This book is dissapointingly unlike Kurtz's other Deryni novels. The intrigue, magic, style and depth and style of her earlier works is missing. At times I found myself wondering if Kurtz even wrote this book. That, or was just a contractual obligation and she didn't really want to write it? The earlier Deryni novels are much better written, and this one does not come up to the same standard. Kurtz's previous Deryni novels are like stepping into a whole other world. This one is a lot like stepping into a tired and trite romance novel.