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REVIEW
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"Fantastic fantasy"
Duncaer is a country occupied by the conquering forces
of the mighty Jorst Empire. Vet, Devlin Stoneland, named
Kinslayer by the people of Duncaer marches into the
conqueror's capital city of Kingsholm to win the
substantial payment by becoming the Country's Chosen One.
He is found worthy and a magical geas is placed on him,
forcing him to protect the realm even if it costs him his
life. Without any family or home to call his own, Devlin
seeks death and believes that the danger facing the Chosen
One will give him the reward he seeks. Three times he
places his life in danger to protect the people of the
realm and three times he emerges the victor. His exploits
are talked about in political circles and without even
trying, he becomes the rallying point of a nation. Now the
man who sought death seeks to lead the people against the
enemies of Jorst. DEVLIN'S LUCK is a beautiful sword and sorcery tale yet
despite all the heroic battles, the magical attacks, and
the deadly politics, it is the hero who brings heart to
this story. Devlinis a tortured soul, who in spite of
himself, finds redemption by saving lives and becoming a
leader that a country, an empire and even a world needs.
Patricia Bray is a grand storyteller who provides a
wonderful fantasy adventure. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted April 5, 2002
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| SUMMARY |
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NO TIME TO DIE The once mighty kingdom of Jorsk is in decline, its borders
beset by enemies, both worldly and otherworldly. The king
has retreated to the capital, abandoning the far-flung
provinces. The only hope of the people lies in their Chosen
One, blessed by the gods as defender of the realm. But of
late every Chosen One has died, targeted by the harshest of
the enemy attacks. Only the most desperate of men now seek that post. Devlin
Stonehand is a desperate man. Overwhelmed by grief at the
death of his family, he has lost the will to live. But he
has vowed to provide for his brother's widow and children,
and the post of the Chosen One carries with it a substantial
reward. For Devlin, a farmer and metalsmith, it is the answer to his
prayers-prayers that include a yearning for the oblivion of
death. After he has won the post, though, Devlin discovers
that sometimes the hardest goal to achieve is that which had
once seemed the simplest. For unlike the other Chosen Ones,
he persists in surviving. Are the gods just tormenting him
further, or does he have a greater destiny than he imagined?
Can a man who courts death ever truly come to embrace life?
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