The Quest for Saint Camber

The Histories of King Kelson #3

by Katherine Kurtz

A medieval kingdom is thrown into chaos by rumors of the death of its liege in the final volume of the Histories of King Kelson

King Kelson Haldane of Gwnyedd knows he owes much to the legendary Camber of Culdi, the most revered of the magical Deryni race. Having suppressed the rebellion that threatened to tear his realm to pieces, Kelson, himself a possessor of Deryni magic, is now dedicated to exploring the history and legacy of the man who returned the Haldane line to the throne two centuries before. But word reaches the royal court that, while on their noble quest to help restore Camber to the sainthood he was stripped of by a virulently anti-Deryni church, King Kelson and his blood brother, Dhugal, have perished. Now, for the lost king’s ambitious rival a pathway exists to the throne—and to the bedchamber of Rothana, Kelson’s intended queen. But there is more to the king’s “accidental demise” than initially meets the eye, and a powerful unseen player in this drama that no one could have ever suspected.

Katherine Kurtz brilliantly concludes her acclaimed fantasy trilogy of the reign of King Kelson with The Quest for Saint Camber —ending but one remarkable chapter in her breathtaking history of the Deryni in the Middle Ages of a magnificently imagined and brilliantly constructed alternate Britain.
 

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Magic, Epic Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, High Fantasy

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Katherine Kurtz is an American fantasy novel writer. She is best known for her Deryni series. She currently lives in Virginia.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good entry in the Deryni series. Improved rating because what it means to be Deryni is nearly completely stable at this point, and so there aren't many surprises when it comes to that part of the story. The characters are well-developed and consistent; no issues there. In fact, as they have developed, they have stayed consistent - not suddenly changing as I have seen in so many other series. Everything is consistent with previous books as well.

Some tragedy - but then, if you've followed King Kelson this far, you know that he is no stranger to that. They're all reasonable as well, which is another nice touch.

[Sean Loone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the second trilogy of the series and is another cracking story. It is possible to read this as a stand alone novel but you’ll get maximum benefit if you’ve read the previous books in the series. It’s got everything from magic to betrayal, from being lost in a warren of caves to braking out of burial tombs. So if you like historical fantasy this is more than worth a go. Or if you’re new to the genre and perhaps looking for something a little different this might be for you.

[Altivo Overo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saints and Traitors

Continued details about Kelson Haldane and his cohorts. A wet and rocky adventure in the north while his cousin Conall digs himself into deeper and deeper trouble. The conclusion is bittersweet and more violent than I personally would prefer, but not inappropriate for the medieval setting. Characters from previous volumes reappear in consistently drawn roles.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a nostalgia read; I read it multiple times in my teens. It is well-written and entertaining, although I think the original Camber of Culdi trilogy was the best of the whole series of Gwynedd books.

As in my teens, I don't think the character arc of the "villain" was well done. The shift from his depiction in earlier books is too extreme, and the premeditation assumed by other characters isn't supported by how events actually unfolded. Those characters also come to conclusions about the villain with amazing rapidity. Further, the "charm" that the character supposedly possessed was never apparent; he was petty, greedy, and egotistical. All characters, including his parents, recognized his flaws, yet were still completely snowed. It didn't make sense.

Another thing that bothers me about this book is how weak the main female characters are. In particular, although other characters describe Richenda and Rothana as strong-willed, intelligent, and powerful, they rarely show any agency. They mostly take their cues from the male characters and meekly fall into line. The resolution of a long-standing problem between Richenda and Morgan was particularly unbelievable (good heavens, that tantrum!)—surely, if the impasse was that easily overcome, they would have done it ages ago.

Overall, Richenda and Rothana are little more than plot devices, yet it's not like Kurtz doesn't know how to write strong female characters. In previous books, Camber's daughter Evaine and Evaine's daughter are in the thick of the action, and they're no slouches about demonstrating their intelligence, scholarship, and wherewithal to rationally and independently tackle critical threats. The women of the Camberian Council hold their own as well. And catch Morag, Charrissa, and the other Torenthi women sitting around with nothing more challenging than embroidery and pretty poetry!

