but would have suffered a tremendous loss of detail in that process.
Recommended to lovers of fantasy and/or medieval history and politics. (But do read Kurtz in order. Jumping into the middle would be pretty confusing.)
November 15, 2017
From the Inside Flap: Young Kelson Haldane, King of Gwynedd, heir to both royal and Deryni magical powers, was still no match for ex-Archbishop Loris and the Pretender Queen Caitrin who sought his death. Yet, he raised an army against them both, knowing that honor made defeat impossible.... (This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.)
I have read all of the Deryni books. I am never disappointed by Katherine Kurtz's writing style, and ability to create an entire race of magical people that are believable as she is able to weave them into a world that the reader may already accept and know. This novel is a great addition to a long running series that I started reading in middle school. I am glad that some new additions are being written to this series after many years, as it is a series that really made an impression on me, and one that I have missed having new material to read from.
I have read all of the Deryni books. I am never disappointed by Katherine Kurtz's writing style, and ability to create an entire race of magical people that are believable as she is able to weave them into a world that the reader may already accept and know. This novel is a great addition to a long running series that I started reading in middle school. I am glad that some new additions are being written to this series after many years, as it is a series that really made an impression on me, and one that I have missed having new material to read from.
February 20, 2015
A 2.5 round-up.
February 12, 2023
I didn’t like this one as much. It was kind of a chore to read, as there was not a lot of plot. There were a lot of people, mostly men, thinking about or talking about how much they loved and trusted each other, and by the time we got to the climactic battle, it was almost glossed over. Taking a break before I read the third installment, but Kelson’s next two problems have already been introduced, one being a (magic empowered) rival for a fair maiden’s affections. The story of the young king from a neighboring, hostile land might be good, but I fear it will be overshadowed by the possible invitation to sit on the camberian council. The question is, though, why would he want to? As near as I can tell, they do absolutely nothing and influence absolutely nothing. What king in their right mind would choose to sit in even more pointless meetings? In addition to the rivalry (unbeknownst to Kelson, I’m sure) for the lady, which will result in a magical showdown of some sort which Kelson will feel guilty about, there will also be more touchy-feely moments as the mind-reading men finally restore Saint Camber to his rightful place. Yup. That should about do it for book three. Hope the little king from next door at least gets to grow up in a loving castle.
July 23, 2021
This is an interesting book - a number of plot twists and interesting happenings which are, for the most part, completely believable. They are woven together to form a very nice plot (as opposed to being separate, unrelated plot devices). I particularly liked the difficult decisions that Kelson is forced to make, as well as how those decisions affect him. The fact that other characters are also being forced into making decisions they have tried to avoid is also good - that's what life is. In fact, no character in the book makes it through without having to make at least one gut-wrenching decision - and some of those turn out to be wrong (again, as in real life).
June 21, 2022
A really good addition to the series with the characters now well set and the world built. King Kelson is becoming a man with difficult decisions to make some of which are pretty tough. A fine blend of fantasy with historical fiction packing quite a gritty punch but it is not full of foul language and gratuitous violence. You might say it’s old school with a story driven approach. I am enjoying the series with just book ti go in the current trilogy.
March 15, 2015
The King’s Justice is the second book in Katherine Kurtz’s THE HISTORIES OF KING KELSON trilogy, which is part of her DERYNI CHRONICLES. It’s the fifth book about young King Kelson. You really ought to read the books in this order: Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni, The Bishop’s Heir and THEN this book, The King’s Justice.
Kelson is now 17 years old. In the previous book, The Bishop’s Heir, Kelson and his advisors (Morgan and Duncan) dealt with the rebellion of the province of Meara, which used to be indepe... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Kelson is now 17 years old. In the previous book, The Bishop’s Heir, Kelson and his advisors (Morgan and Duncan) dealt with the rebellion of the province of Meara, which used to be indepe... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
December 25, 2015
This is the second book in the King Kelson histories. This is one of my favorites. It can be hard to read because it takes place during war. There is torture, rape and people die who really shouldn't. Kelson is maturing as a King and a man but he is far from perfect. Katherine Kurtz has this amazing ability to make this type of medieval faux Earth fantasy really come to life.
If you like King Arthur stories and knights and magic then these books are fun reads.
If you like King Arthur stories and knights and magic then these books are fun reads.
August 1, 2013
This installment was much better than the first of the trilogy. Really enjoyed reading this one. Interested to see how they incorporate the third book into the trilogy as she completed this storyline in the this volume. It'll be the search for Saint Camber but it could probably have been a stand alone. I'll find out soon enough.
