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Lest Camelot Fall
Millions of people around the world know the legend of King Arthur, but the stories always end with Arthur’s death and never reveal what happened to the surviving Knights of the Round Table—or Camelot itself. Lest Camelot Fall begins with Arthur’s death and tells of the survivors’ struggle to keep Camelot’s flame of freedom burning against the darkness both of Saxon invaders and native British would-be tyrants.
Lucian Aurelianus is a descendant of Roman emperors and British kings alike, as well as being Arthur’s cousin. He receives an urgent summons to Camelot from Merlin only to arrive after the slaughter of the Battle of Camlann, in time to see Arthur’s body taken away to Avalon. Soon afterward Lucian’s brother, Constantine, claims the right to be High King of Britain—and exiles anyone who challenges him, including the surviving Knights. At the same time, the sons of Arthur’s nephew and mortal enemy, Modred, have joined forces with the Saxons, along with soldiers from a reborn Roman Empire with designs on Britain, for a final attack against Camelot.
Lucian decides he must stay to help Merlin and the Knights—and his increasingly despotic brother—if anything of Arthur’s dream is to survive. Ultimately he will do whatever it takes to keep Camelot alive, even when that means challenging the armies of southern Britain, enduring Saxon slavery, and the possibility of taking what is left of Camelot and leaving Britain behind forever.
Lucian Aurelianus is a descendant of Roman emperors and British kings alike, as well as being Arthur’s cousin. He receives an urgent summons to Camelot from Merlin only to arrive after the slaughter of the Battle of Camlann, in time to see Arthur’s body taken away to Avalon. Soon afterward Lucian’s brother, Constantine, claims the right to be High King of Britain—and exiles anyone who challenges him, including the surviving Knights. At the same time, the sons of Arthur’s nephew and mortal enemy, Modred, have joined forces with the Saxons, along with soldiers from a reborn Roman Empire with designs on Britain, for a final attack against Camelot.
Lucian decides he must stay to help Merlin and the Knights—and his increasingly despotic brother—if anything of Arthur’s dream is to survive. Ultimately he will do whatever it takes to keep Camelot alive, even when that means challenging the armies of southern Britain, enduring Saxon slavery, and the possibility of taking what is left of Camelot and leaving Britain behind forever.
- GenresEbooksHistorical Fiction
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2014
18 people want to read
About the author
Danny Adams
28 books21 followersI enjoy writing and reading (of course), hiking, stargazing, and getting into things. I don't mind coloring inside the lines as long as I'm the one drawing the lines.
I'm the co-author of forthcoming science fiction novel A Hole in Wednesday (July 2016, Meteor House), a prequel to Philip Jose Farmer's famous Dayworld series that Farmer started but never finished.
I am also the co-author with Phil Farmer of the short science fiction novel The City Beyond Play (PS, 2007 / 2012). Some of my shorter stuff has appeared in Abyss & Apex, Appalachian Heritage, Asimov's Science Fiction, Ideomancer, Mythic Delirium, Not One Of Us, Paradox, Space & Time, Star*Line, Strange Horizons, The Worlds of Philip Jose Farmer, and even the Journal of the American Chestnut Foundation. I also review science fiction and fantasy books for Publishers Weekly.
Most of the time I live in the 21st century. Not always, but I'm easy enough to find one way or the other.
I'm the co-author of forthcoming science fiction novel A Hole in Wednesday (July 2016, Meteor House), a prequel to Philip Jose Farmer's famous Dayworld series that Farmer started but never finished.
I am also the co-author with Phil Farmer of the short science fiction novel The City Beyond Play (PS, 2007 / 2012). Some of my shorter stuff has appeared in Abyss & Apex, Appalachian Heritage, Asimov's Science Fiction, Ideomancer, Mythic Delirium, Not One Of Us, Paradox, Space & Time, Star*Line, Strange Horizons, The Worlds of Philip Jose Farmer, and even the Journal of the American Chestnut Foundation. I also review science fiction and fantasy books for Publishers Weekly.
Most of the time I live in the 21st century. Not always, but I'm easy enough to find one way or the other.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 2, 2015
Have you ever read a story that you find yourself in a place where you don’t know what all to say about it? That’s my current predicament.
