King Javan's Year is the middle book of The Heirs of Saint Camber, the second trilogy set in early Gwynedd. In chronology it follows The Harrowing of Gwynedd (1989) and comes before The Bastard Prince (1994).

Many similarities of motif and character also link it to the Kelson novels, especially The Quest for Saint Camber (1986). Like Javan, Kelson is a young king who inherits a realm in turmoil.

Unlike Javan, Kelson survives and succeeds. Readers of the whole series may well wonder at the many parallels.

What makes the difference between Kelson's success and Javan's early demise? It is not a matter of character.

Both young men are worthy and trained for their high offices from an early age. Both have experienced older men to aid and advise them.

Kelson's closest advisors can help him openly, of course. Javan's have to stay hidden, like Joram who lives at...