Devlin's Honor

Devlin of Duncaer has established himself as Chosen One, and is slowly building the political base he needs to fight what is obviously an on-coming invasion of Jorsk, when his fitness to be Chosen One is questioned because he does not carry the legendary Sword of Light which his predecessors wielded in pursuit of both justice and as the general of the Jorsk army. For the last 50 years the sword has been lost to knowledge when it vanished during the invasion of Duncaer and finding it now is seen as a fools quest.When Devlin finally sees a painting of the sword he is stunned, because he knows this sword and has held in his hands as an apprentice metal smith, and he is in despair at the games the gods have played with his life and the knowledge that the Geas will force him to seek the sword out.The pacing of this book is different from the first instalment in this series. A large section is devoted to the journey to Duncaer (a month's travel by horse) and the troubles that Devlin discovers when he reaches his old home. We finally get to meet Devlin's old friends as he confronts his past and we learn about the complex family and justice traditions and laws of his homeland. I really enjoyed this book and we continue to see growth in both Devlin and the people he knows. I'm very much looking forward to the final instalment of this series "Devlin's Justice" when it comes out next year. It's just a shame we have to wait so long for it.

Devlin is still my favorite "reluctant" hero, as he was in DEVLIN'S LUCK; however, I must subtract a star because the book dragged all the way through. The entire book was Devlin's journey back to his hometown to find the Sword of Light, which should by rights be in the possession of the Chosen One. I hope Ms. Bray picks up the pace in the third novel due out next year.

Following the death of his wife and child, Devlin of Duncaer was named Kinslayer and became Kinbereft. He sought death so he asked to be considered the Jorskian Empire's Chosen One. Found worthy, a magical geas was placed on him forcing him to put the empire's needs before his own even if it meant his death. Devlin's accomplishments quickly made him a favorite of the king and the people and the monarchy names him General of the Royal Army. Devlin worries that war is inevitable but fails to persuade the nobles and the king that a crisis is coming. Meanwhile they want Devlin to own the Sword of Light, which he recognizes from a palace picture as being in Duncaer. He hates returning home as everyone scorns him, but the geas forces him to obtain the sword. On his way to Aluaran to pick up the sword, a wizard places him under a dangerous spell that interferes with his mission. If he fails to gain the sword, the empire could collapse at a time when war is imminent.Devlin is the key to this action-packed fantasy as readers will reach out to him with empathy while he seeks to die until he obtains a reason to live. Once Devlin becomes the Chosen One, protecting those most vulnerable as well as the empire, the audience will switch emotions and end up rooting for him as a hero and feel his angst when he goes back to his home as a most hated conqueror. This protagonist turns a well-written epic fantasy into a powerful action and adventure tale loaded with a deep cast led by this champion.Harriet Klausner

I hated putting this book down, it was that good. The author did an excellent job in describing some of the character's behaviors through their point of view and the point of views of other characters. I'd be more specific, but I don't want to give too much away! Good read and I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series, which won't come out soon enough!