Lest Camelot Fall, is definitely a great book, and Danny Adams is absolutely talented—these things must be said. However, while I have some thoughts on the book, they aren’t so many that it would make this a very long review.
Let me start with a bit of the premise.
Lest Camelot Fall is the story of the time after King Arthur and focuses on Lucian Aurelianus who is a descendant of Roman emperors, British kings and Arthur’s cousin. Lucian receives a very important message from Merlin, a summoning that he is needed to help aid the kingdom. However, Luican makes it there a bit too late and has to encounter the massacre of the people which occurred during the Battle of Camlann.
Knowing that he must act now, he quickly rouses the people of Camelot, taking the role that he was born into—the role of a leader. The twist is that Constantine, Lucain’s brother is now the High King of Camelot.
In this story you will see the return of many iconic characters from the story of King Arthur—Merlin (whom isn’t a person, but a Title), the Knights of the Round Table, as well as some others.
So, here are my thoughts about Lest Camelot Fall, these will neither be pros nor cons, but just general thoughts about the book:
1) This is a great, well written story. It’s obvious that the author did extensive research in order to make it as historically accurate as possible.
2) The main character has a very strong presence. He, and all the rest, are very believable and perfectly executed.
3) I did notice that there were lots of sentences that started with conjunctions. Here is the thing though; this does not make the story grammatically incorrect as it’s the way that the people spoke in that time.
4) While it’s a great read that keeps one invested, I do feel that sometimes the book got a little too immersed in narrative which ultimately took away from more potential dialogue. I would have liked to see a bit more “conversation” between the characters.
5) This is by no means a “happy go lucky” story. If you’re looking for an easygoing, carefree read this is not the one. It is very dark in many ways, which is totally applicable as this is a story about the Dark Ages.
6) While this is a perfectly well written story, I did think that there might have been a bit too much going on. That is if I were to play Devil’s Advocate. But, if I were being completely fair and objective, I’d have to say that this also makes complete sense as it’s a book that deals with war, politics, magic, mayhem, and the like. Stories like this never have a single thread running through them.
If you are looking for a story that is well rounded albeit obscure, this book is for you. It’s full of profound characters and plot and has enough going on to keep the reader invested. Mr. Adams has put together a marvelous read for the lovers of Medieval adventure such as myself.
Lest Camelot Fall, is definitely a great book, and Danny Adams is absolutely talented—these things must be said. However, while I have some thoughts on the book, they aren’t so many that it would make this a very long review.
Let me start with a bit of the premise.
Lest Camelot Fall is the story of the time after King Arthur and focuses on Lucian Aurelianus who is a descendant of Roman emperors, British kings and Arthur’s cousin. Lucian receives a very important message from Merlin, a summoning that he is needed to help aid the kingdom. However, Luican makes it there a bit too late and has to encounter the massacre of the people which occurred during the Battle of Camlann.
Knowing that he must act now, he quickly rouses the people of Camelot, taking the role that he was born into—the role of a leader. The twist is that Constantine, Lucain’s brother is now the High King of Camelot.
In this story you will see the return of many iconic characters from the story of King Arthur—Merlin (whom isn’t a person, but a Title), the Knights of the Round Table, as well as some others.
So, here are my thoughts about Lest Camelot Fall, these will neither be pros nor cons, but just general thoughts about the book:
1) This is a great, well written story. It’s obvious that the author did extensive research in order to make it as historically accurate as possible.
2) The main character has a very strong presence. He, and all the rest, are very believable and perfectly executed.
3) I did notice that there were lots of sentences that started with conjunctions. Here is the thing though; this does not make the story grammatically incorrect as it’s the way that the people spoke in that time.
4) While it’s a great read that keeps one invested, I do feel that sometimes the book got a little too immersed in narrative which ultimately took away from more potential dialogue. I would have liked to see a bit more “conversation” between the characters.
5) This is by no means a “happy go lucky” story. If you’re looking for an easygoing, carefree read this is not the one. It is very dark in many ways, which is totally applicable as this is a story about the Dark Ages.
