Katherine Kurtz doesn't seem to have had her heart in the Deryni books for many years. This book, which was written and then "left hanging" (sans sequel), seems to prove it. Compared to the subtle plot twists, action, and adventure of earlier books, the plot is fascile and the pace is slow.

Fans of the Deryni books will probably read this volume anyway, eager for anything new on the topic. They will then endure a recap of events they vaguely remember from books read over a decade ago. Following this, all the characters talk and talk about who King Kelson will marry. Then they talk about talking about it. After the inevitable "surprise Deryni ancestry" revelations, the usual pack of fanatics and evil Deryni will try and thwart the wedding and will be defeated. Then King Kelson will marry the woman who was discussed and discussed.

I was so excited that I decided not to wait another long span of years for another volume and gave up on KK after 30 years!