Katherine Kurtz

In a kingdom where powerful mental magic is both revered and feared, a young Deryni embarks on a perilous quest to under… In a kingdom where powerful mental magic is both revered and feared, a young Deryni embarks on a perilous quest to understand their unique heritage. Amidst growing persecution, they must delve into forbidden texts and ancient practices to unlock the true potential of their arcane gifts. With the very survival of their people at stake, this journey reveals the intricate secrets of Deryni magic, from healing arts to devastating mental warfare. They must master these potent abilities, or risk seeing their lineage extinguished by those who would rather see them destroyed than understood. read more

The number of Deryni was small, for they had been hounded for generations and kept their identities secret. Those who ma… The number of Deryni was small, for they had been hounded for generations and kept their identities secret. Those who managed to retain their arcane powers concealed their background--for bitter persecution once again swept the land of Gwynedd, inspired by a raving fanatic sworn to destroy all Deryni in a final bloodbath. read more

The classic novel that introduced the Deryni and launched Katherine Kurtz's career. In the land of Gwynedd, the Haldanes… The classic novel that introduced the Deryni and launched Katherine Kurtz's career. In the land of Gwynedd, the Haldanes have long ruled and have long kept a dangerous secret: there are those of their blood who possess the magical powers of the Deryni. To be Deryni in a land ruled by the all-powerful Church is to be branded an outcast. But now, young Prince Kelson is about to assume the throne after the mysterious death of his father. He must be told of his magical heritage. For his legacy is being challenged by a woman who does not hesitate to lay full claim to her Deryni powers. And to face her in magical combat, Kelson must learn a lifetime’s worth of magic in a few short days. If he loses, he dies as his father did. And if he wins, he is King—but all the world will know that he is also Deryni… read more

With young King Kelson on the throne of Gwynedd, the priesthood of the Eleven Kingdoms felt its control deeply threatene… With young King Kelson on the throne of Gwynedd, the priesthood of the Eleven Kingdoms felt its control deeply threatened. For Kelson was half Deryni -- part of that race of humans gifted with extrasensory powers...a race that had ruled two centuries earlier, but was dethroned and driven underground. Now, the final battle for ultimate power was about to break into open conflict, led by the Church which equated the supernatural powers of the Deryni with witchcraft and heresy! read more

THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER The power-hungry former Regents of the three Haldane princes were pleased. They controlled Gwyn… THE PRINCES IN THE TOWER The power-hungry former Regents of the three Haldane princes were pleased. They controlled Gwynedd once more, now that Rhys Michael was king--malleable, wine-loving, and soft. Or so they thought... Unbeknownst to the Regents, Rhys Michael was coming into his birthright. With secret Deryni aid, he struggled to grasp the magic bequeathed to all anointed kings. And when Marek--heir to Gwynedd's last degenerate deposed Deryni despots--marched into Gwynedd at the head of an army, even the Regents had to admit that Rhys Michael must take to the field himself as king to repel the pretender. Rhys Michael saw his chance at last. He swore that the power of the throne--from now on and for all time to come--was to be held by Gwynedd's rightful king. For this, for his sons, and for his country, the king would risk all... FIRST PAPERBACK PUBLICATION read more

In a land where magic is both revered and feared, a young Deryni sorcerer bears a crucial, dangerous burden. His unique… In a land where magic is both revered and feared, a young Deryni sorcerer bears a crucial, dangerous burden. His unique bloodline makes him the only one who can protect the besieged Haldane royal family and guide the young Prince Brion to master his innate, hereditary powers. As enemies both political and magical plot to overthrow the monarchy, the sorcerer must navigate a labyrinth of court intrigue and ancient prejudice. The future of the kingdom, and the very legacy of magic, rests on his courage and skill. read more