6) While this is a perfectly well written story, I did think that there might have been a bit too much going on. That is if I were to play Devil’s Advocate. But, if I were being completely fair and objective, I’d have to say that this also makes complete sense as it’s a book that deals with war, politics, magic, mayhem, and the like. Stories like this never have a single thread running through them.
If you are looking for a story that is well rounded albeit obscure, this book is for you. It’s full of profound characters and plot and has enough going on to keep the reader invested. Mr. Adams has put together a marvelous read for the lovers of Medieval adventure such as myself.
December 6, 2014
Camelot is a word that brings many things to the mind. To some it is a reference to an American political family that had a “fairy tale” type of stigma attached to them. Others it brings up the thought of a round table, knights, and most important King Arthur.
The book Lest Camelot Fall by author Danny Adams will take the reader into that world of knights, the round table, and the fabled Camelot. The reader will be introduced to some of the Knights of the Round Table at the sad end of King Arthur’s last battle on the fields of Camlann. It is here that the book will open as one of those knights, Sir Lucian, returns to Camelot to witness the death from the battle.
Lucian had headed to Camelot leaving his men in the North behind to come to the call that Merlin had sent in his letter. It saw Lucian arrive to find the carnage of a battle that we find out later in the book could have been diverted. It’s in this book that we are allowed to dig deep into the events that helped this waste of life happen. At the same time we see that these same terrible events at the beginning of the book could be repeated.
The book follows Lucian and his interactions with Merlin and the remaining Knights. These men all witness Constantine; become King of Dumnonia and Camelot. A man who has some dark sides to him and there is bad blood between the brothers, Lucian and Constantine. This blood will lead to even more turmoil for those centered within the pages.
The book will show how brother can turn on brother, and how allegiances can be born and broken due to a man’s hubris. It’s a story that will show how men will go to lengths to safe what Camelot was, and to reclaim its glory. During the period of the book there is also another group who want to reclaim their glory and that is a new Roman Empire. An empire that has come back from near destruction and is now again moving to reclaim its lost lands.
The book is full of characters that people will recognize from the fables of King Author. There are the Knights such as Lancelot and the magician Merlin. Morgan of the Fey is also featured within the book as well as Arthur’s wife and Lancelot’s lover, Guinevere.
Author Danny Adams does a great job in weaving together a story around the myths and period of Camelot. The book uses that ancient castle as its main backdrop to tie together a story full of intrigue that will take the reader on a story as vast as the British Isles themselves. Lest Camelot Fall, is a story that fans of the era and fans of alternate history will enjoy.
The book Lest Camelot Fall by author Danny Adams will take the reader into that world of knights, the round table, and the fabled Camelot. The reader will be introduced to some of the Knights of the Round Table at the sad end of King Arthur’s last battle on the fields of Camlann. It is here that the book will open as one of those knights, Sir Lucian, returns to Camelot to witness the death from the battle.
Lucian had headed to Camelot leaving his men in the North behind to come to the call that Merlin had sent in his letter. It saw Lucian arrive to find the carnage of a battle that we find out later in the book could have been diverted. It’s in this book that we are allowed to dig deep into the events that helped this waste of life happen. At the same time we see that these same terrible events at the beginning of the book could be repeated.
The book follows Lucian and his interactions with Merlin and the remaining Knights. These men all witness Constantine; become King of Dumnonia and Camelot. A man who has some dark sides to him and there is bad blood between the brothers, Lucian and Constantine. This blood will lead to even more turmoil for those centered within the pages.
The book will show how brother can turn on brother, and how allegiances can be born and broken due to a man’s hubris. It’s a story that will show how men will go to lengths to safe what Camelot was, and to reclaim its glory. During the period of the book there is also another group who want to reclaim their glory and that is a new Roman Empire. An empire that has come back from near destruction and is now again moving to reclaim its lost lands.
The book is full of characters that people will recognize from the fables of King Author. There are the Knights such as Lancelot and the magician Merlin. Morgan of the Fey is also featured within the book as well as Arthur’s wife and Lancelot’s lover, Guinevere.
Author Danny Adams does a great job in weaving together a story around the myths and period of Camelot. The book uses that ancient castle as its main backdrop to tie together a story full of intrigue that will take the reader on a story as vast as the British Isles themselves. Lest Camelot Fall, is a story that fans of the era and fans of alternate history will enjoy.
