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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed this more realistic take on the legend of Arthur. Here he is not presented as a King, but as a Warlord who is trying(and many times failing) to unite Britons against the invading Saxons, but just as often, he is battling other Britons who are vying for more power. This was first published in 1996 and I think, even though this is more definitely historical fiction (less fantasy), this influenced a lot of the grimdark fiction that came after this in the fantasy genre. It is dark, violent, gory, ruthless, and at times hard to read, especially the sexual assault scenes. The author was trying to accurately portray the violence of daily life that was inescapable during this time, and in that regard he was successful. As far as the story goes, the plot meandered a bit before an overarching story revealed itself. A lot of time was spent establishing the characters and this world. The characters are well-rounded and interesting. Arthur is a flawed, tragic human whose nature has him fighting himself as much as his enemies. Merlin is a crazed, single-minded asshole who is only looking to reestablish Britain's "natural gods" and to kick out any invaders. Our narrator is very sympathetic, and at the beginning of this story, has a bit of hero-worship for Arthur going on. As the story progresses, and as he matures, our narrator learns that Arthur is still a hero, but he's also just a man, not some God-like being. And that's what I find interesting about this novel, it reimagines a legend and mythic character as a real person, with ambitions, flaws, and weaknesses. I'm looking forward to seeing how this story plays out, even though I know if it follows the legend, it won't end well for Arthur...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
I am not giving it 5 stars, since as it usually happens with a series of novels, a trilogy in this case, there are quite a few cliffhangers due also to the very scaffolding of the narrative, cliffhangers that end up being annoying in some places. Overall, though, the author managed to treat the topic with the exact amount of compelling adherence to reality and hinting to mysticism, so that you are presented with a credible yet idealistic representation of those unknown times. You won't see the Arthurian characters we all are familiar with, but much deeper characters that will keep you glued to the pages to see what would happen in a story you thought you knew.
I started reading/listening The Last Kingfom series by the same author and found some of his other works, this among them. When I noticed that this was narrorated by the same man Jonathan Keeble - who is now one of my top 3 narrators) I knew I had to try it.
The story of Arthur is always so bogged down by the myth that it is a rare story where I feel like I connect with the characters. But this book did not have that problem. It is clear that Mr. Cornwell went to great lengths to demonstrate that all of these characters are humans not myths. They are fallable, imperfect humans. And that made this so much better of a atory.
The only thing that did catch my attention(not entirely in a bad way) was the similarities to the Last Kingfom series. I think there were a couple of lines that were almost word for word, but that wasn't a huge deal because most of the story was distinct from his other series.
A great book. Can't wait to start book 2.
The story of Arthur is always so bogged down by the myth that it is a rare story where I feel like I connect with the characters. But this book did not have that problem. It is clear that Mr. Cornwell went to great lengths to demonstrate that all of these characters are humans not myths. They are fallable, imperfect humans. And that made this so much better of a atory.
The only thing that did catch my attention(not entirely in a bad way) was the similarities to the Last Kingfom series. I think there were a couple of lines that were almost word for word, but that wasn't a huge deal because most of the story was distinct from his other series.
A great book. Can't wait to start book 2.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I did not like this book one bit.
I think you either enjoy Arthurian novels or you don't and I'm of the latter persuasion. I don't like them at all and will not be starting any more. I just can't wrap my tongue around the Welsh spelling. Then there is the issue of trying to figure out if they are talking about a place name, person or some religious object. It was all too confusing to enjoy.
I think you either enjoy Arthurian novels or you don't and I'm of the latter persuasion. I don't like them at all and will not be starting any more. I just can't wrap my tongue around the Welsh spelling. Then there is the issue of trying to figure out if they are talking about a place name, person or some religious object. It was all too confusing to enjoy.
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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:
Complicated