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Sword of Change #2
Devlin's Honor
Devlin of Duncaer is the Chosen One, champion of the Kingdom of Jorsk. A simple metalsmith and farmer turned warrior, he has become the most unlikely of heroes to the conquerors of his own people, the Caerfolk. Yet there is a growing faction of Jorskians who believe that if he were truly anointed as Chosen One by the Gods, then the immortals would have given him the Sword of Light as proof of his calling.Missing for generations, the sword is more myth than reality. But Devlin knows where to find it. Lost in battle after the Jorskians’ brutal massacre of Caerfolk, it has remained in Duncaer, a souvenir of one of the land’s darkest days.Feeling more than ever a pawn of fate—and a plaything of the Gods who drive him—Devlin must return to the land of his birth, back to the people who have denounced him. For he is bound by an oath he has no choice but to obey...a promise he may have to die to keep.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2003
29 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Bray
32 books68 followersPatricia Bray is the author of a dozen novels, including Devlin’s Luck, which won the 2003 Compton Crook Award for the best first novel in the field of science fiction or fantasy. A multi-genre author whose career spans both epic fantasy and Regency romance, her books have been translated into Russian, German, Portuguese and Hebrew. Patricia Bray has also spent time on the editorial side of the business, as the co-editor of After Hours: Tales from the Ur-Bar (DAW, March 2011), The Modern Fae’s Guide to Surviving Humanity (DAW, March 2012), and Clockwork Universe: Steampunk vs Aliens (ZNB, June 2014).
Patricia lives in a New England college town, where she combines her writing with a full-time career as a Systems Analyst, ensuring that she is never more than a few feet away from a keyboard.
Patricia lives in a New England college town, where she combines her writing with a full-time career as a Systems Analyst, ensuring that she is never more than a few feet away from a keyboard.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 30, 2022
Picking up only a few months where Devlin's Luck left off, Devlin's Honor makes the title the central concern of the book, as Devlin returns to his home province of Duncaer. Here he will confront the cloud that hung over his departure, those remaining who knew him in his old life, and the fact that he has sworn lifelong service to the Kingdom of Jorsk, the conquerors of his home and people. Not only that, but he's come for the Sword of Light, a god-forged weapon taken by the folk of Duncaer from the fallen hand of the Chosen One, Saemund, who fought in the conquest fifty years prior. Add into this that Devlin is racing against time to recover the Sword, which will make his status as Chosen One incontestable, as he scrambles to prepare Jorsk for the invasion he knows is coming - and the nobles of Jorsk seem to be determined to ignore, dragging the weak king Olafur with them. If Devlin can present himself with the Sword of Light in hand, his status as the true Chosen One will be impossible to ignore, and he may be able to organize Jorsk's defenses before it's too late. Hopefully, all he'll have to contend with is a complacent aristocracy content to "fiddle while Kingsholm burns", as it were, and not a nest of traitors to the realm...
...but as the journey toward the sword progresses, Devlin begins to suffer assaults on his sanity, as visions of the God of Death descend on him, gloating at his failure, tormenting him with visions, and pronouncing the doom of all that he has left - that he will fail in his purpose, that his own people and his adopted people will be crushed, and that worst of all, he will fail and even turn against his hard-won friends, the only real family he has left.
As is plain to see, Devlin certainly doesn't suffer from shortages of conflict to overcome in this one. It plays out as half quest, half mystery, as the Sword disappears shortly after Devlin finds it in Duncaer. We get some more world-building as the unique culture of Duncaer, with its complicated matters of kinship and their control of status and loyalty, rears itself up as a major obstacle to the quest for the sword - no one is willing to inform on the thieves, because they are self-declared freedom fighters working toward Duncaer's independence. This is a cause that Devlin probably would have fought for a year ago - and one that he now knows is doomed. Every delay brings an invading army (we still don't know who) that much closer to Jorsk, and if Jorsk falls, Duncaer will be next.
The madness sequences are well handled, as Patricia Bray manages to make Devlin still seem like himself while still being hugely affected by the assault on his sanity. Too many characters in a similar position are rather extreme in either how quickly they fall, or how they ultimately end up ignoring it. The balance here is well-done.
Also of note is the ongoing theme that how we perceive ourselves is rarely how others perceive us, and we are our own worst critics. Devlin continues to be surprised by how much people care about him. His decision to leave Duncaer and seek death as the Chosen One of Jorsk was one made in the throes of grief and desperation, and while we knew that before, it becomes even clearer in this chapter of the trilogy as he comes face-to-face with those he left behind. It isn't all like this, though (much like real life), and there are plenty of his folk who think that Devlin is a fool who got his family killed, or perhaps something much worse.
