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Camulod Chronicles #4
The Saxon Shore
Merlyn Britannicus and Uther Pendragon---the Silver Bear and the Red Dragon---are the leaders of the Colony, lifeblood to the community from which will come the fabled Camulod.
But soon their tranquility is in ruins, Uther lies dead from treachery, and all that is left of the dream is the orphaned babe Arthur. Heir to the Colony of Camulod, born with Roman heritage as well as the blood of the Hibernians and the Celts, Arthur is the living incarnation of the sacred dream of his ancestors: independent survival in Britain amidst the ruins of the Roman Empire.
When Arthur is adopted by Merlyn Britannicus, an enormous responsibility is placed on Merlyn's shoulders. Now he must prepare young Arthur to unify the clans of Britain and guard the mighty sword Excalibur.
And, above all, Merlyn must see that Arthur survives to achieve the rest of his ancestors' dreams, in spite of the deadly threats rumbling from the Saxon Shore.
"Of the scores of novels based on Arthurian legend, Whyte's Camulod series is distinctive, particularly in the rendering of its leading players and the residual Roman influences that survived in Britain during the Dark Ages."-- The Washington Post
But soon their tranquility is in ruins, Uther lies dead from treachery, and all that is left of the dream is the orphaned babe Arthur. Heir to the Colony of Camulod, born with Roman heritage as well as the blood of the Hibernians and the Celts, Arthur is the living incarnation of the sacred dream of his ancestors: independent survival in Britain amidst the ruins of the Roman Empire.
When Arthur is adopted by Merlyn Britannicus, an enormous responsibility is placed on Merlyn's shoulders. Now he must prepare young Arthur to unify the clans of Britain and guard the mighty sword Excalibur.
And, above all, Merlyn must see that Arthur survives to achieve the rest of his ancestors' dreams, in spite of the deadly threats rumbling from the Saxon Shore.
"Of the scores of novels based on Arthurian legend, Whyte's Camulod series is distinctive, particularly in the rendering of its leading players and the residual Roman influences that survived in Britain during the Dark Ages."-- The Washington Post
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
132 people are currently reading
1803 people want to read
About the author
Jack Whyte
62 books772 followersJack Whyte is an author and writer born and raised in Scotland, but has been living in western Canada since 1967, and in Kelowna, British Columbia, since 1996.
Whyte's major work to date is the A Dream of Eagles series (as it is titled in Canada, but known as The Camulod Chronicles in the United States and elsewhere). This series of historical novels presents the tale of King Arthur set against the backdrop of Roman Britain. This retelling of the popular legend eschews the use of magic (as in T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone) to explain Arthur’s ascent to power and instead relies on the historical condition (with some artistic license) of post-Roman Britain to support the theory that Arthur was meant to counter the anarchy left by the Roman departure from Britain in 410 AD and the subsequent colonization and invasion of Britain by various peoples from Northwestern Europe, including the Saxons, Jutes, Franks, and Angles). Whyte incorporates both traditional Arthurian names, places and events (albeit in gaelic or Latin form) as well as the names of various historical figures that have been suggested as being the possible basis for the original King Arthur legend. The tacit implication is that Whyte's version of history is the true story that has become distorted over time to become the legend and stories of magic that we know today.
Jack Whyte served as the official bard of The Calgary Highlanders and performed several tracks of poetry and song on the 1990 recording by the Regimental Pipes and Drums of The Calgary Highlanders entitled Eighty Years of Glory: The Regimental Pipes, Drums and Bard of The Calgary Highlanders.
Whyte's major work to date is the A Dream of Eagles series (as it is titled in Canada, but known as The Camulod Chronicles in the United States and elsewhere). This series of historical novels presents the tale of King Arthur set against the backdrop of Roman Britain. This retelling of the popular legend eschews the use of magic (as in T. H. White’s The Sword in the Stone) to explain Arthur’s ascent to power and instead relies on the historical condition (with some artistic license) of post-Roman Britain to support the theory that Arthur was meant to counter the anarchy left by the Roman departure from Britain in 410 AD and the subsequent colonization and invasion of Britain by various peoples from Northwestern Europe, including the Saxons, Jutes, Franks, and Angles). Whyte incorporates both traditional Arthurian names, places and events (albeit in gaelic or Latin form) as well as the names of various historical figures that have been suggested as being the possible basis for the original King Arthur legend. The tacit implication is that Whyte's version of history is the true story that has become distorted over time to become the legend and stories of magic that we know today.