A powerful cleric plots the ultimate treason against a medieval realm's young king in Katherine Kurtz's breathtaking ret… A powerful cleric plots the ultimate treason against a medieval realm's young king in Katherine Kurtz's breathtaking return to the fantasy world of the Deryni For centuries, a powerful faction of the Holy Church in Gwynedd has been at war with the Deryni, the mysterious race whose magic is despised and feared by those who lack their remarkable arcane abilities. The bloodshed ended with the coronation of the popular young King Kelson Haldane, himself a possessor of Deryni magic--but the peace is short-lived. Dark rumblings of secession are coming from northern Meara as support strengthens for Caitrin Quinnell, the cunning and ruthless pretender queen. But an even greater threat is emerging from the shadows of orthodoxy. The treacherous Edmund Loris, onetime Archbishop of Valoret and the Deryni's most virulent foe, has escaped from confinement--and, with a cabal of like-minded conspirators, is preparing to undertake an act of blackest treason: the craven murder of Gwynedd's rightful liege. With the first book in the Histories of King Kelson trilogy, acclaimed fantasist Katherine Kurtz continues her sweeping and magnificent history of a feudal society on an alternate medieval Earth--a complex world of war, political intrigue, faith, romance, and magic, where the courageous and enlightened are called upon to take up arms against the entrenched forces of ignorance and intolerance. read more

A young liege goes to battle in a medieval land teetering on the brink of civil war and church-sanctioned genocide in th… A young liege goes to battle in a medieval land teetering on the brink of civil war and church-sanctioned genocide in the second chronicle of the reign of King Kelson In troubled Gwynedd, the crown sits heavy on the head of King Kelson Haldane. In a realm historically torn asunder by deep-seated suspicion and fear of the magical Deryni who live among them, young Kelson is both beloved for his humanity and abhorred for his Deryni blood. Now, the traitorous cleric, Bishop Loris, has joined forces with Queen Caitrin, the Pretender of Meara, in her attempts to rip her homeland away from Gwyneddan rule. But Loris has even darker intentions. His scheme to reignite the terrible flames of holy civil war against the Deryni, coupled with Caitrin's campaign of violent secession, draw Kelson and his army away from the royal court—where, in the king's absence, an assassination plot is brewing. An extraordinary world-builder, acclaimed fantasist Katherine Kurtz returns readers to the Middle Ages of an alternate Earth in her continuing chronicles of the Deryni. Kurtz's second history of the troubled reign of King Kelson is a breathtaking tale of majesty, magic, war, treachery, faith, and intolerance that once again brings a fascinating world and its diverse peoples to glorious life. read more

A medieval kingdom is thrown into chaos by rumors of the death of its liege in the final volume of the Histories of King… A medieval kingdom is thrown into chaos by rumors of the death of its liege in the final volume of the Histories of King Kelson King Kelson Haldane of Gwnyedd knows he owes much to the legendary Camber of Culdi, the most revered of the magical Deryni race. Having suppressed the rebellion that threatened to tear his realm to pieces, Kelson, himself a possessor of Deryni magic, is now dedicated to exploring the history and legacy of the man who returned the Haldane line to the throne two centuries before. But word reaches the royal court that, while on their noble quest to help restore Camber to the sainthood he was stripped of by a virulently anti-Deryni church, King Kelson and his blood brother, Dhugal, have perished. Now, for the lost king's ambitious rival a pathway exists to the throne—and to the bedchamber of Rothana, Kelson's intended queen. But there is more to the king's "accidental demise" than initially meets the eye, and a powerful unseen player in this drama that no one could have ever suspected. Katherine Kurtz brilliantly concludes her acclaimed fantasy trilogy of the reign of King Kelson with The Quest for Saint Camber—ending but one remarkable chapter in her breathtaking history of the Deryni in the Middle Ages of a magnificently imagined and brilliantly constructed alternate Britain. read more

Scottish nobleman Sir Adam Sinclair--a physician and Adept--faces an unholy cult of black magicians who defile his belov… Scottish nobleman Sir Adam Sinclair--a physician and Adept--faces an unholy cult of black magicians who defile his beloved Scotland and will commit any atrocity to achieve their evil ends. Reissue. read more

