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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
Fun Military Historical Fiction of Arthuriana (cont’d)
a fantastic well written book, like the first in the Arthur series was a real page turner. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves war, excitement, passion and some old fashioned legend tales coming to life
I love these books. They're not comfortable, they can be stressful... but I just can't stop reading them.
At almost 1000 pages into this epic series, I find myself thinking and talking about Arthurian legend and medieval British history often. The problem being, most people really don't care to have extended conversations on this topic. If someone I know starts reading this series, let's discuss!
This second book in the series, as most seconds in trilogies, tries to fit in a lot of the most popular legends () into the story. For this reason, it reads somewhat disjointed compared to the first book, but it does well at setting up the political factions and their interests.
Cornwell brings you into this world. Arthur, Merlin, Derfel: they are well-rounded characters that you care about. This is a difficulty because we all know the story will end tragically. Again and again, the rational and orderly plans of Arthur are spoiled by the impulsive whims of men (or by the chaos of the Gods, if you believe the Druids). The story comes so close to an idyllic conclusion, more than once, and it is gut-wrenching to read each shocking upheaval of these carefully laid strategies ... which, of course, also makes the book all the more captivating.
This second book in the series, as most seconds in trilogies, tries to fit in a lot of the most popular legends (
Spoiler
Tristan and Isolde, Guinevere and Lancelot, the Holy Grail/Cauldron of the Gods, e.g.Cornwell brings you into this world. Arthur, Merlin, Derfel: they are well-rounded characters that you care about. This is a difficulty because we all know the story will end tragically. Again and again, the rational and orderly plans of Arthur are spoiled by the impulsive whims of men (or by the chaos of the Gods, if you believe the Druids). The story comes so close to an idyllic conclusion, more than once, and it is gut-wrenching to read each shocking upheaval of these carefully laid strategies ... which, of course, also makes the book all the more captivating.
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A book that had more highs than the first book but more lows as well. Still a better book though.
On to more specifics the end scene of the 2nd chapter between Derfel and Ceinwyn was just beautiful and my favourite of the series as of yet. The Cauldron quest chapter was also great and the main battle between Arthur’s and Aelle’s forces was also great. Now from the last chapter of the 2nd part and the entirety of the 3rd part just had so many infuriating moments for me that made it difficult for me to read through it and significantly slowed my reading pace. But the last part made it all worth it and has us now ready for the last parts of the Arthur legend.
On to more specifics the end scene of the 2nd chapter between Derfel and Ceinwyn was just beautiful and my favourite of the series as of yet. The Cauldron quest chapter was also great and the main battle between Arthur’s and Aelle’s forces was also great. Now from the last chapter of the 2nd part and the entirety of the 3rd part just had so many infuriating moments for me that made it difficult for me to read through it and significantly slowed my reading pace. But the last part made it all worth it and has us now ready for the last parts of the Arthur legend.
Builds on the first and leads to excellent effects and drama. The great tragedy of Arthurian legend starts to unfold here. I have to say, I LOVE the writing and direction for Guinevere's character in this. We see her do horrible actions but we are reminded that, for a woman who dared to be ambitious, smart, and accomplished, there was little else she could do. This way, we move past the trope of the cold, unfeeling, and cruel ambitious woman and into something far more nuanced and realistic
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Strong start and finish with a slower paced middle (although that’s not necessarily a fault), but as with the first book, still an engaging and enjoyable ride throughout. The world of fifth-century England feels foreign but the people and their story is both timeless and current.