Book Description
The author of the beloved Deverry series Dragonspell, Darkspell, The Red Wyvern, turns her hand to a new kind of tale.On the planet known as Snare, the descendants of Islamic fundamentalist emigrants have created beautiful enclaves, where they can sit on a patio enjoying green grass and "true-roses," but the nomadic tribes live in a much harsher landscape, where the grass is purple, the trees are orange, and the huge and dangerous sentient Cha'Meech lizards roam the landscape.Idres Warkannan and his companions are on a quest through this landscape, looking for the only man who can redeem their Islamic civilization from its despotic ruler and restore justice to the population. Zayn Hassan, refugee from the despot's service, finds himself living among the tribes of the "comnee," where Healer and Spirit Rider Ammadin, seeing the dangers all around her, is beginning to doubt the gods who are her only protection. To save herself and her people, Ammadin journeys eastward into war, intrigue, and adventure - and finds more than she bargained for on all counts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Slow beginning, but worth pushing through
What happens when three very different groups of people, who were actually trying to escape each other and live in isolation, end up marooned together on a distant planet already inhabited by a sentient species? How will they learn to live together and to protect the indigenous ChaMeech, while still preserving their unique heritage and traditions?

This is the backdrop Kerr, author of the acclaimed "Deverry" series of fantasy novels, sets up for her science fiction book that takes place on the planet Snare. After a few false starts and confusing twists and turns, the majority of this novel is excellent, with great characters and an interesting plot.

Two major flaws: The beginning of the book, which is confusing and really fails, in my opinion, to properly introduce some of the major characters. And the end, which trails off somewhat anticlimactically and, it seems, right on the verge of some really interesting stuff we've been anticipating for the last hundred pages! I don't know if Kerr had a sequel planned, but if ever a book screamed for one, this is it.

However, if you can push through the first hundred pages or so, it does get MUCH better, trust me. I love books that feature characters who "switch sides," or have underlying motivations that shape their actions in ways that aren't immediately foreseeable. Suffice it to say that both Zayn, an exiled Karshak who seems to be an assasin sent to kill the rightful Khan, and Soutan, the enigmatic sorcerer who promises to lead the Khan back to his people, are NOT what they appear. None of the characters are static; all grow and change in completely believable ways over the course of the book. Even the alien ChaMeech are revealed to be both more and less "human" than was assumed.

The revellation of the history of Snare and its three groups of settlers (the Muslim Karshaks, the American-Indian-like Comnees, and the technologically advanced Cantonneurs) comes a little late in the book for my taste, and as I said the ending leaves a bit to be desired. But the rest of the book was great enough that I'm dying for a sequel to tie up the loose ends! I would highly recommend this book to both devoted Kerr fans and readers of sci-fi alike.

A book killed by too much tolerance
There are some books that take you by the scruff of the neck and fling you straight into story of strange worlds and stranger people, that set up a seemingly uncomplicated situation and make it seem intricate because we see it through the eyes of intricate, complex people.

This is not that kind of book.

It could have been. It should have been. It even starts out that way -- but that complicated humanity that can bring the most mundane story to life doesn't quite manage to animate this one, despite a very promising start. After giving it some thought, I believe I know why.

Katharine Kerr, like Anne McCaffrey, balances on the fence between sci-fi and fantasy, two genres that are often at loggerheads because of a basic conflict in the worldview of their writers and readers, which boils down to one simple question: what is more important, myth or truth? If your truth were to destroy the most beautiful of myths and strip the world of mystery, would it be better not to know it at all? Fantasy says so. Or is a beautiful lie still a lie, and therefore wrong? Sci-fi says so. To Kerr's credit, she is one of the few "speculative fiction" writers to tackle this issue without necessarily claiming to have one correct answer. In "Snare", truth vs myth is perhaps the central theme that links all the individual characters together, and ultimately they each reach their own conclusion. Some of them don't reach one, and some decide the question is not important, but either way, this is not a book that tries to provide easy answers. Perhaps the only answer it does provide is tolerance -- the importance of recognising the validity of someone else's point of view, the importance of accepting another person's choice even when you don't understand it.

Unfortunately, tolerance has a major drawback in any story: it can destroy drama. By partially or completely eliminating value judgements, all conflict loses relevance. It's impossible to feel for a character's predicament when your sympathies lie on all sides simultaneously. The result is a "wishy-washy" story that tries so hard to be all things to all people that it ends up being none of them to anyone.

This is why it's hard to care about the characters in "Snare". While Kerr's intent seems to be to avoid judgements of their actions, the result is that they often act in ways that seem incomprehensible. More importantly, it's as though nobody cares. A woman murders a man in cold blood in vengeance for his vicious rape of her daughter. Shouldn't there be some personal conflict, both within this supposedly gentle, civilised woman, and between her and other people who may not share her point of view? There is not. Even more incomprehensibly, a man who has been told his whole life that a particular thing is wrong suddenly discovers that another group of people among whom he has ended up doesn't think that there is anything wrong with it. He promptly goes ahead and breaks the taboo he'd held his whole life, and apparently feels no conflict about it later. Nobody else seems to have a problem with it, either, including people who are directly affected by his actions. Why? The list goes on.

The one villain in "Snare" suffers continually from this incomprehensibility. His primary motive is fairly believable, but most of his actions seem nothing more than an artificial attempt to inject conflict into a story diluted by all that tolerance. Thus we get a largely irrelevant "tacked on" backstory about a girl he brutalised (mainly, it seems, to establish the fact that this is an Irredeemably Bad Person). We also get absolutely no dialogue for this guy that involves anything but the immediate -- so it's almost impossible to relate to him on any level except the robotic. He'll respond to questions and occasionally taunt the other characters, but this seems to be the limit of his mental abilities. Essentially, he's a walking conflict device.

One badly drawn villain isn't enough to ruin a great story, of course -- but it's also not enough to inject tension and conflict into a story where everyone is so open-minded and understanding. The end result is, sadly, merely boring.

Pretty good, worth reading
Entertaining book, good and original story line. After finishing the book I got the feeling that something was missing, though I still reckon its worth 2.5-3 stars. I think there probably wasn't enough focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the main characters and when the last "lock fire" command was sent I didn't feel that the suspense was built up enough. Also as another reviewer has mentioned, the inter-racial conflict seemed to dissipate too easily. Overall though I enjoyed it and would recommend it as a good winter (or summer if you're in the North) read.

Snare Failed To Capture My Interest
Despite an intriguing premise, Snare was ultimately a disappointment. Katherine Kerr is an accomplished writer and I've enjoyed both her Deverry fantasy series and her occasional forays in science fiction such as Polar City Blues. What's even more frustrating about Snare is that it's hard to identify just what didn't work. The plot about various factions of humans who end up stranded on an alien world is an intriguing one. How those various cultures have survived, i.e. Islamic, scientist, and "comnee" or specially designed humans, and interacted with each other and the alien ChaMeech seems like it would make for compelling reading. There are a number of interesting and sympathetic characters such as Zayn, Ammi, Loy, Jerzo, the Sibyl, etc. Yet as much as I cared about them, the story just dragged along.

One of the reasons things dragged was the split story. The reader follows two main groups of people as they both race to locate Jerzo Khan, a potential ruler in exile. Along the way the two groups occasionally interact but they are kept so conveniently seperated that it's hard to generate much conflict to drive the story. The one group is hoping to stop (they think) a deadly assassin and yet as we follow the assassin's tale, you realize that he isn't this bad person after all. You know he'll never kill the Khan, so the worries of the other group seem trival.

The plot is further stewed by the arrival of the alien ChaMeech who add more complications to the plot but never any real danger. They supposedly slaughtered a whole community of humans ages ago hich everyone knows about and resents, yet the characters are so noble they never have any doubts about hooking up with the aliens to hammer out their difference. Admirable? Certainly. Interesting? Not so much.

Ultimately the lack of real danger for most of the characters makes for boring reading. And the fact that they were almost all too good and noble for them to be interesting either. The crazy sorcerer doesn't seem to serve any purpose. He's sort of 'bad' without any motivations. I was also troubled by the haphazard feminist message that was once in a while tacked onto the plot. The culture Zayn was raised in is a patriarchal one, the woman kept secluded for the most part or relagated to minor roles, yet he doesn't have any problem with being the Spirit Rider's servant - I find that hard to believe. I find it also hard to believe that the Khanate would be so tolerant of the Tribes and their ways, yet they are.The reason the crazy sorcerer is 'bad' is because he not only does he attract followers and lead them on with false hopes for the future, he also rapes little girls too. At the beginning of the book there is a flashback to a woman saying the horses are freedom, a point that is dropped for the next 500 + pages, only to reappear at the very end as a point that the horses had made the women of the Comnee free. What!? I'd buy it if that had played a significant role in the story, but it doesn't really, so why was it included in the first place? As with the plot, potential cultutal conflicts ripe for drama end up coming to nothing.

So why, you're probably asking yourself, did I finish it? Mostly because I was intrigued by Zayn. He had actually done some bad things and in a way was trying to find himself, or maybe reinvent himself is a better desscription. The other stories felt incidental to his journey of self-discovery. He was the character with the most hang-ups, the most past, the most problems, therefore his story was worth readng about. An extremely flawed novel that could have been much, much more.

delightful world building tale
Former Kazrak cavalry Captain Idres Warkannan and "high tech sorcerer" Yarl Soutan seek Jezro Khan, the exiled brother of the corrupt ruler of Kazrajistan, to lead a revolt to overthrow the worthless dangerous regime of his sibling.At about the same time, the fanatical Muslim sect The Chosen sends assassin Zayn Hassan to stop Jezro's rumored return.

To reach the isolated region where Jezro resides, the two enemy groups cross a grassy wilderness inhabited by the alien Cha'Meech and by human nomads.On his trek Zayn meets Ammadin, the Spirit Rider healer of a nomadic tribe.Not long afterward, he begins to wonder if his chosen profession and his current assignment are justified.Meanwhile the "magician" Soutan learns of the Hassan mission and his allies send out their assassins to kill their competitor.Soon the Cha'Meech encounter Ammadin, the first step towards the quartet of rivals confronting one another, but where this global conflict will lead to when the events unfold is anyone guess.

The key to this science fiction novel is that the four major societies are complex, feel genuine, and their rivalry definitely feels real. To achieve such a deep objective, segments of the plot slow down in order to introduce and develop the cast.Still the contrast between the groups and the varying ethic stands of the key players on each side of the square make for a meandering yet delightful world building tale that SNAREs the reader and never lets go until the final page.

Harriet Klausner ... Read more

Amazon.com
Long, long ago in Deverry, Lillorigga, daughter of the Boarclan and cousin to the child-king, becomes enmeshed in the increasinglysinister politics at the palace of Dun Deverry. Not least among theplotters is Lilli's own mother, the enchantress Merodda. Lilli hasinherited Merodda's powers, but not her taste for power. When Meroddaorders the death of Lilli's foster mother, Bevyan, Lilli leaves Deverryswearing revenge. Her actions will have consequences not only in her time, but also in generations tocome, as those who die are reincarnated.Book Description
Katharine Kerr's richly imagined cycle of novels set in Deverry and the Westlands has earned a devoted following--and a reputation as the finest Celtic fantasy being written today. Now she returns to Deverry's war-ravaged past....

In a kingdom torn by civil war, young Lillorigga seeks to shield her dawning powers from her cruel mother Merodda's manipulation. Mistress of a magic that, untamed, could kill her, Lilli brings her terrifying visions under the kindlier tutelage of the mysterious dweomermaster, Nevyn. But soon she must choose between her own clan and the true king who fights to claim his rightful throne, between sanctuary and blood feud, loyalty and love. Little does she dream that the slaughter she invites, and the malevolence she defies, could stalk her across the ages...twisting and twining the strands of timeless destinies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Book Eight in the Series, and Still Going Strong
In Cengarn, Rhodry of the silver daggers - half-elven, half-human - is beset by strange dreams. A dark-haired enchantress, the Raven Woman, is haunting his sleep, and he can find no release, even in the arms of Dallandra, his lover.
Little does he know that his feud with the Raven Woman goes back over three hundred years, to a time when the throne of Deverry stood under threat of civil war. In those days, the young king's counsin, Lilli, was forced by her scheming mother to scry for omens, and she saw terrible visions: great red wyverns sweeping down from the mountains to plunge like hawks upon a herd opf feeding swine....

The fancies of an idle mind? Or omens foretelling bloodshed and disaster for the clan of the Boar?

Katherine Kerr's writing takes a bit of getting used to, but it's worth the effort. She approaches her stories with a Celtic storytelling mindset, which means she conveys events according to their significance to the story, as opposed to chronologically. Consequently, while the stories begin in the "present" (which is an elastic concept, anyway, in a fantasy setting), the events unfold, chapter wise, both in the "present" and in the distant past. This can be frustrating, at first, but Kerr's writing is heavily steeped in Pagan and Western Mystery tradition, and the Celtic setting (and mindset) of her characters means that time, or chronological time, is not essentially relevant. To be honest, I found the first book infuriating, as I spent a lot of time trying to adjust to the writing style. However, I found the story engrossing enough that I persevered, and by the second book was so hooked I've read all ten in her three series.

Kerr's story evolves around the concept of reincarnation, and unfinished business, and "karma", and fate. The same souls recur again and again, just in new bodies, over the course of the centuries over which the story unfolds.

Kerr's world is one of High Fantasy, populated by Elves, Men, and Dwarves, as well as faeries/elementals, which she terms the "Wildfolk". However, hers is a slightly more dark, dangerous and less clear cut world than the works of other High Fantasy authors, not the least due to the fact that someone who was your friend in a former life can re-emerge in the story centuries later as a foe, and vice versa. There is a tremendous amount of magic, but it's the magic of the Western Mystery tradition (quite a bit of Golden Dawn and even Enochiana), and that of R.J. Stewarts Faery tradition. There are dragons, and giant beast men.

The Elves are a fallen race, driven out of their magnificent and palatial cities centuries before by invaders, and who now roam the plains as primitives. They possess the potential to be superlative magicians, but the knowledge was lost in the fall of their civilization. Humans, though warlike and shorter lived, have preserved this knowledge, but guard it jealously. The Wildfolk, basically magic incarnate, are unhinged from the effects of "karma", but lack permanence of personality, and cannot grow or develop, cursed to stagnation. The Dwarves are a secretive mystery, entrenched within the earth. Each has something to offer the other, and the story that unfolds is the story of this "technology" exchange, of sorts, between them.

Fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley, who clearly influenced Kerr, will be enraptured by this series, as will fans of Kate Eliott, who Kerr, herself, clearly influenced. It's phenomenal! Devotees of the New Age, Esoteric or Occult will find themselves nodding and smiling as they read, and sincerely hoping Kerr's writing will do for the Western Mystery and Faery traditions what Bradley's has done for Wicca.

This book rules
Katherine Kerr is a master.I have never been so enchanted by a story.I have delved deeper than I ever thought possible.I have read the whole series 9 times and it keeps getting better.Pure genius. My brother feels the same.

It's part of a series?LAME!
This book apparently is part of a many book long series, which you MUST read in order to understand it.Unfortunately, NO indication is given of this on the book itself.The story skips around through a series of non-related characters and sub-storylines that maybe make sense if you have read the rest, but as a standalone book it is worthless.The writing style is decent, but nothing is ever really explained well enough for you to piece things together.Usually when I pick up a book that is part of a series, the author explains things well enough that I can get an idea of 'what has happened before'.Not in this book.There are NO clues at all.It was very confusing.

a little complicated at first, but very good
The dragon mage series are a part of a much larger project - the epic or the kingdom of Deverry.
We follow charachters in their several different lives all at once. We meet a charachter in his "present" life and in his past and future one. It is hard at first and you can get a little lost, but when you get it it is a delightfull story to read. It enchants you and then you spend almost a year cursing the author for not writing the last book of the series yet.
The storry is complex and the charachters develop nicely, although sometimes they lack some depth.
It is overall a good book to read for a more demanding mind.

The Red Wyvern
I have found all of Katharine Kerr's books to be exceptional. She has created a whole world and filled its history with detailed characters and facinating plots.This book is the first is a new series for her, thoughit is also a continuation of her on-going story.I can highly recommendall her books. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Katharine Kerr, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 1061 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Book Description
FROM THE LEADERS OF FANTASTIC FICTION, stories that travel beyond THE SHIMMERING DOOR...

Open and enter...

Every age has known shamans and sorcerers including our own. Katharine Kerr's magical collection brings together some of the finest writers in fantasy to examine the world of spellcasters.

Contributors include:Kate Elliot * Lisa Mason Simon IngsEsther Friesner * Dennis McKiernanDiana Paxson Charles de LintLawrence Watt-Evans Nina Kiriki HoffmanGregory Feeley Mike Resnickand many others ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Open and Enter . . ."
For those who are wondering, this is the same book that was published as 'Sorceries' by Voyager in Australia and England.

A wonderful mix of authors, and a wide variety of stories and setting.It was a greatintroduction to me to authors who are not available in Australia, and awelcome homecoming to some of my favourite fantasy authors.I was onlysorry that there was nothing by Kerr herself in the collection, althoughher co-author of the Pinch novels, Mark Kreighbaum is represented, alongwith another of my favourites, Charles de Lint.

My most favourite storyin the whole collection was Connie Hirsch's 'Wicked Cool'.A fun story inan absolutely luscious setting.I hope she writes some novels or perhaps acollection of short stories in that world, as I would love to visit thereagain.The setting is a university in Boston where the students studymagic as part of the curriculum, encounter ghosts on the stairwell and flyaround on broomsticks.More please! ... Read more

Book Description
Rhodry, his new dragon ally Arzosah, and the dwarven axemen are rushing to aid the town of Cengarn, under seige from the massive Horsekin army.

Meanwhile, within the town walls, the Princess Carra - and her precious unborn child - is under the protection of the sorcerers Jill and Dallandra who eagerly await the arrival of their allies.

OnIy by destroying Alshandra can there ever be peace between Horsekin and humankind. But it seems an impossible task... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Celts and Katherine Kerr
This is an incredible work in which the author mingled the Celtic myths and the classical world of Middle Ages. bound together, they bring admire to the reader and in the certain way it can be compared with The lord of the Rings by J.R.R.Tolkien. Celtic stories make not only the epic picture but became the brilliant backgroung of the detective line in which Lady Mallona, the foe of Rhodry was involved. Also the idea of soul reincarnation in the World of Men and the Lands of Evandar is described as well as the real astrologist can feel it. Well, many things can be told here, but as for me, the legal translator of this book, the stories of Celts haven't lost its poetry and magic, and A Time of Justice did swallow me with my head, despite it is the first novel of Mrs.Kerr I have read

Katherine Kerr is absolutely enthralling
I loved this book and all the others in the series. Katherine Kerr is my absolute all time favorite author.
When I first saw the title Time of Justice however, it really through me for a loop because I was thinking, "Oh my, a Katherine Kerr book I not only haven't read but had never even heard of!!"
The confusion is because this book is also published under the title of "Days of Air and Darkness". I didn't want others to experience my confusion so just wanted to let everyone know.

