High Deryni [Mass Market Paperback]

Katherine Kurtz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 12, 1987

With young King Kelson on the throne of Gwynedd, the priesthood of the Eleven Kingdoms felt its control deeply threatened. For Kelson was half Deryni -- part of that race of humans gifted with extrasensory powers...a race that had ruled two centuries earlier, but was dethroned and driven underground.

Now, the final battle for ultimate power was about to break into open conflict, led by the Church which equated the supernatural powers of the Deryni with witchcraft and heresy!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It's Clear That Katherine Kurtz is a Great New Talent in the Field of Fantasy. The Books Have the Promise of Tolkien or Eddison ..."

From the Publisher

The late Lester del Rey had a theory about the biological seat of Deryni power, a theory that he could have related in astonishing specificity. I just remember that he said it must come from somewhere in the nose, something related to the olfactory senses. I always thought that wa snot a very glamourous way to look at an exciting, epic sweep of fantasy. But after all, magic has to come from somewhere.

--Veronica Chapman, Senior Editor

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback
• Publisher: Del Rey (August 12, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345347668
• ISBN-13: 978-0345347664
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,382,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rather interesting Ending to the Trilogy, April 19, 2001

By 

Jason Gonella "philosopher" (Lancaster, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: High Deryni (Mass Market Paperback)

With this novel, the initial trilogy of the Deryni comes to a close, and in ways that are ultimately unexpected.

The previous volume left quite a mess for King Kelson to clean up, with a civil war to the south, an invading army to the north, a treasonous Earl, an adamantly opposed Archbishop, all lining up for various reasons against Kelson. His internal opponents are so blinded by their own dogmatic resistance to be able to comprehend that they are making their own situation worse by their opposition. They are convinced of the evil of the Deryni, and will oppose a Deryni Duke, even if it means that an evil Deryni warlord will invade and conquer.

King Wencit of Torenth already has the upper hand by his trechary, having slaughtered the armies in the north, the Cassini and Kheldish armies and is ready for pitched battle against a divided Gwynned. But even then, he has plans to skip the battle, a new plot and counterplot, a master schemer he is, pitting himself against both Gwynned and the Camberian Council.

There are a few interesting twists and a rather unsatisfying ending, but it does work out for the best, with no small amount of pain on the part of the victors. War is hell, and it is difficult to be king.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book, and enjoy...., March 3, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: High Deryni (Mass Market Paperback)

High Deryni is the conclusion to the cliffhanger of Deryni Checkmate. You must read the latter to understand this book, because everything is set up in that book. The suspense is unbelieveable as King Kelson and Company faces one challenge after another, finding both enemies and allies in unexpected places. This book leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat. There is also a surprise ending. No more talk, read the book, and its prequel

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stupendous! I loved it!, August 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: High Deryni (Mass Market Paperback)

Katherine Kurtz does a splendid job of concluding her trilogy of Deryni novels. I especially enjoyed the resolution of Alaric Morgan's and his cousin Duncan's excommunication from the Church, and the revelation of Arilan's secret. The tension left me on the edge of my seat. A very satisfying conclusion.