As I said before, this is a smaller-scale, somewhat more personal story than fantasy fare involving people called "Chosen One" typically is. Frankly, that's what makes it so interesting, and Patricia Bray has done what many set out to do and fail - find a corner of the well-worn landscape of Fantasy Tropes, and dig down into it to find something new.
Recommended.
...but as the journey toward the sword progresses, Devlin begins to suffer assaults on his sanity, as visions of the God of Death descend on him, gloating at his failure, tormenting him with visions, and pronouncing the doom of all that he has left - that he will fail in his purpose, that his own people and his adopted people will be crushed, and that worst of all, he will fail and even turn against his hard-won friends, the only real family he has left.
As is plain to see, Devlin certainly doesn't suffer from shortages of conflict to overcome in this one. It plays out as half quest, half mystery, as the Sword disappears shortly after Devlin finds it in Duncaer. We get some more world-building as the unique culture of Duncaer, with its complicated matters of kinship and their control of status and loyalty, rears itself up as a major obstacle to the quest for the sword - no one is willing to inform on the thieves, because they are self-declared freedom fighters working toward Duncaer's independence. This is a cause that Devlin probably would have fought for a year ago - and one that he now knows is doomed. Every delay brings an invading army (we still don't know who) that much closer to Jorsk, and if Jorsk falls, Duncaer will be next.
The madness sequences are well handled, as Patricia Bray manages to make Devlin still seem like himself while still being hugely affected by the assault on his sanity. Too many characters in a similar position are rather extreme in either how quickly they fall, or how they ultimately end up ignoring it. The balance here is well-done.
Also of note is the ongoing theme that how we perceive ourselves is rarely how others perceive us, and we are our own worst critics. Devlin continues to be surprised by how much people care about him. His decision to leave Duncaer and seek death as the Chosen One of Jorsk was one made in the throes of grief and desperation, and while we knew that before, it becomes even clearer in this chapter of the trilogy as he comes face-to-face with those he left behind. It isn't all like this, though (much like real life), and there are plenty of his folk who think that Devlin is a fool who got his family killed, or perhaps something much worse.
As I said before, this is a smaller-scale, somewhat more personal story than fantasy fare involving people called "Chosen One" typically is. Frankly, that's what makes it so interesting, and Patricia Bray has done what many set out to do and fail - find a corner of the well-worn landscape of Fantasy Tropes, and dig down into it to find something new.
Recommended.
December 4, 2008
This is the middle of the trilogy, which usually indicates the worst of the three. However, Patricia Bray has escaped that designation with this book as she has taken us from Kingsholm, the center of the kingdom of Jorsk, to the conquered lands of Duncaer, Devlin's homeland. Here we glimpse more of his history and character, and while the "enemies" here are a bit too nebulous for my taste, this rich character background more than make up for it - and give a second book, with its notorious bad luck with no major endings, a good feel. 3 1/2 stars round up to 4, and I look forward to Devlin's Justice.
August 6, 2018
I was privileged enough to read this immediately after the first book in this amazing series. The sequel is even better than the initial read, and I could not put the book down.
The main themes of loyalty, trust and friendship are finely interwoven with the compulsion of Devlin's oath as the Chosen One, and his joy at realising that he is not kinbereft after all. The political intrigue is redolent of the best spy authors.
I love the Irish flavour of the storytelling, and I will most assuredly continue reeading this author's works.
The main themes of loyalty, trust and friendship are finely interwoven with the compulsion of Devlin's oath as the Chosen One, and his joy at realising that he is not kinbereft after all. The political intrigue is redolent of the best spy authors.
I love the Irish flavour of the storytelling, and I will most assuredly continue reeading this author's works.
June 19, 2017
This the second book of the Sword of Change trilogy. This book has Devlin going on a quest to discover a famous lost sword that will further legitimize his Chosen One position. This quest involves him visiting his people and dealing with his past. Overall it felt much slower than the first book as it seemed like there was less action and things got drawn out. Devlin suffers from an affliction for too long of a time. The ending felt anti-climatic. I liked the first book much better than this one.
October 23, 2018
Second in the Sword of Change trilogy by Patricia Bray. Devlin, now accepted as the "Chosen One" is finding life at the top more difficult than expected. As king's counsler and Lord General of the Army he must play politics, in addition the symbol the the "Chosen One", the sword of light, disappeared 50 years ago during the conquest of Devlin's native land.
In order to fulfil his office he must reclaim the Sword.
In order to fulfil his office he must reclaim the Sword.
September 2, 2017
Pretty good
This was an okay continuation of Devlin's story lots of angst with the character but still fun. I will read the last to find out what happens.
