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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
This has got to be one of my favourite Bernard Cornwell books.
It's rich in detail and well researched, lovingly written and full of environment that make you feel part of sixth century Britain.
At first, I found myself a little overwhelmed by the amount of location names and list of characters, but as I grew used to it, so too did my enjoyment of the tale increase.
I particularly loved the nuances and flawed character portrayal of some of history/fabled rulers and warriors. It makes sense, and it's entertaining to see that not everyone who was lauded was indeed worthy of it (looking at you Lancelot).
Highly recommended and looking forward to the next 2 instalments.
It's rich in detail and well researched, lovingly written and full of environment that make you feel part of sixth century Britain.
At first, I found myself a little overwhelmed by the amount of location names and list of characters, but as I grew used to it, so too did my enjoyment of the tale increase.
I particularly loved the nuances and flawed character portrayal of some of history/fabled rulers and warriors. It makes sense, and it's entertaining to see that not everyone who was lauded was indeed worthy of it (looking at you Lancelot).
Highly recommended and looking forward to the next 2 instalments.
Read this after a visit to Tintagel and being a fan of Merlin on the telly (no, really). Fascinating how Cornwell blends myth, literature and probable history to create a kind of historical fiction that I suspect is particular to the Arthurian setting. It does get a little thick regarding the different British factions' motives and numerous players, but that's probably me being a bit dim.
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
thought it was very interesting. will read the next one in the series but not right away.
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
Moderate: Rape, Sexism
Minor: Slavery, Torture
Sometimes I find Bernard Cornwell’s books to be a tad formulaic. This one, a reconstruction of the Arthurian legend set during the period when he might have actually existed, busts all those preconceptions. It’s a story about the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, and what better way to explore those ideas than with King Arthur? Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
adventurous
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
Just wasn’t clicking, it’s not the authors fault I just wasn’t feeling it and my wife told me that “life’s too short to read books you’re not enjoying” so I stopped