Bray, Patricia
DEVLIN'S LUCK [The Sword of Change - Book 1]
Patricia Bray
Bantam Spectra 2002
Pb 405 pages
ISBN#
0-553-58475-8
Looking for a story so invested in characterization that you can lose yourself for a few hours? I couldn't put this book down!
First line in the book: "The stranger entered Kingsholm on the third and final day of the midsummer festival." Devlin Stonehand of Duncaer remains a stranger to be slowly discovered through much of the book--he keeps his horrid past private, though it shows in subtle ways . . . like the mass of scars across his back, and his skill with deadly weapons. We know only that this past is so horrible that Devlin has come th Kingsholm to die. He heard of the Jorskian tradition of a "Chosen One" where any man can step forward, and if the gods accept him, he can proceed into a suicidal quest for the benefit of the people. Devlin steps forward. He must declare first, though, which god he will serve. Since he is bereft of family and hope, he mockingly names the god of luck. This luck keeps Devlin alive time and again--for the good of the people. As much as he wants to, Devlin can't die. But this doesn't make him an instant hero, for he now serves the country of his enemies. And besides, the title of Chosen One has become a joke of late in Jorsk. So many mercenaries have played this game over the years that not even the king takes it seriously any more. Two people do, however: Stephen, a visiting minstrel whose fascination is with the legends of the Chosen Ones, and Captain Drakken of the guard who sees her country falling apart from within by quarreling nobles, a fearful ruler, and the Royal Army's general with more on his mind than protecting the kingdom.
Devlin's first quest is a test. The king's counselors laugh and doubt there's any danger to it at all--they've been ignoring the problem because it doesn't' affect them directly. But Captain Drakken knows of the killers looting the king's road and fears Devlin will not return. A stroke of luck keeps him alive: he has an allergic reaction to a sleeping drought hidden in his food. Devlin's luck isn't all good, though. When he took the oath of Chosen One, he accepted a magical geas placed on his soul. This geas drives him through these quests mercilessly, and without regard to Devlin's physical well-being. He nearly dies several times. Stephen's steadfast friendship becomes Devlin's greatest asset.
Devlin's quests for honor, justice, and the safety of the people take him through court intrigue, out into the country side, and beyond to Jorsk's borderlands--against rogues, monsters, and traitors to the crown--where he earns friends and enemies; in a story full of action and characterization a reader can sink his teeth into. I was charmed by this book and will buy its sequel DEVLIN'S HONOR on next opportunity. DEVLIN'S LUCK is recommended for fans of sword and sorcery.
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