[Mike Habiby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have loved all of Katherine's characters and books, until I slogged through this one. So as not to spoil the plot, my issue was the characterization of the "villain" of this particular tome. This individual was so annoyingly predicable and shallow that I literally flipped pages scanning the parts he was in, missing her great writing style, to avoid the cringe I had from this horridly predictable characterization. Definitely NOT her best work in those parts. This character's deed's resolution, though satisfying, did not negate the page after page endured to get to this character's final "comeupance". You can't skip this one, but feel free to flip pages during the parts with this book's villain, you will already know what this character will do and what end this character will meet. See NO spoilers.

[Sunni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it hard to objectively review this book.

I found that it was very well written, and presented, and I truly had a hard time putting it down. I did have trouble however trying to figure out why Katherine Kurtz went this direction with the characters. I found all that happened very interesting and captivating, but the events seemed so out of place when compared to the path taken in earlier books. I am not disappointed, just surprised. It felt as if the characters left their usual way of life and went on an African safari postponing everything else.

Even taking all of that into consideration Ms. Kurtz has kept her amazing ability to write intact. Her characters are still believable, and her development of them and the plot are captivating. I guess I will read the next and see what direction the story moves in next.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly as predictable as I thought it would be, with no closure to the story of our happy-go-lucky king. Long, long, long descriptions of ceremonies, right down to Latin incantations and their English translations, most quite familiar to a Catholic churchgoer. Not much plot; the book could have been a third of its length if we eliminated the pointless rambling. And nothing unexpected, though I did enjoy Kelson’s foray along the underground river and through the tombs into a surprise cult of his favorite saint. After that, more boring. Even his final battle was anticlimactic, with no risk to our beloved king. Off they go to the give-away bin. It’s a shame, because it could have been amazing, and this is apparently a prolific author of novels set in this world.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After their knighting ceremony, Kelson, Dhugal, Conall, and the other new knights of Gwynedd set off on a quest to find relics of Saint Camber. There is an accident during the journey, however, and Kelson and Dhugal are believed to have died. This makes Nigel king. But Conall, in an angry fit, puts Nigel in a coma with his illicit Haldane magic--after killing his Deryni teacher. He then becomes king and marries Kelson's intended, Rothana.

Kelson and Dhugal find a surviving Camber cult in the mountains. They return; Duncan now openly Deryni, is allowed to remain bishop. Nigel is healed; Conall is defeated in a Duel Arcane and executed. Rothana, pregnant, refuses Kelson.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very good, old school fantasy. I'm really enjoying the series and just finished the 3rd book in the 2nd trilogy. If you enjoy old, medieval fantasy settings that are not all cliche, but done well, then I highly recommend you try these books. Highly under rated!! I believe the next trilogy will be going back in time, to the time of Saint Camber to learn more about the underlying story there. Can't wait to begin it, but think I'll read the stand alone sequel to this trilogy first, King Nelson's Bride.

[Paca Sad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its been a long and somewhat trying journey, but I am now engrossed with this magical world, of priestly goings on, interspersed with Deryni magic and the kings Haldanes magic to boot. This is a world of chivalry and knights, a political and challenging realm of intrigue. Again the ability of Kurtz to never indulge the reader in pre-determined "soft" "safe" or "happy" endings continues but I get the impression it has softened somewhat!

[Norreida · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great movie!

One's quest for power, and another's quest for a saint. Surviving a waterfall plunge only to be trapped in miles of cave carved by an underground river. A murder. A missing king. An attempted patricide. A royal wedding. A magical duel. Simply written for a young audience, it's nevertheless rich with visuals, action, and themes of honor, faith, loyalty, tolerance, and consequences.

[STU · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough book that wraps up the trilogy.
Well, the first 2 books wrapped up the main plotline of the trilogy, this one helped resolve some loose ends, though not quite all.
I understand there is another book that follows about Kelson choosing a bride but I don't have that one.
Likewise I don't have the trilogy set in between Camber's heirs and Kelson.
I'm just going into the short story collection of Deryni Archives then onto something different.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this one. For the first time ever I actually read the last page to make sure which characters were still around. It felt like a more intense less history intense version. I'm starting the Bride of Kelson next.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of a surprising ending!

I admit, I got halfway through this book and wasn't too happy with the direction it was going; but almost at the ending; there is quite a surprise awaiting the reader! The Quest for Saint Camber has just begun!

[Mykhe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thus endeth the saga of mykhe reading Katherine Kurtz. She was exactly what I needed in High School and college, but reading her work as an adult just doesn't do it for me anymore. It might've helped if she'd done a trilogy with the adventure hinted at in the last pages of this book.

