To: FiatLVX XMagick Elist
From: tyagi mordred nagasiva <tyagi@HouseofKaos.Abyss.com>
Subject: _Deryni Rising_ (Katherine Kurtz)
Date: Kali Yuga 49941121

Below is a brief review of the first of Kurtz's 'Deryni' series (as I have 
just finished it).  If you wish to keep yourself fairly ignorant of this 
series, then I suggest you bypass this post (and any who respond to this 
post please leave the spoiler intact!).  Thanks.

Re: _Deryni Rising_, Volume I of the Chronicles of the Deryni

I think I read this book before.  Perhaps I did and was so disappointed that
I didn't go on to read the next book.  I think that Kurtz is a simplistic and
formulaic writer, at least now that I've read _Camber of Culdi_,
_Deryni Rising_, started the first book in the 'Adept' series and have now
begun _Deryni Checkmate_ with an intent to finish the series regardless of
my reactions.

_Deryni Rising_ was a single storyline, included rather two-dimensional
characters, consisted mostly of court intrigue amongst a band of lords and
ladies (upper crust seems to be Kurtz's favorite subject, perhaps so that
she can continue to describe in detail the luxurious accoutrements) who,
as is consistent with television sit-coms, have not yet learned to
communicate effectively.

I admit that I found the book interesting enough to complete, though it
reminded me of watching a poorly-made film.  The intrigue of rebellion and
wrong-accusation probably inspired me where otherwise I'd have skimmed.

One of my most damning criticisms of Kurtz in this book (and thusfar in
Volume II (p 77)) is that there are no women protagonists, and those women 
who do appear in the books are either cast as 'evil' (Charisse, the Shadowed 
One, was my favorite character in the book, but, as with most cardboard-thin
personalities, she was shuffled off into the 'evil stack' and demonized)
hysterical (Jehana, one of the antagonists, plays a Gueneviere stereotype, 
consistently misunderstanding and judging everything that occurs until she 
is extorted into line by Morgan, the main character), or lovelorn (various
pining women are cast in wait for Morgan and for his cousin, Duncan, the
priest).  There are no others mentioned and probably 90% of the storyline
includes the intrigue of men in their bantering, skulking and killing.

The magick included in the first book is interesting but contrived.  The
back cover of the tome sports the claim 'High Magic!  Low Magic!' and
while these were never discussed in depth, the whole appeared to be simply
mentalist powers supported by some fancy lyric.  It reminded me greatly of
the Doctor Strange comic series, which I enjoy yet can't recommend for
anything but inspiration.  No substance here, folks.  Perhaps Kurtz will
introduce more as the series progresses.

In any case, the magick which *is* used is predominantly to control other
people (often wiping their memories just like Doctor Strange), sometimes
to heal them and sometimes to kill, ALWAYS without their consent.  There 
are magical tools, and this is one of the strong points in Kurtz's work, 
though it begins to be a rather AD&D-like puzzle-game in quest of power.  
The whole book revolves around the re-acquisition of the power of the 
'rightful' King, and in this way it also resembles Arthurian tales.

One of the interesting magical elements of these books is the continuing
and developing relationship the main characters have with Saint Camber
of Culdi, who may or may not be dead, yet appears to them in visions or
is still alive and pops in and out or may be assisting them from afar.
The concept and induction of visions is very important in occult studies
and while treated very lightly here is not to be overlooked.

I don't understand at *all* why these books are recommended to Christians!
'The Church' is pitted against magick and those who use it, the priests
are shown to be either duplicit or deluded, and there is a clear and biased
divide between what is done by clergy (social cementation and ceremony) and
that of the Deryni (predominantly mentalism).  Perhaps there is value for
nonCatholics or for those who feel slighted by the political powers of the
Christian faith.  Then again, perhaps there is a transformation of relation-
ship between the Church (who make and break saints, including Camber) and
the Deryni (who appear to be psychics that use ritual to enact their power).

This divide is an essential element of the story and as such I don't see
that, at least thusfar in my reading, there is much here to assist a
Christian in reconciliation of magick and religion.  Perhaps it merely
offers a familiar and understanding restatement of the situation among
Christians today (and thus assists in orientation).

I'll write again when I've finished the trilogy.  So far I would not
recommend this series to any with such particular taste as my own or who
have a fondness for a little story with their magick instead of a little
magick with their story. ;>

tyagi@houseofkaos.abyss.com