Kingdom of the Grail

This solid fantasy from Judith Tarr blends the Song of Roland with the Arthurian legend to create something new. I've been burned out on King Arthur since I was a teenager, but I love tales about Charlemagne and Roland, so that was the biggest draw for me--and also the dominant element in the story. There's a classic fantasy feel to the book, great in terms of the voice, but the villains felt a bit one-note to me. I did like how Roland evolved in the course of the story. When someone is destined to be a Big Damn Hero, it's a challenge to show that they do still need to grow as not only a hero but a human being, but Tarr does that very well. And of course, it's always a joy to read what she writes about horses, as she truly knows her stuff.

Based on the "Song of Roland" (and throwing some Arthurian stuff into the mix for good measure), this is a very solid effort from Tarr. I think that her medieval fantasies tend to be the best of all her historical fantasies, so that aspect was a pleasure to read (I certainly found the parts that were more solidly rooted in history to be more interesting than the later parts where the action transferred elsewhere and the story became straight-out fantasy.) Still, she displays her usual knack for characterisation and lush prose here, and I enjoyed the story as a whole.

Hundreds of years after the death of King Arthur, a new king has risen to great power in England, and a new pupil has come to Merlin, trapped in his prison in Broceliande. Kingdom of the Grail tells the story of Roland, descendant of Merlin, Companion to King Charles, and Champion of the Grail. For those who have read the Song of Roland, the story will be familiar, though Ms. Tarr has added her usual assortment of magical beings, auxiliary characters, and, of course, romantic interludes. Moreover, where The Song of Roland ends, Kingdom of the Grail continues the story, asking the reader, 'what if?' Part historical fiction, part fantasy, part retelling, and part romance, Kingdom of the Grail brings the story of Roland, Sarissa, Charles, show more and the grail to life yet again.

Truth be told, Kingdom of the Grail is packed with melodrama, lovers' quarrels, and purple prose, as Ms. Tarr's books usually are. The ending also has that touch of deus ex machina that so often attends her climaxes. And yet . . . somehow, her books are still such fun, even when I do find myself rolling my eyes. show less

This was a reread that I enjoyed very much. As can be seen from the title it is another Legend of the Holy Grail, but one that takes place many years after the fall of Camelot. Merlin has very small supporting role but his apprentice - and descendent - Roland is an amazing character. The book is very well done, I enjoyed it greatly, as is everything by Judith Tarr.

Pieces of the Arthurian legend, linked to the Song of Roland, grounded with some historical events, and wrapped together author Judith Tarr's unique imagination--what could be better?

ereader ebook