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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
The paragraphs and sentences were too long for me to enjoy.
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm not necessarily a fan of historical fiction, or of the Arthurian legend, but a friend recommended this to me and I ended up loving the book so much that I bought the entire series and have read it twice.
It is the story of King Arthur, as told in the first person by his friend Derfel. It includes the regular cast of characters and the expected monumental moments, but Cornwell skillfully twists them in a realistic way. What we think we know as Arthurian "truths" are, according to this book, the result of history being twisted by memory or by bards paid to sing different songs...
I love that Arthur is not the main character in this story about Arthur. He plays a major part, obviously, but this is Derfel's story and I love the humility of a main character who never really realizes how great a man he is an how great a friend he has been to a king.
It is the story of King Arthur, as told in the first person by his friend Derfel. It includes the regular cast of characters and the expected monumental moments, but Cornwell skillfully twists them in a realistic way. What we think we know as Arthurian "truths" are, according to this book, the result of history being twisted by memory or by bards paid to sing different songs...
I love that Arthur is not the main character in this story about Arthur. He plays a major part, obviously, but this is Derfel's story and I love the humility of a main character who never really realizes how great a man he is an how great a friend he has been to a king.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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:
No
A slow start. I am not a fan of fiction books pointing out that they are fiction books. Maybe the pretense of being "historical" is too much? I don't like it. The battle scenes are a bit ridiculous. I will have to read the other 2 books, though I wont rush.
Unfortunately this version of the Arthurian legend was rather disappointing for me (Lancelot being such a terrible person? No, thanks), and sadly, the narrator of the audiobook (Mr. Edmund Dehn) made it even more difficult for me to like the story. I never thought I'd say it, but I almost quit the book because of his hysterical rendition of the female characters. I'm sure this is a very subjective opinion, so I'll avoid rating the book, but all in all, I don't think I'll be reading the next installments.
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Good escapist reading. Well researched Dark Ages/early Medieval story-telling. Interesting take on the Arthurian tales with greater emphasis on the real threats, fears and struggles of warriors in this still mysterious period of British and Northern European history. The conflict between early mystical Christianity and the pagan rituals of the Druids is fascinating and earthy; a far remove from the dreamy stories of Avalon and Camelot. Looking forward to,finishing the trilogy and then checking out Agincourt,