Deryni Rising (The Chronicles of the Deryni series Book 1)

The classic novel that introduced the Deryni and launched Katherine Kurtz's career.

In the land of Gwynedd, the Haldanes have long ruled and have long kept a dangerous secret: there are those of their blood who possess the magical powers of the Deryni. To be Deryni in a land ruled by the all-powerful Church is to be branded an outcast.

But now, young Prince Kelson is about to assume the throne after the mysterious death of his father. He must be told of his magical heritage. For his legacy is being challenged by a woman who does not hesitate to lay full claim to her Deryni powers. And to face her in magical combat, Kelson must learn a lifetime's worth of magic in a few short days.

If he loses, he dies as his father did. And if he wins, he is King - but all the world will know that he is also Deryni ... Read more Continue reading Read less ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Katherine Kurtz has been writing fantasy for more than four decades and is the author of the Novels of the Deryni, including Childe Morgan and In the King's Service. She is married and lives in Staunton, Virginia. Visit her website at deryni.net. FROM THE BACK COVER
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the mysterious forces of magic and the superior power of the Church combine to challenge the rule of young Kelson. Now the fate of the Deryni -- a quasi-mortal race of sorcerers -- and, indeed, the fate of all the Eleven Kingdoms, rests on Kelson's ability to quash the rebellion by any means necessary . . . including the proscribed use of magic! --This text refers to an alternate kindleedition edition. FROM THE PUBLISHER
The late Lester del Rey had a theory about the biological seat of Deryni power, a theory that he could have related in astonishing specificity. I just remember that he said it must come from somewhere in the nose, something related to the olfactory senses. I always thought that wa snot a very glamourous way to look at an exciting, epic sweep of fantasy. But after all, magic has to come from somewhere.
--Veronica Chapman, Senior Editor

--This text refers to the hardcover edition. FROM THE INSIDE FLAP
In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the mysterious forces of magic and the superior power of the Church combine to challenge the rule of young Kelson. Now the fate of the Deryni -- a quasi-mortal race of sorcerers -- and, indeed, the fate of all the Eleven Kingdoms, rests on Kelson's ability to quash the rebellion by any means necessary . . . including the proscribed use of magic! --This text refers to the hardcover edition. Read more Continue reading Read less