Quest for Saint Camber (Mass Market Paperback)

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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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 30 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey; 1st THUS edition (August 12, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345300998
• ISBN-13: 978-0345300997
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #542,041 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 3 in The Histories of King Kelson Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read that is difficult to put down, April 9, 1998

By A Customer

The main theme of the book seems to be Kelson's search for relics of Saint Camber, but there is much more going on than that. Kelson at last comes to terms with the death of Sidana and realizes his growing love for Rothana. Kelson and Rothana promise to wait for his return from the quest before deciding on their future together. While on the quest Kelson and Dhugal are lost, last seen going down a crumbling cliff side and into a raging river. Kelson's jealous cousin, Conall, whether by accident or design, falls into place as the heir to the throne and regent after he brings about Nigel's debilitating seizure. As heir and regent, Conall needs a bride and has set his sights on Rothana. Many loose ends concerning Dhugal's heritage and Duncan's relationship with the church are wrapped up in this book.

This is a great read that sweeps you along and pulls you in, much like the river that Kelson and Dhugal are lost in. In the end it left me wanting more.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fitting conclusion, but leaves you wanting more., March 18, 1998

By A Customer

This book is excellent. It resolves many important conflicts that the previous books brought up, such as getting Dhugal acknowledged as the Deryni Healer-priest Duncan's son, and Conall's assumption of the Haldane powers, and Rothana and Kelson's feelings for each other. I was delighted to read the scene where Duncan and the Church make their peace, for in all the books about Gwynnedd, Duncan's conscience is very troubled that he must keep is benign Deryni powers secret if he is to remain faithful to his calling of being a priest. However, in my opinion the book is not satisfying in the regards of Keson's search for relics of Saint Camber. It leaves you hanging. But the book is wonderful, and if you enjoy Kurtz' tales of Gwynnedd, you will enjoy this one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Better clear your calendar b4 reading this book., July 29, 1998

By A Customer

Because you are never going to put it down. Once I opened it I never shut it until I had finished. It's very gripping and emotional. I would have a kleenex handy while reading. However I was saddened by yet another of Kelson's near brushes with happiness. That boy has the worst luck with women. He needs to find a nice girl to settle down with. Anyway I think it's about time for Katherine to get us off the edge of this cliff. We need the the next book. Please write the next book. Please?