Journey to a medieval world where a mysterious order of knights stands at the crossroads of faith, war, and ancient magi… Journey to a medieval world where a mysterious order of knights stands at the crossroads of faith, war, and ancient magic. As the Crusades rage across the Holy Land, these valiant warriors grapple not only with worldly adversaries but also with unseen forces and the sacred power that defines their very existence. From the sun-scorched deserts to the shadowed halls of power, their personal quests intertwine with the destiny of Christendom, testing their courage, loyalty, and the limits of their extraordinary abilities. Explore diverse tales of honor, sacrifice, and dark enchantments, where the clash of steel meets the whispers of forgotten magic and the very soul of an age hangs in the balance. read more

“Kurtz’s strengths lie in her patient accumulation of telling detail, well-articulated plots, and believable magics. Sho… “Kurtz’s strengths lie in her patient accumulation of telling detail, well-articulated plots, and believable magics. Should bring the fans flocking, and attract newcomers too.”—Kirkus Reviews Speculation runs rampant throughout the kingdom of Gwynedd as to when, and to whom, King Kelson will finally be wed. As a rival monarch takes his rightful place on the throne of a nearby land, it becomes more imperative than ever that Kelson produce a long-awaited heir. With the mystical Deryni blood flowing through his veins, Kelson can only hope for a woman whose power and conviction are equal to his own. Love is set aside for duty—and Kelson the king must make the choice that Kelson the man cannot…. read more

In this first book of an all-new Deryni trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Kurtz takes readers back in… In this first book of an all-new Deryni trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Katherine Kurtz takes readers back in time--before King Kelson's bride...before King Kelson's birth... when the magical Deryni blood was sought by the most powerful men and women in the kingdom of Gwynedd. Back when a man named Donal ruled over all. read more

The breathtaking history of the Deryni continues as the greatest hero of a medieval fantasy realm is forced to make the… The breathtaking history of the Deryni continues as the greatest hero of a medieval fantasy realm is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice The evil king is dead, and thanks to the efforts of revered Deryni magic-user Camber of Culdi, a human liege occupies the throne of Gwynedd for the first time in nearly a century. The yoke of tyranny has finally been lifted from the shoulders of an oppressed people who suffered for decades under the cruelty of the ruling magical race. But Camber's job remains unfinished. The dangerous remnants of a conquered enemy still mass at the borders. Worse still, the former monk and new ruler King Cinhil is desperately unhappy wearing the crown, and is resentful of all Deryni, Camber in particular, and their arcane abilities. Now, with the stability of a fragile kingdom at stake, its greatest champion must make the ultimate sacrifice: Camber of Culdi must cease to exist. read more

A young king's ascension threatens a traitorous conspiracy of powerful nobles who plan to brutally eliminate all magic-u… A young king's ascension threatens a traitorous conspiracy of powerful nobles who plan to brutally eliminate all magic-users from their medieval realm The brief reign of Alroy Haldane is nearly at an end, as the life of the young king of Gwynedd slowly slips away. Called back from the abbey where he has sought sanctuary for the last three years, Alroy's twin, Prince Javan, prepares to ascend the throne—against the wishes of the former regents, who plan to enslave or destroy all Deryni in the kingdom. Though human, Javan secretly possesses the psychic powers of the magical race that the powerful faction of great lords and religious zealots strives to eliminate—and it is this ability that alerts him to the terrifying scope of their dark treachery. While his enemies do not yet realize how determined a foe the young liege is, Javan must summon remarkable courage and cunning if he hopes to prevail against them—or even survive. In the middle chapter of her enthralling medieval fantasy trilogy, the Heirs of Saint Camber, award-winning author Katherine Kurtz adds richness and depth to the alternate world she has so magnificently brought to life in three previous series. Blending exquisitely detailed history with breathtaking invention, Kurtz proves once again that she is without equal in the popular realm of fantasy fiction. read more