[James]

When young Kelson, King of Gwynedd is reported drowned in a search for the legendary Saint Camber, Nigel was deemed to be king. But his son, Conoll, was too jealous and struck down his own father. Conoll had forgotten Saint Camber....

[Liz C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This is a great series of books. I had never heard of the author before they popped up as a freebie and hope they decide to release the first trilogy of books on kindle to give you the back story about Kelson becoming king. They seem to be only available as pricey American mass market books at the moment. It has all the classic fantasy stuff, quests, villains, magic and a bit of romance and I would recommend them to anyone.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable conclusion to an excellent trilogy in Kurtz's larger Deryni series. Some readers may flinch at some of the threads she left untied, though I haven't yet read King Kelson's Bride, so maybe Kurtz ties off a few more there. Mostly the plot moves along, becoming a real page-turner in places. Her world is realistic, gritty, and vivid. Sometimes her characters could use a little more development, but we get to see both Kelson and his royal cousin evolve through the trilogy. The way she jumps around time between trilogies sometimes stunts what could otherwise be more character development. There are object lessons in tolerance, coexistence, etc., that remain (perhaps unfortunately?) relevant today. Overall a good fantasy series, and this trilogy ties The Heirs of Saint Camber as my favorite. A good read!

[David Zerangue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the 9th book in the Deryni world setting that I have read. The storyline is enjoyable, but there are some elements that need to be dispensed with. For example, for 9 books I have had to endure the 'setting of the wards' ritual approximately two times per book (simple math; 18 times). Once it has been described, there really is no need to repeat. In this case, it is repeated 17 times too many. There is also the tendency to write a bunch of Latin verses only to translate them a bit later. That is a minor annoyance that adds length to the book with not a lot of added value. The other thing with this particular book is that the dust jacket gave way too much away. So much should have been left unsaid because there were some really shocking moments to be told that were no longer surprises. Bad marketing is all I can say. Those issues aside, Ms. Kurtz has created a very interesting world that I have enjoyed immersing myself in. I will continue to read more of this world and enjoy the stories to be told.

[Kat Hooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Even though The Quest for Saint Camber is the third novel in Katherine Kurtz’s THE HISTORIES OF KING KELSON trilogy, it’s actually the sixth novel about King Kelson and it’s part of her larger DERYNI CHRONICLES. You should read the books about Kelson in this order: Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni, The Bishop’s Heir, The King’s Justice, and then The Quest for Saint Camber. You might also like to know that this is NOT the last novel about Kelson. There is one more novel called King Kelson’s Bride that wraps up some loose ends from this story.

At this point in the story, young King Kelson has finally put down the Mearan ... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...

[David Bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was, in retrospect, one that moved me away from fantasy as a genre. Its world is interesting, and the stories of the Deryni had been compelling. But Kurtz painted herself into a corner: her characters have 20th century personalities, and become increasingly awkward as denizens of a quasi-medieval world. This becomes particularly difficult because the books, in their emphasis on Catholicism put a great deal of emphasis on good and evil.

As Peter Jackson showed with his reluctant king Aragorn, these sorts of contradiction are no bar to popularity. But they vitiate any sense of the intellectual respectability for which I think Kurtz was striving.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another great read. I really enjoyed the entire trilogy. Ms Kurtz really stepped up the story content from her original trilogy. Even though The Quest for Saint Camber was a long novel it kept me engaged. I know there is one additional novel set a few years in the future, but not sure if it wraps up all the loose ends which were left at the conclusion of this series.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

When young Kelson, King of Gwynedd is reported drowned in a search for the legendary Saint Camber, Nigel was deemed to be king. But his son, Conoll, was too jealous and struck down his own father. Conoll had forgotten Saint Camber...this was just an okay story.

[Jeff Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of her work!

This was the best of the Kelson novels. Very engaging and hard to put down. As good as the Camber novels. Good story and characters. One of my favorite all time.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very well realised world, where our heroes must always suffer.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Arlene Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never wanted the series to end....took way to long for King Kelson's Bride to come out!!!

[Lavenia Otts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of drama

This book is full of knights seeking adventure, but also of a king,SKelton, seeking some evidence of Camber of Culdi. Recommend highly.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes family really sucks.

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still entertaining.