From Publishers Weekly
In solid, straightforward prose, first-novelist Rice spins a variation on the Arthurian legend, opening as Arthur is mortally wounded in a battle during which he kills his turncoat son Medraut. Near death, Arthur bids the knight Bedwyr to cast the magical sword, Caliburn, into a lake, but Bedwyr disobeys and hides it in a tree. Returning to the British Isles 11 years later from a stint in Rome, Bedwyr meets Arthur's grandson--evil Medraut's only surviving son--Irion. Although Irion begs Bedwyr to help the Britons in their lethal rivalry with the Saxons, the mistrustful Bedwyr refuses and goes off to seek Caliburn, missing from the tree. His quest parallels Irion's desperate attempts to rally forces against the enemy residing in the fortress of Camelot. A fine storyteller, Rice employs the right magic touches (a magnificent white steed, a damsel in distress, an owl that may be the wizard Myrddin, a hidden cave and a valiant showdown at Camelot) in this winning tale of heroism, glory and romance.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Devoted followers of King Arthur will relish the twists and turns of this telling that begins 11 years after Arthur received his fatal wound at the hand of his son, Medraut. Bedwyr, last of the companions, travels back to Britain to complete the final task given him by Arthur, to retrieve Caliburn and cast it into the lake. His quest leads him through pillaged Britain, where he joins forces with the remaining tribes to attempt defeat of the Saxons. The expected themes of honor and loyalty are well played. A short, accessible work that might be considered for a secondary Arthurian bibliography.
- Barbara Hawkins, West Potomac High, Fairfax, VACopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
