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The Last Pendragon Saga #1-3
The Last Pendragon Saga, Volume 1: The Last Pendragon/The Pendragon's Blade/Song of the Pendragon
He is a king, a warrior, the last hope of his people--and the chosen one of the sidhe ... journey with Cade and Rhiann to a world of myth and magic in Dark Age Wales!
The Last Pendragon - Rhiann knows that demons walk the night. She has been taught to fear them. But from the moment Cade is dragged before her father's throne, beaten and having lost all of his men to her father's treachery, he stirs something inside her that she has never felt before. When Cade is revealed to be not only Arthur's heir but touched by the sidhe, Rhiann must choose between the life she left behind and the one before her--and how much she is willing to risk to follow her heart.
The Pendragon's Blade - Having given her trust to Cade and his companions, Rhiann comes face to face with the terror of the sidhe and discovers the true threat they represent to her people--and in so doing, takes her place as a full member of Cade's war band. But even as his relationship with Rhiann deepens, Cade knows that only he can stand at the crossroads between the Underworld and the free people of Wales and prevent the war that the wayward god Mabon hopes to unleash.
Song of the Pendragon - Faced with the unleashed might of the Underworld, Rhiann, Cade, and their companions travel to the world of the sidhe. And it is there, in the heart of Arawn's domain, that Cade finds himself finally able to grasp the reins of his own power to become the Christian king and pagan hero that has always been his destiny.
The Complete Series reading order: The Last Pendragon, The Pendragon's Blade, Song of the Pendragon, The Pendragon's Quest, The Pendragon's Champions, Rise of the Pendragon, The Pendragon's Challenge, Legend of the Pendragon.
The Last Pendragon - Rhiann knows that demons walk the night. She has been taught to fear them. But from the moment Cade is dragged before her father's throne, beaten and having lost all of his men to her father's treachery, he stirs something inside her that she has never felt before. When Cade is revealed to be not only Arthur's heir but touched by the sidhe, Rhiann must choose between the life she left behind and the one before her--and how much she is willing to risk to follow her heart.
The Pendragon's Blade - Having given her trust to Cade and his companions, Rhiann comes face to face with the terror of the sidhe and discovers the true threat they represent to her people--and in so doing, takes her place as a full member of Cade's war band. But even as his relationship with Rhiann deepens, Cade knows that only he can stand at the crossroads between the Underworld and the free people of Wales and prevent the war that the wayward god Mabon hopes to unleash.
Song of the Pendragon - Faced with the unleashed might of the Underworld, Rhiann, Cade, and their companions travel to the world of the sidhe. And it is there, in the heart of Arawn's domain, that Cade finds himself finally able to grasp the reins of his own power to become the Christian king and pagan hero that has always been his destiny.
The Complete Series reading order: The Last Pendragon, The Pendragon's Blade, Song of the Pendragon, The Pendragon's Quest, The Pendragon's Champions, Rise of the Pendragon, The Pendragon's Challenge, Legend of the Pendragon.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2011
400 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Woodbury
165 books750 followersWith over a million books sold to date, Sarah Woodbury is the author of more than forty novels, all set in medieval Wales. Although an anthropologist by training, and then a full-time homeschooling mom for twenty years, she began writing fiction when the stories in her head overflowed and demanded that she let them out. While her ancestry is Welsh, she only visited Wales for the first time at university. She has been in love with the country, language, and people ever since. She even convinced her husband to give all four of their children Welsh names.
Sarah is a member of the Historical Authors Fiction Cooperative (HFAC), the Historical Novel Society, and Novelists, Inc. (NINC).
She makes her home in Oregon.
Sarah is a member of the Historical Authors Fiction Cooperative (HFAC), the Historical Novel Society, and Novelists, Inc. (NINC).