This was an okay continuation of Devlin's story lots of angst with the character but still fun. I will read the last to find out what happens.
December 6, 2008
Patricia Bray, Devlin's Honor (Bantam, 2003)
NOTE: This review contains spoilers for Devlin's Luck, the first book in the series. If you haven't read that yet, don't read this review.
The second book in Bray's Sword of Change series picks up where the first left off, and is one of the few books that actually does something I've often wanted to see—shows that what looked like a happy ending can go horribly, horribly wrong. Devlin of Duncaer, the Chosen One, narrowly defeated the corrupt General of the Army in single combat at the end of the last book and was named his replacement. All well and good, except that Devlin doesn't really do diplomacy too well, and the job is a lot more shuffling papers than going out and saving people, which is his specialty. As well, there's a growing feeling in Jorsk, for people will always find something to complain about, that if Devlin were really the Chosen One, the gods would have delivered the Sword of Light to him. Problem is, it was lost by the last Chosen One during the conquest of Duncaer, Devlin's homeland. The Caerfolk have never taken all too kindly to people from Jorsk, but they really hate Devlin, who's an outcast for reasons that were never fully explained in the first book.
Don't worry, it gets explained here in great detail. In fact, just about everything in the book gets explained in great detail, and some readers, judging by the reviews of the book I've read, have a problem with that. I actually found that made the book a better experience for me than the first was; there's more depth to these characters, more justification for their actions, and thus the actions themselves are more meaningful. It's not just “wow, here's a quest, let's do it.” That's a good thing. This one also has a less episodic feel to it; there's a reason everything's happening, which is also a good thing.
Good stuff, this. I'll definitely be reading the conclusion to this trilogy. *** ½
NOTE: This review contains spoilers for Devlin's Luck, the first book in the series. If you haven't read that yet, don't read this review.
The second book in Bray's Sword of Change series picks up where the first left off, and is one of the few books that actually does something I've often wanted to see—shows that what looked like a happy ending can go horribly, horribly wrong. Devlin of Duncaer, the Chosen One, narrowly defeated the corrupt General of the Army in single combat at the end of the last book and was named his replacement. All well and good, except that Devlin doesn't really do diplomacy too well, and the job is a lot more shuffling papers than going out and saving people, which is his specialty. As well, there's a growing feeling in Jorsk, for people will always find something to complain about, that if Devlin were really the Chosen One, the gods would have delivered the Sword of Light to him. Problem is, it was lost by the last Chosen One during the conquest of Duncaer, Devlin's homeland. The Caerfolk have never taken all too kindly to people from Jorsk, but they really hate Devlin, who's an outcast for reasons that were never fully explained in the first book.
Don't worry, it gets explained here in great detail. In fact, just about everything in the book gets explained in great detail, and some readers, judging by the reviews of the book I've read, have a problem with that. I actually found that made the book a better experience for me than the first was; there's more depth to these characters, more justification for their actions, and thus the actions themselves are more meaningful. It's not just “wow, here's a quest, let's do it.” That's a good thing. This one also has a less episodic feel to it; there's a reason everything's happening, which is also a good thing.
Good stuff, this. I'll definitely be reading the conclusion to this trilogy. *** ½
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2014
Okay....well I'm sorry to do that ^ the three (3) stars that is. I really liked the first book in this series and snapped this one up as soon as I'd finished it. This one while not bad and I'd call it "pretty good" didn't quite strike me the same.
The first book is overtly an action tale of Devlin's growth or more properly development into "The Chosen One". He fights against political enemies in the King's court who are actively working to overthrow the weak king. The book ends with
This book picks up where the first ends. It has a rather slow and even anemic beginning which finally leads us to the plot device, Devlin must go on a quest.
From here the story meanders forward stumbling over it's own idea predictably stretching the story out with situations we all see coming. The book attempts to explore Devlin's background and the tragedies that led him to his present situation but manages only to bog down in angsty story telling.
About the last quarter of the book the story seems to pause, take a deep breath and realize it's been pretty weak up till now. The story does pick up and begin to inspire a little more interest.
I do plan to get the third book. The main problem here seems to me one I've seen before. Too much book for too little story. There's an idea...a plot but not enough for the amount of story telling we get.
I don't know maybe just me...or maybe the story should have been kept to it's original style. I'll leave that up to you. the book is readable and doesn't drive you away it just seems to move so slowly.
We'll see what the third is like I guess.
The first book is overtly an action tale of Devlin's growth or more properly development into "The Chosen One". He fights against political enemies in the King's court who are actively working to overthrow the weak king. The book ends with
This book picks up where the first ends. It has a rather slow and even anemic beginning which finally leads us to the plot device, Devlin must go on a quest.
