Bastard Prince: Volume III of The Heirs of Saint Camber (The Heirs of Saint Camber, Vol 3)

A great book, but a tear jerker. Kartherine Kurtz has always had a knack for making her characters real and loveable, and this novel is no exception. Her character development and description is simply amazing as always. The story outlines Gwynedd's growing difficulty with their Torenthi neighbor, and the threat that an illigitimate heir to the Torenthi throne poses. The ending is a shocker, especially since Mrs. Kurtz has a goal of always keeping her readers guessing. She has reached her goal yet again. It is my hope that the story will continue even further yet.

I have been a devoted fan of this series since my aunt sent me the Bishops heir as a Christams Present when I 13. I opened that book and saw that this was just the latest in a well established series. Well being just a bit Obsessive complusive about reading things inorder I went and bought the entire series leading up to it, well after a few months anyway it takes a while to get up that kinda money when you don't even have a job yet ;>. I have been hooked ever since...In fact the huges lags of time between books in this series are one of the more fustrating things in life. With each book Kurtz proves why it take so long though, and this was the greatest of them all. I was totally Obsessed with this one when a read it a few years back. When I got the end, I just about cried because the book was that good, and the story that moving, and the fact I was going to now have to wait 4 years + most likely to see its like again. Thankfully Terry Goodkind came along and helped me pass the time somewhat. So basically, if you love fantasy and you read Eddings, Goodkind, Jordan, and Martin read this read the whole thing yo will not be dissapointed.

This book continues the fine tradition of the Deryni Saga of Katherine Kurtz. Having been hooked on Ms. Kurtz's books for some time, this one was not a disappointment. Although I do not always agree with turns of the plot, Ms. Kurtz always has a surprise waiting for the reader. It is this suspense, and bringing of the characters to life, that makes her books special and The Bastard Prince continues in this tradition. Rhys Michael has been king for eight years, under the tight control of the regents which ruled during his childhood. Faced with a challenge from Miklos, a prince of Torenth, and claimant to his crown, Rhys Michael accepts his challenge. Not only must the young king contend with his rival, but also his domineering regents, and newfound Deryni powers of the Haldane legacy, which must be kept a secret until the time is right. A very good continuation of the Deryni saga. Can't wait for the next one to be published.

The Bastard Prince is my favorite of Katherine Kurtz's novels dealing with her earlier time frame of history and characters. Until this book, the Haldane Royal family and the Deryni who sup- ported them appeared to be doomed and also isola- ted from contact with one another. In Bastard Prince, they re-establish contact through Rhys and Evaine's daughter Rhysel, posing as a maid to Queen Michaela. Once Rhys Michael regains the Haldane power, he uses his magic to temporarily defeat a threat from the Festillic pretender, and later the former regents who hold him and his family hostage. He gains the support of the Kheldourlords and drafs a new will naming them as regents for his underage son and unborn baby should he die. Which, unfortunately, he does. Wounded in his battle, Rhys Michael becomes ill, and is ultimately murdered by his enemies. In the last three chapters they too meet their ends in satisfying ways, and the Haldane crown is free again.

The Bastard Prince is a story about King Rhys Michael Haldane, who is king of Gwynedd in name only, a puppet of the evil and corrupt regents. When another enemy invades Gwynedd, an opportunity arises for Rhys Michael to free himself and his line. To accomplish this, he needs the help of his Deryni allies (a race of people with magical powers who are exiled and presecuted by the regents). Will he suceed or die? This is a wonderful conclusion to The Heirs of Saint Camber trilogy. It is full of action, adventure, and intrigue. It is a must read for anyone who loves fantasy adventure novels, and has trouble putting down a good book. Here is the class good verus evil theme done to perfection. This is Miss Kurtz's best work to date.