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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
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:
Yes
I tend to enjoy King arthur stories, but this has to be my all-time favourite
Each character is perfectly flawed and so full of personality that it feels like they were real humans. Nimue, Arthur, and Merlin, especially, captivate your attention instantly. No one is said to be all evil or all good.
Can't wait for the next one
Each character is perfectly flawed and so full of personality that it feels like they were real humans. Nimue, Arthur, and Merlin, especially, captivate your attention instantly. No one is said to be all evil or all good.
Can't wait for the next one
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5!
I started this book expecting it to be a narration of Arthur and everything surrounding but while it is, the narrator-character Derfel pretty much tells everything that happens to him and so on. So, he is the narrator and also a character (one of Arthur's warriors) so the action only happens when he is in it. And that I find to be very frustating because he is simply not the best character ever.
But, overall this is a good book. I loved the sibling dynamic between Morgan and Arthur and I wish we could've had their inner monologues. I will continue the trilogy!
I started this book expecting it to be a narration of Arthur and everything surrounding but while it is, the narrator-character Derfel pretty much tells everything that happens to him and so on. So, he is the narrator and also a character (one of Arthur's warriors) so the action only happens when he is in it. And that I find to be very frustating because he is simply not the best character ever.
But, overall this is a good book. I loved the sibling dynamic between Morgan and Arthur and I wish we could've had their inner monologues. I will continue the trilogy!
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The Winter King is an Arthurian story you have never read before. Cornwell focuses more on the historical background rather than the well-known magical story. This is a good thing. A very good thing.
The novel is set in a period of time where the Romans have left and the Anglo-Saxons have started their raids. Meanwhile the Britons, Celts, fight among themselves for becoming High King. It is up to Arthur to make Mordred, still a baby, the future King of England.
It is told from the perspective of Derfel, a monk secrectly writing down the story. In intervals, we read about him discussing the story with Queen Igraine. This framed story gives a different and interesting take on the Arhurian tale. Igraine is the reader's voice, asking Derfel about the common ideas (misconceptions) about the Arthurian legend, while Derfel refutes these misconceptions and tells the tale from his limited perspective and personal development.
Derfel was there. He was a warrior participating in the many battles and witnessing the politics behind them.
Although Merlin's and Lancelot's part in the story can't be defended historically, Cornwell admits that they have become such an integral part of the story that he can't omit them.
An interesting note on magic: Although many people believe magic is real, it is never truly shown. Enchantments are cast, but it is the people's believe in them that make the 'work'. It was interesting to see this take: magic as a sincere fraud. .
The book has a good pace and variety. There are many battles, but there is also character development and historical background. The writing style is accessible but not simplistic.
As this is book one of a trilogy, I will definitely read the others too.
The novel is set in a period of time where the Romans have left and the Anglo-Saxons have started their raids. Meanwhile the Britons, Celts, fight among themselves for becoming High King. It is up to Arthur to make Mordred, still a baby, the future King of England.
It is told from the perspective of Derfel, a monk secrectly writing down the story. In intervals, we read about him discussing the story with Queen Igraine. This framed story gives a different and interesting take on the Arhurian tale. Igraine is the reader's voice, asking Derfel about the common ideas (misconceptions) about the Arthurian legend, while Derfel refutes these misconceptions and tells the tale from his limited perspective and personal development.
Derfel was there. He was a warrior participating in the many battles and witnessing the politics behind them.
Although Merlin's and Lancelot's part in the story can't be defended historically, Cornwell admits that they have become such an integral part of the story that he can't omit them.
An interesting note on magic:
The book has a good pace and variety. There are many battles, but there is also character development and historical background. The writing style is accessible but not simplistic.
As this is book one of a trilogy, I will definitely read the others too.