From here the story meanders forward stumbling over it's own idea predictably stretching the story out with situations we all see coming. The book attempts to explore Devlin's background and the tragedies that led him to his present situation but manages only to bog down in angsty story telling.
About the last quarter of the book the story seems to pause, take a deep breath and realize it's been pretty weak up till now. The story does pick up and begin to inspire a little more interest.
I do plan to get the third book. The main problem here seems to me one I've seen before. Too much book for too little story. There's an idea...a plot but not enough for the amount of story telling we get.
I don't know maybe just me...or maybe the story should have been kept to it's original style. I'll leave that up to you. the book is readable and doesn't drive you away it just seems to move so slowly.
We'll see what the third is like I guess.
December 21, 2014
Devlin is finding the position of Chosen One harder than ever. The sheer amount of paperwork is going to kill him. But the distraction he longs for comes with a nasty surprise. Rumors have surfaced goading him to find the original Sword of Light, long-lost weapon of the Chosen One---and he actually knows where it is. Or was. Retrieving the weapon is going to be trickier than finding it, because it's in the last place he'd ever thought he'd go: home.
The trip back home forces Devlin to confront a number of memories, so it's a nice window into the past he sometimes thinks about and never talks about. But far from lingering in nothing but bad memories, there is still a very real and present danger. And it isn't what Devlin expects at all.
I liked the depth to Devlin, Stephen, and Didrik, as well as those new faces who had been nothing more than names in Devlin's Luck. The details of the Caerfolk culture grounded the conflict between the two nations; it's entirely obvious why neither side really understands the other.
If there was a downside, it's that the book feels more like a prelude to the finale. The mysterious attacker after Devlin's life remains unknown and untouchable. The court continues to bicker. Relations between Duncaer and Jorsk get a little worse. The only real sense of conclusion comes with the sword itself.
For a sequel the book holds up well, but it really needs to be read in context of the trilogy because it's a bit weak to stand alone. It pits Devlin against something entirely different than giant monsters or bands of marauders, introduces a lot of history and culture to the world, and hints strongly there will be a reckoning come spring. I rate this book Recommended.
The trip back home forces Devlin to confront a number of memories, so it's a nice window into the past he sometimes thinks about and never talks about. But far from lingering in nothing but bad memories, there is still a very real and present danger. And it isn't what Devlin expects at all.
I liked the depth to Devlin, Stephen, and Didrik, as well as those new faces who had been nothing more than names in Devlin's Luck. The details of the Caerfolk culture grounded the conflict between the two nations; it's entirely obvious why neither side really understands the other.
If there was a downside, it's that the book feels more like a prelude to the finale. The mysterious attacker after Devlin's life remains unknown and untouchable. The court continues to bicker. Relations between Duncaer and Jorsk get a little worse. The only real sense of conclusion comes with the sword itself.
For a sequel the book holds up well, but it really needs to be read in context of the trilogy because it's a bit weak to stand alone. It pits Devlin against something entirely different than giant monsters or bands of marauders, introduces a lot of history and culture to the world, and hints strongly there will be a reckoning come spring. I rate this book Recommended.
September 20, 2017
The sequel to Devlin’s Luck sees Devlin struggling with the results of his success in the first of the series. Forced to play politics and make compromises and concessions rather than push to strengthen the land he is now bound to protect
It doesn’t help when curiosity about the Sword of Light that had been lost during Duncaer’s bloody annexation triggers the Geas Devlin is under when he sees a painting of the sword. He has seen and held the sword before and begins to wonder if the gods had a hand in the circumstances that led him to becoming the Chosen One.
It doesn’t help when curiosity about the Sword of Light that had been lost during Duncaer’s bloody annexation triggers the Geas Devlin is under when he sees a painting of the sword. He has seen and held the sword before and begins to wonder if the gods had a hand in the circumstances that led him to becoming the Chosen One.
July 21, 2016
Devlin is a tortured soul. He wants to die, so he becomes his country's Chosen One because it pays a fortune (which he can send to his brother's widow) and it's certainly deadly.
Sounds exciting, but don't bother putting on your blood pressure cuff, because it wasn't.
Devlin's sure he's going to die during the initiation ceremony (actually, it was me who nearly died of boredom), but, unfortunately, he doesn't. And so we accompany him on his journeys which read more like a book report than an adventure. Descriptions are dull, people are dull (though a few had so much potential), fights are dull, monsters are dull.
And the language is dull. For example, Devlin doesn't see things, he beholds them. He doesn't talk to people, he has speech with them. He doesn't put on clothes, he dons garments. And he doesn't go to bed, he seeks his quarters. Here is part of the most exciting scene... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
Sounds exciting, but don't bother putting on your blood pressure cuff, because it wasn't.
