Daggerspell

Katherine Kerr

Nevyn is a wanderer and herbmaster in the kingdom of Deverry. Four hundred years ago he had been a prince, a younger son of a king in Devery. He decided he wanted to follow the dweomer, the magic of the land. In making this decision he is exiled from his family and accidently destroys his fiancee, her family, and a close friend's family. His vow of restitution to his fiancee keeps him alive as the assorted souls are reborn throughout the years trying to avoid the tragedy that occured.

Cullyn of Cerrmor is a silver dagger, a dishonored man who can only earn his living as a hired swordfighter. When the mother of his daughter dies, he takes Jill with him on the road to live with him. She can see the Wildfolk, small gnomes and fairies that few other people can see. When she is 17 he accepts a job that takes them to the western edge of Deverry and its state of Eldidd. There they meet Nevyn, the Westfolk, Lovyn, the lord of Eldidd, and her son and heir, Rhodrys, Aderyn, another dweomer, and many others. They find their fortunes tied up these people in the West.

This is well crafted, with a first sight of a new fantasy world. Although it is obviously the beginning of a series, it can be read alone as well. The characters have layers to discover. The Westfolk have a secret the readers discover that will lead to further stories. Jill, Rhodrys, Cullyn, Lovyn, and Nevyn have more excitement coming in their lives. Yet this story ends like we hope for real life - things are good for now, and we'll worry about the future as it happens. It lacks something, though. The promise of an excellent world is there, but not fulfilled yet. So much is glossed over that the story does not come to life for me. I plan to read more of these, but won't worry if I don't get back to the next one right away.