I hate starting a fantasy series when it’s still new, and Devlin’s Luck is a good example why. This first novel in the Sword Of Change series is entertaining and compelling – and I have to wait a year for the next installment. If you are a lover of fantasy, you may want to check out this intriguing tale of a man who never wanted to survive, let alone be a hero, but who accomplishes both.

Devlin Stonehand has little reason to live. Having failed to save his wife, daughter, brother, and nephew from a vicious attack, he has but one purpose remaining: to ensure that his widowed sister-in-law is not left to fend for herself after the loss of both husband and son. Although she blames and despises Devlin for the deaths, it is no more than he blames and despises himself. And so he swears to make sure that she will never want for material things as she wants for her lost loved ones. Thus, he finds himself in neighboring Jorsk, applying to become the Chosen One, a historical post of service to and protection of the throne. If he is accepted by the Gods, he will be paid the astronomical sum of 10 gold disks, with an equal amount to be paid on his retirement or, more likely, his death. Since Chosen Ones have a habit of not surviving long, Devlin welcomes both the payment and the promise of imminent obliteration.

What Devlin doesn’t fully appreciate is that the office of the Chosen One is accompanied by a powerful Geas – or magical compulsion – that will ensure he fulfills the dangerous duties of his office, even if they result in his death. Because of this undeniable compulsion, however, he is unable to do anything that is not in the best interests of the King and Jorsk – and that includes ending his own life.

But soon the ever-present troubles of the dissolving kingdom interfere with his own wishes, and he finds himself pursuing the needs of his adopted people, aided, despite his wishes, by a growing band of people whom he can’t bring himself to acknowledge for what they are: friends. First the minstrel Stephen, with secrets of his own, and then the battle-ready Captain Drakken of the Royal Guard find themselves following this unlikely but inspiring leader, and they are soon joined by others, both meek and powerful. And even though Devlin may have little respect for his own life, many people of Jorsk come to hold it in high esteem. Thus, he begins his journey from despair to hope, and from having nothing to lose, to having everything to gain.

That’s a lot of description, but a fair amount happens in the course of this tale, both externally and internally, and each quest complements the other. Devlin is a complex and intelligent character, who begins caring about nothing, but finds his indifference undermined by his basic nature of decency, leadership, and – whether he admits it or not – heroism. His friends also develop as people, particularly Stephen, who begins with many illusions and little common sense, only to find his illusions shattered one by one, replaced by a wisdom and courage that anyone who knew him before Devlin would not have suspected.

The plot is compelling and often suspenseful, but most of all, it’s deeply involving. I’ve read many a 250-page book that seemed to be far longer than this seamless and rapid, but all too short 400-page read. While there aren’t many surprises, the story never becomes predictable or clichéd. The prose and plot give no hint that this is a debut novel for Bray in the fantasy arena (she’s also the author of traditional Regencies) – much the opposite, in fact. The artful quality of the prose keeps the reader from distraction, as does the plot, although when the final page has turned, it is the question of what happens next that will plague the reader throughout the coming year.

Devlin’s Luck is a terrific novel for a certain kind of fantasy reader: the infinitely patient kind, who won’t mind the wait until the second book is released. Not being that sort of person, I find this story equal parts enthralling and frustrating. Which in this case is a very good sign. Patricia Bray is a wonderful new voice in fantasy, and I – literally – can’t wait to see what she does next.