Devlin's Luck

May 15, 2002
In the Kingdom of Jorsk, the divinely appointed position of Chosen One has seemed more of a curse than a blessing, for everyone who has had that honor has died defending the kingdom. Devlin Stonehand, a man with nothing to lose, welcomes the position as an easy road to the death he seeks if he can only stop surviving the challenges that come his way. Bray's first novel features a likable, flawed hero who fights his own inner demons to serve his conscience and his honor. A good choice for most fantasy collections.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2002
In the decaying kingdom of Jorsk, the search is on for the Chosen One, who will beat the realm's enemies back from the walls of the capital and solve every problem except the price of beer. Unfortunately, Chosen Ones have a nasty tendency to be killed. But widower Devlin Stonehand is desperate enough to seek the post, whose emoluments will permit him to support his brother's widow and children. Besides, he probably will achieve oblivion in death for himself. Instead he becomes the first Chosen One in a long time not to be annihilated in short order, and, while performing all the duties of his demanding post, he has to wonder why. If Bray doesn't startle us with her vast originality, she certainly hooks us with absorbing storytelling. A good read for adventure fans with like Raymond Feist or Terry Brooks.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)