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Forever King #1
The Forever King
In a darkened house not far from the place where Camelot may once have stood, a madman schemes, plotting toward the day when he will wrest the cup that men call the Holy Grail from the boy who is its guardian. Arthur Blessing is no ordinary ten-year-old. The Grail is his by chance, this time, but the power to keep it--a power as ancient as time itself--is his by right. Now he must stay alive--battling foul sorcery and indefatigable assassins--long enough to use that power. "A fresh and exciting view of the Arthur legend." ―Robert Jordan on Molly Cochran's The Forever King
364 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1992
81 people are currently reading
3230 people want to read
About the author
Molly Cochran
34 books90 followersaka Dev Stryker
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Molly Cochran lived in Europe and was educated at the University of Pittsburgh and the Sorbonne in France. She has written 26 books, including 12 ghosted novels, and the non-fiction bestseller, Dressing Thin, before her own first novel, Grandmaster, was a New York Times Bestseller.
Since then, she has written almost a dozen other suspense and fantasy thrillers, including the international best-seller, The Forever King.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Molly Cochran lived in Europe and was educated at the University of Pittsburgh and the Sorbonne in France. She has written 26 books, including 12 ghosted novels, and the non-fiction bestseller, Dressing Thin, before her own first novel, Grandmaster, was a New York Times Bestseller.
Since then, she has written almost a dozen other suspense and fantasy thrillers, including the international best-seller, The Forever King.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
September 7, 2011
This is another book that I read years ago and recently re-read. I did this for two reasons: first, because I loved it so much the first time, I wanted to see if it still resonated and, secondly, because I discovered it is actually the first book of a trilogy and I intend to read the others (mind you, they were out of print, so hard to track down - but I did!).
Ostensibly a retelling of the Arthur story for the modern age, this tale is so much more...Taking the notion that King Arthur died before he could fulfil his destiny, the young man who pulled Excalibur from the stone is reborn in... the USA (of course) in contemporary times. But wait, like a good advertisement for steak knives, there's more.
Spanning eras and continents, the novel takes us back to ancient times, the period of the Pharaohs, Persia, medieval Britain and then catapults us into the modern period and into the life of a burned our former FBI agent, Hal, who can't forget the young red-headed boy he didn't rescue from a psychopathic killer in time.
We also learn about a very tall man, a gruesome murderer, who is in solitary confinement in a mental institute in the UK. He has no name, no past and, it seems no future... that is, until he learns the whereabouts of a certain object he owned for a very long time, lost and which he desires very much.
Parallel to these stories is that of 10 year old, Arthur Blessing. He's an orphan being raised by his brilliant young Aunt Emily. But it's not until he comes across a strange metal, cup-like object that Arthur's fairly ordinary existence becomes not only extraordinary but very, very dangerous for him and those he cares about. For the metal cup has powers that some will stop at nothing to ensure they possess - no matter how long it take or at what cost.
A fast-paced, highly cinematic read (one of the authors has worked on screenplays - and it shows in a good way), this is a fun, imaginatively conceived book that leaves you breathless and wanting more. I couldn't put it down the first or second time.
Ostensibly a retelling of the Arthur story for the modern age, this tale is so much more...Taking the notion that King Arthur died before he could fulfil his destiny, the young man who pulled Excalibur from the stone is reborn in... the USA (of course) in contemporary times. But wait, like a good advertisement for steak knives, there's more.
Spanning eras and continents, the novel takes us back to ancient times, the period of the Pharaohs, Persia, medieval Britain and then catapults us into the modern period and into the life of a burned our former FBI agent, Hal, who can't forget the young red-headed boy he didn't rescue from a psychopathic killer in time.
We also learn about a very tall man, a gruesome murderer, who is in solitary confinement in a mental institute in the UK. He has no name, no past and, it seems no future... that is, until he learns the whereabouts of a certain object he owned for a very long time, lost and which he desires very much.