Devlin's sure he's going to die during the initiation ceremony (actually, it was me who nearly died of boredom), but, unfortunately, he doesn't. And so we accompany him on his journeys which read more like a book report than an adventure. Descriptions are dull, people are dull (though a few had so much potential), fights are dull, monsters are dull.
And the language is dull. For example, Devlin doesn't see things, he beholds them. He doesn't talk to people, he has speech with them. He doesn't put on clothes, he dons garments. And he doesn't go to bed, he seeks his quarters. Here is part of the most exciting scene... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
April 19, 2022
Vote: 3,75
Class: L-A3 (FP)
(second book of a Trilogy)
The first was a surprising good book and this is even better: while this is not an unforgettable fantasy saga it is however an enjoyable reading, maybe sometimes not very original but well told and with good characters.
The world (3,25) is a classic fantasy world (medieval setting). Not very original but quite well described and believable.
The characters (3,75) are great ones and I hope they grow more and more as the story goes on. Convincing and true to themselves.
The story (3,50) too is not really original; however it's well told and intriguing: let see how it's going to end.
The writing style (3,50) is plain and good, without unnecessary boring descriptions of places or thoughts. Ever to the point.
I'm enjoying this saga and I'll read the last book soon.
Class: L-A3 (FP)
(second book of a Trilogy)
The first was a surprising good book and this is even better: while this is not an unforgettable fantasy saga it is however an enjoyable reading, maybe sometimes not very original but well told and with good characters.
The world (3,25) is a classic fantasy world (medieval setting). Not very original but quite well described and believable.
The characters (3,75) are great ones and I hope they grow more and more as the story goes on. Convincing and true to themselves.
The story (3,50) too is not really original; however it's well told and intriguing: let see how it's going to end.
The writing style (3,50) is plain and good, without unnecessary boring descriptions of places or thoughts. Ever to the point.
I'm enjoying this saga and I'll read the last book soon.
July 22, 2012
Devlin of Duncaer is the Chosen One, champion of the Kingdom of Jorsk. He is coming to terms with his job and his loss of part of his hand. Rumour about a missing sword, the Sword of Light, a sword that Devlin realises that he actually knows. This means that he has to return to his home place, an occupied land. where he is now considered a collaborator and possibly a traitor. He's also starting to feel like the gods are playing with him and he's losing his mind.
I really like it, yes it's a bridging novel and it does depend on having read the previous novel but it was really interesting and kept me reading. I really felt like Devlin was dealing with serious situations and issues that really were giving him issues. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really like it, yes it's a bridging novel and it does depend on having read the previous novel but it was really interesting and kept me reading. I really felt like Devlin was dealing with serious situations and issues that really were giving him issues. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 19, 2014
Another solid 3.5 rating for the 2nd book in this sword & sorcery tale. To find the long-lost Sword of Light, Devlin must return to his homeland where he's denounced by the Caerfolk as Kinslayer and Traitor. For me, the quest for the sword quickly took a back seat to my fascination with the world of Duncaer. An intriguing web of intricately woven family ties and customs that affects every aspect of their society. No wonder Devlin is such an intriguing character.
February 1, 2024
Multiple rereads. It is perhaps a little bit weaker than the first book. But it is a 'journey' book. Like a car trip movie. I am not a big fan of car trip movies. And sometimes the same holds true for journey books. Some I love some seem more like they are filling a transitional space. But it was still worth the 4 star score for me. Even after all these years. Sometimes my scores start to go down as I get older. This one held for me.
December 8, 2014
The Sword of Light was crafted for the Chosen One. Devlin of Duncaer holds that position and is hated by his people. The Geas compels him to find the sword. When he returns to Dunaer he learns that it was bequeathed to him by his master. But rebels have stolen it and someone has put a curse on his mind. All this will hinder his quest.
August 4, 2021
I thought this book ended on an uncomfortable cliffhanger, but apparently that scene is in the next book. Whew. I did hate the part where he’s being haunted by the death god; just too long and drawn out for me.
September 14, 2009
It was good and suspenseful. I would recommend it to others.
July 20, 2013
So far I really like these books. Very well written and the story is engaging.
April 30, 2013
Good continuation of Devlin's Luck. There were strong character's in this novel.
April 8, 2015
The Chosen One is heading back to his own country where he is encounter the god of death as his quest for the Sword of Light. There is surprises and death coming his way. Another great read!
September 10, 2015
nice....
September 17, 2014
A good enough read, but not quite as good as it's predecessor.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews