The Bastard Prince

The Heirs of Saint Camber #3

by Katherine Kurtz

A young king manipulated by evil hands becomes a champion of justice when a magical pretender to the throne challenges his sovereignty

For six years, forces of evil and repression have ruled medieval Gwynedd after eliminating two rightful kings of the Haldane line. Keeping the current young liege, King Rhys Michael, weak with wine, the council of regents and its fanatical allies in the church have been virtually unstoppable in their quest to dominate and destroy the mystical Deryni who share their land. But now a credible threat has arisen: A Deryni claimant to the throne has taken up arms against the cruel oppressors of his magical race. With a mighty army at his command, Prince Marek—the bastard son of King Imre, Gwynedd’s last Deryni ruler—has challenged the Haldane reign, and Rhys Michael’s masters realize the young king must be roused from his stupor to confront the interloper. However, the young Haldane monarch is not the malleable, drunken puppet the regents imagine—and when his long-dormant arcane powers are awakened, Rhys Michael will put his own clandestine plans in motion to right the wrongs of recent history no matter what the cost.

The fourth trilogy in Katherine Kurtz’s magnificent chronicles of the Deryni concludes with awesome power in this stirring tale of war, faith, magic, and justice. Populated by a large cast of unforgettable characters, the thrilling history of an alternate medieval world unfolds in all its epic splendor and tragedy, strongly reaffirming Kurtz’s well-deserved place among the finest storytellers and world-builders in all of fantasy fiction.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Magic, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

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

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as the other Deryni books, this one explores the fate of the youngest of Cinhil's heirs. Like all the others, it is a mixture of historical fiction, religion, ESP and fantasy, and plunges the reader into the lighter and darker sides of the human psyche in excruciating detail.
The Deryni are a race of humans that possess unusual talents, most of which could be classified as ESP. Unfortunately, not all humans believe that they will use their powers to benefit others, and sometimes what replaces a corrupt regime can be as bad as what went before, especially when fear of the unknown and lust for revenge combine with religion inside those in power.
Even the worst situations can not exist forever, however, and this prince has a few surprises for those who are trying to control him...

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I'd never read this installment, so after my recent blitz through the Deryni books I did have (which really messed up my reading challenge!) I raided the library. It felt strange reading a new-but-old Deryni story, especially when I've read most of the books on either side, so some events felt familiar and others were brand new. I very much enjoyed seeing Rhys Michael (Rhysem) grow into his role and, as with Javan, was disappointed that his reign was so short.

A worthy addition, though not one of the very best. (I might be biased: I have strong reader connections to Kelson in the later books and to Camber's kin in the earlier ones.)

[David Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of a trilogy that is part of the author's Deryni Chronicles series of books. I assume that most readers of this book will not be using it as the starting point to the Deryni world and the kingdom of Gwynedd. Most will probably have started with the stories of King Kelson Haldane. This trilogy is set about 200 years prior to the time of Kelson, and fills in some needed "back story" to the Kelson books, but is intended to be read after them. As a result, most readers will have already learned the history of Alroy, Javan, and Rhys Michael from Kelson's story, at least in the broad brush strokes. I won't give out spoilers except those that were already told in the Kelson books.

Following the death of his brother, Javan, Rhys Michael is now the king of Gwynedd, the third of the brothers to hold the throne. Still plagued by the Regents of his brother, King Alroy, he struggles with his wife Michela to allow the Haldane line to hold the crown again free from the Great Lords who have been ruling the kingdom since the death of their father, King Cinhil.

Honestly, I always preferred Javan to Rhys Michael, but I knew from having started with the Kelson books (set 200 years in the future of this one), that Kelson was descended through Rhys Michael and not through Javan, who died childless. This book may have finally convinced me to like Rhys Michael better. At least his schemes were more successful.

The title refers to the Festil line pretender to the throne, a bastard named Prince Mark (Marik). But the real plot isn't as much about the challenge of the Festil pretender to the Haldane king as much as it is the ways Rhys Michael wriggles the Haldanes at last free of the Great Lords who ruled first as regents for Alroy, and then by effectively supplanting the rightful Haldane kings, Alroy, Javan, and Rhys Michael himself.

The ending is bittersweet, but that is still better than how the second book, King Javan's Year, ended, so it seems positive and uplifting in contrast.

[Fiona Warburton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the Deryni series that I enjoy so much. This is one that I have only read once before, several years ago, and I really couldn't remember the ending.

It is the continued story of the restored Haldane line, and the now outlawed and persecuted race of Deryni psychics. The original King Cinhil has died, leaving three sons, with whom any king would consider their line secure. However due to power-hungry lords, bad luck and political manoeuvering, the youngest son Rhys Michael (Rhysem) is on the throne after the premature (and suspicious) deaths of his older brothers. He is controlled and kept in check by the ruthless Council lords.