Parallel to these stories is that of 10 year old, Arthur Blessing. He's an orphan being raised by his brilliant young Aunt Emily. But it's not until he comes across a strange metal, cup-like object that Arthur's fairly ordinary existence becomes not only extraordinary but very, very dangerous for him and those he cares about. For the metal cup has powers that some will stop at nothing to ensure they possess - no matter how long it take or at what cost.
A fast-paced, highly cinematic read (one of the authors has worked on screenplays - and it shows in a good way), this is a fun, imaginatively conceived book that leaves you breathless and wanting more. I couldn't put it down the first or second time.
May 20, 2013
Hal was a fantastic FBI agent, but after a child died during one of his cases, he left the bureau and became an alcoholic mess. Arthur was just a bright but ordinary boy until he discovered a strange metallic cup. A serious of coincidences and the dastardly deeds of the immortal Saladin bring them to England, where they discover they are the reincarnations of Galahad and King Arthur. But their vague memories of their past lives will be little use against the clever and ruthless man who was once known as the Saracen knight.
I did like this book; it strips out a lot of the icky psychosexual undertones of modern Arthurian tales, and instead focuses on the knights' justice and loyalty. But I couldn't help but get creeped out that all of the non-white characters are evil, or that the only queer character is a twisted madman. I really resented how many chapters were told through the sociopathic and thoroughly unpleasant point of view of Saladin. And I have two quibbles with the last few chapters of this book:
I don't plan on reading the rest of this series, because no one seems to enjoy them very much. But I'm glad I read this one; even though Hal isn't given much of a character (he's a character type I usually love, but I felt nothing for him in this iteration) and the battle between evil Arabs vs honorable Anglos reads offensively to me, I still enjoyed the effort to bring King Arthur into the modern age. The moment when Arthur pulls the sword from the stone a second time, for instance--I nearly teared up.
I did like this book; it strips out a lot of the icky psychosexual undertones of modern Arthurian tales, and instead focuses on the knights' justice and loyalty. But I couldn't help but get creeped out that all of the non-white characters are evil, or that the only queer character is a twisted madman. I really resented how many chapters were told through the sociopathic and thoroughly unpleasant point of view of Saladin. And I have two quibbles with the last few chapters of this book:
I don't plan on reading the rest of this series, because no one seems to enjoy them very much. But I'm glad I read this one; even though Hal isn't given much of a character (he's a character type I usually love, but I felt nothing for him in this iteration) and the battle between evil Arabs vs honorable Anglos reads offensively to me, I still enjoyed the effort to bring King Arthur into the modern age. The moment when Arthur pulls the sword from the stone a second time, for instance--I nearly teared up.
March 4, 2024
Read as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: Not a keeper.
This is an interesting approach to Arthuriana, but as soon as the flashbacks to Camelot started, it seemed obvious that the writers were more interested in that than in their modern tale of a reborn King Arthur, and I was honestly sad when the plot swung back into the 'present day'. The extended flashbacks also interrupted the pacing of the present-day plotline, which - being largely structured as an action/adventure plot - really needed to keep that tension up, actually.
Reading reviews of the second and third book, it doesn't sound like the trilogy as a whole really pays off on its interesting premise, so not worth tracking them down as I'm already less than invested.
This is an interesting approach to Arthuriana, but as soon as the flashbacks to Camelot started, it seemed obvious that the writers were more interested in that than in their modern tale of a reborn King Arthur, and I was honestly sad when the plot swung back into the 'present day'. The extended flashbacks also interrupted the pacing of the present-day plotline, which - being largely structured as an action/adventure plot - really needed to keep that tension up, actually.
Reading reviews of the second and third book, it doesn't sound like the trilogy as a whole really pays off on its interesting premise, so not worth tracking them down as I'm already less than invested.
August 22, 2021
OK, I know it is an Arthur book, but this one surprised me. Set today, a ten year old lives in Chicago. He comes across a weird cup. Some guys break in and shoot is Aunt. The cup heals her and Arthur inherits a castle in England. Elsewhere an ex-FBI agent is in New York where he is drinking himself into oblivion for his failure to save a boy. He wins a trip to England. In an insane asylum in England, a mass murderer is chained in the basement. These three come together to make a very interesting Arthur story.