April 2, 2014
LEST CAMELOT FALL takes up right after King Arthur’s death at the battle of Camlann. Now the Knights of the Round Table no longer have their leader and Constantine Aurelianus, cousin to Arthur has decided to crown himself High King. Merlin has summoned Lucian Aurelianus, Constantine’s brother, to Camlann as he believes Lucian can help keep the spirit of Camelot alive. As Constantine descends into despotism, Lucian and his ragtag band of warriors must do whatever it takes to save Britain from its enemies – foreign and domestic.
LEST CAMELOT FALL is one of the few books I’ve found which starts after King Arthur’s death. I was drawn into the characters first, as they were each striking in their own way. I enjoyed how it was explained that The Merlin is truly a titular office and not just one person. Lucian endures much and through the crucible, he emerges strong enough to realize his own destiny. LEST CAMELOT FALL is a stunning story, which stayed true to the underlying message and meaning of Camelot itself.
LEST CAMELOT FALL is one of the few books I’ve found which starts after King Arthur’s death. I was drawn into the characters first, as they were each striking in their own way. I enjoyed how it was explained that The Merlin is truly a titular office and not just one person. Lucian endures much and through the crucible, he emerges strong enough to realize his own destiny. LEST CAMELOT FALL is a stunning story, which stayed true to the underlying message and meaning of Camelot itself.
December 12, 2015
Danny Adams has written a strong historical novel about what happened after King Arthur died in battle and Excalibur was returned to the Lady of the Lake. It is interesting because it attempts to fuse what (little) we know from solid historical sources, while maintaining faith with the legend. The story puts a real context to characters whose only existence is confirmed by stories written some 700 years after the fact.
It takes place in the decade of 530-540. We know that at that time, the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian is attempting to reconquer Italy, which has been overrun by various Germanic tribes over the previous century. We have a good deal of knowledge about the events and people in the Mediterranean area, but little about Britain. We know the Saxons have invaded to stay and have settled in the Wessex region of south central Britain but they are not really secure. Other Germans tribes are also on the scene, as well as the native Celts and the Romans who stayed after the Western Empire withdrew its troops.
Adams has a historical eye on all of this, but what I think the reader wants to know is what about the characters of Camelot? At this point Adams has to use his imagination to tell us their histories. Who was Merlin? How did he live so long? Who was the real Lady of the Lake? What was Arthur's parentage and who were his descendants in history? What were the ultimate fates of Guinevere and Lancelot?
Adams takes the myths of Camelot and blends it into what we do know of history and he does a very good job at it. He has altered my own internal map of that part of the world at that time. I think his vision is very sound.
His main character is a nephew of Arthur's, Lucian Flavius Aurelianus, whose ancestry is part Roman, part Celt. He tells the story as he journeys back and forth across southern Britain. First person narratives have the obvious strength of being immediate and camera-eyed on the action. The disadvantage of first person is you only see and know what the character knows. So all that history that Adams offers up must be told through the eyes of a Dark Age Royal Prince, who has his own issues, that often blind him to the motives of the people around him. He is a young man with many insecurities that get in the way of him seeing clearly what his final place in the world will be. Lucian is petulant, quick to anger and full of self-doubt and guilt over his own hates, lusts and desires. So when he tells how a Saxon Camp is laid out, or discusses the religious squabbles of Pagan Celts and Christian Camelot, or explains new weaponry such as the cross bow brought in by agents of Justinian, this information-rich discussion causes the story to wait. As a serious history buff, I don't mind, but maybe other readers might lose the thread. Shifting that focus without the all knowing omniscient narrator is tricky.
But never mind that. It is a meaty book and I enjoyed it all. In addition Arthurian lore and Dark Age history Adams throws in lots and lots of allusions to Tolkien and Beowulf and probably much more that I missed. It is a work of a sound scholar and a good fiction writer. I know he is dedicated to his craft and will get better and better as a writer, and that is good news for readers. Well done.
