Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
Helpful Score: 4
First in the Arthurian trilogy. Told from the point of view of Derfel, a servant of Merlin--actually a captured Saxon slave freed by the powerful Druid. Derfel later becomes one of Arthur's warrior captains. Set in 480 A.D., the story tells of the wars and strife of the times--various British tribes against one another, against the Saxons, against the Franks, Christians against the Pagans, etc. and weaves Cornwell's own brand of history with legend as his unique story of Arthur, Mordred, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin and the like is painted on the canvas. I quite enjoyed his telling of the first part of the tale and plan to collect this set in hardcover for my Keeper shelf. Great stuff!
Sheryl O. (Everett-Reader) reviewed The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur (Warlord Chronicles, Bk 1) on + 216 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoy historical fiction so this one was a real winner for me. It is retelling of the Arthurian legend without many of the typical historical inaccuracies (such as the medevil era weapons etc). I really like Cornwell's writing style and thought this was well done. You may not enjoy it if you are looking for a mystical, romance ladden tale.