June 4, 2007
This is one of my roommate's favorite books, which she lent to me. I can totally see why she liked it. It's a really cool take on the King Arthur legend, involving one of my favorite silly soap opera plot points—reincarnation. There's also a really interesting, complex villain whose long, long life is explored through a series of fascinating, history-charged flashbacks. So plot-wise, it's pretty damn awesome. I think the only thing that's stopping it from being OMG ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE BOOKS EVA!!! is the fact that the prose is really nothing to write home about. It's kind of standard-issue, serviceable and flat. And thus the characters don't really come alive for me. I mean, Hal, the washed-up FBI agent who may have a shot at redeeming himself, is just the kind of fictional dude I have a tendency to fall in love with. I should have fallen in love with him in this book. But he just kind of sits there on the page. The book wasn't any less fun to read, and I'll definitely be picking up the sequel, but for me, at least, the prose's lack of sparkle makes it something I'm less likely to reread.
August 30, 2013
Now, when I picked up this book from a pile of mislaid novels in B&N I had no clue what it was about - even the synopses and snippets in the book don't really clue you in. But I was immensely pleased as I began to read - as a book about King Arthur, it had all of the hallmarks of a classic Arthurian story you could find in Erec or Yvain, or The Knight With the Lion. The story follows an unlikely knight, Hal, who has already suffered his fall from grace (not a spoiler, I promise) in a modern setting. This is urban fantasy, and it had sneaked up on me to pleasantly surprise with its application, being set in the 90's. Even better, the contemporary story actually references stories about, or mentioning Arthur found in original manuscripts dating back to the 13th century from poets who were the pioneers of Arthurian literature (Hartmann von Aue, Chretien de Troyes, etc) and even British authors like Geoffrey of Monmouth who prophesied the great king's return in his "History of the Kings of Britain." My enthusiasm for Arthurian lit aside, it's a fun read: Cochran walks you through the ages, with Hal and an interesting cadre of characters who will provide an interesting range of views on the big questions of the novel. Is "forever" really a good thing? I don't know about that, but I do know that you'll enjoy reading this!
September 4, 2022
"My life is important. To me. Because it is short, and precious. Because each day may be my last.’
Imaginative retelling as well as forward projection of the classic tale. Cochran recasts both the origin tale and her modern addendum relative to the received classic story. At that she does less violence—and achieves a more cogent whole—than many twentieth century adaptations.
‘The past was immutable and eternal. A man could not change a moment of it. The only thing in his power was the choice to forgive himself.’
Main characters are presented with human limitations, including their unawareness of their own potential. Gritty, but not gratuitous. Old-fashioned in many ways.
"But I don't want to be safe! I want to be alive!"
Quibble: in hewing to Malory’s timeline, Cochran commits numerous anachronisms, such as Saxons being the invading enemy in a Crusades-era England. To fully enjoy this version, the reader must let go of prior knowledge of history and literature and go with this version.
"I wonder if one lifetime will be enough." "It's never enough." "Is that why things never change?" "Perhaps."
Imaginative retelling as well as forward projection of the classic tale. Cochran recasts both the origin tale and her modern addendum relative to the received classic story. At that she does less violence—and achieves a more cogent whole—than many twentieth century adaptations.
‘The past was immutable and eternal. A man could not change a moment of it. The only thing in his power was the choice to forgive himself.’
Main characters are presented with human limitations, including their unawareness of their own potential. Gritty, but not gratuitous. Old-fashioned in many ways.
"But I don't want to be safe! I want to be alive!"
Quibble: in hewing to Malory’s timeline, Cochran commits numerous anachronisms, such as Saxons being the invading enemy in a Crusades-era England. To fully enjoy this version, the reader must let go of prior knowledge of history and literature and go with this version.
