Swearing revenge on the knights that raped and murdered his sister, Raven, a peasant farm boy, journeys through the halls of Camelot and across the channels of France with the help of the wizard Merlin.
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From Publishers Weekly
Even the legendary Camelot seems dull in this lackluster first novel. Disingenuously narrated by Micah of Greenfarm, a peasant who calls himself "the Raven," the story begins with the rape and murder of Micah's sister by five of King Arthur's knights. Micah vows vengeance and, driven by spite, moves quickly through the ranks of the king's court. He distinguishes himself in battle, manages three orgasms in each of his nights abed and attains ever higher stature even as he asserts his peasant roots. After a brief time in France, Micah (now known as Michel de Verdeur) returns to England just in time to see Camelot unravel. The novel's conception of Arthur's reign is of a government rent asunder by Guinevere's infidelity with Lancelot, but this astute premise is undercut by the narrative's insistence on being politically correct: the few Jews who appear, for instance, are benevolent toward Micah and ill-treated by everyone else. With its tendentious, first-person narration, James's debut, for all its inherent drama and expertly rendered period detail, is a pale and plodding affair.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
After his sister is murdered at the hands of four drunken knights from Camelot, Micah of Greenfarm swears a vow of vengeance that leads him from peasant to knighthood's highest station. James's debut novel offers a version of the Arthurian myth in which the nobles' contempt for those of lowly birth stands in contrast to the knightly codes of chivalry and courtly love. Elegantly written with an eye for the often overlooked details of a savage age, this skillful portrait of a young man's painful collision with legend provides more than just another retelling of the Round Table's rise and fall. Most libraries should consider this revisionist view of Camelot for their fantasy collections.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By M. Nelson
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Reading this book makes one wish it would not end. The absolute passion that "Raven" feels after much strife, and the absolute determination he has for avenging his sisters violent death is mesmerizing. An absolute must read for those who love Aurthurian Novels.
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Not at all what I expected. I also thought the cover looked tame enough so I went ahead and bought it. I was surprised - but not disappointed. Very well written. Although I still wonder what happened to Anduin and Sarah...
By A Customer
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Amazing. I have read this story more times than one would care, without even feeling bored. There's something magical about this story and I assure you that it has not lost it's magic. Of course my favorite was Raven, a low classer who rose into a higher lifestyle.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spendid
With the usual Arthur story, everyone's read one or two or more of the different variations out there. This is one of the best after MIST OF THE AVALONS. Read more
Published on Mar 4 1999
4.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful writing style makes it a pleasure to read!!
I thought it was an excellent book. My only problem with it were the anachronisms!! They were driving me nuts - large cathredals in the 5th century, and many more. I love history. Read more
Published on Mar 3 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
A rich and authentic view of King Arthur's Court.
One of the richest and well written books on Camelot I've had the pleasure of reading. The retelling of Arthurian times as seen through the eyes of a peasant-turned-knight was... Read more
Published on Feb 13 1999
2.0 out of 5 stars
Quite DISGUSTING
This book did not live up to any expectations I had. The character is boring, really, and the story line is a little hard to follow. Rough edges turn up everywhere. Read more
Published on Jan 25 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic King Arthur book
I just loved this book, the point of view from a mere squire into knight was a dangerous risk for an author, but came out just lovely. Read more
Published on Dec 7 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
Raven is now my favorite character in Arthurian literature.
As an avid reader of all the retellings of the Arthurian legend, as well as the tracts that attempt to place it in historical perspective, I am always thrilled to find a unique... Read more
Published on Nov 26 1998 by Mary Jacco
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wickedly Arthurian
Delicious counterpoint to the current Camelot fad
Published on Nov 8 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This is one of the best books I've read. It seems more realistic. I loved the characters and the author did such a wonderful job of the writing the book that I couldn't put it... Read more
Published on Sep 2 1998
4.0 out of 5 stars
Refreshing Look at Arthur's Court
The promos on the jacket did not do justice to this story. The book does an excellent job at describing what it could have been like for knights in the age of Chivalry. Read more
Published on Aug 16 1997 by Ivanhoe
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