The Endless Knot [Hardcover]

In the third and final book of the Song of Albion Trilogy Lawhead takes us to the end of our journey--or perhaps the beginning. It is yet another well-thought-out well-researched book full of not only a dynamic plot, poignant relatable characters, and unforseen twists; but also a resivoire of knowledge of Celtic mythology. The depth of Lawhead's understanding and interweaving of the myth is breathtaking and brilliant.

This is THE best trilogy I have ever picked up, and, though I don't often do this, I forsee myself reading them again.

A treacherous claimant to the throne of Albion has been defeated. Now Llew Silver Hand rigtfully and completely reigns as Aird Righ (High King) of Albion and all seems right. He and Lady Goewyn admit their love for each other during a festive celebration and soon a wedding is in full swing. I loved the gentleness of the passion shown between the two without it becoming crude or overly explicit.

However, as is soon discovered, all is NOT right, yet, within Albion. Llew is hearbroken to thing that just as his kingship is established he must leave Albion forever. He insists that the giving of his silver hand means that he must have someting something more to do, a further task in Albion. And indeed he does.

The final part of a beautiful three act play concerns the retrieval of a treasure knownn as the Singing Stones (stones that hold thanks to magical means the ancient "Song Of Albion), along with the kidnapping and rescue of Queen Goewyn from the clutches of the villainous Siawn Hy (Simon Rawnson under his Celtic name).

I really loved the many parallels in all three books between the ancient Celtic world and that of Christianity. The most moving thing to me in the book is the way in which the goal is achived. The sacrificial death of High King Llew for the sake of Goewyn and his people transforms Albion back to a state even greater than its former pristine glory, and mirrors perfectly the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus that saved the souls of the entire world. Fittingly, when Lewis is sent home, the people of this world have a new eagerness and fervor and a greater genuine love for Jesus. Just as Albion is restored, this world gets changed in quite a dramatic way too. Also, the romantic aspect of Llew's life does take a gently uplifting turn at the end of the book but I won't spoil that for you. Read it yourself and find out. ;)

All in all, the only thing I didn't like about this book is the fact that it's conclusion means that the Song Of Albion series is over and complete. I find myself wishing there was more to read, more to tell. A sure sign that a series has touched you is that you wish there was more, and this series definitely did that for me. I find an earlier reviewer's comparison with a powerful and passionate symphony more than fitting. GREAT work Stephen. My hat is off to you forever for writing such a great of work.