Devlin's Luck (Sword of Change, Book 1)

Have you ever started reading a fantasy trilogy, found the first book great, the second book so-so, and stopped reading the third before you were a quarter of the way through? Most times it's because the author has changed the main character so much, mainly towards the superhero type, that you can't identify with them anymore, or even care about them. They simply inhabit a world where everyone is in awe of them and there's nothing interesting about them at that point. The worst case of that that I've read was the Elizabeth Haydon series which started with Rhapsody. Rhapsody was absolutely wonderful. The second book was ok, and the third book bogged down to Barbie Doll Rhapsody (you know, perfect house, perfect clothes, perfect boyfriend). The first book of that series remains on my keeper shelf, but not the others. Another series that did that to me was the Deborah Chester series The Sword, the Ring, and the Chalice. Same thing happened. You need character development, but the characters don't have to be turned inside out. Which leads me to Patricia Bray's Sword of Change series. All of three of these are right on my keeper shelf and for good reason: these books are not only great fantasy reading, the plot of the series hangs together and still has a believable hero at the end. He has his flaws and that's ok. He's realistic. The kind of character that even when the third book ends and the plot is wound up, you can still think of him---the hero remains a real person to you. That's a quality of writing that you don't see all that often. Another author that writes with this ability is Carol Berg. Her Transformation series is on par with Bray's. Patricia Briggs' writing, especially the series starting with Dragon Bones, is yet another author who writes marvelous books in this style. If you like either of their books you will love Patricia Bray. Authors that are capable of writing more than one genre are always very skilled, and Ms. Bray does not differ in this respect. She has been writing now in two different genres, historical romance and fantasy, and assigning five stars for this series was an easy choice. She is currently at work on another series taking place on a different world than the one in this series, with the first book entitled The First Betrayal. I'm really looking forward to that one!

I loved this book. It is a combination of fantasy and action. The central character is Devlin Stonehand, who has come to the capital city of the kingdom of Jorsk to try for the job of Chosen One. It involves a trial of the Gods, where if he is not accepted as the next Chosen One the applicant will wind up dead. If he is chosen, he will be placed under a Gaes which will compel him to act when the Kingdom is threatened, no matter the cost including that of his life.Of course, Devlin becomes the next Chosen One and for the remainder of the book, he fights the good fight against both physical threats to a declining kingdom, and also against possible betrayal from the kings own Council.The highlight of the book for me is Devlin himself. He is so stuffed with honour and heroism, and genuinely has trouble understanding why the average man and woman are not as he is ? ready and willing to fight for his family and friends, and to die for what he believes in. For most of the book he actively seeks his death due to events in his recent past, which have lead him to trying for the role of Chosen One to his countries conquerors in the first place. Other characters are necessarily less well drawn, with the exception of minstrel Stephen. Those that are featured are mostly warriors in the form of guards and other fighters, which Devlin clearly admires about them, and those that first come to see the truly admirable (in terms of the needs of the Kingdom) Chosen One. Devlin carries this book, but he is strong enough to do so. Not perfect, probably an uncomfortable person to be around if he were flesh and bone, but a perfectly heroic character.

I've been reading SF and fantasy/swords & sorcery for about 50 years, and welcome new and good authors. This is such a writer. The initial premise, of the "Chosen One", seems "formula" at first but plays out in unusual ways. The exploration of Devlin's reasons for seeking to become the Chosen One, scattered throughout the book, are an insight into a character with an overactive conscience (but not self-righteous) and with what one might consider good character traits that can be a handicap to him as he carries out the role and tasks of the Chosen One. The events through which he begins to return this role to its former high value are real page-turners, as you explore the internal and external political factions and factors and the ways in which events play out. The supporting characters, including the villains, are distinct and not cardboard cutout characters, with their own lives, motives, and generally with real personalities. I'd like to get to know some of them, and am eager to find out how they develop - especially the originally weak and hapless king who, at the end of this volume, seems to have the possibility of developing strength and purpose.I found this an excellent "first" book, except that it is not a first book. I was surprised to learn that the author has published a couple of Regency Romances, and we all know how difficult it is to change genres and how few do it successfully. Ms. Bray has, I think, written an excellent "first" in this swords & sorcery story, which deserves to be successful, and I look forward eagerly to the next volume. (I add, because it is important to me, that I never felt compelled to reach for a blue pencil. Ms. Bray's writing skills are excellent. Her plot flows well and with consistency, never leaving me saying "but I thought you said earlier that ....". If you read enough bad or mediocre stories, you will understand just how important this is.)

I really enjoyed this book. Although some of the readers said that it is standard fare, I feel that it is more than that. Yes, the story line is predictable and the outcome of the hero's life and story seem to be fairly standard. However, the central theme of the book and its presentation is anything but common. I have read a lot of fantasy or sword and sorcery books. ... ...However, it is far better than some of the more common sword and sorcery stories. The characters are more complex, and the issues are not as black and white. The moral issues, the legal issues, and the complexity of the intertwining human relationship that this book deals with has made this book more interesting, more complex, and more real than many fantasy book I have found in the book stores. In addition, the question of "what makes a good leader? Who is truly a good leader?" is asked again and again. The nobles believe they are leaders of the country because they are born to the leadership. The king is born to be king, but he is so afraid to act because of his fear of failure. An uncouth peasant from the countryside with integrity and honesty and a true sense of responsibility is actually a better leader than someone who is more educated and more sophisticated. I think a lot of our own politicians should read this book and learn. Finally, because of its theme and because it's so entertaining that I can't put it down, I gave it a 5-star rating.

Duncaer is a country occupied by the conquering forces of the mighty Jorst Empire. Vet, Devlin Stoneland, named Kinslayer by the people of Duncaer marches into the conqueror's capital city of Kingsholm to win the substantial payment by becoming the Country's Chosen One. He is found worthy and a magical geas is placed on him, forcing him to protect the realm even if it costs him his life. Without any family or home to call his own, Devlin seeks death and believes that the danger facing the Chosen One will give him the reward he seeks. Three times he places his life in danger to protect the people of the realm and three times he emerges the victor. His exploits are talked about in political circles and without even trying, he becomes the rallying point of a nation. Now the man who sought death seeks to lead the people against the enemies of Jorst. DEVLIN'S LUCK is a beautiful sword and sorcery tale yet despite all the heroic battles, the magical attacks, and the deadly politics, it is the hero who brings heart to this story. Devlinis a tortured soul, who in spite of himself, finds redemption by saving lives and becoming a leader that a country, an empire and even a world needs. Patricia Bray is a grand storyteller who provides a wonderful fantasy adventure.Harriet Klausner