Jack Whyte served as the official bard of The Calgary Highlanders and performed several tracks of poetry and song on the 1990 recording by the Regimental Pipes and Drums of The Calgary Highlanders entitled Eighty Years of Glory: The Regimental Pipes, Drums and Bard of The Calgary Highlanders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 6, 2012
This is the fourth book in the "Camulod Chronicles" series. The first book, The Skystone I rated five stars, the second and third books The Singing Sword and The Eagles' Brood four stars. Notice a trend? Yeah, and this one gets rated three stars. That first book earned the five stars because I was so impressed with Whyte's attempts to completely ground the legends of Merlin and King Arthur in a realist, historical way. For instance, in the first book, the sword of Excalibur is special both because the metal came from a meteor and because of techniques used in forging the sword. I've read other books that ground the legend more or less historically from Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave to Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon and Gillian Bradshaw's Hawk of May, all of which give more than a nod to the legend's probable historical kernel in sub-Roman Dark Ages Britain. But all three are fantasy, not historical fiction.
The last book and this one, which center on Merlin, do have elements of the supernatural, at least in term of prophetic dreams and use of "the Sight." I admit I found that disappointing, even though I love fantasy. But the realistic aspect of these books was a lot of what made this series special, so any step into the supernatural for me diminished that, especially since of all the authors mentioned above, I felt Whyte has the weakest prose style. You can't mistake this for literature certainly. This story doesn't have the strength in the writing and characterizations of a T.H. White or Mary Stewart.
One other thing bothered me in terms of the world created in the book. At one point Merlin acts to nip "factions" in the bud, absolutely forbidding them and freedom of association among the people involved. For "faction" think "political party." You can't have a republic or a democracy or anything but an autocracy without them, and I'm not sure if it's that Merlin doesn't understand that, or Jack Whyte doesn't, but it bugged me.
Another thing that I felt was off in this latest installment was pacing. Let's just say the pace defines leisurely. The three previous books each took in decades. While in the case of The Saxon Shore, over 600 pages of the 716 pages take place in the course of less than a year--during Arthur's infancy. The first time I tackled this book was years ago--and I didn't finish. I pushed past the point I lost interest this time, and I do intend to finish with my last book in the series I own, The Sorcerer, but no this didn't much impress me as much as the earlier books.
The last book and this one, which center on Merlin, do have elements of the supernatural, at least in term of prophetic dreams and use of "the Sight." I admit I found that disappointing, even though I love fantasy. But the realistic aspect of these books was a lot of what made this series special, so any step into the supernatural for me diminished that, especially since of all the authors mentioned above, I felt Whyte has the weakest prose style. You can't mistake this for literature certainly. This story doesn't have the strength in the writing and characterizations of a T.H. White or Mary Stewart.
One other thing bothered me in terms of the world created in the book. At one point Merlin acts to nip "factions" in the bud, absolutely forbidding them and freedom of association among the people involved. For "faction" think "political party." You can't have a republic or a democracy or anything but an autocracy without them, and I'm not sure if it's that Merlin doesn't understand that, or Jack Whyte doesn't, but it bugged me.
Another thing that I felt was off in this latest installment was pacing. Let's just say the pace defines leisurely. The three previous books each took in decades. While in the case of The Saxon Shore, over 600 pages of the 716 pages take place in the course of less than a year--during Arthur's infancy. The first time I tackled this book was years ago--and I didn't finish. I pushed past the point I lost interest this time, and I do intend to finish with my last book in the series I own, The Sorcerer, but no this didn't much impress me as much as the earlier books.