She makes her home in Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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March 14, 2022Woodbury has cast this book in the Medieval period in Wales...and used the legendary sources of myth to add in a supernatural aura to it. And, as usual for this motif, the protagonist must be a good and just person even though evil powers work through him. Of course, he does not get tainted by the evil, but is limited in his use of his abilities. And again, I must protest the constant acceptance of supernatural abilities as described as being beneficial! The struggle between good and evil is constantly being portrayed in fiction and movies as something where evil forces can yet be used for good. As of today, March 13, 2022, Vladimir Putin is unjustly attacking the Ukraine on the pretext that the Western powers have been slowly encircling Russia by adding new nations to NATO which, he believes, is a threat to Russia AND goes against some kind of agreement between the Western powers and Russia. I note that the 3 Baltic states, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, were under Russian oppression for decades after WW2, and so they, legitimately, wanted protection against Russia! It appears that the Ukraine also needs the same, and possibly Finland, Norway and Sweden. Although no supernatural powers are at work here (unless one believes that this is the precursor/first steps leading to Armageddon) still we have both sides promoting war to gain their own ends: Russia to expand its own empire (using the pretext that the Ukraine is under the control of fascists) and thereby gain access to rich farm land and mineral resources; and the West, possibly to crush, once and for all, the Russian bear. Note that both sides are claiming the high moral ground (as Woodbury has happen in this book) and both sides are capable of using devastating means to oppress, threaten and destroy their opponent. And, in the middle, it is the poor, weak, aged and vulnerable who suffer.
April 18, 2020
A year ago I read just the free opening novella, The Last Pendragon. While enjoyable enough, it was not a complete book, and I didn’t feel compelled to continue. Having read this volume of 3 short tales, it is a complete novel and I will very likely get the other volumes.
I think it was a bad idea to separate these stories into so many novellas. It doesn’t serve the saga well. This is a true mythical tale of a hero’s quest. Imagine if The Odyssey were broken into chunks of each challenge. While that may work for tales around the campfire, it doesn’t translate well for the modern reader. You can’t help but feel you’ve been left hanging.
I was ready to give this 4* because reading the three stories together was so much better than the single installment. However, 4* is a very high rating for me, and what I typically give this author’s books from the After Cilmeri series. When I compare it to those, you can tell Sarah hasn’t quite developed her skill at the time she’s writing these. I have to assume these are one of her first attempts, or they were secondary to the effort put into other works. They just lack the consistency and structure of her other books that I’ve read.
Like I said, I enjoyed this, and will likely continue Cade’s story. I think a lot more people would do the same if this Volume 1 were the free sample offered rather than the 75 page novella titled The Last Pendragon.
I think it was a bad idea to separate these stories into so many novellas. It doesn’t serve the saga well. This is a true mythical tale of a hero’s quest. Imagine if The Odyssey were broken into chunks of each challenge. While that may work for tales around the campfire, it doesn’t translate well for the modern reader. You can’t help but feel you’ve been left hanging.
I was ready to give this 4* because reading the three stories together was so much better than the single installment. However, 4* is a very high rating for me, and what I typically give this author’s books from the After Cilmeri series. When I compare it to those, you can tell Sarah hasn’t quite developed her skill at the time she’s writing these. I have to assume these are one of her first attempts, or they were secondary to the effort put into other works. They just lack the consistency and structure of her other books that I’ve read.
Like I said, I enjoyed this, and will likely continue Cade’s story. I think a lot more people would do the same if this Volume 1 were the free sample offered rather than the 75 page novella titled The Last Pendragon.
July 14, 2019
Not a Genre I usually read...
I do not find this series as well written as the other series I have read; The Gareth and Gwen Series and the other Arthur Stories. This one seems just silly at times and has many inconsistencies in the stories as well as almost incomprehensible explanations as to what is happening or has just happened. It seems as if this may have been a series written Before the others I have read. Less polished and less mature writing. A series better for younger readers of this type of story. I am going to read the last book in the eight book series just to know the end! I need to complete these things for my peace of mind! I have loved this authors other works and would recommend them highly, though not this one, as much. So on to book right and then I will continue to read more of Ms. Woodbury 's books to see what else she has in store for her dedicated readers...
I do not find this series as well written as the other series I have read; The Gareth and Gwen Series and the other Arthur Stories. This one seems just silly at times and has many inconsistencies in the stories as well as almost incomprehensible explanations as to what is happening or has just happened. It seems as if this may have been a series written Before the others I have read. Less polished and less mature writing. A series better for younger readers of this type of story. I am going to read the last book in the eight book series just to know the end! I need to complete these things for my peace of mind! I have loved this authors other works and would recommend them highly, though not this one, as much. So on to book right and then I will continue to read more of Ms. Woodbury 's books to see what else she has in store for her dedicated readers...
