Great kings have great enemies, and Arthur's is his illegitimate son, Mordred--who has stolen the magical sword, Excalibur. Worse, Mordred has stolen Merlin's Book and has used it to flee to the far future. All of Camelot is at risk, so Arthur must go alone, without Merlin and without his crown, into the future . . . into the time of World War II.
So, I didn't like this novel but I also /liked/ it. I couldn't give it more than three stars even if I honestly think it is a good novel and a well written one (reason why I actually have it three stars). First things first: This book is about King Arthur who follows Mordred into the second world war. Mordred has stolen a magical book from Merlin and he wants to use it to join the nazi and conquer the UK for himself. The novels focuses on Arthur and how he learns to fight as an aviator. The author is clearly a big fan and expert on the second world war and aviation and battles but- I couldn't be interested less. So if you love IIWW and aviation: you will ADORE this novel to pieces. If you are not and you are here just to look for an arthurian novel you might be a little disappointed. Arthur and Mordred are the only arthurian characters in the book, with some random appearance of Merlin and Guinevere. I actually loved Jenny most of all and I was quite glad for how her story ended.
At a time when our world seems so lacking in that essential Arthurian quality of honor, this WWII era take on the character of Arthur is refreshingly inspirational. I am once again reminded why it is necessary to 'do the right thing' always, in all ways. A quick and easy read and I am glad I 'made its acquaintance!
Fairly predictable, but well written, extremely well researched and incredibly detailed. I learned a lot about planes and WWII that I didn't know before and still got a fun fantasy adventure.
King Arthur time travels to the Battle of Britain in pursuit of his evil spawn Mordred, who fits right in with the Nazis. It’s the literal realization of the Arthurian legend that the great king will return when Britain needs him most. I loved it, especially the little details, like how pleased Arthur is to learn that the magical flying machines are powered by Merlin engines. I first saw this book when I worked at a library years ago. It looked interesting and I read a little bit, then went on to other things. But somehow the story just stuck with me and I never forgot it. If you like WWII historical fiction with some Arthurian legend and a bit of romance mixed in, give it a try.
probably the most unique arthurian story i've read so far. a bit janky, which i took half a star off for, but fun regardless. while arthur and merlin were very reminiscent of their 'once and future king' counterparts (i think arthur mentions merlin turning him into a falcon, so it was most likely intentional), this has the most evil portrayal of mordred i've seen.
Basic plot: King Arthur appears during Britain's hour of greatest need during WWII, takes the roll of fighter pilot, meets a modern-day Jenny (Guenevere), defeats Mordred (fighting on the side of the Huns, of course), and saves England. It was better executed than I expected, but stylistically lacking.