For some reason, I seem to have this thing about the letter K this week. Anyway. A prolific author, with big, chunky well though out books with pleasing plots.

Deverry: When the Romans invaded Gaul, Druids managed to open a gateway to somewhere else, allowing a part of the population to escape. The refugees drove out the native population and settled down in the East.

Now scroll forward a few centuries. Civilisation has never advanced past the Pan Celtic; the population (for the most part) live in relative poverty owing fealty to the local Lord in his walled fort. Honour is the be all and end all for the nobility. War bands are maintained and the land is filled with petty nobles following petty blood feuds. Into this brew comes a Prince who makes a BIG mistake and an even more foolish oath to set the error right. I think the series come in at over ten books, following the main characters as they live, die and are re-born. Sometimes moving forward in their journeys, sometimes back.

The magic system is well though through, pleasing and (being Elemental based) certainly rings a chord for me. The main characters are very likeable whilst still being pleasantly flawed. My only gripe is with the way the tale is woven. You can find yourself becoming engrossed with a story, only to find the second half of the book about differing incarnations of the characters a few centuries earlier. Wauuuuugh.

If you get a chance pick up Palace & Wall, her collaborations with Mark Kreighbaum. Space Operas that are well worth a read

Excellent Escapism

Ogre