Devlin's Justice (Sword of Change, Book 3) [Mass Market Paperback]

Patricia Bray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2004

Devlin of Duncaer has done the impossible. Desperate for death in the wake of his family's slaughter, he agreed to become the Chosen One of the neighboring Kingdom of Jorsk—the kingdom which conquered and enslaved his own native land of Duncaer. The job involved magically binding himself to Jorsk and its needs by a powerfu Geas spell, and used to come with about a three months survival time—until Devlin. Miraculously surviving attack after attack, he comes to learn once again the value of life, honor and friendship.

But just when he is reconciled to his new life, he finds he must go off seeking the Chosen One's sword of legend—which he knows for a fact was lost in conquered Duncaer. So now Devlin—once exiled from his homeland and hoping never to go back—must again face the land of his birth and the people who once trusted him. Only now he comes to them wearing the garb of their conquerors.

But when Devlin returns from that mission, it is only to discover that things in Jorsk have been getting worse in his absence. The unknown enemy's magical attacks on the kingdom are getting worse, and the king's policy of non-involvement is throwing his kingdom into chaos. As more and more borders are threatened, the nobles can do nothing but squabble and debate. It seems that Devlin is the only one who can stem the tide. But can he discover the enemy's true identity and put a stop to his or her predations before the entire kindgom collapses, taking its Chosen One down with it??

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Devlin of Duncaer has done the impossible. Desperate for death in the wake of his family's slaughter, he agreed to become the Chosen One of the neighboring Kingdom of Jorsk--the kingdom which conquered and enslaved his own native land of Duncaer. The job involved magically binding himself to Jorsk and its needs by a powerfu Geas spell, and used to come with about a three months survival time--until Devlin. Miraculously surviving attack after attack, he comes to learn once again the value of life, honor and friendship.

But just when he is reconciled to his new life, he finds he must go off seeking the Chosen One's sword of legend--which he knows for a fact was lost in conquered Duncaer. So now Devlin--once exiled from his homeland and hoping never to go back--must again face the land of his birth and the people who once trusted him. Only now he comes to them wearing the garb of their conquerors.

But when Devlin returns from that mission, it is only to discover that things in Jorsk have been getting worse in his absence. The unknown enemy's magical attacks on the kingdom are getting worse, and the king's policy of non-involvement is throwing his kingdom into chaos. As more and more borders are threatened, the nobles can do nothing but squabble and debate. It seems that Devlin is the only one who can stem the tide. But can he discover the enemy's true identity and put a stop to his or her predations before the entire kindgom collapses, taking its Chosen One down with it??

About the Author

Patricia Bray inherited her love of books from her parents, both of whom were fine storytellers in the Irish tradition. She has always enjoyed spinning tales, and turned to writing as a chance to share her stories with a wider audience. Patricia holds a master's degree in Information Technology, and combines her writing witha a full-time career as an I/T Project Manager.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Spectra (March 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553584774
• ISBN-13: 978-0553584776
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #841,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Patricia Bray began her career writing historical novels set in Regency-era England before making the leap to epic fantasy with the sale of her "Sword of Change" trilogy. A resident of upstate New York, Patricia balances her writing with a full-time career in I/T.

In 2003 her novel DEVLIN'S LUCK received the Compton Crook award for the best first novel in the field of Science Fiction or Fantasy.

Her latest novel is THE FINAL SACRIFICE, was released in July 2008.
To learn more and read excerpts from her books, visit the author's website at: www.patriciabray.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book, great series, June 24, 2004

By 

Ben Wand "I used to be cool..." (Gresham, OR United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Devlin's Justice (Sword of Change, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

This was a good series. Watching Devlin grow as a person from a down-trodden man with little direction and future to regent of the kingdom was an excellent tale. One of the things I like most about Devlin is his down to earth attitude and honor. Even when he could have easily ceased power, because of his status as Chosen One and immense popularity, he still chose to serve honorably. He does not want power.

In Devlin's Justice, Devlin is returning from Duncaer with the Sword of Light. He is betrayed and captured. During this time Jorsk is "invaded" and Devlin begins a rebellion and defeats the conquerors.

The ending was very satisfying and Devlin, Stephen, and others are changed by the war, and other events of the past two books. Author Patricia Bray ties all this together nicely. Devlin's Justice was definitely not an afterthought. I am looking forward to Ms. Bray's future work.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saving the best for last, April 15, 2004

By 

"jenna_from_ca" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Devlin's Justice (Sword of Change, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

I had mixed feelings picking up this book. I've enjoyed the first two in this series and was sad to know that it would be ending. But at the same time I was eager to find out how Devlin's story would turn out.

Devlin's Justice exceeded my expectations. It's darker that the first two books, as Devlin finally comes face to face with the unseen enemy who has been stalking him. He manages to defeat the prince, but that's only the first of the many challenges that he'll face. Ultimately Devlin will have to decide where his loyalties lie, and each of his friends will also have to choose between their sworn oaths and their friendship with the Chosen One.

Bray does a nice job of pulling all the threads from the first two books together as she builds to the ultimate climax, and Devlin's final showdown with those who betrayed him. All in all, it's a great read and a fitting successor to the first two books in this series.

Highly recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A grim outing for Devlin, April 11, 2004

By 

K. Maxwell "katmax1" (Sydney, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Devlin's Justice (Sword of Change, Book 3) (Mass Market Paperback)

Devlin is betrayed by King Olafur and handed over to his chief enemy, the
mind-sorcerer who almost destroyed him in book 2 of this series. Olafur
thinks this will seal the alliance with Selvart that he has sought to secure
his borders and that Devlin's life and loyalty is a small price to pay.
However, Devlin himself has other ideas on the matter.

In some ways this book is an anti-climax. Much of the story is not told
from Devlin's point of view and as the land of Jorsk descends in to all out
war we are told a grim tale with almost no lighter moments to break it up.
In the end Devlin makes the best compromise possible out of a bad situation,
but at the same time many of Devlin's key emotional growth points never
really seem to be explained in a way that makes you feel more for him as a
character.

For the last book in a series in many ways this book seems to be a pause
rather than a stopping point for Devlin's story, and it would have been nice
to at least have seen him gain some happiness from all his sacrifice,
instead we are almost left hanging as much could still happen to him given
the state the Kingdom is in at the end of this book. The series almost
deserves a 4th book if it can lighten up a little.