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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
This book is so much more than an arthur legend. Yes it has the familiar characters that we all know but it is told in such a solid way you would never have known it was just a legend with a doubtful history.
To me the book is more about the loss of control and yearning for what once was. Ancient Britain is in turmoil. The Roman Empire has withdrawn it's forces and the surviving clans are fighting with eachother while Saxon warriors seek to invade the fractured country.
While the newly found christianity is spread throughout, some vestiges of the druids can still be found. Arthur is a champion and sworn protector of the newly crowned infant king. His goal is to gather the various neighboring kingdoms to act as a united front against the threatening saxons.
Can't wait to read the next one!
To me the book is more about the loss of control and yearning for what once was. Ancient Britain is in turmoil. The Roman Empire has withdrawn it's forces and the surviving clans are fighting with eachother while Saxon warriors seek to invade the fractured country.
While the newly found christianity is spread throughout, some vestiges of the druids can still be found. Arthur is a champion and sworn protector of the newly crowned infant king. His goal is to gather the various neighboring kingdoms to act as a united front against the threatening saxons.
Can't wait to read the next one!
Sou apaixonada por narrativas arturianas, e acho que esta traz uma perspectiva diferente. Bastante interessante, sem dúvida.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a dark, disturbing, and wildly different take on a familiar legend. There is a lot of triggering content, reader beware. The action is written so tensely and descriptively; you can feel and see the fear and chaos. A lot of what happens is incredibly hard to stomach. It’s an unflinchingly horrible look at the Dark Ages, where Arthur would have truly existed. There is nothing romanticized or fantastical about it, and that is why I found it compelling.
The writing style is interesting. The narrator, looking back on a past age, gives it a more weighted feel. You’re plunged head first into what feels like chaos, with one horrible thing after the other is described as nonchalantly as if it were the neighbor going out to grab the paper. It makes the setting jarring to experience, although it lends credence to the narrator having lived in and experienced first hand what he’s describing.
However, because it’s written like a story told to another person, there is a lot of: this happened, and then this happened, and that person spoke to this person, etc. Although the quality of the writing was great, the pace is at times too slow because of that framing choice. I had a hard time staying engaged at certain points. It was worth the reread, but I don’t think I’ll continue to reread the rest of the series. Once was enough.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
informative
relaxing
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
wonderful, historical fiction
adventurous
dark
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
The first volume in an intriguing re-telling of the Arthurian Legend. It's a good reminder that stories often are told and retold and take on new dimensions of meaning. This legend, like that of Robin Hood, lend themselves well to this. In this telling, we are taken back to a time when Britain has been abandoned by the Romans, the Britons are reasserting themselves, but facing the reality of Saxon invasions. It is a time when a variety of religious traditions, including Christianity are mixed in -- and not always easily.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my first reading of an Arthurian retelling, and I am impressed! It took me a few pages to really get into the story, as the first part of the book (5 parts in total) is mostly exposition, with lots of names being thrown at you. But once Arthur really becomes central to plot, that's when I was completely hooked.
The story is told by Derfel, it's a frame narrative, which is something I enjoy, and Derfel is a captivating character, the way he presents the world and the characters to us is really well done. This book is also incredibly dark, there are some passages in this that were brutal to read, and it was so good!!
Lots of betrayals, lots of action (and very well described action!), also an interesting take on Lancelot. Looking forward to continuing the series.
The story is told by Derfel, it's a frame narrative, which is something I enjoy, and Derfel is a captivating character, the way he presents the world and the characters to us is really well done. This book is also incredibly dark, there are some passages in this that were brutal to read, and it was so good!!
Lots of betrayals, lots of action (and very well described action!), also an interesting take on Lancelot. Looking forward to continuing the series.
4.5 stars
A little meandering at times but this book moves at such good pace that it's hardly noticeable. The characters are also interestingly complex and fun to read about. Once again I find myself very invested in a first-person retrospective narrative lol. The area where this book should get the most points though is definitely the setting. For better or worse (and there's a lot very grim things in this setting), I felt completely transported to 6th century Britain every time I picked this up. I've been wanting to pick up more historical fiction and this book might have single handedly sold me on the genre. Cornwell's writing is some of the most effortless I've read and I'm very excited for book 2.
A little meandering at times but this book moves at such good pace that it's hardly noticeable. The characters are also interestingly complex and fun to read about. Once again I find myself very invested in a first-person retrospective narrative lol. The area where this book should get the most points though is definitely the setting. For better or worse (and there's a lot very grim things in this setting), I felt completely transported to 6th century Britain every time I picked this up. I've been wanting to pick up more historical fiction and this book might have single handedly sold me on the genre. Cornwell's writing is some of the most effortless I've read and I'm very excited for book 2.