November 29, 2024
Merlyn’s Charge
This is one of my favorite book in the Camulod Chronicles that was mostly about Merlyn’s care for the child Arthur Pendragon. The story begins with Merlyn in Eirie where Donuil’s father was king. One of Donuil’s brothers had been caring for Arthur, and held him as a well cared for hostage, just as Merlyn had Donuil. Of course the young Scott had not way of letting his family know that he had become Merlyn’s right hand and Merlyn had to go back to Camulod to retrieve him.
Little did King Athol know when he laid eyes on the child that his daughter Ygraine had given birth to Arthur and that he had claim to several kingdoms.
This was an excellent story that was full of intrigue and adventure and the love for family that was the foundation for the entire series. Another five star masterpiece from Jack Whyte.
This is one of my favorite book in the Camulod Chronicles that was mostly about Merlyn’s care for the child Arthur Pendragon. The story begins with Merlyn in Eirie where Donuil’s father was king. One of Donuil’s brothers had been caring for Arthur, and held him as a well cared for hostage, just as Merlyn had Donuil. Of course the young Scott had not way of letting his family know that he had become Merlyn’s right hand and Merlyn had to go back to Camulod to retrieve him.
Little did King Athol know when he laid eyes on the child that his daughter Ygraine had given birth to Arthur and that he had claim to several kingdoms.
This was an excellent story that was full of intrigue and adventure and the love for family that was the foundation for the entire series. Another five star masterpiece from Jack Whyte.
August 1, 2014
I've raved about his other books and this one is just as well written. His research and writing are astonishing! I've read his Eagles Brood series and now am onto his "Knights Templar Trilogy". If you want an awesome story with great characters that is historical in nature read all of Jack Whyte's books!
October 1, 2018
So far, I have really enjoyed this series. I think the reason is not only do I like the story, but I love the characters. As mentioned in the last series, Merlyn and his friends are a cast that holds together very well across the books. Yeah, I get it that it is all quite idealistic, but it's fiction.
I think that speculating what life and leadership was like in the years following Rome's exit from Britain was entertaining and informative to a certain degree. In particular, Merlyn's final recognition that everyone on the Saxon Shore who had been there for many years were as much Britons as the offspring of the Romans, like Merlyn, who also called themselves by that name.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the series thus far. My only complaint, and it isn't really one, is that these books take me so long to read on the train and at night between other activities that they slow down my other recreational reading and my To Be Read bookshelf is filling up while I go through these and the Wheel of Time series. But if that is all I have to worry about, my reading life must be pretty good. Worth the read.
I think that speculating what life and leadership was like in the years following Rome's exit from Britain was entertaining and informative to a certain degree. In particular, Merlyn's final recognition that everyone on the Saxon Shore who had been there for many years were as much Britons as the offspring of the Romans, like Merlyn, who also called themselves by that name.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the series thus far. My only complaint, and it isn't really one, is that these books take me so long to read on the train and at night between other activities that they slow down my other recreational reading and my To Be Read bookshelf is filling up while I go through these and the Wheel of Time series. But if that is all I have to worry about, my reading life must be pretty good. Worth the read.
December 24, 2018
3 1/2 stars.
Why? Well Eh, I hate to say it wasn't what I expected, but really, kinda that's it. I picked it up expecting the story to be...well? Arthurian and what it is is...a guy enamored of the Romans obsessing about the raising of a boy he'll take over, in some hazy future. (The boy this reader was most interested in!) It dragged along with only glimpses of this boy, while "Merlyn" worried about folks "along the Saxon shore"--who, in the end, seemed to pose no threat at all but to his peace of mind. It seemed cut in the same fashion as the god-awful "King Arthur" movie of 2004, except that in Whyte's version, Merlyn lusts after every married woman in the book and is sick every other chapter, (in such glaring detail, it's not something to read while you're sick, I'd say! Which I was),--and when he's not sick, he's concerned with running "Camulod" as if he's a Roman praetor in an Italio-Romano city--which, hello, not) Still, I read it all the way to the end, so I can say, it's compelling and that, if you're interested in the post-Roman British world, do check it out. But don't expect very much of anything "Arthurian" here.
