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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is the sequal to The Winter King, but it is weaker. It has the same writing style yet misses a strong central plot line. It felt as if the book was setting things up for the third part, Excaliber, rather than focusing on its own plot.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
4.75/5.00
With Arthur at our head, and Merlin on our side, how could we lose?
Enemy of God is a brilliant cultural experience, telling the tales of the Old Britain. The Britain of Arthur and Merlin, of old gods and the new god, of Saxons and Romans, of Cauldrons and Swords. Just as it promises, despite its narrative structure, it truly is the tale of Arthur. The narrative choice in this series is simply brilliant.
Arthur ap Uther is a legendary character who makes me understand why the legend of Arthur became a quintessential tale of Britain. I am also satisfied with the twist in the direction of Guinevere's character and in Ceinwyn's moment. I did feel that the story was not doing much work to portray the nuances of female characters, but this book improves on that, but still could do better.
Cornwell's exploration of peace and religion is the best part of this story, closely followed by the themes of comradery and loyalty. Its simply stunning that this story manages to dance on the line between historical fiction and historical fantasy, keeping me guessing on what will happen. The idea that history teaches us that people at mass almost always make terrible choices, is retold perfectly in this story. But other stories have done this better. Joe Abercrombie's The Trouble with Peace, is a very similar story to this story, but it is executed to perfection.
The Christians did not care that he had given the land peace, nor that they had become prosperous, only that Arthur was a pagan. ‘They’re like the Saxons,’ he told me gloomily as we left another hostile group behind, ‘they won’t be happy till they own everything.’
‘Who cares what the fools think? Allow the people to think for themselves and half of them become Christians; there’s a tribute to their ability to think,’ she spat.
‘The people! The people are idiots, that’s why they have a King and why the King has spearmen.’
Another theme I really enjoyed is the idea of how people change stories to their need. Ygraine's interaction with the older Derfel is truly fascinating.
I really wanted to give this book the full 5-star treatment, but I think I am missing something. The emotional impact simply wasn't as intense as I hoped for. But this book nearly got me there. It was hard to put down and enjoyable in every chapter. I have to give Bernard Cornwell a salute for the level of historical immersion in this story. It truly does feel like I was transported back in time to witness a piece of history that is buried in lies of winners and the fancies of bard's tales.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Derfel’s quest for the cauldron is my favorite part of the book. The imagery of the landscape and the description of the Irish warriors felt very mythical. I really enjoy this interpretation of the Lancelot-Gwenivere-Arthur situation. The focus on Christian fervor is also fun.