September 22, 2014
There was a melancholy about the titular justice dispensed in this book, which along with a medieval realism and quasi-catholic society had quite an effect back when I was but a callow youth accustomed to tales of boys adventuring on rocket ships and heroes arriving astride dragons to save the day
March 16, 2016
Young Kelson Haldane, King of Gwynedd, heir to both royal and Deryni magical powers, was still no match for ex-Archbishop Loris and the Pretender Queen Caitrin who sought his death. Yet, he raised an army against them both, knowing that honor made defeat impossible.... interesting.
June 28, 2017
The only thing I didn't like in this book was the descriptions of torture. It's hard to skip when reading, but did some skimming. I like King Kelson and his loyal companions. I look forward to reading about Camber again in the next book.
April 9, 2009
The Histories of King Kelson is an excellent trilogy in the Deryni world. These are some of my favorite books. Love the setting and the psychic abilities.
December 9, 2011
Pretty sure I read this at some point
August 6, 2010
More great stuff!!
February 15, 2011
The king's justice is swift . . . and it has to be. Poor Kelson!
September 20, 2011
My favorite of all of Katherine Kurtz's books. Highly recommend!
September 16, 2012
A good book, Katherine Kurtz writes like the reader has an encyclopedia in front of them written to explain her book..
August 27, 2016
Being a King at 17 is a difficult burden
January 17, 2017
Nicely Written Installment
Nicely written installment in the series. Enough action and pathos for a well-rounded tale after a somewhat uneven Book 1.
Nicely written installment in the series. Enough action and pathos for a well-rounded tale after a somewhat uneven Book 1.
May 25, 2017
The King's Justice
An excellent tale.Dialog flows smoothly and descriptors are vivid and lush. Ms.Kurtz brings the reader right into the book's action.
An excellent tale.Dialog flows smoothly and descriptors are vivid and lush. Ms.Kurtz brings the reader right into the book's action.
September 5, 2017
King Kelson finally comes into his own.....'nuff said
May 23, 2021
It's only been a few months since King Kelson ordered the execution of Prince Llewell of Meara for the murder of his sister and Kelson's momentary bride. Originally hoping that the marriage would broker a peace between Gwynedd and rebellious Meara, Kelson is now planning to bring the recalcitrant province back under his control through military means.
Planning for the possibility that he is killed while away, Kelson sets the Haldane potential in his uncle, Nigel who is remaining behind. Of course, this upsets the Camberian Council of Deryni. The story jumps between the two Gwynedd armies - one under Kelson with the other under Duke Duncan - back to the capital with Nigel, to the court of the pretender Caitrin and eventually her army under the command of her husband, Sicard. Even as Kelson's mother, Jehana, returns to capital Rhemuth to influence her son to take a 'suitable' (non-Deryni) bride. And the youthful king of Torenth comes to swear vassalage and there is an assassination attempt on Nigel and . . . . and . . . The author certainly doesn't let the reader forget that there are other places, people and activities happening even as the armies are moving toward each other.
The story brutally shows the harsh demands placed on the young king - dealing with traitors and rebels. Also tells of the barbarity inflicted on innocent bystanders - the towns and fields burned, women raped and all obstructions crushed and destroyed. It also shows that the Mearans aren't as pleased with some of their allies - namely the fanatically anti-Deryni former archbishop, Edmund Loris, and his minion, Lawrence Gorony who is a talented torturer and just as fanatical when dealing with Deryni.
In the end, Kelson suppresses the uprising with some rather hard decisions being made to the point where even the Camberian Council is inclined to admit he has learned to be ruthless.
Admittedly, reading the first book of the series is extremely helpful setting the tone and introducing many of the characters. There are over a dozen books in Kurtz's various Deryni series and familiarity with even the concept of the Deryni - a people who possess inherent psychic and magical abilities - does help. It's a fantasy series set in what is basically an alternative early middle-ages Great Britain with Arabian-type kingdoms nearby.
I read all the series many - er, many years ago and it's sort of fun to re-read them and recall all the insights Kurtz provided on the political and military aspects of a reign along with the support or negative impact a powerful church can wield.
2021-101
Planning for the possibility that he is killed while away, Kelson sets the Haldane potential in his uncle, Nigel who is remaining behind. Of course, this upsets the Camberian Council of Deryni. The story jumps between the two Gwynedd armies - one under Kelson with the other under Duke Duncan - back to the capital with Nigel, to the court of the pretender Caitrin and eventually her army under the command of her husband, Sicard. Even as Kelson's mother, Jehana, returns to capital Rhemuth to influence her son to take a 'suitable' (non-Deryni) bride. And the youthful king of Torenth comes to swear vassalage and there is an assassination attempt on Nigel and . . . . and . . . The author certainly doesn't let the reader forget that there are other places, people and activities happening even as the armies are moving toward each other.
