ITKS - so what did you think?

Hi everyone,

I have not posted in ages. Warning for inadvertent spoilers. I will
try to keep my comments general.

I have really enjoyed ITKS. I like the introduction of a new period
into the Deryni canon. I think KK's writing is great; and that it is
even better than in KKB (which I really liked). I am on my second
reading of the book. The introduction of expected characters like
Donal, Alice and Vera was greatly enhanced by the introduction of
Jessamy, Marie, Pascal, Richeldis, and the 1080's members of the
Camberian Council - among others. I do not see that the Council is
any less stuffy than in Kelson's time. They might be a little more
active and hand's on, but they are still stuffy (especially Vivienne).
It will be interesting to see over the next two books how the Council
reaches its 1120 form.

I am wondering if there will be a renewed Deryni persecution in the
late 1090's. If the anti-Deryni factions will attempt to push through
their agenda after the death of Donal and while Brion is young.

ITKS is a great book. I am looking forward to the next installment.
May KK be blessed with a bountiful imagination and nimble fingers.

pax,
john mclaughlin

Marion <snuffybear.TakeThisOut@snet.net> wrote in message news:<BBD91496.3845%snuffybear@snet.net>...
 > This group's been awfully quiet considering there's a new book out. So what
 > do people think of it? Are we ready to start discussing it? I think it's the
 > best Deryni book yet.
 >
 > Marion<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

  > > This group's been awfully quiet considering there's a new book out. So what
  > > do people think of it? Are we ready to start discussing it? > My two cents.

I guess some people were waiting until more posters had gotten the
book. Starting the discussion is fine with me.

 > Other than a couple of nit picks- when exactly was the Haldane
 > restoration-

I caught that one too on the current read-through. Only one I've
noticed so far.

I think this one will likely end up as my favorite out of them all (at
least for right now). It's very well written and is a wonderful look
at a period we've seen little about so far. I confess myself greatly
relieved at the end-of-book resolution of a situation I'd never really
liked. Made me like Donal more than I had before.

Loved the look at a nicer CC. Can't wait to see how they end up
taking such a wrong turn.


Agree with:

 > Kenneth Morgan: interesting

Really sounds like a great guy.
 >
 > Morian Ap Norfal: actually wouldn't mind seeing more of him. While a
 > side character- he could bear some further coverage.
 >
 > Richard I thought was great. Will be interesting to see how the
 > confirmed batchelor gets hooked.

Haven't been able to stop reading ITKS since I got it. Maybe I'll
just have to keep re-reading it until the next one comes out.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

I very much enjoyed the book.


SPOILER SPACE











I am ever so glad Kenneth is Alaric's biological father!
Poor Krispin!
The Welshman with a Thousand and One faces
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

Marion <snuffybear.RemoveThis@snet.net> wrote in message news:<BBD91496.3845%snuffybear@snet.net>...
 > This group's been awfully quiet considering there's a new book out. So what
 > do people think of it? Are we ready to start discussing it? I think it's the
 > best Deryni book yet.
 >
 > Marion

/hello, long time since I have posted,

My husband and I really enjoyed the book, I too thought the coverage
of years was well done.
Spoiler space









Thought the Corwyn sisters were very interesting, I too wonder at the
prospect of healing, since Alyce has an inclination toward this area
in a mundane way.
I enjoyed a king who really knew what he was doing as king and the
confidence to act. Like Donal more then I thought I would as well.
The council does seem more active in the affairs of Gynedd (sp?)I can
see the beginnings of their future stodginess and snobbery and over
cautioness.
I thought the saddess part was the loss of Ahern and the crueless
loss was to poor Krispin - The Haldanes do know how to dispence
justice, Don't they?
Again, really enjoyed the book, will re-read many times. Can't wait
for the second book
Can anyone tell me who is Sysil Arilan? How is he related to Dennis?

Peace,
Paula
"Where there is life, there is hope...and, also, a need for vittles"
Samwise Gamgee<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

"Marion" <snuffybear.TakeThisOut@snet.net> wrote in message
news:BBD91496.3845%snuffybear@snet.net...
 > This group's been awfully quiet considering there's a new book out. So
what
 > do people think of it? Are we ready to start discussing it? I think it's
the
 > best Deryni book yet.
 >
 > Marion
 >

I haven't read it yet. Actually I haven't gotten around to buying it yet.
But as long as all of the posts about it are headed as clearly as this then
discuss away.

