The Chronicles of the Deryni

This is another series of books of which I only have vague recollections. I am fairly sure that I bought the first book mistakenly thinking the author was the same one who was writing the Deverry books, which is in actuality, Katharine Kerr.

The story must have been interesting and engaging because I went on to buy the other novels in the Chronicles series.

It is only while creating this page that I found out there are sixteen novels in total, comprising five trilogies and one stand-alone novel. The Chronicles being the first trilogy in this series.

However, I currently have no plans to read any of those other novels.

Deryni Rising: The Chronicles of the Deryni: Book 01

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…

Format

Paperback

Date Acquired

9th April 1990

Retail Cost

£3.50

Number of Pages

304

Year Read

1990

Deryni Checkmate: The Chronicles of the Deryni: Book 02

In order to claim the throne of Gwynedd, young Kelson Haldane had to reveal his magical Deryni powers, putting him at odds with the most powerful clerics in the land, who view the Deryni as agents of evil.

One such man—Archbishop Loris—has dedicated himself to the eradication of the Deryni. In a ruthless campaign of persecution against them, Loris targets one of the proudest Deryni in all the land: Kelson’s most trusted friend and advisor, Duke Alaric Morgan.

While Morgan fights for his reputation—and his very life—a rogue Deryni has been honing his powers to use as a weapon against all of humanity, putting all of the Deryni at risk. Outright war is in the offing. And as the different factions of Gwynedd battle each other, the young Kelson must find within himself the strength to keep his kingdom from falling apart…

Format

Paperback

Date Acquired

31st August 1990

Retail Cost

£3.50

Number of Pages

302

Year Read

1990

High Deryni: The Chronicles of the Deryni: Book 03

Young Kelson Haldane has claimed his birthright and assumed the throne of Gwynedd. For the first time in centuries, a king of Deryni heritage, possessing extraordinary magical abilities, rules the realm.

But the priesthood of the Eleven Kingdoms has held sway over the Crown for generations. They decried the Deryni as witches and heretics, drove them underground, and usurped control of the kingdom. They have no intention of ceding their power to Kelson and his supporters — even if it means inciting civil war.

Supported by the Church, an anti-Deryni leader has risen to prominence, dividing the people of the land. To end the conflict, King Kelson must face his enemies in battle — enemies willing to use the magic they so fear….

Format

Paperback

Date Acquired

7th December 1990

Retail Cost

£3.99

Number of Pages

370

Year Read

1990