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Product Description
From Amazon
Essentially this is a modern political thriller, told in flat American diction. Narrated by Derfel, an ordinary, likable man who rises through the ranks to become Arthur's friend and advisor in peace and war, the story doesn't follow the traditional patterns. Mordred is Uther's infant grandson, the legitimate king; Arthur is one of Mordred's guardians, sworn to hold the kingdom against the Saxon warlords until Mordred comes of age. Warfare is incessant. Arthur's dream of peace and unity seems unattainable. Derfel's own story--his strange origin, his love for Nimue, his worries and his triumphs--parallels Arthur's as he fights for and beside him.
Bernard Cornwell downplays the magic that enlivens the traditional stories, depicting it more as a combination of superstition and shrewd wits. I recommend this with reservations; though it's absorbing to read, the emphasis on battles and politics means that this will greatly appeal to some fantasy readers, but disappoint others. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
From Publishers Weekly
Arthurian literature may be a worldwide cottage industry, but Cornwell, author of the Sharpe series of historical military adventures (Sharpe's Battle, etc.) stands out from the crowd with this exemplary kickoff to a trilogy about the legendary warrior-king. Cornwell's Arthur is fierce, dedicated and complex, a man with many problems, most of his own making. His impulsive decisions sometimes have tragic ramifications, as when he lustfully takes Guinevere instead of the intended Ceinwyn, alienating his friends and allies and inspiring a bloody battle. The secondary characters are equally unexpected, and are ribboned with the magic and superstition of the times. Merlin impresses as a remarkable personage, a crafty schemer fond of deceit and disguise. Lancelot is portrayed as a warrior-pretender, a dishonest charmer with dark plans of his own; by contrast, Galahad seems the noble soldier of purpose and dedication. Guinevere, meanwhile, no gentle creature waiting patiently in the moonlight, has designs and plots of her own. The story of these characters and others is narrated forcefully and with dry wit by Derfel Cadarn, one of Arthur's warriors, who later becomes a monk. Cornwell knows his history?the battle scenes are particularly fine?but not once does it get in the way of people of flesh and blood meeting on a darkened field of combat. Author tour.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
ONCE UPON A TIME, in a land that was called Britain, these things happened. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
ONCE UPON A TIME, in a land that was called Britain, these things happened. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Winter King a Classic,
By
This review is from: Winter King (Paperback)
There are few authors who have written the quality and quantity of Historical Novels to match Bernard Cornwell. (I have 41 of his 43 books at home.) Mr. Cornwell stated that this series (The Winter King, Enemy of God and Excalibur-aka The Warlord Chronicles) were his favourites. That alone would make any fan purchase all three books in the set. It follows the life of a young man, Derfel Cadarn as he grows up in Merlin's household and eventually serves Arthur of Camelot fame. The names will be very familiar to readers: Lancelot, Guinevere, Merlin, Galahad, etc. but the interesting spin on some of these fictional charactors and the twisting of the story of the 'Knights of the Round' table makes it a facinating and wholly entertaining read. 'Laugh out Loud' has become a cliche these days, but this adventure story is so well written that I found myself doing just that on many occasions. This novel is one of my favourites. If you have never read any of this wonderful author's books before, please purchase this with a single caveat in mind... One book will probably lead to another. Certainly, the buyer will end up owning all three in the series before he knows it and might just fall into the same habit as I have: that of buying all of his books, then waiting with baited breath for the release dates of his next work.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Arthur - The Real Story,
By unowhoandwhy "unowhoandwhy" (New Hampshire, United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur (Paperback)
If you honestly believe that there is truth to the Arthur legends, then this book is a must read. After you finish it (and read the other books in the series) you will be amazed at how true to life the story sounds, and wonder if the author found a time machine and went back to see what really happened. We all know that history is written (and distorted by) the winner. This tale is narrated by Derfel, who started out life as a Saxon, escaped death at the hands of a really nasty Druid, became Merlin's slave and later... well, you'll have to read the book to see what happens next. No spoilers here! I always thought that Arthur was a bit dimwitted, Guinevere completely unlikable, and Lancelot was a real hero until I read this book. Now, I think that Arthur is wonderfully misunderstood, Guinevere is not so bad, and Lancelot... well, as I said, no spoilers here! Read this book and you'll become addicted to Cornwell's stories. I just finished "Stonehenge" (another must-read) and all of his stories leave you with the same feeling: where is that time machine that he's using to see what really happened, and would he let me borrow it for just a little while?!
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lacks Excitement,
By
This review is from: Winter King (Paperback)
Although this is obviously a well researched and written book, it didn't hold my interest as well as Cornwell's Sharpe series. There are so many names, places, and people to keep track of, and not a lot of action, in my opinion. Having said this, I completed the book and will start the sequel.
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