Arthur

As a novel, Arthur is lighthearted, light-handed, and light reading. I don't mean that the book itself is lacking in substance, but that the tremendous amount of research that has clearly gone into the novel appears effortless, to my great amazement. The presentation of God almost exclusively through Arthur's eyes gives the book's philosophy a balance that many modern novels lack. God is present, but he is internalized within a character and not used as a narratorial mallet with which to bludgeon the unfortunate reader.

Having recently begun re-reading The Once and Future King (my favourite Arthurian narrative when I was in college), I very much enjoy the soft touch applied to Merlin in Arthur. (I'll shortly be revisiting the rest of the show more series, as I can't currently recall how Merlin is treated in his own volume). Lawhead's Merlin is surprisingly human in his behaviour and psychology, and the idea that he has weaknesses does not come as a surprise. This is excellent not so much because of Merlin, but because it makes Arthur stronger by contrast; he is the figurative "golden child" (the novel is rife with golden and regal imagery). When Merlin is weak, Arthur is unrelentingly strong, and the failures of a great man make Arthur all but invincible in contrast.

In short, I think this book is entirely acceptable for readers twelve and up (I'd say ten but for the prologue, though I probably first read this at the age of ten and would have had no idea what much of it meant). However, anyone who wants to read Arthur should absolutely read Taliesin first, because it is wonderful in its own right and has fleshes out some of the brevity of Arthur.

(First posted: http://legereinterlitteras.blogspot.com/2014/06/lawhead-lore-re-reading-arthur.h... show less

This book takes a different approach to the legend of King Arthur, The traditional story of Arthur has always been riddled with deceit, adultery, and intrigue (in the worst sense). Lawhead's re-telling presents a kinder, gentler legend; but even so, the pace will keep every reader's blood pumping.

In this story, we see Arthur become the foretold high king ruler of the Isle of the Mighty. We are taken through the arduous process Arthur must undertake to create the Kingdom of Summer. Arthur and Myrddin (Merlin) must combat treasonous kings as well as multiple invasions of Britain by barbarians.

I particularly enjoyed the way Lawhead divided the book into three parts, each narrated by a different individual. In this way, the different stages show more of Arthur's life are better portrayed. show less

Truth be told, I've hardly ever enjoyed a series more than I am enjoying this one.

This third book in particular was a riveting look at the once and future king of the Britons. Seen through the eyes of 3 of his men, I enjoyed the originality and scholarly bent.

Full disclosure, it is very Christian.

Lawhead's continues his Pendragon series with Arthur. Like the first two books, I also enjoyed reading this book. In this story, we see Arthur become the foretold high king ruler of the Isle of the Mighty. We are taken through the arduous process Arthur must undertake to create the Kingdom of Summer. Arthur and Myrddin must combat treasonous kings as well as multiple invasions of Britain by barbarians. The battle sequences are epic and very well told. I'm glad Lawhead chose to use the first person account of the story once again, this time from a perspective of three characters. I gave this book four stars because of two reasons. The ending was a bit odd and appeared abrupt as if injected to meet a deadline. Also, like the other books, show more there's a good deal of Christianity wrapped into the story, as there may have been in 4th and 5th century Britain. However, I found it less intertwined and more preachy in this book. show less

A unique and fictionalized version of Arthur. Lawhead is a master of historical fiction when it comes to Celtic, and anything related.

Not as good as Taliesin, but about as good as Merlin however, enjoyable none the less.

I enjoy Lawhead's writing prose.

I enjoyed book three of the Pendragon cycle. The tale was intruiging with a couple of changes made to the one I am used to for exmaple Morgan and Arthur not committing incest, but Morgan and her own son. Other problems I had were that the book was not really about Arthur despite the title. It was more about the three narrators; Pelleas, Bedwyr and Anerin who you learn lots about.

Again though it was very wel written and easy to read. Arthur and Merlin came over as blessed people, but were again too christian for my liking. I'm not sure at this stage what the last two books will cover as the main parts of the tale seem to be already told...

Rating: 2* of five

The Publisher Says: In a forgotten age of darkness a magnificent king arose to light the world.

They called him unfit to rule—a lowborn, callow boy, Uther's bastard. But his coming had been foretold in the songs of the bard Taliesin. He had learned the uses of power from his guide and protector, Merlin. He was Arthur, Pendragon of the Island of the Mighty—who would rise to legendary greatness in a Britain torn by violence, greed and war; the Lord of Summer who would usher in a glorious reign of peace and prosperity . . . and whose noble, trusting heart would be broken by treachery.

My Review: Battle, battle, battle; foreshadowed Religious Event; battle, battle; Merlin and Morgian (variant spelling in the source show more document, even though I hated it I'm using it) sparring; oh hell, nothing much new.

BORING!

B...O...R...I...N...G!!!


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