Rating: 
Summary: Too drawn out
Review: After reading Daggerspell which I thoroughly enjoyed, I couldn't wait to continue with Kerr's series. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.I feel like I left this book with more questions than when I started it! Kerr seems to bring up more problems, compounding it with the problems left by Daggerspell and then never resolving any of them. It leads me to wonder how long she can drag out this series without answering or satisfying the plot's twists and turns. The writing, however, is still good as it was in Daggerspell. I will give her credit for engaging the reader's interest so that they will move on to the next book in the series. Sadly, in achieving that goal, the action and plot in this second installment suffered greatly
Rating:
Summary: Too drawn out
Review: After reading Daggerspell which I thoroughly enjoyed, I couldn't wait to continue with Kerr's series. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. I feel like I left this book with more questions than when I started it! Kerr seems to bring up more problems, compounding it with the problems left by Daggerspell and then never resolving any of them. It leads me to wonder how long she can drag out this series without answering or satisfying the plot's twists and turns. The writing, however, is still good as it was in Daggerspell. I will give her credit for engaging the reader's interest so that they will move on to the next book in the series. Sadly, in achieving that goal, the action and plot in this second installment suffered greatly
Rating: 
Summary: point of no return
Review: After reading Daggerspell, I thought Kerr was a good writer but wasn't really sure her story could really merit more than one book. However, Darkspell got me thoroughly hooked. It seems as though she really has two plots that intertwine: the time-spanning reincarnations and the present dweomer war, and this book introduces the reader to the intricacies of each and the relationship between the two. I enjoyed the plot developments and further explanations of the type of magic she has created. I also loved the ending because it resolved enough for me to feel satisfied, but left enough hanging issues to keep me reading. I wouldn't recommend making a decision about the series until you've read this book.
Rating:
Summary: point of no return
Review: After reading Daggerspell, I thought Kerr was a good writer but wasn't really sure her story could really merit more than one book. However, Darkspell got me thoroughly hooked. It seems as though she really has two plots that intertwine: the time-spanning reincarnations and the present dweomer war, and this book introduces the reader to the intricacies of each and the relationship between the two. I enjoyed the plot developments and further explanations of the type of magic she has created. I also loved the ending because it resolved enough for me to feel satisfied, but left enough hanging issues to keep me reading. I wouldn't recommend making a decision about the series until you've read this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Uneven Start of Daggerspell Resolved in Darkspell
Review: As noted in my review of "Daggerspell," I felt, despite the story's interest, it was weakened by a lack of fully realized characterization as well as thinly drawn detail. However, the world of Deverry and celtic folklore were so engagingly rendered that I perservered and was rewarded by the continuing tale of "Darkspell." Here Kerr appears to have mastered her earlier awkward plot transitions in time, integrating her multiple storylines smoothly and cohesively. And her descriptive narrative has grown, suffering only in comparison with authors such as Martin or Jordan, with the characters' personalities having become more fully formed. Unlike a previous reviewer, I find her villains more cunning than malevolent, but the opposition between dark and light dweomer is developing and offers much promise for the future. Also, the possibility for expanded roles by stronger and recurrent secondary characters - much needed - now appears possible, and it is my hope that we will see a further development of figures such as Ebany, Devaberiel, Rhys, and Tondalo (Even a possible return of Sarcyn?) in supporting roles in future. To date far too many of the secondary players, such as Aderyn and Ysolla, have played sisgnificant walk-on parts in one book only to disappear in the next. I believe Kerr's story would by vastly enriched by an expanded and repeated presence of some of the story's secondary characters. I perceive a hint of this intent with Ebany and Tondalo; I hope they are not alone. Overall, "Darkspell" was a very satisfying read, and a marked improvement over "Daggerspell." I look forward to reading "The Bristling Wood." (As an aside: It's nice to see some decent cover art on this series; So much fantasy art is crudely drawn or depicting laughable imagery.)
Rating:
Summary: Uneven Start of Daggerspell Resolved in Darkspell
Review: As noted in my review of "Daggerspell," I felt, despite the story's interest, it was weakened by a lack of fully realized characterization as well as thinly drawn detail. However, the world of Deverry and celtic folklore were so engagingly rendered that I perservered and was rewarded by the continuing tale of "Darkspell." Here Kerr appears to have mastered her earlier awkward plot transitions in time, integrating her multiple storylines smoothly and cohesively. And her descriptive narrative has grown, suffering only in comparison with authors such as Martin or Jordan, with the characters' personalities having become more fully formed. Unlike a previous reviewer, I find her villains more cunning than malevolent, but the opposition between dark and light dweomer is developing and offers much promise for the future. Also, the possibility for expanded roles by stronger and recurrent secondary characters - much needed - now appears possible, and it is my hope that we will see a further development of figures such as Ebany, Devaberiel, Rhys, and Tondalo (Even a possible return of Sarcyn?) in supporting roles in future. To date far too many of the secondary players, such as Aderyn and Ysolla, have played sisgnificant walk-on parts in one book only to disappear in the next. I believe Kerr's story would by vastly enriched by an expanded and repeated presence of some of the story's secondary characters. I perceive a hint of this intent with Ebany and Tondalo; I hope they are not alone. Overall, "Darkspell" was a very satisfying read, and a marked improvement over "Daggerspell." I look forward to reading "The Bristling Wood." (As an aside: It's nice to see some decent cover art on this series; So much fantasy art is crudely drawn or depicting laughable imagery.)
Rating:
Summary: Daggerspell was great, but Darkspell is nowhere near as good
Review: For all of you who have read Daggerspell, and couldn't wait to read Darkspell, I pity you. This book just didn't make me want to keep reading like Daggerspell did.
Rating:
Summary: Great Celtic Fantasy!
Review: Katharine Kerr is one of, if not the, best fantasy writers out there. This book is incredibly captivating - I've read it at least 7 times and it doesn't get old. Along with humanly flawed heroes, Ms. Kerr accomplishes something one rarely sees in fantasy - really terrifying villains. Unlike so many other fantasy series, the bad guys are as interesting as the good guys, and the dark dweomer conveys a real sense of malice. And, as always, the language is wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: Katherine Kerr convinces me to buy the next book...
Review: Kerr is the first Celtic fantasy author I've read, and I find her books very compelling. Darkspell is quicker moving than Daggerspell, but still has the same flavor. In this book, the influence of Dweomer is much more pronounced--however, she manages to make it believable.
Rating:
Summary: A GREAT SIQUEL!
Review: My only quibble about this book is that the beginning was not as catchy as in the first book. Also, it isn't as much of a page-turner, but all and all it is FABULOUS. The plot twines about between Rhodry's parentage, an incredibly exciting past life, and the evil bad guys' daily doings. The scenes are vividly real. I was moved to laugh, cry, and almost vomit (at some of the gory parts). It's basically a terrific siquel.
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