The story brutally shows the harsh demands placed on the young king - dealing with traitors and rebels. Also tells of the barbarity inflicted on innocent bystanders - the towns and fields burned, women raped and all obstructions crushed and destroyed. It also shows that the Mearans aren't as pleased with some of their allies - namely the fanatically anti-Deryni former archbishop, Edmund Loris, and his minion, Lawrence Gorony who is a talented torturer and just as fanatical when dealing with Deryni.
In the end, Kelson suppresses the uprising with some rather hard decisions being made to the point where even the Camberian Council is inclined to admit he has learned to be ruthless.
Admittedly, reading the first book of the series is extremely helpful setting the tone and introducing many of the characters. There are over a dozen books in Kurtz's various Deryni series and familiarity with even the concept of the Deryni - a people who possess inherent psychic and magical abilities - does help. It's a fantasy series set in what is basically an alternative early middle-ages Great Britain with Arabian-type kingdoms nearby.
I read all the series many - er, many years ago and it's sort of fun to re-read them and recall all the insights Kurtz provided on the political and military aspects of a reign along with the support or negative impact a powerful church can wield.
2021-101
April 30, 2025
The war begun in The Bishop's Heir continues here.
There is good character development for Kelson, who has to deal with the hard decisions a war, especially a civil war, requires of a King. There is also the introduction of a character that seems intended to be Kelson's love interest, in the most awkward possible circumstances.
We see more of the Camberian Council and a bit more of lands outside Gwynedd, both of which add depth to the world.
The tension in this story is largely in the story of Bishop Duncan, but because of the way the plot runs, there aren't many decisions made in that subplot. And the resolution of the subplot depends on the worst sort of Evil Mastermind-ing choices by antagonists and very convenient timing of events.
Though there is significant progress in the main political plot in this volume, this is very much a middle book. If you're already invested in the series, this book is a necessary stepping stone, but on its own, it isn't one of the stronger entries.
There is good character development for Kelson, who has to deal with the hard decisions a war, especially a civil war, requires of a King. There is also the introduction of a character that seems intended to be Kelson's love interest, in the most awkward possible circumstances.
We see more of the Camberian Council and a bit more of lands outside Gwynedd, both of which add depth to the world.
The tension in this story is largely in the story of Bishop Duncan, but because of the way the plot runs, there aren't many decisions made in that subplot. And the resolution of the subplot depends on the worst sort of Evil Mastermind-ing choices by antagonists and very convenient timing of events.
Though there is significant progress in the main political plot in this volume, this is very much a middle book. If you're already invested in the series, this book is a necessary stepping stone, but on its own, it isn't one of the stronger entries.
February 20, 2020
So much pain comes with a crown....
I just finished "The King's Justice," and this is perhaps one of the bloodiest books in this series.
Young King Kelson fights his way into Meara; and we knew that epic battles would take place and in this regards Katherine Kurtz does not disappoint.
There comes a point where Bishop Duncan MacLain is captured by the evil Edmund Loris, and you think it is going to end for one of my favorite characters - but it does not, and I was pleasantly surprised as to how all of that unfolded.
Kelson learns only after much blood has been spilled in justice and in retribution, to avenge Bishop Istelyn; that with being King it takes an immensely heavy toll.
Truly, another epic read by one of my most favorite authors. Thank you Katherine.
I just finished "The King's Justice," and this is perhaps one of the bloodiest books in this series.
Young King Kelson fights his way into Meara; and we knew that epic battles would take place and in this regards Katherine Kurtz does not disappoint.
There comes a point where Bishop Duncan MacLain is captured by the evil Edmund Loris, and you think it is going to end for one of my favorite characters - but it does not, and I was pleasantly surprised as to how all of that unfolded.
Kelson learns only after much blood has been spilled in justice and in retribution, to avenge Bishop Istelyn; that with being King it takes an immensely heavy toll.
Truly, another epic read by one of my most favorite authors. Thank you Katherine.
July 5, 2022
Volume 2 of the Histories of King Kelson. Rebellion in Meara compels Kelson to take action. Investing Nigel with the Haldane potential, Kelson leads his army forth. Ithyl of Meara attacks a convent and, arriving to pick up the pieces, Kelson meets the novice Rothana. Conal gets magical training on the sly from Tiercel, a member of the Camberian Council. Duncan is captured and tortured by Loris, but rescued by Dhugal. Jehana's Deryni powers help her save Nigel from Torenthi attack. Meara is brought back into the fold and the 17yo Kelson learns to be ruthless. Camber makes a few appearances--even one to Loris.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2022
One of Kurtz's better books. She not only employs her usual vivid medieval settings and descriptions, but crafts a believable and engaging plot. The protagonists don't sit around waiting to get punched in the face (as they often did in some of her earlier works), but take reasonable steps of their own. Nonetheless, she works it up to a page-turning cliff-hanging ending that is one of the more satisfying and engaging ones of the series. As always, you could pick it up and read it alone, but it's much better if you read those stories that come narratively before it. Definitely a good read.
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