October 9, 2019
I've always loved books about King Arthur, Merlin and the Pendragon family, so this was fun to read a new generation of the same "lore." My only problem is that the pronunciation key was at the very beginning of book one, and so I couldn't always remember how to pronounce a lot of the names and places. I did finally remember the Ll's and the Dd's, but all the others I forgot, so being me, I would stop at one of the words and try to figure it out so it took me longer to read than normal. Otherwise, I loved the stories. I'm also not crazy about cliff hangers, but since all 3 of the first volume was here, that was okay. Also, I'm glad that it had somewhat of an ending in the 3rd book, and although I loved the story, because it was such slow reading with the Welsh names/words, I have decided to just stop here and not buy the next 6 books.
May 18, 2024
Another Sarah Woodbury novel published as three novellas, where there isn't really a satisfying ending until the third one! I enjoyed this although it's fair to say that while set in the Welsh post-Arthurian, pre-medieval period, it is less historical than it is mythic - with a few distinctly modern tones (and the occasional Americanism). I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the Arthurian Cold My Heart, but I did enjoy it and I'll be happy to read more from this author.
August 13, 2018
Fantasy
I like to escape in a good fantasy story. This one is a take off of King Authors legend. Longer than it needs to be simply because demon fights get old after the first tnree!
I like to escape in a good fantasy story. This one is a take off of King Authors legend. Longer than it needs to be simply because demon fights get old after the first tnree!
September 13, 2019
The Keepers
Thank you for sharing this trilogy from your imagination into these precious words! I also enjoyed the pictures of the characters interspersed throughout . I find myself viewing the "everyday magic ...of a rainstorm ... of a ... flower" differently now. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this trilogy from your imagination into these precious words! I also enjoyed the pictures of the characters interspersed throughout . I find myself viewing the "everyday magic ...of a rainstorm ... of a ... flower" differently now. Thank you!
April 6, 2019
Well written with engaging characters.
October 6, 2019
Pentagon Saga
Outstanding saga I can't wait to read more.The story kept you guessing from beginning to end.I like 👍the twists and turns
Outstanding saga I can't wait to read more.The story kept you guessing from beginning to end.I like 👍the twists and turns
January 18, 2020
Couldn't put it down
One for collecting! Wonderful writing and endearing characters.
Demons aren't all scary, and can be loved. Lots of action. Great.
One for collecting! Wonderful writing and endearing characters.
Demons aren't all scary, and can be loved. Lots of action. Great.
June 16, 2022
As a fan of sword and sorcery, this one ticked all the boxes for me. Adventure, magic, romance, all bundled in a fantasy that historical background and imagination.
July 2, 2024
don't continue series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2024
I have submitted reviews for each title under that individual title's page, after listening to the audiobooks of this series. (Audible Membership)
March 15, 2017
I can't even. I'm trying really hard to understand how this book got more than 3 stars. What I didn't like:
I got the book because the preview said if you like Outlanders you will love this book. This book is NOTHING like Outlander. Outlander had a plot and a point
Everyone's name were so similar it was hard to keep track. Where they talking about the horse (Cadfan), the bad guy (Cadfael), the son (Cade) and the dead father ( Cadwallon). Really, we couldn't mix the names up a tiny bit!
Stuff would happen and I would sat to myself "Wait a minute, what just happened. This doesn't follow the plot. "
Finally, It was just boring.
What I did like:
It was free
I got the book because the preview said if you like Outlanders you will love this book. This book is NOTHING like Outlander. Outlander had a plot and a point
Everyone's name were so similar it was hard to keep track. Where they talking about the horse (Cadfan), the bad guy (Cadfael), the son (Cade) and the dead father ( Cadwallon). Really, we couldn't mix the names up a tiny bit!
Stuff would happen and I would sat to myself "Wait a minute, what just happened. This doesn't follow the plot. "
Finally, It was just boring.
What I did like:
It was free
February 17, 2017
Interesting view on more of Arthur's family.
August 22, 2016
The Bard's Prophecy
The Last Pendragon Saga is a remarkable tale worthy of those told by the boards of old. For I was given the chance to read the three novellas which make up volume 1 of this saga and found to my delight how easily it wove its magic in fitting within the encompassing legend of the Pendragons.