With the help of the exiled Deryni, Rhysem begins to grow in strength, as his throne is threatened by the illegitimate pretender to his throne (Marek - The "Bastard" Prince). Despite the title, Marek is not the main focus of the book, it is Rhysem's struggle to regain his royal power as king, and later on, to save his own life, among his own lords that is the main storyline.

I'm quite frustrated now that there is a big time gap now between the end of this book and the beginning of the next trilogy, so it is completely new characters coming in. While they are great characters, I need to know what happens to the characters here that I have invested in, such as Michaela, Cathan, Joram and Tieg.

Still one of my favourite fantasy series ever, and will move onto the next "Child Morgan"trilogy, set about 200 years later.

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly? This book was somewhat forgettable compared to its companions. The distilled hurt offered up by The Harrowing of Gwynedd and the desperate intrigue that drives King Javan's Year make them two stand outs in this series, but The Bastard Prince is somewhat boring by comparison. Rhys Michael doesn't have the same determination that Evaine and Javan did before him, and it shows. The most memorable scene featuring Rhys Michael is when he has to figure out how to use the toilet with a broken hand. I can't remember how he broke it, or where he was. He failed to live up to his potential as a character, so I failed to remember anything about him. That said, this book does have its high points. After four books of racking up bad deeds, Lord Rhun finally got what was coming to him, and that was incredibly satisfying to read. And Queen Michaela is the saving grace of this book. She became a better character than I ever expected of her, and I'm glad she got her moment in the sun after being so thoroughly sidelined in the previous books.

[Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters, setting and premise are interesting and fun in this series, but all the way through I was nagged by the seeming illogic. Here we have a race who have magical powers, including that of being able to change a person's loyalty simply by touching them. Yet, instead of simply doing this to all their enemies, they insist on complicated plots to achieve very minor aims. It's not like they are bond by scruples or anything, they do it from time to time. Even if you you could do only one person a day, by working your way through guards and servants you could guarantee to get to the top people in about a week and bingo, they are on your side, power-hunger forgotten. I wish Kurtz had made this ability much more limited than it appears to be as it would have made the protaganists' predicament more believable and the story better.

[James]

THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER The power-hungry former Regents of the three Haldane princes were pleased. They controlled Gwynedd once more, now that Rhys Michael was king--malleable, wine-loving, and soft. Or so they thought...Unbeknownst to the Regents, Rhys Michael was coming into his birthright. With secret Deryni aid, he struggled to grasp the magic bequeathed to all anointed kings. And when Marek--heir to Gwynedd's last degenerate deposed Deryni despots--marched into Gwynedd at the head of an army, even the Regents had to admit that Rhys Michael must take to the field himself as king to repel the pretender.Rhys Michael saw his chance at last. He swore that the power of the throne--from now on and for all time to come--was to be held by Gwynedd's rightful king. For this, for his sons, and for his country, the king would risk all...FIRST PAPERBACK PUBLICATIONFrom the Paperback edition.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhys Michael, the last of Cinhil's sons, is King of Gwynedd, but he's not a free king. Alroy's regents still have control, and they are not going to give it up. They threaten him, his wife Michaela, and their children to keep him in line. But incursions from Torenth force the regents to let Rhys at least act the king, and Camber's heirs, led by Rhysel in the castle, work to give Rhys his Haldane powers and a free throne. Rhys makes bold moves against his keepers and Torenth, but he's unable to return home alive. However, he sets things in motion to give Owain, his oldest son, both his power and a crown he can call his own.

[Sunni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, but a tear-jerker. Kartherine Kurtz has always had a knack for making her characters real and lovable, and this novel is no exception. Her character development and description is simply amazing as always.

The story outlines Gwynedd's growing difficulty with their Torenthi neighbor, and the threat that an illegitimate heir to the Torenthi throne poses. The ending is a shocker, especially since Mrs. Kurtz has a goal of always keeping her readers guessing. She has reached her goal yet again. It is my hope that the story will continue even further yet.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relevant in today's world. (Unfortunately)

As the final book of this trilogy, it delivers. There's love, decit, battles, loyalty and magic. As an unexpected commentary on today's world this story is about intolerance and (misuse of) power. It's heartbreaking to see the torture and death, the propagation of lies in the face of truth and the unwillingness of those doing the bidding of the powerful turning a blind eye. That being said, I continue to read these series for the uplifting messages of love, family, fighting against injustices and the wonderment of magic.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Haldanes finally get the justice they are so deserving of

This, by far; is one of the greatest and best books by Katherine Kurtz; tying up any loose ends there may have been for The Heirs of St. Camber. Again, you will laugh, you will cry; you will sit on the very verge of your seat awaiting the action and suspense at the very end. Thank you Katherine, for this elaborate work of art!

[STU · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of these books that I found I really wanted to keep reading and couldn't put it down.
Still frustrated with Cinhil not recognising the danger of his named regents,
And annoyed that things didn't somehow work out smoother for Javan.
Just wanted to keep reading this book and see if it ended up in another hopeless tragedy or if things would finally be resolved. Kept me hooked right up until the end.

[Paca Sad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice that unlike conventional novels where good always prevails at the conclusion, these stories seem to twist that theme and whilst some good triumphs, it is in the bigger picture, and this book continues that theme even though it does more than other books in the series to provide at least some positiveness at the end.

[Jeff J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final book in the Heirs of Saint Camber trilogy was shaping up to be the weakest in the series - a repeat of the first two - but redeemed itself at the end. Bit of a slog getting to that point however.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I really like about Katherine Kurtz Deriny's series is that as you finish one book, you can't wait to read the next one.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know what it is about this series but I really like it, even though the good guys are always killed! This is the last one I have and will miss these characters.

[Norma Dushack · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would have never read it but I ran out of reading material and being stuck at home this was the only thing I had to read.

[Sverre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third novel of ‘The Heirs of Saint Camber’ trilogy, the twelfth of the fifteen Deryni novels to be published but, confusingly, the sixth if read in chronological order (which is recommended). In the first novel of this trilogy, ‘The Harrowing of Gwynedd,’ the oldest of the late King Cinhil’s young sons, Alroy, had been drugged and manipulated by his self-serving power hungry Regents to do their bidding. He died, mostly from natural causes. In the second novel, ‘Prince Javan’s Year,’ the second son in line, his twin Javan, sympathetic to the Deryni, had temporarily sequestered himself for three years in a monastery, preparing to emerge to become king at the passing of Alroy. Archbishop Hubert, who had sponsored Javan to assume a priestly vocation, had assumed that the youngest, immature and more pliable prince, Rhys Michael, would become king since Javan had chosen a life of religious devotion. But Javan had a surprise for Hubert and his courtly allies; he was determined to become king. Javan also had his allies and, besides, his younger brother had no interest in kingship for himself. These events lay the foundation for that novel. It became a year of incessant games of brinkmanship between King Javan, his allies and the ‘good’ Deryni and Archbishop Hubert, his allies and the ‘bad’ Deryni—games that frequently end in tortures, murders and battles to win and keep power through treasonous and brutal means. By the end of that book Javan has been deceitfully and treacherously murdered (although officially in the heat of battle).

So the third and youngest of King Cinhil’s sons, Rhys Michael, becomes king, and once again the Regents, headed by Archbishop Hubert, dictate his agenda. He is forcefully sequestered and unable to exercise his legal rights to reign. The Regency Council had subtly engineered his marriage to Michaela, Lady Drummond, so that they could conceive heirs. This was a happy and consensual relationship, however, and they soon had a son, Prince Owain. In this third book ‘The Bastard Prince’ Marek, the incestuous son of King Imre and his sister Princess Ariella, schemes to invade Gwynedd and make a claim to depose King Rhys Michael. (Marek’s father King Imre had committed suicide as he was confronted and effectively dethroned by Cinhil; his mother, Ariella, fled to nearby Torenth where he was born.) At he beginning g of the book the Gwynedd hierarchy becomes preoccupied with three priorities: one, to confront the threat from an invasion by Prince Marek and his collaborator Prince Miklos; two, to continue to suppress King Rhys Michael’s ability to have effective rulership; and three, to protect Prince Owain and his mother Queen Michaela who is pregnant with possibly another spare heir to the Haldane line (which, if King Rhys Michael was to die, would allow continued authority and unlimited power by the Regency Council). Receiving word of an invasion, the king decides to join the Gwyneddi forces to meet the threat to his kingdom. The Regency agrees to allow him to do so although he will be under their strict control. What they do not know is that before his departure his latent Deryni powers have been activated!