The Knights Templar was a military order founded during the time of the crusades to protect pilgrims traveling to the Ho… The Knights Templar was a military order founded during the time of the crusades to protect pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Legend endows the Templars with magical powers with which they are said to have altered the course of history. "The Temple and the Crown" picks up in 1306 with the crowning of Robert Bruce in Scotland. Bruce immediately faces a challenge to his throne, and Pope Clement and King Philip of France, jealous of the Knights' magical powers, wealth, and charm, have them arrested on trumped-up charges of black magic, blasphemy, and consorting with the Devil. The Templars' only hope is to flee as fugitives and seek a new home...and a safe haven for the mystical treasures they guard. read more

The fourth title in the ADEPT fantasy thriller series, is set during World War II and tells the story of a young America… The fourth title in the ADEPT fantasy thriller series, is set during World War II and tells the story of a young American woman with extraordinary powers, as she helps the British Army to combat the threat of black magic being used by a group of Nazis. Follows THE TEMPLAR TREASURE. read more

The old king knew that whichever of his sons succeeded to the throne would benefit from having a Deryni at his side. Ala… The old king knew that whichever of his sons succeeded to the throne would benefit from having a Deryni at his side. Alaric and the young Prince Brion Haldane were bound together by magic—a magic to be called upon when Brion was most in need. Now eighteen, Brion has ascended to the throne and seven-year-old Alaric has come to court. Through the coming years, both will grow to manhood and come to realize their destinies. Brion will strive to solidify his power and position, seek out a bride to secure his legacy, and ultimately, when faced with an unbeatable foe, call upon Alaric to fulfill his oath. Meanwhile, Alaric slowly learns the extent of his powers and how to use them, and will face the prejudice that many have against Deryni in its ugliest form. He will experience bittersweet first love, great personal loss, and the hard lessons one gains from both. And he will be there to unleash the full power of his Deryni magic at Brion’s command. For Alaric is—and always will be—the King’s Deryni. read more

Magic and mysticism come alive in this magnificent historical fantasy from the New York Times-bestselling author of the… Magic and mysticism come alive in this magnificent historical fantasy from the New York Times-bestselling author of the Chronicles of the Deryni. Long before Camber was revered as a saint, he was a Deryni noble, one of the most respected of the magical race whose arcane skills set them apart from ordinary humans in the medieval kingdom of Gwynedd. For nearly a century, Camber's family has had little choice but to loyally serve the ruling Festils, Deryni usurpers who employed dark magic to wrest the throne from the rightful Haldane liege. Now, the land suffers under the tyranny of King Imre, whose savage oppression of the human population weighs heavily on Camber's heart--a heart that is shattered when the despot and his evil mistress-sister, Ariella, cause the death of Camber's beloved son. The grim demands of justice and vengeance drive Camber far from his family's estates in search of the last of the Haldane line. This descendant of kings will not be easily persuaded to accept Camber's unthinkable plan. But with the kingdom in turmoil, the aging mage and the reluctant Haldane heir must confront together the awesome, terrible might of the Festils for the good of all. The first book in Katherine Kurtz's epic medieval fantasy series is filled with irresistible suspense, action, adventure, and political intrigue, leading Publishers Weekly to hail the author as possessing "a rare craftsmanship with narrative exposition that is also dramatic and moving." read more