We are given Rhiann, the female heroine who defies her father, a king within the lands of Wales, and Cade, the true hero of this tale; as well as Taliesan , the bard who actually existed during the Dark Ages. This triune leads us on adventures, battles, religious quests and questioning ; while winding our way through a prophecy the bard chants throughout.
If you love Arthur Pendragon, you will enjoy these adventures by his descendant, Cade and Cade's knights. Sarah Woodbury has given us a wonderful view of the Dark Ages and the people who lived through them.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, maybe a pint of mead may be best, and deliver yourself to the Wales of 600 AD/CE
The Last Pendragon Saga is a remarkable tale worthy of those told by the boards of old. For I was given the chance to read the three novellas which make up volume 1 of this saga and found to my delight how easily it wove its magic in fitting within the encompassing legend of the Pendragons.
We are given Rhiann, the female heroine who defies her father, a king within the lands of Wales, and Cade, the true hero of this tale; as well as Taliesan , the bard who actually existed during the Dark Ages. This triune leads us on adventures, battles, religious quests and questioning ; while winding our way through a prophecy the bard chants throughout.
If you love Arthur Pendragon, you will enjoy these adventures by his descendant, Cade and Cade's knights. Sarah Woodbury has given us a wonderful view of the Dark Ages and the people who lived through them.
Grab a cup of coffee or tea, maybe a pint of mead may be best, and deliver yourself to the Wales of 600 AD/CE
March 19, 2013
:-)
Done with the first, now onto the second. LOVING this author....
****the following is NOT stated lightly****
I love how it's obvious that the characters do in fact have sex, however, it's NEVER graphically described. To be honest, it's not described at all, other than to acknowledge that it happened. I think in The Last Pendragon it's written that he held her, he loved her (well ?) and was (well ?) loved in return. Something along those lines. I believe I've read all her books and this is true for all of them. I think that to have actual "sex scenes" would actual deter from the wonderfulness of her story line.
Anyway, once again LOVE this author and her amazing stories. :-)
I'm REALLY hoping there is more to come as I've devoured everything she's written.
On the plus side, I now can get onto studying for my CT license. ;-)
Done with the first, now onto the second. LOVING this author....
****the following is NOT stated lightly****
I love how it's obvious that the characters do in fact have sex, however, it's NEVER graphically described. To be honest, it's not described at all, other than to acknowledge that it happened. I think in The Last Pendragon it's written that he held her, he loved her (well ?) and was (well ?) loved in return. Something along those lines. I believe I've read all her books and this is true for all of them. I think that to have actual "sex scenes" would actual deter from the wonderfulness of her story line.
Anyway, once again LOVE this author and her amazing stories. :-)
I'm REALLY hoping there is more to come as I've devoured everything she's written.
On the plus side, I now can get onto studying for my CT license. ;-)
May 31, 2021
I should start by saying I guess this is a romance. Not sure, because I have no way of knowing.
But that's not why only a 3*. It's an ok story, not overly interesting, but ok. But worst is the dialogue: it is dull beyond words.
I started out with the intention of reading all 8 of the ?novellas? but couldn't bring myself to go on once this opening segment was complete. So know that. You can stop after these 3 stories with a clean enough wrap-up.
But that's not why only a 3*. It's an ok story, not overly interesting, but ok. But worst is the dialogue: it is dull beyond words.
I started out with the intention of reading all 8 of the ?novellas? but couldn't bring myself to go on once this opening segment was complete. So know that. You can stop after these 3 stories with a clean enough wrap-up.
June 13, 2015
Good book
Dark ages England. The time of Arthur,magicians and knights. What more do you need. This is a good story and well worth the read. Good characters with enough to set the stage for future books.
Dark ages England. The time of Arthur,magicians and knights. What more do you need. This is a good story and well worth the read. Good characters with enough to set the stage for future books.
March 18, 2015
A good story and well written. Some of the detail do not ring true to me for this period of history. Still, it is a good read.
June 5, 2016
enjoyed the story of another Pendragon
March 31, 2017
This is not my usual read (this time in history) but I really liked it. Many surprises I was not expecting. Very well written!
Read
April 14, 2017Enjoyed very much.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews