Product Description
When young Kelson, King of Gwynedd is reported drowned in a search for the legendary Saint Camber, Nigel was deemed to be king. But his son, Conoll, was too jealous and struck down his own father. Conoll had forgotten Saint Camber....
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Customer Reviews (7)

An enjoyable read, although not her best.
Volume 3 of the 'Histories of King Kelson' is an enjoyable read, with the same complicated, interesting characters as the rest of her series (and the one before). I wouldn't say it is as well written as some of the other books, the plot wanders around a bit in the middle, and the section with the Servants of Saint Camber seemed a bit pointless. I still found it hard to put down as the characters are so interesting I couldn't wait to find out what had happened. Still, after five books (including the three in 'The Chronicles of the Deryni'), you have made a bit of a commitment to these characters anyway. That is the other caveat to this book, you really need to have read the previous books in the series first.

Hard to be Objective
I find it hard to objetivly reveiw this book.It found that it was very well written, and presented, and I truly had a hard time putting it down.I did have trouble however trying to figure out why Katherine Kurtz went this direction with the characters.I found all that happened very interesting and captivating, but the events seemed so out of place when compared to the path taken in earlier books.I am not dissapointed, just surprised.It felt as if the characters left their usual way of life and went on an african safari postponing everything else.Even taking all of that into consideration Ms. Kurtz has kept her amazing ability to write intact.Her characters are still believable, and her development of them and the plot are captivating.

A great disappointment . . .
It's hard for me to be objective about this novel.I grew up with the Deryni books, I read them over and over again, and the first six (Deryni Rising, Deryni Checkmate, High Deryni, Camber of Culdi, Saint Camber, and Camber the Heretic) represented one of my favorite fantasy novel sagas of the time, huge in scope, vast in the apparent stretch of time, richly detailed by an author who knew the historical period, ahhh, it was hard for me to find anything that could measure up.

I waited, with great anticipation, the arrival of the third trilogy, heavily advertised.Bishop's Heir proved excellent and The Kings Justice was also quite interesting (and although I didn't know it, the seeds of my disatisfaction were sown here).

The Quest for Saint Camber, though.The title implied so much, and I knew that this author, so brilliant so far, would never do anything trite, easily expected, or trivial.

However, from the get go, the novel led me down a path of anguish.All the characters started going in odd directions, as if a great fleet had lost its commander, they stumbled around, failed to see things right in front of them, and then were surprised when they were bitten.I felt sick to my stomach, literally.

I went through a short term depression over my disappointment with this book (at that age, my novels were all I had).I will most certainly never read this novel again.I wish it had never been published, much less that I had spent money on it.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but then, eight previous novels had led those expectations to a high pinnacle . . . the fall hurt.

An Amazing Adventure, with epic results
This is one of Kurtz best works and a highly enjoyable read. It pits family members against one another, king's against subjects, Deryni against deryni, and emotions against everyone. Keep kleenex and alot of time handyfor this one, because you will need both! Kurtz does a masterful job ofbringing the characters to life and vividly describes the heart ache anddissapointment of parents who lose a son, a man who loses the love of hislife, and a king who must survive against the toughest odds only to comehome and be emotionally destroyed. I DEFINATELY recommend this novel.

Better clear your calendar b4 reading this book.
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? ... Read more

Product Description
In 1998, the first edition of Codex Derynianus was published in a limited edition that quickly became astronomically expensive. Now fans can have the entire text of that edition along with extensive new material. This encyclopedic overview details Katherine Kurtz's Deryni world, the setting of her 17-book saga that began with Camber of Culdi. and reveals many never-before-told details of the people, places, and objects of importance to the world of the magic-wielding Deryni. The book is packed with chronologies of events, genealogies of the peoples, and colorful maps of the Deryni world, exploring every aspect of the Eleven Kingdoms. In addition to being an authoritative reference, Codex Derynianus is also an ambitious work of creative fiction as penned by Brother Theophilus from within the setting of the Eleven Kingdoms, providing original stories, vignettes, humorous pieces, serials, and poems that expand and enrich the Deryni universe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Deryni Reference Book
As a huge Deryni fan, I finally bought the Codex just recently.The book is exactly what I was hoping for: a reference book.Occasionally I need to jog my memory about certain characters, and now I'll be able to just go to the Codex and get the background info I need. I agree with other reviewers: this is not a novel and certainly can't be read that way.

Codex Derynianus
book arrived in good condition -- had difficulty with ups delivery, but resolved without more than too much difficulty

A valuable addition to the serie
I thoroughly enjoy this addition to the Deryni saga.Ever since I began reading Ms. Kurtz's Deryni books, I have wondered about some of the characters and their ancestry.It has been fun to now be able to look them up and find out more about them.An enjoyable resource and a quite remarkable amount of information to have amassed and organized.

Codex Derynianus
A nice addition to the Deryni series for the enthusiast.Has a note on each of the characters in the series (no matter how briefly they appear) and all of the places that are either visited or mentioned.

Encyclopedia of the Deryni series
Not a novel, this book offers information on every character, location and other feature you could possibly want to know about the Deryni universe. Includes references for the short stories as well as the novels. If it's been a while since you've read part of the series and you don't want to get lost in the context the next time you start one, try this guide, it'll help.

This book is perhaps best suited for the longtime fan, who owns or has read most of the novels. New fans might enjoy trying one of the regular books first. ... Read more

Product Description
Sir Adam Sinclair, nobleman, physician, and scholar, is the only man who can stand against an unholy cult of black magicians threatening his homeland. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

All the elements I love
This book did start out a little slow for me, but I LOVED it.It gets better and better and thankfully there are additional books.This series is on my favorites list.I love that it's set in modern times.And Adam Sinclair is a dream.

Knights Templar,Freemasons and Evil Sorcerers. Skullduggery and High Adventure
As a practising 32' Mason and an avid adventure reader as well as an author myself,I enjoyed the entire Adept series immensly.Kurtz has the style and the flow of her adventures is intense.The characters are as though pulled from real life,her accuracy on the subject matter is right on.Absolute fun reading,I highly recommend this series. Especially for Brothers of the Order,but also for those who love a rollicking good story.Jacamo Peterson author of A Hard Place and Blademaster of Norda

Scotland deserves better
I dunno - I know I used to like Katherine Kurtz, and must have read The Adept with pleasure, maybe forty years ago. Now I find it faintly ridiculous.

It's not so much the theme of ancient demons being opposed by the forces of "the Light" (ah, that handy shorthand) who are descendants or reincarnations of the Knights Templar. That's actually quite well done. No: what weakens the book is the continual pandering to America's fascination with British aristocracy and the accompanying rather fascistic sense that if you're of "the right sort" (or "duly sworn," in the book) then you are some sort of perfect human who can be trusted 100% and can never do wrong. Especially if you come of a grand old family and live the landed gentleman or dignified scholar life, and have a butler or a "man" to look after your daily needs. Not very realistic, alas. And the "bad guy" is - what else - a Frenchman! (though this was long before the days of Freedom Fries).

It's just infinitely wearisome to keep reading the descriptions of every character's change of clothes! "Like Adam and Janet, the two were attired in evening wear: Peregrine in black tie and dinner jacket, Julia in a full-length frock [frock!] of pale blue silk-crepe with white kid gloves." They are always being "attired" or "clad" or "reclad" - and of course with the Scottish setting, we are treated to a variety of kilts and sporrans.

The concept of a secret, virtuous, powerful and wise group charged with keeping us ignorant peasants out of harm has, for some reason, an enduring attraction. The latest version is BBC America's "Torchwood" - but that's much better!

I'll give a couple of stars, for imagination, and because the writing is quite well crafted, apart from the annoying "attired" and the oh-so-proper scenes like this: ..."a discreet knock at the door heralded the arrival of Linton [the butler] himself, pushing an elegant walnut service trolley on which reposed [reposed!] a fine tea set of translucent bone china. Peregrine, who had started to feel decidedly peckish, was gratified to see that refreshments included a selection of cakes and sandwiches." Oh, the raised-little-finger propriety of "gratified" and "refreshments!"

This book is well-targeted for the uneducated who daydream of an "elegant" worldwhere everything is "classy." In that respect it's rather sad reading. North-east Scotland was my home turf long ago, and I well remember the towns mentioned in the story, and Fyvie Castle, and the down-to earth farmers, and the Doric tongue (incomprehensible to Sassenachs but apparently understood by farmers of the Friesian Islands across the North Sea), and the sometimes rather snobbish "county" folk living in their large, empty, chilly houses. It deservesbetter usage as a setting.

Is this Katherine Kurtz or Car and Driver?
I love the Deryni series and bought this book thinking it would be another fun Katherine Kurtz novel.While there are elements of Ms. Kurtz style and knowledge throughout, I tend to think that the co-author, Ms. Harris, is, for some reason, absolutely obsessed with cars.For some bizarre reason she spends endless paragraphs throughout this book discussing the features and merits of the cars driven by every character and this peculiar digression completely detracts from the book.The rest of the series is equally as odd and it got to the point as I was reading, that I kept wondering to myself, "so how is she going to get in the details on the car" and it became a self guessing game.(When, in one of the novels, he actually has to BUY a car.... well, you get it!)

Basically, this whole series is total drivel and not worthy of Ms. Kurtz.Dont bother buying it as it will only irritate you.

Sir Adam Sinclair- Laird of Strathmourne, Baron of Templemor, Master of the Hunt!
First of all, I want to point out that this novel starts out VERY slowly. In fact, the first time that I started the book I simply put it aside after three chapters because it bored me so. It seemed like it dealt with nothing but endless details on dress, motorcars, manor houses, and furnishings. I suppose the authors thought that all this was necessary to frame Sir Adam as a member of the gentry, but to those of us who do not worship wealth and the wealthy it is all merely tortuous and tedious. Several years later I tried reading it once again. I forced myself to push through the first 50 or so pages- no matter how boring it was- and it actually finally turned into something interesting.

Sir Adam Sinclair, Baronet, is a man of many facets. To the world he appears to be a wealthy, titled physician and psychiatrist (his mother, also a physician, corresponded with Jung.) However, to the adepts of the Inner Planes he is a magus of awesome accomplishments, a servant of the Light, and Master of the Hunt. He works the highest sort of magic in the service of Light to restore balance and harmony. In his own words, he seeks perfection of the spirit, which is regarded as an ongoing process of pursuing wholeness, with the ultimate goal of reunion with the Divine Light. He has pursued this goal down through the ages, in many reincarnations- all of which he can remember.

This first tale in the series deals with the efforts of dark magicians to raise the spirit of Michael Scot (Scotland's greatest magus) in order to learn his secrets. They do this with crude disregard for all laws both supernatural and man-made. It is the duty of Sir Adam as Master of the Hunt to see to it that justice is done and balance is restored.

Besides being a believable work on the subject of high magic (with many interesting details and ideals), this is also a competent work of detective fiction and a decent atmospheric piece on the history and lore of traditional Scotland.

In any case, if you get past the first 50 pages it is a worthwhile page-turner.
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Customer Reviews (6)

For the enitre trilogy....
Nothing is overlooked in this delightful (though somewhat depressing) trilogy. The third book had me crying like a baby, which is a sign that the characters are very well developed, and they are indeed.

I do not reccomend any Kurtz book to anyone easily depressed; Ms. Kurtz is easily one of the most ruthless authors on the market. She knows how to pull the reader's heartstrings. Just when one thinks everything is safe, she has something up her sleeve.

Katherine Kurtz is a fabulous author. She is ruthless, but none of her killed-off characters die, um, how to say this....there are no...there are no excessive deaths...Some authors who try to get emotion out of readers by killing main characters over do it. Ms. Kurtz has restraint.....

There is no gore; hardly any profanity (and all in places where it NEEDS to be); and nothing besides violence. An A+ PG-13 rating, rather like the Lord of the Rings movies: so good, and only a few things keeping it from a 'good for all' statement.

As a final note, I'll note that Kurtz is highly original. The little comparison to LOTR was nothing more than something to compare quality to quality; that is the only thing they share, great writing and gret characters.......

What are you waiting for? You could have ordered the first book by now!!!!

Memorable
Had to add a review for this one, since so few have been posted (and none good enough!)

Camber of Culdi has been masquerading (or not?) as Bishop Alister Cullen for a number of years now--long enough to see both his hopes and fears for the human Haldane line of Gwynedd kings he restored coming to fruition. King Cinhil, the displaced would be monk, has finally come into his own with three young sons and a distressingly independent mind of his own. But Cinhil's death sets off the chain reaction of fear and oppression Camber feared all along, led by a small, cynical, well-connected band of human Regents that will do anything to seize power. Will any of what Camber sacrificed everything for survive the coming fire?

Much of what shines most brightly in Kurtz's work is present here: her grasp of history and power politics in a medieval realm, her eye for detail, and a human touch that is most affecting when Kurtz refuses to pull punches. The death of one particular character in this book is haunting, and Camber's trials of conscience make him one of my favorite Kurtz characters ever. Kurtz brought a world full of human frailties, heartbreaking misfortunes and miscalculations, and innocent tragedies so deeply close to home.

Woo Hoo!
King Cinhil, the monk, but only heir to the throne of Gwynedd, has finally come into his own with three young sons. Upon Cinhil's death however somes the long feared chain of events caused by the fear of the Deryni race the Cinhil has protected thus far.A small group of well-connected humans who will now be regents to the future king of Gwynedd will do anything to seize power, and destroy the Deryni the fear so much.Can Camber and his family stop them yet again and spare their magical race from destruction?

Ms. Kurtz has an amazing way of putting all human emotion, into words that will make any reader feel exactally what her character's endure.She can take a magical race of humans and make everything they do seem real and beleivable.One can grow attached to her charaters to a point that you could actaully picture them in detail, and possibly guess how they would react to a situation.Ms. Kurtz leaves nothing out.Her attention to detail is astonishing.

This is a fantastic sequel to this series, and that is hard to say as I don't want the series to end.

The BEST of the Deryni books
Camber, a man torn between his sense of duty and his sense of right and wrong, the Deryni lord who led the war to end the tyranny of his kind and restore a human king to the throne of Gwynedd. Now he must witness the consequences of his moral act as the humans, now in control of the kingdom and the church, systematically strip all Deryni of power, title, land, and humanity. This may be a fantasy novel, but it brilliantly and starkly illustrates the horrors of fanaticism, intolerance, and oppression. It is a dark and tragic book(no escapism here!), and its emotional impact will stay with the reader forever. If you've ever longed for a fantasy with REAL depth, then read this series.

Another great book from Katherine Kurtz!
This book goes into the lives of Cinhil's sons, Alroy, Javan, and Rhys Michael.The power-giving ritual is explored once again, and the excitement and humor is still apparent in this book.I think any fan ofMs. Kurtz will enjoy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
There have been many events in the past 230 years of the half-magical race of the Deryni that were too short to turn into novels. Katherine Kurtz has been writing these when not occupied with longer works, and they are now collected here. Some have appeared in books and other sources now hard to locate. More than half of the fiction is new -- including a major story of how Denis Arilan became the first Deryni priest in 200 years.

Katherine Kurtz has provided an introduction and individual headings for each story to indicate her feelings and intents in writing each tale. Additionally, there is the complete first story she ever wrote -- the first version of her Deryni vision, and how it all came about.

For all the myriad lovers of the Deryni, this should be a must book -- both for pleasure and as a reference! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fun collection
This series of snapshots into the lives of Deryni and non-Deryni alike is wonderfully entertaining, from the story of how Rhys Thuryn found his calling to the tale of how Denis Arilan found his way around the deadly drug Merasha to became the first Deryni priest in centuries.

Sean Lord Derry deserved a story of his own; a well-done one too.

I especially liked "The Priesting of Arilan." Of course, I was hooked from the time I first found out he was Deryni. But it's strange that all his later associates...Kelson, Morgan, and Duncan, don't seem to grasp at all who he is. Kurtz will have to tell us if it really was a miracle someday...or at least how Arilan manipulated things so that Duncan could safely be ordained!

How fun!
I found these short stories only brought about more curiousuty.I would love to see many of them that were about little known characters developed into their own novels, and am greatful for the additional information on characters that have already been introduced.Thanks are due to Mrs. Kurtz for putting together this anthology.

a nice treat
Fantasy worlds seem ripe for short story collections.An author may not want to visit favorite characters for a brand new book and many authors refuse to publish books during the historical times mentioned in their novels.For a reader and a fan, it would be a fun and entertaining experience to revist old friends like that and learn more about how things came about in our favorite worlds.Happily, Katherine Kurtz published the Deryni Archives, a collection of short fiction set in her Deryni universe.

The Deryni series has left many unanswered questions about the history of the Deryni race, The Camberian Council,as well as Camber's children (and grandchildren).I would like to know more about them.This book does revist both major and minor moments in the history of the the Eleven Kingdoms and i have no complaints with the book.I just want more!

The stories contained in this book are short treats.We see some of the kinder moments that would have no place in a full novel, are nice glimpses into the lives of the characters.We see how a Deryni bishop is ordained.

I can only hope that Katherine Kurtz will release another set of Archives (not Deryni Tales, i mean more stories actually written by Kurtz).

8 short stories spanning generations
"Catalyst" - Written for _Moonsinger's Friends_, an anthology dedicated for Andre Norton, so Kurtz produced a coming-of-age story concerning Camber MacRorie's children (including the eldest son who was killed off early in the novels), as well as using her own cats as characters. Camber's children, including the fosterling Rhys, are receiving a Michaeline education - not because of their tutors' sometimes overzealous application of ethics, but simply because it's virtually the finest schooling to be had. Young Joram, predictably, has announced his intention to join the order when he's old enough, while Rhys doesn't know yet what he wants to do with his life. Lots of typical rainy day squabbling among the kids opens the story, as Rhys' lack of strategic insight becomes woefully apparent during a chess game with Joram. The adults are out hunting - but the kids turn out not to be the only people who know about the absence of most of the MacRorie household, when a bandit gang tries a sneak attack.

"Healer's Song" - Set after the central incident from _Saint Camber_. While giving us a more detailed portrait of the traditions surrounding Healers and their training in Rhys Thuryn's day, the central incident of this story isn't concerned with Rhys' own training, but that of the birth and baptism of his third child, when the infant's Healing potential is discovered.

"Vocation" - Set late in the reign of Uthyr Haldane, Cinhil's grandson, when the anti-Deryni reactionaries have shaped policy for half a century or so. Gilrae d'Eirial, whose calling to become a priest was set aside for his role as his father's heir, has long taken comfort in visiting the ruins of St. Neot's - although the monastery was Deryni and he is not, it brings back childhood memories. It's far too late now, though - both accident and illness have combined to leave him physically unfit for either priesthood or military service. He's just come to visit his childhood sanctuary, and his old friend the hermit Simonn who lives here, this last Christmas Eve before his father's death seals his fate.

"Bethane" - Set 20 years before the old crone Bethane's appearance in _Deryni Checkmate_; she was an eccentric, elderly widow even then, but not one to put up with children - even noble-born children - amusing themselves by scaring her sheep. We find out a little more about her background, and whether or not she was really a witch.

"The Priesting of Arilan" - One of the strictures of the Council of Ramos was that Deryni were forbidden to enter the priesthood on pain of death. This story explores the means used by the church to detect Deryni making the attempt, and how Denis Arilan managed to foil the system.

"Legacy" - Kelson's father Brion, as we know from various references to the story in later years, killed Charissa's father, the Marduk - representative of the Deryni claimants to the Gwynedd throne through the Festillic line, descendants of an incestuous union though they are. This version of the Marduk story is an eyewitness account, but from Charissa's viewpoint. It also provides a sidelight on Wencit of Torenth. (Kurtz promises in passing to one day tell the story of how he as second son came to be king of Torenth.)

"The Knighting of Derry" - How Morgan and Derry first met, and how Derry took service with Morgan.

"Trial" - While attending a convention in need of funds, Kurtz offered to auction off a one-page scene involving the highest bidder with the character of his or her choice. Since the fans reacted like piranha to meat and began pooling resources, the end result is that the pair who won got a 2-page scene which grew into this story. Stalker got his wish to be a King's Ranger courting a Deryni minstrel girl, while Ferris the wandering swordsmith, as a foreigner, gets into difficulties as a stranger in a strange land.

This book is filled with interesting, short stories!
It allows a further look into the lives of Camber's children and the healer, Rhys Thuryn.I reccomend it to people who would like to learn more about the Deryni world. ... Read more

Product Description
When a series of gruesome murders baffles European police, LAPD detective John Drummond risks his own life to stop the killers, a generation of Nazi vampires with a thirst for world domination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

At Sword's Point - A Quick Review
This is a fine sequel to Knights of the Blood.It whets your appetite for more as the story unfolds.Unfortunately, there don't seem to be any more of these books.However, I am a big fan of these type of books - that being any decent Vampire books that are don't become a soap opera and stick to the action.

When is volume 3 coming out?
As with volume 1, I read this book straight through as soon as it arrived! I thought I'd read everything Katherine Kurtz wrote, but I was obviously mistaken! I love reading anything about the Knights Templar, fiction or not. I also love vampire lore and stories. I thought both books were good reads.They held my attention as I anxiously awaited the next scene. I hope there is a volume 3 to complete the trilogy. I'm going to be one disappointed reader if there's not!

Vampires,Nazis, Knights and LAPD!!!
Scott Macmillan under the Katherine Kurtz banner has produced a pair of excellent fantasy action/adventure novels, with a totally unique twist.The origins of vampirism given new meaning.Most entertaining reading,I really look forward to the third book in this series. Jacamo Peterson, Author of "A Hard Place"

At Sword's Point
I enjoyed this book, however I liked the first book better. There are some flaws in that the Mossad is such a secret organization they make a hit in broad daylight right after they made a capture of the guy the night before without him knowing.Why wouldn't they do the same thing again?

A cop who can't figure out he is being tailed.I mean the guy can play polo thus he is an excellent horse rider, fight with a sword with no real training, but doesn't realize he would be followed by someone who isn't doing anything to disguise it very well.

I thought it was easy enough to follow except for some parts at the end.There were some people that kind of all of a sudden appeared.Not sure exactly whose side they were on.

****POTENTIAL SPOILER*****
My harshest criticism was the ending.I really think they were setting it up to go one way, yet they took the other ending mainly to keep the series going.I think you could have kept the series going without the goofiness that will ensue in the next book if there is one.Continue the Drummond character without the Vampireness as a cop in LA.

Great read
Fantasy, intrigue, gruesome - well what else do you expect from Vampires! Codes of honnor across the centuaries, great imagination and I want to know what happens next.
Where can I get the next book from?? ... Read more

Product Description
This full-color map of the Eleven Kingdoms area of the Deryni world measures 24" by 36" and is suitable for framing. It includes an inset map of the city of Rhemuth and a plan of St. George’s Cathedral. A smaller, non-color version of this map appears in "In the King's Service," Katherine Kurtz's latest Deryni novel.

"Deryni" is a trademark of Katherine Kurtz, used under license. All Rights Reserved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Wonderful Addition to a Deryni Collection
The map is a great resource when trying to figure out places and movement, but it is also a beautiful piece--looks great framed on the wall (which mine is).

THE ELEVEN KINGDOMS
I ORDERED THIS MAP TO HELP MAKE CLEAR LOCATIONS IN THE DERYNI WORLD, AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT IT DOES GIVE ONE A FEELING OF BEING MORE FAMILIAR WITH LOCATIONS, AND HELPS TO PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE, SUCH AS DISTANCE, ETC...

Outstanding Item
I was in total awe of the item when I received it... never dreamed it would be such a treasure to add to my collection of Katherine Kurtz materials!

THanks!
... Read more

Product Description
A collection of nine stories features the elite Knights Templar of the Holy Land and includes the writings of such authors as Katherine Kurtz, Poul Anderson, Elizabeth Moon, and Deborah Turner Harris. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Tales of Pure Knights
This is my favorite single volume on the subject of the Knights Templar. I think it is my favorite because of the way it combines both fact and myth in an a blend that comes across exactly right. The introduction,as well as, the "interludes" between stories, are an excellent, readable history of the order, while the stories themselves cover the mythology and legend from many differing perspectives- from the founding of the order, to the present day, to the far future.

You get an good overall sense of what the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon (later, the Knights of the Temple) were really all about. These were men from all over Christiandom (and perhaps beyond) who were pledged to protect pilgrims and holy places with their lives and honor. The took a vow of absolute poverty- individual knights owned nothing. Any wealth the order amassed was put to the purpose of the protection of pilgrims- and later, all of the Christiandom. A measure of their success at fulfilling their original purposelies in the fact that, from humble pilgrims to kings, all knew that they could trust their lives, as well as, their last penny to the Templars. Even the infidels knew that Templars were honorable men, for they neither asked for, nor accepted ransom, nor would they retreat in battle (unless out-numbered by at least three-to-one, and even then only under direct orders.) It is said that even the famed Assassins feared and payed tribute to the Templars.

Of all the fictional stories in this collection, I would have to say that my favorite is "Choices" by Richard J. Woods. This tale gives the best sense of the overall character of individual Templars and the order. It also links the German mystic Meister Eckhart sympathetically with their tradition.

If you have a more esoteric inclination, it is also pointed out that the rule of seventy-two articles granted to the order was based at least partially upon the Essene Rule of the Master of Justice. Also, it is pointed out that the name of the idol that Templars supposedly worshiped (Baphomet) is actually a code for Sophia (Holy Wisdom.) It seems that tht Templars were "lovers of Sophia", i.e. "philosophers." Finally, it is pointed out that in certain traditions the order lives on- as astral knights with a "mandate to protect the weak, right wrongs, restore what was lost, make whole the broken." Afterall, there is a reason that Wolfram von Eschenbach portrayed the Grail Knights as Templars....

Mediocre collection of short stories
The stories collected in this book offer the promise of exciting stories dealing with the Knights Templar, a topic that begs to be handled intelligently in fiction format. What the reader gets instead are weak 20-30 page stories that offer absolutely nothing for the reader that may intrigue, educate or even entertain. The authors who contributed seem to be accomplished writers in their own right, but that is not evident with these stories. Some are poorly written (such as "The City of Brass") and others deal with the topic of the Templars in ridiculous ways. One thing that really bothered me was the addition of Kurtz's short story that takes place within the story of her own series of books! Basically, I would have to read her books to make even the slightest sense of the short story. Very poorly thought out. The best thing about this collection (and the only reason I gave it two stars) were the Interludes between stories, which offered up some basic info on the Knights. Definately not worth buying this book for, though.

A good read
The stories in this collection captured the feel of the Templars. If you're looking for a serious, scholarly work about the Order's history, don't bother. On the other hand, if you love tales of Chivalry built upon afoundation of Templar myth, this is an excellent collection.

Pathetic
The worst pile of contrived drivel I've ever read. The stories have little, if anything to do with the Knights Templar. Most take place in the present, or in "alternate realities." Kurtz even has the audacityto plug another of her books WITHIN the pages of this one. Third- andfourth-rate stories by authors out for a quick buck.

If you still want toread it, you can have mine. Please don't waste money on it. Wish I couldgive it zero stars.

An entertaining flight of fancy.
Not a bad collection of fiction, with a decent bit of historic overview by Kurtz. While not a serious piece of historical fiction, it is an entertaining escape for those with Templar interests. ... Read more

Product Description
Once again the Kingdom of Gwynedd under young King Kelson found itself facing the horror of war between the Church and the Deryni. As the Pretender Queen plotted to free Meara from Gwynedd's control, and the ex-Archbishop hatched a devious plan, it looked like the peace of Gwynedd was to be a thing of the past....
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Customer Reviews (10)

Stands the test of time
I first read this book 20 years ago.I can like reading it today.There are not many books that stand the test of time like that.

Katherine Kurtz is a master.Everything she writes is brillant.

Ladies and Gentleman this is what it's all about
I can scarcely imagine an author who has done a better job of creating a world that is as meticulously researched, historically accurate and heartbreakingly tragic.This series is an installment in a prolonged effort by Kurtz and this first book is splendid.Depicting the start of the reign of a young King, newly come to power and his struggles to become who he wishes and not what others would have him be.

The author writes with such expertise in depicting the world and conditions that the characters live in, that you are truly there.It's gritty and dark and entirely realistic.The characters are flawed, but that is the beauty of the craftsmanship because they are all the better for being something other than the infallible heroes that so often bedeck this genre.

The author's depiction of the role of Church, politics and intrigue are flawlessly intertwined.The very title of this book is controversial enough to pique the interest of any student of human history.I really enjoyed that she so closely emulates what really happened, but still blends in the fantastic and sets it some place other than our world.

Prepare to be entertained and educated, but make the effort and take the time because this is what we all hope to read and so seldom find.

Wow!
What an amazing work!So many different things for so many different characters were developed in this book, and I couldn't have been more pleased.

Tolkiens Heir?
I can easily describe Katherine Kurtz The Bishop's Heir in one sentence: Brilliant.This novel, which is book one of the three part Chronicles of King Kelson, is absolutely brilliant.Kurtz weaves a rich tapestry of intrigue and war all set in an alternate reality.

The plot of the story is strong, which is typical of a Kurtz novel.She obviously is well read on medieval History (M.A. in Medieval English History) and religion, which adds a depth to this novel that most fantasy authors could only dream of achieving.Rather than take the worn out theme perfected by Tolkien (and then worn out by subsequent copy cats) she devises a plot based around the desire for power and combines it with racism and genocidal desires (themes from our own time).

No review of this novel would be complete without a discussion of Ms. Kurtz's use of religion to drive the plot.Something most fantasy novels simply brush over is the religion of the characters involved.If, and that's a big if, religion is mentioned, it's usually some bland form of paganism similar to just about every other fantasy novel out there.Not this one.The use of the Catholic Church, along with it's heirarchy of nuns and priests, bishops and monks, gives these books a depth I've not seen in a fantasy novel since, perhaps, the master himself.Like the Lord of the Rings, The Bishop's Heir reads like a great historical novel, rather than a half baked fantasy.

If you are yearning for a good fantasy with some magic, lot's of plot, and well written characters, you've come to the right place.

An undiscovered author
This is the first of her books that I ever read.I found her description of ritual to be very moving.Enough so, that I gained better insight into the attraction of religion.

She has created a world not dissimilar to Europe around the time of the dark ages.Reading one of her books makes you see the history of Europe with new eyes and interest.An added bonus for your kids who are just getting up to that section of history.She delves deeply and to great effect into the politics of a kings court.

I say 'undiscovered', because it is difficult to find her books in the library or at the book store, you can generally pick up one or two somewhere, but not the whole collection.However, those that know her writing, seem to always want more.Our local library has four of her books - all of which have been stolen from the library.While a pity, certainly she has a following.

I don't think she writes with a master plan, book 1-book 10 of a series.Instead she seems to write about something, and then explore what happened before that to this character, or after to that one, or 'between' events.Makes is difficult to get a linear progression of a story, but then history is like that.

Anytime I run into one of her books at the bookstore, I buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
Once, the Deryni had ruled the Gwynedd, but their abuses led to their overthrow by the humans, thanks to the aid of Saint Camber of Culdi, a Deryni himself. For centuries since then, the Deryni have been outcast -- their supra-normal powers of mind-reading and magic outlawed by the Church, and their race anathema. But now, with the assassination of King Brion, there are Deryni who hope to see their kind regain the throne and restore the tyranny they once enjoyed. hey are led by Charissa, a Deryni sorceress of tremendous powers, overweening ambition and deadly ruthlessness. Only one man stands between her and the throne. Duke Alaric Morgan, Adviser to the King, and a Deryni sworn to bring King Brion's young heir Kelson to his rightful coronation. In a maelstrom of intrigue and brewing war, as Charissa conspires on one side and anti-Deryni Church factions threaten from the other, Morgan must help the young Kelson gain -- and keep -- his throne...and prepare for the climactic battle by magic that will ultimately determine the fate of the kingdom. ... Read more

Product Description
It's 1775, and in Europe, an unseen Master peers into a darkened mirror to see the man whose destiny is to wear the victor's crown. Across the sea, in a land named for a virgin queen, Gen. George Washington is thrown from his horse and has a dream that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Soon, a reluctant Washington will be elected Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Army and considered for the position of king of America--and his rise will set in motion a chain of events that lead directly to rebellion. But little do the colonists and Founding Fathers realize that they are part of a greater plan, being used as pawns in another person's game of power and conquest.


From the Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

When Upstarts Start Up
Fantasist Katherine Kurtz's book, "Two Crowns for America" combines historical fiction with fantasy as a sort of deus ex-machina ploy to tell the story of two continents. After a brief prologue of English history and rebellious forces of the 18th century, "Two Crowns for Amerca" leaps into George Washington's nomination as Commander in Chief and the journey to Boston where unbeknownst to them, a shooting war had already begun.

Ms. Kurtz also introduces a host of major figures of the day, a list longer than the number of original signers to the constitution in the American rebellion from its represssive master, Great Britain. A delight in this case is the portrait of emissaries to Europe establishing new relationshps and strengthening old ones on behalf of the emergent ntion of united Colonies. Also of paticular interest is the expansion of the Craft, the mysteries of freemasonry to which many of our famed forefathers belonged. This also dovetails nicely with author Kurtz's interest in fantasy.

Rich in historical detail, this novel treats the reader to the sweep of the colonies' leaders as they determine that war was inevitable to throw off the autocratic imperialist environment and that they must create a new social order with their daring new constitution. Author Kurtz handles the drama of these early constitutional conferences well, allowing us to understand the courage demanding of the signers who knew they would be -- like Nathan Hale -- branded as traitors and put to death for their actions. While I believe the book is weak in character development, individuals are painted as unvaryingly white or black, a fault somewhat mediated by the wealth of historical detail. Another confusing detail of "Two Crowns for America" is that Ms. Kurtz tends to use long sentences that separate modifiers from their roots, thus losing the reader in the process.

But, even so, the refreshing point of view of this book about a tale often told overwhelms its small problems. You'll want to add Katherine Kurtz's "Two Crowns for America" to your shelf.

GREAT BOOK!!!!!
I have not read any other books by Kurtz but picked this one up on a whim. She really mixes the Freemason myths and the American Revolution together well. I was amazed to discover that St Germain was a real person.

Seeing the real Founding Fathers such as Washington, Revere, and Franklin alongside the fictional members of this conspiracy was great and I hope some producer decides to make it a movie.

Not on the level
Proof that excellent research and the ability to put words together nicely doth not a good book make can be found herein. Kurtz seems to have forgotten the rule of "show, don't tell," as much of the novel is descriptive summary of the progress of the Revolutionary war. Such few scenes as dramatize character development seem to have been cut-and-pasted from _Lammas Night_ and the Camber of Culdi novels. One can entertain oneself by matching the characters with characters in the Camber novels, but one might better spend one's time rereading those books and skipping this one.

Preety good
I'm a Scot history buff as well as enamered by tales about our founding fathers.Lots of good background information, however it didn't seem to have much of a plot and if someone didn't know anything about Freemasionry you would be left very much in the dark.

Great research -- not much story
I expected a good story from Katherine Kurtz, the author of the Deryni books that I've enjoyed so much. And this book does have the attention to historical detail that I expected. Too much, in fact: there are several lengthy scenes depicting Masonic rituals that read as if Kurtz just wantedto show off her research.

Overall I was very disappointed. Thecharacters were unconvincing and seemed like they were just going throughtheir paces, and I never cared about any of them; there was never any realsense of urgency to the story; Kurtz spends way too much time *telling*what happens instead of showing us what happens; and basically, I didn'tsee any real *plot*, at least not one that caught my interest! Those fewaspects that seemed intriguing -- the nature of the Master, for instance --are the ones that are least delved into.

It may be worthwhile reading ifyou're avidly interested in U.S. history, particularly of the AmericanRevolution; but if you're just looking for an entertaining story, I'd passit by. I feel bad giving this book only one star -- it's not *badly* done,exactly -- but frankly, I only finished it out of a sense of duty. ... Read more

Product Description
When four large blue cats with psychic powers come aboard an interstellar luxury cruiser, a rash of murders breaks out. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A short and sweet book.
The blue lion-like Lehr cats are worshiped as gods on their world.When the interstellar Empire requires the use of the cats for diplomatic purposes, four of these are shipped off on a luxury space cruiser against the vehement protests of the natives.Careful precautions are taken to keep both the crew and the invaluable feline cargo safe, but this all seems for naught when clawed-up corpses start appearing, with hands still clutching blue fur....

This is a very entertaining novel.Not a masterpiece, but makes for an easy, quick and fun read.