It takes place in the decade of 530-540. We know that at that time, the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian is attempting to reconquer Italy, which has been overrun by various Germanic tribes over the previous century. We have a good deal of knowledge about the events and people in the Mediterranean area, but little about Britain. We know the Saxons have invaded to stay and have settled in the Wessex region of south central Britain but they are not really secure. Other Germans tribes are also on the scene, as well as the native Celts and the Romans who stayed after the Western Empire withdrew its troops.
Adams has a historical eye on all of this, but what I think the reader wants to know is what about the characters of Camelot? At this point Adams has to use his imagination to tell us their histories. Who was Merlin? How did he live so long? Who was the real Lady of the Lake? What was Arthur's parentage and who were his descendants in history? What were the ultimate fates of Guinevere and Lancelot?
Adams takes the myths of Camelot and blends it into what we do know of history and he does a very good job at it. He has altered my own internal map of that part of the world at that time. I think his vision is very sound.
His main character is a nephew of Arthur's, Lucian Flavius Aurelianus, whose ancestry is part Roman, part Celt. He tells the story as he journeys back and forth across southern Britain. First person narratives have the obvious strength of being immediate and camera-eyed on the action. The disadvantage of first person is you only see and know what the character knows. So all that history that Adams offers up must be told through the eyes of a Dark Age Royal Prince, who has his own issues, that often blind him to the motives of the people around him. He is a young man with many insecurities that get in the way of him seeing clearly what his final place in the world will be. Lucian is petulant, quick to anger and full of self-doubt and guilt over his own hates, lusts and desires. So when he tells how a Saxon Camp is laid out, or discusses the religious squabbles of Pagan Celts and Christian Camelot, or explains new weaponry such as the cross bow brought in by agents of Justinian, this information-rich discussion causes the story to wait. As a serious history buff, I don't mind, but maybe other readers might lose the thread. Shifting that focus without the all knowing omniscient narrator is tricky.
But never mind that. It is a meaty book and I enjoyed it all. In addition Arthurian lore and Dark Age history Adams throws in lots and lots of allusions to Tolkien and Beowulf and probably much more that I missed. It is a work of a sound scholar and a good fiction writer. I know he is dedicated to his craft and will get better and better as a writer, and that is good news for readers. Well done.
September 8, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having had a long-standing interest in myths and legends, I was immediately curious to see a book that dealt with the aftermath of Arthur's death and the kind of things that had happened to Camelot afterwards.
While there were times I became confused with some of the characters, especially some of the more minor ones, I quickly found myself drawn to Lucian. Despite not knowing all of his past at once (and that was a really refreshing change), I found him a character who was interesting and well-developed. I enjoyed seeing his interactions with the other Knights and I felt there were elements of real friendship and camaraderie between them.
I thought there was potential to make Constantine a more well-rounded person... but I really disliked him for most of the book. The tension between him and Lucian came across especially well... though I would have liked to be able to see a bit more of Magnus. I didn't feel he came across as a very well-developed character.
There were some elements of information dumping in this book, but for the most part, I was able to follow the storyline. I was left confused about whether Merlin had any real magic, though... but I did think that his past was really interesting and gave a lot more depth to the storyline.
It was good to see that a lot of the characters weren't only good or only bad, but somewhere in between. Although Kay is often portrayed badly, I liked his characterisation in this book. I thought he came across as more likable. And it was also interesting to have the opportunity to see Lancelot and some of the other disgraced knights.
There were a lot of really tense scenes through this book and although there were times I thought Lucian should have spoken out, I was aware of the danger and politics involved. There was a lot of scheming, though... enough that I felt my head spinning a lot of the time.
I think it would be good to read a sequel to this book and see what will happen with the characters next. Although this did reach an ending, I feel like there's a lot more of this book that could be told.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Having had a long-standing interest in myths and legends, I was immediately curious to see a book that dealt with the aftermath of Arthur's death and the kind of things that had happened to Camelot afterwards.
While there were times I became confused with some of the characters, especially some of the more minor ones, I quickly found myself drawn to Lucian. Despite not knowing all of his past at once (and that was a really refreshing change), I found him a character who was interesting and well-developed. I enjoyed seeing his interactions with the other Knights and I felt there were elements of real friendship and camaraderie between them.