Why? Well Eh, I hate to say it wasn't what I expected, but really, kinda that's it. I picked it up expecting the story to be...well? Arthurian and what it is is...a guy enamored of the Romans obsessing about the raising of a boy he'll take over, in some hazy future. (The boy this reader was most interested in!) It dragged along with only glimpses of this boy, while "Merlyn" worried about folks "along the Saxon shore"--who, in the end, seemed to pose no threat at all but to his peace of mind. It seemed cut in the same fashion as the god-awful "King Arthur" movie of 2004, except that in Whyte's version, Merlyn lusts after every married woman in the book and is sick every other chapter, (in such glaring detail, it's not something to read while you're sick, I'd say! Which I was),--and when he's not sick, he's concerned with running "Camulod" as if he's a Roman praetor in an Italio-Romano city--which, hello, not) Still, I read it all the way to the end, so I can say, it's compelling and that, if you're interested in the post-Roman British world, do check it out. But don't expect very much of anything "Arthurian" here.
July 30, 2019
It was a solid read, but nothing particularly impressed me. A few things that didn't impress me:
- Thinly veiled homophobia. (Even if we're supposed to read the narrator as flawed, there wasn't enough delicacy in the writing to point the reader in that direction... he seemed to tackle a lot of tricky subjects, but then pull up on really addressing them.)
- Sometimes awkward writing about females. (It's worth mentioning that I think Whyte handled writing about females a lot better toward the end of the book, not sure why that is, but that moved it from a solid 2.5 stars to a 3.5.)
- All of the women who were competent also just so happened to be beautiful? And that always seemed to make them hero material more than whatever cool thing they were doing.
- Realizations through the protagonist about lepers/other races that were clearly meant to be novel. The moments where Merlin realized he was othering groups pointlessly/unfairly/to his own detriment were kind of over-explained/weren't particularly enlightening, even for a book written 15 years ago.
- Thinly veiled homophobia. (Even if we're supposed to read the narrator as flawed, there wasn't enough delicacy in the writing to point the reader in that direction... he seemed to tackle a lot of tricky subjects, but then pull up on really addressing them.)
- Sometimes awkward writing about females. (It's worth mentioning that I think Whyte handled writing about females a lot better toward the end of the book, not sure why that is, but that moved it from a solid 2.5 stars to a 3.5.)
- All of the women who were competent also just so happened to be beautiful? And that always seemed to make them hero material more than whatever cool thing they were doing.
- Realizations through the protagonist about lepers/other races that were clearly meant to be novel. The moments where Merlin realized he was othering groups pointlessly/unfairly/to his own detriment were kind of over-explained/weren't particularly enlightening, even for a book written 15 years ago.
June 8, 2017
I'm uncertain if my experience reading Jack Whyte's 'The Saxon Shore' has be affected by the fractured attention that I was able to pay it but I must confess it felt like it took forever. The middle portion of the narrative certainly did not pass smoothly and I got the distinct feeling the novel could have used some trimming. Even so, despite how long winded Merlyn comes across as the narrator the tale is interesting and the Romano-British world he inhabits seems very well realized. A side note. While I realize that much medical terminology comes to us by way of Latin the level of medical sophistication displayed by our protagonists seems more than a little modern (I caught myself thinking that all Lucanus was missing was MRI and Catscan machines).
Outside of my difficulties with the reading I must acknowledge Whyte has presented a sweeping tale, quite well told, if requiring some patience to complete.
Outside of my difficulties with the reading I must acknowledge Whyte has presented a sweeping tale, quite well told, if requiring some patience to complete.
January 24, 2016
4.5 stars
I just love this series! With all its wordiness, it never bores me. I do find myself wondering why his men follow Merlyn, though - he seems to be more autocratic, though well-intentioned, than wise in his choices and actions. Nonetheless, I read on fully engaged, so JW must be doing something very right in his story! :P
I just love this series! With all its wordiness, it never bores me. I do find myself wondering why his men follow Merlyn, though - he seems to be more autocratic, though well-intentioned, than wise in his choices and actions. Nonetheless, I read on fully engaged, so JW must be doing something very right in his story! :P
January 17, 2020
This is one of my favorite series written by a local man from my area. How I was turned onto this series is a story onto itself. The books in the a Dream of Eagles series are the authors take on the King Arthur Legends and he places the story in the context of actual historic events. I have read it twice and if I ever have the time I will read them all again.
January 18, 2021
Another amazing entry in this series, which I strongly encourage all fans of historical fiction and Arthurian legends to read.
The fourth in the Camulod series begins immediately after the end of the third, with Merlyn floating aimlessly in a small boat with the newborn child, Arthur, son of his cousin Uther and Ygraine, the wife of the cruel Lot of Cornwall. Merlyn came upon the child at the end of the last book after a disastrous war in Cornwall between Uther's forces and Lot's forces, including foreign mercenary armies employed by Lot to ambush Uther. In the fighting, both Uther and Lot are killed before Merlyn could arrive, and Merlyn is only barely able to save Ygraine long enough for her to tell Merlyn of Arthur and his parentage, before she, too succumbs to injuries. Merlyn's boat, which he is unable to steer back to land, is soon overtaken by a much larger craft, and boarded by men who toss the infant overboard. When Merlyn dives into the water to save Arthur, the captain of the galley orders Merlyn and Arthur to be brought safely aboard, and Merlyn quickly realizes that this ship captain is, in fact, Connor, brother of Merlyn's friend, adjutant, and former hostage, Donuil of Eire. Merlyn initially keeps secrets (that he himself was husband to Connor's sister, Deirdre, whom Merlyn called Cassandra and who was murdered in the previous book carrying their unborn child; and that Arthur is the son of Connor's sister, Ygraine, by Merlyn's cousin, Uther), but tells Connor of his friendship with Donuil, and Connor releases Merlyn to return home, while keeping Arthur as hostage in Eire. Merlyn returns to Camulod to await Donuil, and discovers that in his absence, previously unknown political factions (Farmers vs Artisans) have arisen to spoil the peace of Camulod's Council. He also renews his relationship with his half-brother, Ambrose, who now lives in Camulod, and lets his aunt Luceiia in on the secret hiding place of Excalibur. Merlyn quickly stamps out the factions, making an enemy of one Peter Ironhair, who disappears shortly before Merlyn travels to Eire with Donuil, eventually winning over King Athol, father of Connor, Donuil, Deirde, and Ygraine, and securing a treaty of mutual respect and assistance in Athol's attempts to move his people to a safer and more prosperous land in Caledonia. Along the way, he has many adventures, and accepts the fact that the dreams he sometimes has are truly prophetic.
The above summary is paltry compared to the full wealth of the storyline, which is well-written and paced nicely. Whyte's writing is excellent, and his descriptions do not falter whether he's portraying action or philosophy or scenery - even the non-action scenes are described so well that the reader hardly realizes there's a lull in the action. There are many subplots, including lepers and strong women and Berber invaders of Britain from North Africa, and they run the gamut from battles, to political intrigue, to love stories, to the notion of celibacy and its ability to increase focus. It's such an engrossing story, as are all of the rest in this series, that I found myself making excuses to spend time in the cold reading, rather than tempt myself with the TV indoors.
My standard statement for the rest of the series applies to this one: I disagree with Whyte's policy on under-use of commas, but that's literally the only issue I have with the grammar, punctuation, or syntax. It's a smooth read unhampered by grammarian mistakes.
As I've said 3 times before, I give this book and this series a HUGE recommendation for fans of historical fiction and Arthurian legends. Go get them all.
The fourth in the Camulod series begins immediately after the end of the third, with Merlyn floating aimlessly in a small boat with the newborn child, Arthur, son of his cousin Uther and Ygraine, the wife of the cruel Lot of Cornwall. Merlyn came upon the child at the end of the last book after a disastrous war in Cornwall between Uther's forces and Lot's forces, including foreign mercenary armies employed by Lot to ambush Uther. In the fighting, both Uther and Lot are killed before Merlyn could arrive, and Merlyn is only barely able to save Ygraine long enough for her to tell Merlyn of Arthur and his parentage, before she, too succumbs to injuries. Merlyn's boat, which he is unable to steer back to land, is soon overtaken by a much larger craft, and boarded by men who toss the infant overboard. When Merlyn dives into the water to save Arthur, the captain of the galley orders Merlyn and Arthur to be brought safely aboard, and Merlyn quickly realizes that this ship captain is, in fact, Connor, brother of Merlyn's friend, adjutant, and former hostage, Donuil of Eire. Merlyn initially keeps secrets (that he himself was husband to Connor's sister, Deirdre, whom Merlyn called Cassandra and who was murdered in the previous book carrying their unborn child; and that Arthur is the son of Connor's sister, Ygraine, by Merlyn's cousin, Uther), but tells Connor of his friendship with Donuil, and Connor releases Merlyn to return home, while keeping Arthur as hostage in Eire. Merlyn returns to Camulod to await Donuil, and discovers that in his absence, previously unknown political factions (Farmers vs Artisans) have arisen to spoil the peace of Camulod's Council. He also renews his relationship with his half-brother, Ambrose, who now lives in Camulod, and lets his aunt Luceiia in on the secret hiding place of Excalibur. Merlyn quickly stamps out the factions, making an enemy of one Peter Ironhair, who disappears shortly before Merlyn travels to Eire with Donuil, eventually winning over King Athol, father of Connor, Donuil, Deirde, and Ygraine, and securing a treaty of mutual respect and assistance in Athol's attempts to move his people to a safer and more prosperous land in Caledonia. Along the way, he has many adventures, and accepts the fact that the dreams he sometimes has are truly prophetic.
The above summary is paltry compared to the full wealth of the storyline, which is well-written and paced nicely. Whyte's writing is excellent, and his descriptions do not falter whether he's portraying action or philosophy or scenery - even the non-action scenes are described so well that the reader hardly realizes there's a lull in the action. There are many subplots, including lepers and strong women and Berber invaders of Britain from North Africa, and they run the gamut from battles, to political intrigue, to love stories, to the notion of celibacy and its ability to increase focus. It's such an engrossing story, as are all of the rest in this series, that I found myself making excuses to spend time in the cold reading, rather than tempt myself with the TV indoors.
My standard statement for the rest of the series applies to this one: I disagree with Whyte's policy on under-use of commas, but that's literally the only issue I have with the grammar, punctuation, or syntax. It's a smooth read unhampered by grammarian mistakes.
As I've said 3 times before, I give this book and this series a HUGE recommendation for fans of historical fiction and Arthurian legends. Go get them all.
January 26, 2020
In questo capitolo della saga di Camelot, Merlino trova Artù in fasce, e tutta la storia si articola sulla sua protezione e sulla crescita del bambino, portato sano e salvo a Camulod. Negli anni dell'infanzia di Artù, Merlino e i suoi fidati compagni lavorano per mantenere la Colonia un posto sicuro e stringere alleanze proficue con tutti i vicini di territorio. Dopo la morte di Uther i Pendragon sono devastati da faide e lotte interne per la presa del trono, dato che sono in pochi a conoscere la discendenza di Artù. Ma purtroppo anche questo, come tutti i segreti, è destinato ad uscire dall'ombra, e ben presto Merlino sarà costretto a decidere di trovare un nuovo luogo sicuro in cui continuare a crescere Artù per fare di lui un grande re.
La saga di White, giunta al 4° capitolo con questo volume, ha la caratteristica, rispetto a tanti altri racconti che narrano di Artù, di avere come personaggi molti uomini realmente esisti. La grande dovizia di particolari sulle tecniche di combattimento delle truppe e sui loro sistemi di addestramento sono un altro punto estremamente interessante e originale di tutta la saga. I personaggi presentati sono estremamente affascinanti e davvero ben descritti, e White ha deciso che per dare un tocco di realismo in più alle sue cronache anche il linguaggio dovesse essere adattato. Un lavoro davvero minuzioso che rende questa saga speciale ed emozionante per tutti gli amanti della storia di Camelot.
La saga di White, giunta al 4° capitolo con questo volume, ha la caratteristica, rispetto a tanti altri racconti che narrano di Artù, di avere come personaggi molti uomini realmente esisti. La grande dovizia di particolari sulle tecniche di combattimento delle truppe e sui loro sistemi di addestramento sono un altro punto estremamente interessante e originale di tutta la saga. I personaggi presentati sono estremamente affascinanti e davvero ben descritti, e White ha deciso che per dare un tocco di realismo in più alle sue cronache anche il linguaggio dovesse essere adattato. Un lavoro davvero minuzioso che rende questa saga speciale ed emozionante per tutti gli amanti della storia di Camelot.
August 30, 2022
ITA:
In questo quarto volume della serie di Camelot di Jack Whyte, Merlino "recupera" il piccolo Artù e lo conduce a Camelot per crescerlo e proteggere il futuro Alto Re.
Niente da eccepire per quanto riguarda l'ambientazione, la narrazione, la scrittura e i dettagli. Tuttavia, come ho già riscontrato per il secondo volume, non tutti i fatti qui descritti sono così fondamentali e importanti da meritare un'opera intera a essi dedicata. Sia il volume 2 che il 4 infatti sembrano più delle "appendici" dei libri precedenti e avrebbero potuto essere accorpati a essi.
ENG:
In the fourth volume of the Camulod Chronicles series by Jack Whyte, Merlin "retrieves" little Arthur and takes him to Camulod to raise and protect the future High King.
As usual, the setting, the storytelling, the writing and the details in the book are superb, and yet, as I've already found in the second book in the series, not all events herein told are essential and important enough to deserve a whole book. Both the second and the fourth Camulod books feel more like appendixes of the previous volumes and could've been included in them.
In questo quarto volume della serie di Camelot di Jack Whyte, Merlino "recupera" il piccolo Artù e lo conduce a Camelot per crescerlo e proteggere il futuro Alto Re.
Niente da eccepire per quanto riguarda l'ambientazione, la narrazione, la scrittura e i dettagli. Tuttavia, come ho già riscontrato per il secondo volume, non tutti i fatti qui descritti sono così fondamentali e importanti da meritare un'opera intera a essi dedicata. Sia il volume 2 che il 4 infatti sembrano più delle "appendici" dei libri precedenti e avrebbero potuto essere accorpati a essi.
ENG:
In the fourth volume of the Camulod Chronicles series by Jack Whyte, Merlin "retrieves" little Arthur and takes him to Camulod to raise and protect the future High King.
As usual, the setting, the storytelling, the writing and the details in the book are superb, and yet, as I've already found in the second book in the series, not all events herein told are essential and important enough to deserve a whole book. Both the second and the fourth Camulod books feel more like appendixes of the previous volumes and could've been included in them.
November 16, 2025
Undoubtedly the best book so far. Let's see if the author keeps up his own pace throughout the other four books to go. Apart from my crude expectations, driven in part by the euphoria caused to me by the epilogue of the Saxon Shore, I truly believe this to be the best novel about Arthur of Camulod there is. Bernard Cornwell does not get anywhere near Jack Whyte on this one, I can tell you that. What impresses me the most? Whyte's ability to turn what seems simple, unconnected scenes and episodes into important puzzles pieces that fall right where they should as the story progresses. Many things seem amiss until they are no longer. That's when you stop, close the book, close your eyes and think: how naive I was to not have figured out what he meant when he wrote this or that few pages ago... I wish I could know how to do that. For now, I just read read read and feel happy about it.
March 21, 2024
Questa volta i personaggi del mito iniziano a delinearsi in conformità con quanto ci si aspetta, sempre tenendo fede alla narrazione realistica della storia.
Anche questo libro, come gli altri della saga, scorre senza interruzioni, appassiona il lettore nelle vicende della colonia, affrontando elementi ""naturali"" storicamente molto forti per quel periodo.
Ovviamente da leggere se si è interessati alla fine dell'intera saga, anche perchè ci stiamo avvicinando a grandi passi verso la leggenda.
Anche questo libro, come gli altri della saga, scorre senza interruzioni, appassiona il lettore nelle vicende della colonia, affrontando elementi ""naturali"" storicamente molto forti per quel periodo.
Ovviamente da leggere se si è interessati alla fine dell'intera saga, anche perchè ci stiamo avvicinando a grandi passi verso la leggenda.
September 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this fourth book in the Camulod Chronicles series. The storyline mainly focuses on the life of Caius Merlin Britannicus, the grandson of the founder of Camulod, as he continues to build the strength of the colony, develops a relationship with his half brother Ambrose and takes on the stewardship of his charge Arthur Pendragon. Throw in lots of battles, some politics, a little bit of leprosy and the migration of entire peoples in what we now know as Britain, and it’s a captivating tale. On to the next book!
March 30, 2019
I dont understand why Jack Whyte is more popular than he is. This series of King Arthur is fantastic!! The series takes place when Rome pulls its forces out of Britain and how the legend of Arthur could of began. No fantasy stuff in this series but realistic events. Well researched and the characters are well rounded. Look forward to further reading the next book in the series.....
February 10, 2020
The title doesn't really seem to fit the story this time around. It was not what I was expecting. The story continues the epic and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
At times, especially near the end, the story was rushed, as though trying to tie up some loose ends and set up the next book.
At times, especially near the end, the story was rushed, as though trying to tie up some loose ends and set up the next book.
April 25, 2022
Book four picked up right where book three left off with Merlyn and baby Arthur stranded out at sea. If you haven't read the previous books you definitely need to. There is a ton of backstory mentioned, however, some readers may feel lost picking it up this late in the series. This is a great continuation of a wonderful series.
June 21, 2017
I love this series. By itself this is a damn good addition to the series, but when compared to the previous book it is lacking in content. I was not disappointed at all with it, but less happens in this book.
Also, it ends with a damn cliffhanger!
Also, it ends with a damn cliffhanger!
September 24, 2018
So...Arthurian novels are a dime a dozen. I loved this whole series for its historical setting for the plausible ways in which Merlin and Arthur come to be without diminishing the other classic renderings.
April 4, 2019
This novel provides an explanation for the Arthurian legend using knowledge of Romans and British tribes after the fall of the Roman empire. Merlyn becomes Caius Merlyn Brittanicus and Arthur is seen as a connector of all extent kingdoms in Britain. Jack Whyte tells a good story.
October 14, 2020
Camulod adventures
History made true to life, believable characters, eXciting action. And not too much ‘teaching’. I love in particular Whytej’s ability to describe skirmishes where words do not delay the speed of action but. The minutiae of movementcan be visualised
History made true to life, believable characters, eXciting action. And not too much ‘teaching’. I love in particular Whytej’s ability to describe skirmishes where words do not delay the speed of action but. The minutiae of movementcan be visualised
December 22, 2023
I hate when stories wantonly use violence against children. Sometimes such a narrative is built up and very moving, but this book has a Viking throw a baby into the ocean on page 2. It's cheap and disgusting.
June 11, 2017
Action packed, one of the more entertaining books of the series.
October 20, 2017
La rilettura di questo libro mi conferma che il ciclo è da leggere in stretta sequanza secondo l'ordine cronologico degli avvenimenti, altrimenti non si capisce niente.
September 19, 2018
It started extremely well, I was gripped, I even read battle scenes (usually too confusing). Then for unfathomable reasons it turned into a foul mouthed swear fest!
Utterly unacceptable.
Utterly unacceptable.
October 11, 2018
I enjoy this entire series.
December 28, 2018
This book is very good, and continues the story of Meryln and young Arthur.
January 13, 2019
Although I enjoyed the book, it felt as though it was needed to set up the next story that will be about King Arthur. I am still looking forward to reading the next installment.
March 29, 2019
Enjoyable, only took me longer than others due to a busy life. Some sections faster than others, but really enjoying seeing the myths develop.
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