Martin<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

gpturn4 DeleteThis @aol.com (turnfive) wrote in message news:<ba262b5f.0311141047.2298ada7 DeleteThis @posting.google.com>...
 > Marion <snuffybear DeleteThis @snet.net> wrote in message news:<BBD91496.3845%snuffybear@snet.net>...
  > > This group's been awfully quiet considering there's a new book out. So what
  > > do people think of it? Are we ready to start discussing it? I think it's the
  > > best Deryni book yet.
  > >
  > > Marion
 >
SNIP to save Bandwidth.
Spoiler Space>
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >

Do not read beyond this point if you do not want to read ITKS
spoilers!

 >
 > Thought the Corwyn sisters were very interesting, I too wonder at the
 > prospect of healing, since Alyce has an inclination toward this area
 > in a mundane way.

Agreed. But I don't think Alyce was a Healer herself. The gift is
often triggered by a great need for it to work. Surely, if Alyce
thought she might have had it, she would have used it to help Ahern,
first with his knee injury, and then with his appendicitis. But the
Corwyn sisters, notably Vera and Alyce, probably carried the potential
which they passed on to their respective sons but did not have the
gift itself.


 > I enjoyed a king who really knew what he was doing as king and the
 > confidence to act. Like Donal more then I thought I would as well.

I too liked Donal. I thought he would be more of a bad boy in the way
Conall was. But he directs his ruthlessness more towards those who
deserve it, like Septimus de Nore and the two soldiers who murder poor
Krispin. And well, he is King. He puts the safety of his children and
ultimately the safety of the realm first in his decision to father
Krispin. I always get the impression that he loves Krispin too, and
treats him well while preserving his secret. I like it that Donal and
Richeldis appear to have a good marriage and mutual affection despite
the great difference in their ages. Of course, Donal has reason to
feel grateful to Richeldis when she gives him four sons. I did feel
sorry for Donal at the end when Alyce wakes up. Talk about a Royal
embarrassment! But he acknowledges the wrongness of what he was going
to do, and humbles himself before the friends he wouls have wronged.
But I thought Katherine worked out the problem of Alaric's paternity
brilliantly. <G>


 > The council does seem more active in the affairs of Gwynedd (sp?)I can
 > see the beginnings of their future stodginess and snobbery and over
 > cautioness.
 > I thought the saddess part was the loss of Ahern and the crueless
 > loss was to poor Krispin - The Haldanes do know how to dispence
 > justice, Don't they?

Donal certainly did. I cheered when Septimus was dumped down that
well. Ahern too, was a tremendous loss. But then, if he had lived
Alaric would be out of a Duchy. His identity as Duke of Corwyn is so
strongly established in the earlier books that I'm afraid Ahern had to
be for the chop. It's a pity nonetheless that Ahern never had the
chance to meet his nephew Alaric. I think they'd have liked each
other.

 > Again, really enjoyed the book, will re-read many times. Can't wait
 > for the second book
 > Can anyone tell me who is Sysil Arilan? How is he related to Dennis?

Sir Seisyll Arilan is the father of Jamyl and Denis Arilan, I believe.
Or possibly their uncle, but I think he is their father.
 >
 > Peace,
 > Paula
 > "Where there is life, there is hope...and, also, a need for vittles"
 > Samwise Gamgee

I liked Kenneth Morgan. I'm glad he truly IS Alaric's father and that
he lasts a good way into Alaric and Bronwyn's childhoods. At least,
Alaric can remember his father a bit more clearly than he remembers
Alyce. And he and Bronwyn will have Auntie Vera, Uncle Jared and also
Zoe Morgan to lean on in their early years.

I enjoyed ITKS, I think it's a good start to this trilogy. And I'm
glad it's not as dark as the heirs of St. Camber books. But I'll
reserve judgement until books two and three arrive. I was kind of
surprised that there was not MORE anti-Deryni feeling at Donal's court
than showed up in this book. I think that will need to be ramped up a
bit to account for the state of affairs that exists at the beginning
of Deryni Rising. Of course, Loris's rise to the Primacy of Gwynedd
will heat things up, a bit, and Jehana's arrival in Gwynedd will also
stir the secular pot at court.

Melissa<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

In article <b8ca78a3.0311151302.4b812c73.RemoveThis@posting.google.com>,
shiral14.RemoveThis@hotmail.com (Melissa Houle) wrote:

 > gpturn4.RemoveThis@aol.com (turnfive) wrote in message
<SNIP of most spoilers>
 >
  > > Again, really enjoyed the book, will re-read many times. Can't wait
  > > for the second book
  > > Can anyone tell me who is Sysil Arilan? How is he related to Dennis?
 >
 > Sir Seisyll Arilan is the father of Jamyl and Denis Arilan, I believe.
 > Or possibly their uncle, but I think he is their father.
  > >

Their father, according to the _Codex Derynianus_, is Michael Sextus
Arilan (however, Jamyl's son and heir is named Seisyll, though while
he's a member of Kelson's generation, it means that the name is in the
family).

--
Robert Woodward <robertaw.RemoveThis@drizzle.com>
<http://www.drizzle.com/~robertaw<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

Here's an answer to what a crwth is - it's a Welsh musical instrument, sort
of a cross between a primitive fiddle and a harp with only a few strings (I
can't remember how many). I think it could be played with a bow, too.
Lesley

Jerry Maher <JJMJR45.TakeThisOut@PRODIGY.NET> wrote in message
news:6743b5e9.0311131023.24b8e762@posting.google.com...
 > Marion <snuffybear.TakeThisOut@snet.net> wrote in message
news:<BBD91496.3845%snuffybear@snet.net>...
  > > This group's been awfully quiet considering there's a new book out. So
what
  > > do people think of it? Are we ready to start discussing it? I think it's
the
  > > best Deryni book yet.
  > >
  > > Marion
 >
 > My two cents.
 >
 > Other than a couple of nit picks- when exactly was the Haldane
 > restoration- I enjoyed the book a lot more than KKB- took a while for
 > KKB to grow on me, this one I liked from the beginning to end. I
 > thought she covered the passage of time very well- something I found
 > poorly done in another non-deryni book. Camberian counsel is an
 > interesting group- Vivienne seems to be the sour puss still. Also she
 > seems to be the major one with the hang up on "half-breed" Deryni.
 > Wonder if she is the driving force for the sour outlook on Alaric.
 > Guess we will have to see what the next book reveals. (Glad to see in
 > the chat that Katherine has started the next book. Of course that
 > could just mean she has started reviewing her notes.) Glad to see
 > Alaric's parentage got straightened out. Never did like the thought
 > of him being Donal's son. of the characters
 >
 > Donal: little more sympathetic to him than the concept I had of him
 > before reading the book- guess his days are numbered- only 5 years at
 > most I think.
 >
 > Corwyn Sisters: Very good characters, thought Vera mystery was done
 > very well. Actually think I will like Vera more than Alyce. Alyce
 > came across well though little passive I guess or maybe just resigned.
 > Will be interesting to see more of these two in the next book though
 > Alyce's days are numbered also. Would be interesting to see if Alyce
 > or Vera were healers. Know a certain incident with a broken arm that
 > would be interesting to see healed.
 >
 > Kenneth Morgan: interesting
 >
 > Morian Ap Norfal: actually wouldn't mind seeing more of him. While a
 > side character- he could bear some further coverage.
 >
 > Richard I thought was great. Will be interesting to see how the
 > confirmed batchelor gets hooked.
 >
 > Others that were good Se, Zoe, Siesel (sp) even the Queen. Wasn't too
 > sorry about Jessamy's fate.
 >
 > I have to stop and think of time lines to see how some of the future
 > characters fit age wise but overall the book was very well done,
 > looking forward to the next one.
 >
 > Any buddy know what a crwth or was it cwrth is?- some musical
 > instrument I assume.
 >
 > jerry<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

I liked ITKS. Got it yesterday evening and read it straight through.

SPOILER---

Is it just me or does anyone think that what happened to Krispin was just TOO
much. As much as I like KK's books, it's almost as if they are TOO bloody -
too much killing. What comes to mind is Evaine and Rhys' oldest son Aidan and
his cousin Camlin (although at least HE survived) at Trurill, Denzil's family
being murdered right in front of him in THG, Javan's and Rhys Michael's
murders. And Sidana. Oh well, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

  > > Again, really enjoyed the book, will re-read many times. Can't wait
  > > for the second book
  > > Can anyone tell me who is Sysil Arilan? How is he related to Dennis?
 >
 > Sir Seisyll Arilan is the father of Jamyl and Denis Arilan, I believe.
 > Or possibly their uncle, but I think he is their father.
  > >

Seisyll Arilan is Jamyl and Denis' uncle.


-Mak
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.thirtytwopaws.com/mak" target="_blank">http://www.thirtytwopaws.com/mak</a>
Updates 9/21/03

Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your
regular duties.
Doug Larson

Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather
straps.
Emo Phillips<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

S
P
O
I
L
E
R

S
P
A
C
E

if it's still necessary.

I hardly ever post here, but was so happy to see posts about ITKS...
bought it Friday and finished it tonight... Some thoughts...

My biggest issue with the book, and it's not an issue so much as
foreknowledge, was piecing together people with histories (or futures)
that I know to be true (couldn't remember any MacAthan's in "our" time
(ie Kelson's), nor any mention of some of Brion's siblings, etc...).
That was distracting for me.

I started reading this series (Katherine's Deryni books) when I was
13, and have read, reread, and completely worn out my copies... I'm
not so sure this one will be as tattered as the rest, though I did
enjoy it immensely and am delighted to see that the series is
continuing.

It was interesting to see that so many of you liked the treatment of
the expanded timeline... I really discovered in this reading that I
like the more detailed storytelling of the older stories.. I like
knowing the day to day stuff that goes on, but that's just me.

My favorite "Camber stories" characters remain: Rhys, Duncan, Dougal,
Kelson and Richenda... I look forward to seeing more of Morgan's life
and growth and perhaps hints of Richenda's Eastern life and training
too.

Best,
Polly
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

Althyork1 <althyork1 DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:20031116103911.27838.00000339@mb-m06.aol.com...
 > I liked ITKS. Got it yesterday evening and read it straight through.
 >
 > SPOILER---
 >
 > Is it just me or does anyone think that what happened to Krispin was just
TOO
 > much. As much as I like KK's books, it's almost as if they are TOO
bloody -
 > too much killing. What comes to mind is Evaine and Rhys' oldest son Aidan
and
 > his cousin Camlin (although at least HE survived) at Trurill, Denzil's
family
 > being murdered right in front of him in THG, Javan's and Rhys Michael's
 > murders. And Sidana. Oh well, thanks for letting me get that off my
chest.

Medieval life was not for the faint of heart...

Ah well, King Kelson's Bride was described as "Four Weddings and a Funeral."
Now Katherine's back to her usual, "Four Funerals and a Wedding."

Melissa<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think? 

in article 20031116103911.27838.00000339 DeleteThis @mb-m06.aol.com, Althyork1 at
althyork1 DeleteThis @aol.com wrote on 11/16/03 10:39 AM:

 > I liked ITKS. Got it yesterday evening and read it straight through.
 >
 > SPOILER---
 >






 > Is it just me or does anyone think that what happened to Krispin was just TOO
 > much. As much as I like KK's books, it's almost as if they are TOO bloody -
 > too much killing. What comes to mind is Evaine and Rhys' oldest son Aidan and
 > his cousin Camlin (although at least HE survived) at Trurill, Denzil's family
 > being murdered right in front of him in THG, Javan's and Rhys Michael's
 > murders. And Sidana. Oh well, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

I was disturbed by what happened to Krispin as well, but I am disturbed by
any violence against children. (I guess I should say that I'm really
disturbed by violence in general but violence against children gets me
worked up.)

I think, however, that KK's violence is plausible. Unfortunately this type
of stuff happened in the middle ages and it probably still happens at an
alarming rate. I think we're supposed to be disturbed by it. Certainly she
effectively conveys the horrors of the times.

Marion<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: ITKS - so what did you think?