Time of Justice
Fans of Katharine Kerr will not likely be disappointed by "Time ofJustice".Those who have come to appreciate her gritty and visceralinterpretation of an alternate medieval world will not be left lacking. Rhodry's noble yet flawed heroism, the frequent flashbacks, and sorcery ofa very ancient kind are all present throughout the novel.As aninstallment in the ongoing, complex series, it is indispensable.However,this book lacks the strength to stand on its own as so many of Kerr'sprevious (and later) works have been able to.One feels that Kerr waswriting for the deadlines rather than for herself, and this give thenarrative a hurried, superficial feel.While a fan should in no way bediscouraged from reading this book, new readers are apt to be confused andput off by a style which depends greatly upon its intricate twists andmeanderings. Therefore, this should be looked upon as a step towards aconclusion rather than a representative of the whole. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Captivating, well written, and detailed
As the 5th book in the Westlands novels, The Dragon Revenant introduces a number of new characters and plot twists. I enjoyed the ongoing connections between past characters that had played somewhat minor roles in previousbooks but that were reborn in this one. The evolving interplay between theelven population, the "round-ears", and the Guardians created newground for subsequent books and held my interest through the end. I can'twait to read the next book! ... Read more

Book Description
Bestselling author Katharine Kerr joins with Mark Kreighbaum to present a vivid, alluring and terrifying world of the future.  They call it Palace, the capital of a planet located in a region of space known as the Pinch.  Here a bitter Lep outcast has been hired to murder two humans: Arno, the son of the Master of the Cyberguild, and Vida, a young woman destined for sensual slavery in the Pleasure Sect.  Arno is on the track of strange anomalies in the Map, the cyberspace repository of knowledge.  And Vida has powers that could change Palace forever.  As Arno goes into hiding to escape the assassin, Vida seeks refuge at Government House, the corrupt center of authority, where betrayal is a way of life and death. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A Palace to creativity! Fantastic!
This is the best SF book I have ever read! The world of Palace is absolutely unique, the characters solid and believeable, the plot rich and exciting, and to crown it all, the actual writing is superb! I really love a story that depicts not only the events through the eyes of the characters, but also the ethical issues, the "good and evil". What is more is that there are no unnecissary people involved. Each character has a stake in the story, now or later in forthcoming novels: nothing is left over for slop. There is not a single character that I did not like, or at least empathize with (except Wan!), even Kata. I really hated him, yet one cannot help but feel with him! Vanna too. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel (Eyes of God, unfortunately out of print. Mark Kreighbaum does have a few copies availible on his website for interested parties, by the way). What will happen to Vida and Rico? Pero, Damo and Barra? Not to mention Molos, Kata's brother. He knows more than he's telling! And of course Vanna. She's up to something! This book is a crowning achievement! I can only hope the series doesn't end with Eyes of God. I have a feeling it won't!

Complex, just the way I like it - but...!
I've been rather bored with books lately, there are too many that are too similar to each other, but this one really caught my interrest. It has an intricate, well thought-out plot, fascinating characters and a society which feels alive - but...! It left too many loose ends.

So I went to look for information about this book on the net, and behold, there is indeed a sequel. Though I'm glad there's more, I just whish I'd known beforehand it wasn't a stand-alone novel since who knows how long before I get my hands on the next one?

I truly recommend reading Palace, but make sure you have the sequel as well - this is a "to be continued"-book in my opinion.

A wonderful surprise
Usually indifferent to reading books written by more than one author, I was more than pleasantly surprised when I began Palace. This book flowed in a way that co-authorship does not usually allow.

Although the first two chapters made it harder to get into, once I perservered I found that this story was fantastic and I really enjoyed it - science fiction, action, romance, mystery all in one. Kerr and Kreghbaum do a great effort in making the story interesting and making me want to read more.

A fantasitic book and there is another in the series
What a fantastic book.I did some research and found out that the sequal 'Eyes of God - A Novel of the Pinch' by Mark Kreighbaum has not only been written but is also reportedly an excellent read.BUT it is already out of print without any one appearing to know it was ever written.

This is a sad loss.Does any one have an idea how I could get hold of a copy?

Excellent - I literally couldn't put it down!
This is the first book that has inspired me enough to write a review.I loved the style of writing where there are no long boring descriptions - instead conversations are used to describe the world and it's social, political and technical systems.I took this book with me everywhere I went for 2 days until I had finished it.When can we get more about this world???WE NEED MORE PALACE BOOKS! ... Read more