"I wonder if one lifetime will be enough." "It's never enough." "Is that why things never change?" "Perhaps."
September 19, 2008
This is one of the most amazing books i've ever read, easyily in my top five. another angle on the story of arther pendragon(yes Dakota, ARTHER not BOBBY) that is beautifuly told.
Known as the greatest king of all time, it brings to life the story behond the holy grail. With one of the most vile villians to ever set foot in fiction, Salidin is the one you love to hate for every reason. you will love this book if you like the middle ages, Chivalry and a sense of mystery. You might not like this book if you don't like a little bit of gore, or suspense teases you.
an incredible ending for an incredible story, a must read for anyone who loves the TRUE story of ARTHER PENDRAGON, with a heck of a twist. Fot those who love the olden days of lore, i can't recomend it highly enough. It would probably be an awesome read even if you don't have a huge interest in the Dark Ages. An easy five in my book, list.
Known as the greatest king of all time, it brings to life the story behond the holy grail. With one of the most vile villians to ever set foot in fiction, Salidin is the one you love to hate for every reason. you will love this book if you like the middle ages, Chivalry and a sense of mystery. You might not like this book if you don't like a little bit of gore, or suspense teases you.
an incredible ending for an incredible story, a must read for anyone who loves the TRUE story of ARTHER PENDRAGON, with a heck of a twist. Fot those who love the olden days of lore, i can't recomend it highly enough. It would probably be an awesome read even if you don't have a huge interest in the Dark Ages. An easy five in my book, list.
January 17, 2012
I'm addicted to the Authurian legend, so I will read pretty much anything based on it. Hence, this book. "Forever King" is the first of a trilogy and I have not yet read the subsequent 2 books. I enjoyed this book, it was different and entertaining. It is not my favorite Aurthur legend spin-off (that would probably have to go to "Mists of Avalon"), but it was innovative and a new way to look at the "future" part of "once and future king." The book is relatively gritty but still contains a sense of wonder and magic. The villain of the piece is, for me, the most fascinating character. You very much want to hate him, and you do when it comes down to it, and while you do not find him particularly sympathetic, he and his actions are very understandable. If you are an Arthur fan, it is worth a look.
October 26, 2011
At first, I wasn't sure i was going to like this. Gritty, violent, and a little more real-world modern than i expected, i wasn't too hot on it at first. Then, I kept going, and I couldn't put it down.
I love the concept, the depth of the characyers, the richness of the images of Camelot, and the details of the characters' histories. I love the thought of Saladin through the ages - who else might he have been through history? Where else did he hold influence? These characters are multi dimensional and pull you in, and by the end I was wholely absorbed in their world, and the only problem was that I wanted more. How glad I was to come on goodreads and find that there's a sequel!
I love the concept, the depth of the characyers, the richness of the images of Camelot, and the details of the characters' histories. I love the thought of Saladin through the ages - who else might he have been through history? Where else did he hold influence? These characters are multi dimensional and pull you in, and by the end I was wholely absorbed in their world, and the only problem was that I wanted more. How glad I was to come on goodreads and find that there's a sequel!
November 17, 2020
Having just read Wolf's 'Road to Avalon', I proceeded to the equally forgettable fantasy, 'The Forever King' by Molly Cochran and Warren Murphy.
October 29, 2025
A decent read, with an interesting premise... that has not aged well. i am sure that for its place (nearly 30 years ago) it was a relatively progressive approach to culturally-based characterization, but the subliminal messaging about the Islamic world and immigration comes across as a somewhat dodgy kind of orientalism rather than a nuanced and conscious perspective. Making all of the bad guys Persian and all of the good guys white people is not at all a good look. Also, I felt that it was too simplistic of an ending: "everything goes fine and everyone lives happily ever after." Instead of feeling like a satisfying ending, it reads as a childish conclusion to what was otherwise a very mature read.
December 5, 2022
Once again a great rendition of king Arthur and the knights of the round table set in modern times..I liked this book
October 23, 2017
One of the very first Arthurian retellings I ever read. I got it as a mass market paperback from the library and the cover was torn off so I didn't know the book title. This didn't bother me until years later when I realized I had no way of finding it again. I didn't even have the kind of reliable internet tools available today, so the limited information I had was of no use in locating it. The details faded over the years and any time I thought of it I wasn't near a computer...until today! Whee! And there's more of them! Definitely up for a reread.
The Forever King is one of the few novels that deals with the prophesied return of Arthur when the world needs him most. It's unique in that the characters are actually reincarnated, rather than resurrected. It follows the story of Hal Woczniak, a former FBI agent who deals with PSTD of some kind, and eventually realizes he's Galahad. I especially love it for the story it tells of the Holy Grail--telling a very coherent story of the cup and its journey through time.
Not recommended for younger readers, due to some mature content.
The Forever King is one of the few novels that deals with the prophesied return of Arthur when the world needs him most. It's unique in that the characters are actually reincarnated, rather than resurrected. It follows the story of Hal Woczniak, a former FBI agent who deals with PSTD of some kind, and eventually realizes he's Galahad. I especially love it for the story it tells of the Holy Grail--telling a very coherent story of the cup and its journey through time.
Not recommended for younger readers, due to some mature content.
May 20, 2012
This was a great book. It took the Arthurian legend and put a new twist on it. Set in modern times, The spirit of the great King Arthur has returned and as a ten year old boy, stumbles upon the legendary holy grail. The only problem is, its previous owner will stop at nothing to give it back. He isn't alone though, Hal, an ex FBI agent who has been drinking his self esteem away with boos for the past year or so, has sobered up and is on his side (not to mention Merlin, and the story is a lot more complicated than that, I am just trying not to give anything away). It combines history with legend and fantasy in a very awesome way. I would recommend it to anyone who likes King Arthur stories, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes reading at all. It has elements from thriller, detective, fantasy, and historical novels and is very well written.
April 23, 2019
I've only started reading books again recently. Over the past few years, I've started and stopped reading more books than I wish to admit. This book, "The Forever King", is the first book in years that completely engrossed me! I absolutely loved it! It wasn't until I finished the book that I realized it was the first of a trilogy- the next in the series is definitely on my short list of books to read this year.
The short chapters were such a nice change from the more epic tomes I've attempted recently! Having limited reading time each week, these smaller, bite-sized chunks are really helpful to getting in and out, without feeling like you've left in the middle of things.
This is a unique take on an ageless story, and I look very forward to what comes in the next book!
The short chapters were such a nice change from the more epic tomes I've attempted recently! Having limited reading time each week, these smaller, bite-sized chunks are really helpful to getting in and out, without feeling like you've left in the middle of things.
This is a unique take on an ageless story, and I look very forward to what comes in the next book!
December 20, 2008
I adore this book. After reading it, it has become one of my favorites. I thought the characters really came alive and couldn't help but love and hate Saladin all at the same time. I think this is probably one of the best and most complex villains I have read about in a long time. The moments in the story where I caught a glimpse into Saladin's heart elicited such strong feelings of sympathy and respect that I would forget he was a cold blooded killer, which makes the story that much better. Overall, a terrific book that I would recommend to anyone!
May 5, 2009
AMAZING bad guy. Best King Authur story I have ever read.
This is the book that finally broke my sister. She had major issues with reading- she hated it. Until I forced her into this book. Now she reads like a fiend and it is all thanks to this book.
It takes place in modern times with some limited flash back type instances for mister awesome bad guy. I strongly recommend this even if you detest fantasy. This is not your average mickey mouse magic show by any stretch of the imagination.
This is the book that finally broke my sister. She had major issues with reading- she hated it. Until I forced her into this book. Now she reads like a fiend and it is all thanks to this book.
It takes place in modern times with some limited flash back type instances for mister awesome bad guy. I strongly recommend this even if you detest fantasy. This is not your average mickey mouse magic show by any stretch of the imagination.
April 21, 2014
Couldn't finish it. I don't know where to start with the problems. First the good: the concept is good. A gritty modern reboot of the Arthur legend. Love it. But that lasts for the first few scenes. After that it turns into part childrens (not YA but childrens!) fantasy and part back-story synopsis. And the writing although competent in the beginning and grammatically strong throughout gets triter and triter as the modern story (which was interesting) seems to be forgotten by the author.
December 21, 2016
I love, love, love this book! Got myself a hardback edition of it, so I can always keep it. This mystical tale of reincarnation, magic and history just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I stayed up late nights reading it, and have reread it and enjoyed it just as much every time since. I didn't like the sequels as much, but this book I cherish. Any fan of Arthurian fantasy should read this, I think.
August 17, 2009
One of my favourite books and one I have read and reread again and again.
I thought it was a single book, and I've discovered just now -thanks to goodreads!- that it's a trilogy! If I had known when I was a kid!
I'm so adding the following ones to my wishlist. And this one as well, I have to read it in English this time!
I thought it was a single book, and I've discovered just now -thanks to goodreads!- that it's a trilogy! If I had known when I was a kid!
I'm so adding the following ones to my wishlist. And this one as well, I have to read it in English this time!
September 4, 2012
I have read this book 3-4 times in the past 15+ years and I truly enjoy it every time. It's a great twist on the King Authur legend mixing past and present. I re-read it this time to see if it was appropriate for my 11 year old son, it really isn't. Too graphic and pretty scary.
December 18, 2019
I still remember this book despite having read this many a years ago. Could be because I read this one many times. Didn’t realize it was a series. Will go out and check the rest.
January 12, 2020
I purchased a second hand copy of The Forever King for next to nothing from a market stall, and was quickly enthralled with it. The timeless story of the Grail Quest, the Once and Future King, reborn, in this tale, as a young boy from Brooklyn in the 20th century.
There is a wizard (Merlin, in modern guise) a Gawain (a former FBI officer, down at heel and a drunkard) and a beautiful woman, the boy's aunt, to help in the quest.
The story stretches across timelines, from the 1990s back to Dark Ages Britain, and follows its arch villain, Saladin, through one lifetime after another. Through the magic of the Grail, he has been gifted - or cursed - with a life that seemingly never ends, as he possesses, loses, then searches again for that which has made him virtually immortal.
When the Grail falls into the hands of the boy Arthur from Brooklyn, Saladin is determined to get it back, and to kill Arthur before he has a chance to regain his kingdom.
It all sounds marvelous, and for two-thirds of the book, I was captivated by the story as focused on the different principal characters in the present, and in the Dark Ages story of Camelot that drives the present adventure. But for the last 100 pages approximately the story becomes mundane despite the focus on danger, chase scenarios, captivity and the ultimate fight for freedom and to vanquish the villain. I was just too impatient for the finale, which restored my faith in the book. I was just disappointed that the resolution hadn't happened sooner.
There is a wizard (Merlin, in modern guise) a Gawain (a former FBI officer, down at heel and a drunkard) and a beautiful woman, the boy's aunt, to help in the quest.
The story stretches across timelines, from the 1990s back to Dark Ages Britain, and follows its arch villain, Saladin, through one lifetime after another. Through the magic of the Grail, he has been gifted - or cursed - with a life that seemingly never ends, as he possesses, loses, then searches again for that which has made him virtually immortal.
When the Grail falls into the hands of the boy Arthur from Brooklyn, Saladin is determined to get it back, and to kill Arthur before he has a chance to regain his kingdom.
It all sounds marvelous, and for two-thirds of the book, I was captivated by the story as focused on the different principal characters in the present, and in the Dark Ages story of Camelot that drives the present adventure. But for the last 100 pages approximately the story becomes mundane despite the focus on danger, chase scenarios, captivity and the ultimate fight for freedom and to vanquish the villain. I was just too impatient for the finale, which restored my faith in the book. I was just disappointed that the resolution hadn't happened sooner.
August 27, 2019
Quando ero piccola mi capitò di leggere questo libro per caso, per via di un prestito fortuito. Allora per me quelli dei cavalieri della Tavola Rotonda erano soltanto nomi; delle leggende di Re Artù conoscevo solo quella della spada nella roccia, naturalmente per via del film Disney. Tutto il resto era nuovo, anche e soprattutto il Graal. Eppure, mi ricordo che questo romanzo (che a ben vedere, tra le tinte thriller e i temi sociali, è tutto fuorché un libro per ragazzi) mi entrò nel cuore e lì è rimasto per tutti gli anni che sono passati finché non sono riuscita a ritrovarlo, in una copia usata in vendita su eBay. E adesso quelli non sono più solo nomi, adesso so cos'era la ricerca del Graal, so chi erano Nimue e Galahad, e so persino qualcosa del Saladino storico che ispira l'omonimo, splendido antagonista. Ma soprattutto, poiché ora ho un'età che mi consente di apprezzare anche ciò che sta dietro l'avventura di cappa e spada, questa seconda lettura (che non sarà certo l'ultima) mi ha fatto innamorare follemente delle ricostruzioni storiche, delle implicazioni teologiche, della scrittura su più livelli imperniata su personaggi vivissimi e attuali. Ho voluto ricercare questo pezzo della mia infanzia e l'ho ritrovato più luminoso che mai, e adesso non vedo l'ora di scoprire se il resto di quella che scopro essere una trilogia è all'altezza del primo volume, la rivisitazione arthuriana più brillante che abbia mai letto.
May 29, 2019
I liked about 50% of this book. Half of it I loved, and would love to see those aspects expanded. These were the parts with Saladin because of the vast history his story covers, as well as the old king Arthur stuff. These settings were interesting, and the characters within these settings were interesting. I liked reading about how long Arthur really felt about things, because you realize he's not just a noble King, but a noble man who is just tired of everything.
But then we go into the present. First, Hal was irritating. I did not like him at any point in this book. I did not like how they treated Emily as though she were less capable than her ten year old nephew, keeping her away so she couldn't be involved. It feels like they only add her in so they can do one thing, and then after that task is done, she needs to be protected. Arthur as a child is kind of irritating at times, but I forgive that a little bit because ten year olds can be irrational at times. Basically everything in the present felt artificial while reading, which caused me to dislike it a lot since they're in the present for basically the last third of the book.
But then we go into the present. First, Hal was irritating. I did not like him at any point in this book. I did not like how they treated Emily as though she were less capable than her ten year old nephew, keeping her away so she couldn't be involved. It feels like they only add her in so they can do one thing, and then after that task is done, she needs to be protected. Arthur as a child is kind of irritating at times, but I forgive that a little bit because ten year olds can be irrational at times. Basically everything in the present felt artificial while reading, which caused me to dislike it a lot since they're in the present for basically the last third of the book.
January 30, 2023
If goodreads had existed when I first read this book it would have been a 5 star review. It incorporates a lot of what I love about the Arthurian legends but (especially for its time) was an unusual take that I had never seen before.
Plus it was probably the first book I read around the Sam time as my mum (we rarely read similar books then as I love fantasy and horror and mum was more of a police/historical reader. So this was a rare occasion where the book appealed to us both.
We both throughly enjoyed it back then and have often reminisced about it but we’d forgotten what it was called. Now thanks to the power of the internet I was able to find what it was called and eventually track down copies. This time I have the trilogy so I finally get to see how it ends.
Anyway reading it again probably about twenty five years later (I think) it was still a good read, somethings haven’t aged well (or maybe I’m just more conscious of them now? Who knows) which is why it’s a 4star read now rather than a 5. I’m going to pass the book on to my mum to read again. Hopefully she’ll enjoy it as well.
Plus it was probably the first book I read around the Sam time as my mum (we rarely read similar books then as I love fantasy and horror and mum was more of a police/historical reader. So this was a rare occasion where the book appealed to us both.
We both throughly enjoyed it back then and have often reminisced about it but we’d forgotten what it was called. Now thanks to the power of the internet I was able to find what it was called and eventually track down copies. This time I have the trilogy so I finally get to see how it ends.
Anyway reading it again probably about twenty five years later (I think) it was still a good read, somethings haven’t aged well (or maybe I’m just more conscious of them now? Who knows) which is why it’s a 4star read now rather than a 5. I’m going to pass the book on to my mum to read again. Hopefully she’ll enjoy it as well.
January 27, 2019
E'... e' che non me lo aspettavo!!! L'ho divorato in pochi giorni, mi ha preso e trascinato. Scritto in modo da volar via (mi ha ricordato uno dei miei amati King). I personaggi, anche quelli introdotti brevemente, sono precisi, caratterizzati, reali. La storia ti prende (in particolare le parti in flash-back!!!)e si trasorma presto in un continuo viaggio tra secoli, scelte, scoperte e perdite, odio, amore e indifferenza.... C'era qualche punto in cui, non so, la "soluzione" scelta dell'autore non mi piaceva piu' di tanto, altri punti in cui mi son sentito pensare un "vabbe'! se non ti viene in mente di meglio" (e questo gli ha fatto perdere la quinta stellina) ma nonostante tutto alla fine mi ha lasciato soddisfatto, emozionato, rapito e trasportato in un'altra epoca, in un'epoca di castelli e cavalieri, di re e di onore, valori che forse per fortuna esistono ancora oggi. Sei il migliore, figliolo. Il migliore che ci sia p.s.: sara' pure che preso da un banco non mi aspettavo molto, ma mi ha davvero stupito ^-^ peccato che non ho trovato molti altri libri degli stessi autori :(
December 1, 2021
An attempt to bring the king arthur mythos back into the modern world. Ultimately the story feels pretty unsatisfying at the end, because for as much importance arthur, the round table, camelot, etc., are given, the story isn't really about them. It's about Saladin, and the holy grail. Which is a shame as Saladin has a pretty boring story. And ultimately seems like a lot of his 'villainy' comes as a result of how he's treated by Merlin.
Arthur and the knights don't really come across as heroes in this, as much as they are just The Chosen Ones who should have the power, and the reason why they are is Because They Are Better, even though there's no evidence shown of this in the story. There's also no explanation for where all the magic comes from, or why.
It also has a lot of gag characters who exist just for the main character to be exasperated at, as well as a lot of baffling decisions people make for no real reason.
There's some interesting ideas in the book, but they are connected together by unsatisfying nonsense, and what feels like some vague racism.
Arthur and the knights don't really come across as heroes in this, as much as they are just The Chosen Ones who should have the power, and the reason why they are is Because They Are Better, even though there's no evidence shown of this in the story. There's also no explanation for where all the magic comes from, or why.
It also has a lot of gag characters who exist just for the main character to be exasperated at, as well as a lot of baffling decisions people make for no real reason.
There's some interesting ideas in the book, but they are connected together by unsatisfying nonsense, and what feels like some vague racism.
December 6, 2022
Initially, I was unsure about this book, but after having read it, it may be one of my favorite books that I have read. Some of my favorite characters are Arthur Blessing, a ten year-old boy who really matures throughout the book into a great leader like King Arthur, and Hal, who is initially a retired, broken man, but changes throughout the book to face his destiny and protect Arthur as a knight of the round table. The novel is well paced, and explains each part of the book in great detail, which is very helpful as a lot of backstory is present in the novel to further develop the characters. My favorite event of the book is when Arthur Blessing denies the cup Merlin gives to him, as it shows his character development from a naive boy into a mature, just king who is aware of how the cup corrupts even the best of men. I'd highly recommend the book to fans of the Arthur legend, or simply people fond of medieval Europe, or history in general.
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