I found this book more emotionally engaging than the first two of ‘The Heirs of Saint Camber’ trilogy. It was continuously dramatic, not getting distracted by lengthy subsidiary plots or tiresome rituals. I was a little disappointed by the last chapter, akin to an appendix, which summarized what ensued after the book’s climactic concluding chapters. I thought much of its contents could have made the book even better if the events described had been given fuller voice and elaboration. However, overall I gave this book top mark. Chronologically, the next book entitled ‘In the King’s Service’ will jump more than one hundred and fifty years forward. It is the first of the ‘Childe Morgan’ trilogy. The third volume, ‘The King’s Deryni,’ will be published in December, 2014, eight years after the second volume ‘Childe Morgan.’ This new book will most likely be the very last Deryni novel, appearing forty-four years after the first, ‘Deryni Rising.’ But, who knows, Katherine Kurtz will ‘only’ be seventy years of age when ‘The King’s Deryni’ is released…

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Kurtz books, this one showcases her at the top of her game. The preceding two books in the trilogy have worked the plot up to a frenzied state, with characters that the reader has been following for as many as five books (including the previous trilogy). The story drips with intrigue and has plenty of action, along with Kurtz's typically-rich, detailed, and accurate description of her medieval setting and characters. As an improvement to the preceding three books (the first two of this trilogy and Camber the Heretic), the good guys actually have a plan to try and overcome their adversaries, and are actually taking steps to do so, rather than just sit there and wait for the next sucker punch to their face. While nobody's plans go exactly as they intend them, Kurtz keeps the reader holding his or her breath to see exactly how things will pan out. I highly recommend those even remotely inclined to try Kurtz's Deryni series to start at Camber of Culdi and work their way to this book and see if they aren't quite happy they did so. Definitely a good read--good entertainment, and hard to put down!

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main issue I had with this book is the same as that with the entire series: they each contain a major tragedy. This is why, although the author's work is fantastic, and the series well written and logically presented, I stepped away for many years. I come back to it occasionally, but the tragic element always drives me away again.

The timeline of the Haldane kings at the back will clue in the reader of the potential for survival of the king the story is about, in this case Rhys Michael, who was crowned after his brothers were murdered by a set of thieving scoundrels.

Said scoundrels are the regents, and seem to be at least loosely based on the Roundheads of British history. Regents are supposed to be good guardians of the realm for the underage or unable ruler, but often are scheming to take control on their own behalf, and that is what has happened in this series, overall titled "The Heirs of Saint Camber".

Overall, a very good story, and only my personal taste for a positive conclusion keeps this from a 5-star rating.

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow! That was amazingly bad! Almost as bad as "Off Armeggedon Reef". What makes this one slightly better is that it is a few hundred pages shorter. Who seems to be the main character dies 3/4 the way through. Then Katherine rambles on about a bunch of characters who are otherwise barely in the book constantly jumping around so no one really takes the lead anyway. The title could possibly refer to two characters, one of which is out of the story before half the book is over, and nobody knows about about the other possible candidate until the end when someone desperately spews out a paragraph in order to try to save himself only to have it swiftly and utterly dismissed without much convincing. I liked the first two books. After that though, the series seems to take an endless nose dive.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the prevous novels, starting with Camber the Heretic to this one, the ending was a relief. Many readers were very unsatified with this book, but it shall be among some of my favorites of her books. The writing is perhaps not as good as some of the others, and most definetly not as good as King Javan's year, (one of the most painful books to read, but so well writen), the end is what we have been waiting for over so many novels.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment in the Heirs of Saint Camber trilogy. After all the hell that the regents caused, I was left wanting more at the end of this one. I have to say that this is the first Kurtz novel in which I've experienced this. Not that the writing or story was bad, but without giving anything away, let's just say the ending wasn't enough to satiate the hatred I held for the Regents of the Crown of Gwynedd.

[Shannon Wyss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing as all Kurtz's Deryni books are. Made me cry.

Still not sure whom the title refers to.

Better than "King Javan's Year" for having somewhat more focus on women. But still primarily about men characters doing things for, about, and in reaction to other men.

Also, the use of fat to further illustrate the moral repugnance one of the main characters is more than a little troubling. Fatphobia is not acceptable!

Still, well worth the read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

After massacres, dismemberings, murders and general despair, the series ends on a somewhat hopeful note . . . Don't get me wrong: you can see by the five stars that I love these books. But they are hard to read.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heirs of Saint Camber is a grim trilogy that describes some of the darkest days of Gwynned. I found this third volume better paced and less fated than the first two. Less dark, this book sets the stage for a better future.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this trilogy of Deryni books as they were published, which means that I first read this in 1994. Despite knowing how it ends, the story still wrenches me inside and makes me wish it could come out differently.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good conclusion to the previous 5 books. It has a note of finality while still leaving things open for more sequels. After all that has happened, the reader finally gets some satisfaction. I look forward to reading more of the books later on.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better on the re-read. I think I rated based on how sad it is...great book.

[Jossalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the combination of high religious ritual, the saints specific for certain qualities, and magic.
first read 7/95