The New York Times–bestselling author explores the occult history of WWII in this thriller inspired by true events durin… The New York Times–bestselling author explores the occult history of WWII in this thriller inspired by true events during the Battle of Britain. The year is 1940, and Great Britain's forces struggle against the invincible Nazi war machine. France has fallen easily to Adolf Hitler's army and England is next in his sights. A British secret agent pays the ultimate price to deliver early warning of the Führer's secret plan to harness the awesome power of the occult to conquer Great Britain by launching a supernatural assault that no defending military force could possibly deflect. British Intelligence operative Col. John "Gray" Graham of MI6 is not only a valuable player in the great game of wartime espionage, he is also a practitioner of the ancient occult arts. In this life—and other lives before—Gray's destiny has been firmly intertwined with that of his close friend Prince William of the British royal family. Now, with the future of Britain at stake, these two men, the spy and the royal, must rally the hidden adherents of the Old Religion, hoping to unite the British covens in defense of their endangered island homeland. But it will take more than combined Wiccan sorcery to repel the Reich's black magic on Lammas Night—and the sacrifice required might be greater than imagined and truly terrible to endure. Lammas Night is a spectacular feat of creative imagination from the author of the acclaimed Deryni fantasy series. Smart, affecting, and brilliantly conceived, it is an enthralling combination of historical fiction, war novel, and the occult that will appeal to fans of all fantastic literature. read more

Legend holds that their alliance was formed in A.D. 1119 in order to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. Later they came… Legend holds that their alliance was formed in A.D. 1119 in order to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land. Later they came to be known as the warrior elite of Christiandom. But because of their intense secrecy, many debated whether the Knights Templar were the embodiment of divine good—or the incarnation of evil. Here, the bestselling author/editor who brought readers Tales of the Knights Templar and On Crusade: More Tales of the Knights Templar returns with another brilliant collection of original stories by some of fantasy fiction's best and brightest authors about the mystical legends surrounding the Knights Templar. read more

Mystic, historian, and Master of the Hunt, Adam Sinclair is called on to investigate and solve the most dangerous and un… Mystic, historian, and Master of the Hunt, Adam Sinclair is called on to investigate and solve the most dangerous and unimaginable crime of his career--the murder of an Adept. read more

Best known for her beloved Deryni series, Katherine Kurtz rockets into new territory in this breathtaking science fictio… Best known for her beloved Deryni series, Katherine Kurtz rockets into new territory in this breathtaking science fiction murder mystery. The interstellar cruiser Valkyrie has been ordered to take an unexpected detour from its normal route to pick up a strange and valuable cargo. Capt. George Lutobo cannot disobey the commands of his emperor, but the idea of bringing four huge, blue-furred lionlike creatures onboard a luxury vessel makes the captain uneasy. Nor does he trust the big cats' escorts, husband and wife scientists Mather Seton and Wallis Hamilton. Though these magnificent felines possess remarkable psychic abilities and are worshipped as deities on their home planet—and, for that reason, are essential components of the diplomatic negotiations between worlds—they are nevertheless frighteningly dangerous beasts, powerfully built, with razor-sharp claws and teeth. Soon after the creatures' arrival, the discovery of a dead passenger, ripped to pieces and clutching a clump of blue fur, seems to justify Captain Lutobo's fears. The killings continue, each as savage as the last, though Seton and Hamilton insist that the great felines could never have escaped from their cages. But the dark mystery only deepens when one of the imprisoned cats is murdered—the manner of its death impossible to fathom—and one terrible truth becomes frighteningly clear: No one and no thing is safe any longer aboard the Valkyrie. Thrilling, surprising, and marvelously inventive, Katherine Kurtz's The Legacy of Lehr is an exciting science fiction adventure that displays a daringly different side of the acclaimed fantasist best known for her popular Deryni and Knights Templar fantasy series. read more

Sir Adam Sinclair--the Adept--has led many lives under many names, but his one purpose remains the same--to fight the po… Sir Adam Sinclair--the Adept--has led many lives under many names, but his one purpose remains the same--to fight the powers of Darkness--in all their evil forms. In the guise of a long-extinct cult, the Dark powers stand ready to unleash a weapon--energized by an ancient Druid artifact--on all of Scotland. Anne McCaffrey calls the Adept series, "a late night turn-the-pager". read more

Adam Sinclair must locate the stolen Seal of Solomon--an artifact under the care of the Knights Templar--before dangerou… Adam Sinclair must locate the stolen Seal of Solomon--an artifact under the care of the Knights Templar--before dangerous forces unleash the demons the seal has kept bound for centuries. Reissue. read more

