The Quest for Saint Camber

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly Kurtz is queen of the prolifering fantasy subgenre that adds a magical element to dynastic historical romances. In her medieval Welsh setting, the persecution of the witch-like Deryni race is only gradually relenting as the group's members attain high positions in court and in the rigid, established Church. As part of this rehabilitation, young King Kelson, himself Deryni, hopes to restore the place of the Deryni Saint Camber. Reflecting and commenting on these central themes of ignorance and superstition moving toward knowledge and faith are suspenseful subplots of secret magical tutelage, a king's courtship, ecclesiastical elections, a murder case, etc. In Kurtz's version of a triple-decker Victorian novel, teeming with distinctive characters, fascinated by theology and genealogy, her weakness for cliches and homilies is surmounted by a rare craftsmanship with narrative exposition that is also dramatic and moving. This is the final volume of Kurtz's third Deryni trilogy, The Histories of King Kelson. Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal YA Young King Kelson of Gwynedd, having finally put down an attempt to usurp his throne ( The Bishop's Heir 1984, The King's Justice 1985, both Ballantine), decides to a search for relics of Camber, the deposed patron saint of the Deryni. Kelson is determined to restore the Deryni and St. Camber to respectability. Shortly into his journey, Kelson and his foster brother fall from a cliff into a raging river and are presumed dead when no bodies are found. Meanwhile, Kelson's cousin Conall has been secretly learning magic, and when he hears of Kelson's "death," he determines to take over the kingdom and Kelson's intended bride as well. This is the final volume in the third trilogy about the Deryni. Kurtz' writing skills seem to improve with each book, her characters gaining more depth and humanity, her plots more movement and imagination. The series continues to be popular with young adults. Betsy Shorb, PGCMLS, Md. Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.