Cool novel
This is a good novel - though maybe one more for the kids. I read it years ago, but when I saw it 2nd hand I had to buy it. Fairly good plot devices and writing, though you may have to read it twice to understand it all. Avery good read, however, I feel it is not her best. ... Read more

Product Description
An annotated bibliography of the writings of fantasy writer Katherine Kurtz, with an interview of Kurtz by Robert Reginald and Jeffrey M. Elliot. Complete with index. ... Read more

Product Description
The sequel to The Adept finds the Adept, in his guise as psychiatrist Adam Sinclair, continuing his battle againsts the forces of Darkness, embodied in the druidic cult, the Lodge of the Lynx, which threatens all of Scotland. Originally in paperback. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Mystery AND high magic, what more could you want?
Kurtz does an excellent job of weaving a mystery and giving the Reader an inside glimpse of ritual magic.Each book in this series can easily stand alone, but I recommend reading them all, starting with the first one, of course.If you love a good mystery, and are intrigued by magic, this series is for you!

More Quaint Ol' Occult Detective Stuff
This follow-up to THE ADEPT has all of the faults and strengths of Book One of the series. Fortunately, it also has an expanding cast of colorful characters who are beginning to come into their own here.

Sir Adam Sinclair, Bt. is still too well turned out, but Peregrine Lovat has begun to shed his "Youthful Ward Dick Grayson" persona in favor of a more mature, more nettlesome individuality. Police Inspector Noel McLeod has become nearly three-dimensional as opposed to the cardboard soldier depiction of his character in the first novel.

In LODGE OF THE LYNX Sir Adam and his Huntsmen are pitted against an evil covey of black magic practitioners who are dedicated to destroying Freemasons and Freemasonry. There's an interesting Hitlerian subplot and a good deal of accurate information on paleolithic European sacrifice rituals, as well as some generally unknown facts about Masonic practice that make this book particularly engrossing.

The detail and settings are extremely visual, and hold the reader's attention well. Of course, Sir Adam continues to be GQ's Man of the Year---it's almost comic when he mumbles "I dunno" in response to a question after a near fatal car crash as opposed to his usual, "I haven't any idea, sir."

The biggest failing of this novel is its stretching of suspended disbelief to the breaking point. All good fantasy asks the reader to accept certain premises and suspend doubt in the telling of the tale. While its easy enough to believe the angelic visitations that the Huntsmen experience during an initiation ritual it is much harder to believe that Sir Adam and friends can draft the SAS to help fight the epic battle between good and evil that climaxes the book.

Despite the somewhat over the top ending LODGE OF THE LYNX is a fine light read.

Kept me up all night
I absolutely loved this book and the series overall. The friendship that develops between Adam and Peregrine is wonderful without being over the top. I particular enjoyed the lack of pages worth of details. I don't care about the color of the leaves, etc. I myuch prefer the dialog between the characters and this series fit that requirement for me.

While there is some mention of girlfriends and wives I was glad that I was subjected to ongoing drama from the usual emotional female. Likewise it was great not to have to deal with an unrealistic, half dressed, woman on horseback weilding a sword that weighs more than her. The main characters through the 4th book are men and we don't get subjected to female hysteria until the 5th book.

A wonderful modern day story about adepts that takes you all over Scotland with a group of handsome, courageous gentlemen who happen to wealthy as well.

Simply the best
I have just recently finished the series and am fascinated with it still...I am deeply interested in the meta physical studies and this series by kuntz has realy opened my eyes to the possibilities. Though i agree in that some of the characters are a bit shallow... and the conversation is a bit proper and gay a little too much. It was a fascinating series and i hope to read more of kuntz's books. Also i hope she would write a book or two on Sir Adrian Sinclair and Hunting lodge's past, as i never fully understood it...

Great occult mystery
I love occult fiction and a friend recommended the Adept series to me because he knew I liked Dion Fortune's fiction. Unlike Fortune's fiction, this novel won't gift you with verses for your rituals, but it certainly captures the feeling of the astral realms and the battle of good versus evil. Okay, so the hero is wealthy and lives a life of luxury we can only imagine, but, hey, this is a fantasy, no? And what better to fantasize than the genteel life of a British gentleman? Even if one is female (like me), one can still fantasize about such privilege. A very good read. ... Read more

Product Description
The Knights Templar were the fabled order of mystic warrior-monks supposedly disabanded more than seven centuries ago by the pope. Legends persist of their presence, and this collection of stories muse on the Knights' arrival at history's turning points to guide destiny in Good's eternal war against Evil. Original. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Knights But Not Templar
Templar history, the real history not the fervid imaginings regarding the Holy Grail and such, is a truly fascinating tale worthy of sustained study. But as the previous reviewer has observed, however, all of the tales in this collection are instantly forgetable as they are trite in conception and poorly written. They have the collective depth of creative writing exercises in a first year class. I threw my copy away.

An okay anthology
I've been a fan of Katherine Kurtz's work for a long time now and look forward to each of her books as they come out.I enjoyed most of the stories in the first two Templar anthologies, but I'm afraid I can't say the same about this one.The stories were well written, but just didn't seem to catch my attention.Twenty-four hours after reading the book, I can't really remember any of the stories that I read in any amount of detail.

For those who read all of Ms. Kurtz's books, I would suggest getting it out of a library or buying a used copy, if you must own it.I hope that if she does any more of these anthologies that the stories are better. ... Read more