Bestselling fantasist Katherine Kurtz combines magic, Freemasonry, and the revalation in this spellbinding tale of the A… Bestselling fantasist Katherine Kurtz combines magic, Freemasonry, and the revalation in this spellbinding tale of the American Revolution as it might have been . . . It's 1775, and in Europe, an unseen Master peers into a darkened mirror to see the man whose destiny is to wear the victor's crown. Across the sea, in a land named for a virgin queen, Gen. George Washington is thrown from his horse and has a dream that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Soon, a reluctant Washington will be elected Commander-in-Chief of the new Continental Army and considered for the position of king of America—and his rise will set in motion a chain of events that lead directly to rebellion. But little do the colonists and Founding Fathers realize that they are part of a greater plan, being used as pawns in another person's game of power and conquest. “A fascinating blend of history, adventure and conjecture which will excite the reader page after page.”—Abilene Reporter-News read more

In this "charming" fantasy by the author of the Deryni novels, a gargoyle guardian and a Knight of Malta defend a Dublin… In this "charming" fantasy by the author of the Deryni novels, a gargoyle guardian and a Knight of Malta defend a Dublin cathedral and battle a demon ( Booklist, starred review). The gargoyles of Dublin, Ireland, have a sacred duty to perform. Formerly God's avenging angels, for centuries they have been entrusted with guarding the churches and cathedrals of the Irish capital while avoiding all contact with human beings. But once a month these loyal stone sentries must leave their posts to attend a conclave of their kind, and it is during one such absence that a sacrilege occurs. The guardian of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the gargoyle Padraig, called "Paddy," has returned to find violence and vandalism committed at his church and two silver artifacts stolen. Taking to Dublin's night streets in search of a culprit, Paddy inadvertently reveals himself to an aged chauffeur in an ancient Rolls Royce, thereby dooming Francis Templeton to an impending premature death. But the grim reaper will have to wait, because old man Templeton is a member of the Knights of Malta, a secret order of defenders of the faith dating back to the Crusades, and as such is an ideal partner for the onetime angel in his quest for justice and revenge. Their hunt is about to take some sinister turns, however, leading the gargoyle and the knight to Clontarf Castle, where a major demon, an emissary of Satan, is preparing to make his reentrance into the world. An acclaimed and much beloved fantasist best known for her popular Adept and Knights Templar series and her chronicles of the magical Deryni, Katherine Kurtz now displays another side of her extraordinary talent and succeeds magnificently. St. Patrick's Gargoyle is a delightful feast of the imagination, rich in Celtic lore and religious arcana, and brimming with wit and heart, wonder and magic. read more

In an alternate Middle Ages, a new chapter begins in the magnificent fantasy saga of the Deryni, as the magical race fac… In an alternate Middle Ages, a new chapter begins in the magnificent fantasy saga of the Deryni, as the magical race faces annihilation by royal enemies and a radical church These are the darkest days for the Deryni of Gwynedd, the magical race that once ruled this medieval kingdom but now find themselves despised and hunted by the governing regents following the death of King Cinhil. Dead also is Camber of Culdi, who served as the Deryni's most faithful friend in the royal court. With young King Alroy too immature and weak to rule effectively, no one holds the power to halt the reign of genocidal terror that sweeps across the land—not even Prince Javan Haldane, Alroy's twin, who recognizes the perfidy of the regents and religious zealots hovering around his royal brother. But there is an equally distressing concern for the surviving children of Camber, whose body remains uncorrupted weeks after his death, suggesting that his soul may be trapped somewhere between earth and heaven—and nothing short of the ultimate sacrifice can set Camber free. Award-winning fantasist Katherine Kurtz continues her chronicles of an extraordinary medieval race in a magnificent series that picks up where her acclaimed Camber of Culdi trilogy left off. A story of intolerance, faith, and courage, rich in character, magic, wonder, and evocative detail, Kurtz's brilliantly imagined alternate history is one of the shining jewels of fantasy fiction. read more