I thought there was potential to make Constantine a more well-rounded person... but I really disliked him for most of the book. The tension between him and Lucian came across especially well... though I would have liked to be able to see a bit more of Magnus. I didn't feel he came across as a very well-developed character.
There were some elements of information dumping in this book, but for the most part, I was able to follow the storyline. I was left confused about whether Merlin had any real magic, though... but I did think that his past was really interesting and gave a lot more depth to the storyline.
It was good to see that a lot of the characters weren't only good or only bad, but somewhere in between. Although Kay is often portrayed badly, I liked his characterisation in this book. I thought he came across as more likable. And it was also interesting to have the opportunity to see Lancelot and some of the other disgraced knights.
There were a lot of really tense scenes through this book and although there were times I thought Lucian should have spoken out, I was aware of the danger and politics involved. There was a lot of scheming, though... enough that I felt my head spinning a lot of the time.
I think it would be good to read a sequel to this book and see what will happen with the characters next. Although this did reach an ending, I feel like there's a lot more of this book that could be told.
March 11, 2017
This was my first Arthurian novel that I've read, and I thought it was enjoyable. I'm not all that familiar with the time period itself, and I only have basic knowledge about the Arthurian legend.
That being said, I found this book relatively easy to understand. It wasn't very dense, and it flowed very well. I don't want to give away too much about the story at all, because it's all about what happens to Camelot after Arthur has died. The familiar characters appearing were a surprise to me, so I'll leave that a surprise to everyone else.
I did enjoy the writing, but I felt like the book lacked emotion. I felt like I would better understand the characters if I knew what they were feeling, or at least what they were thinking, especially because it was written in first person.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Arthurian tales, especially to people who are looking to get into the legend and don't know very much. It's a good place to start if you have basic knowledge of Arthur and Camelot.
That being said, I found this book relatively easy to understand. It wasn't very dense, and it flowed very well. I don't want to give away too much about the story at all, because it's all about what happens to Camelot after Arthur has died. The familiar characters appearing were a surprise to me, so I'll leave that a surprise to everyone else.
I did enjoy the writing, but I felt like the book lacked emotion. I felt like I would better understand the characters if I knew what they were feeling, or at least what they were thinking, especially because it was written in first person.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Arthurian tales, especially to people who are looking to get into the legend and don't know very much. It's a good place to start if you have basic knowledge of Arthur and Camelot.
September 4, 2015
Hmm... Lest Camelot Falls was decent. I felt let down a bit mainly because I didn't know the authentic names or the characters used. I was prepared for King Author's Camelot or at least what happened after and ended up confused. There was lots of details and description of the settings but the plot seemed to jump way too much that I found myself wondering if I skipped a chapter and had to go back. Perhaps my perception of what should have happened has clouded my judgment of this story on what did happen.
September 9, 2015
I got the book as E-book for reviews in return.
Well, as I was unaware of the lives of the characters from History so it was bit difficult for mew connect with them. But some how the story took the up-lift.
Author has explained the times so well and the part of Merlin specially, I liked but that could have been more witchy. Unfortunately that wasn't. The era of Arthur was great enough for its time. Post him, the conditions were very bad for his heirs to continue his legacy but what had then has been very nicely depicted.
I liked the book and enjoyed the Merlin part to my liking.
Well, as I was unaware of the lives of the characters from History so it was bit difficult for mew connect with them. But some how the story took the up-lift.
Author has explained the times so well and the part of Merlin specially, I liked but that could have been more witchy. Unfortunately that wasn't. The era of Arthur was great enough for its time. Post him, the conditions were very bad for his heirs to continue his legacy but what had then has been very nicely depicted.
I liked the book and enjoyed the Merlin part to my liking.
September 10, 2015
I was intrigued by the concept of this novel~What happened to The Knights of Round Table? I'm big fan of Arthurian tales. So this captured my attention. Honestly there's so much information that would reveal too much of the story to accurately give my normal style of reviewing. As I said earlier Arthurian tales make me eager to devour them. The novel hit the ground running from first page to last page. Look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.
January 25, 2016
Camelot after Arthur
This was three books in one. It is the story of Britain after the fall of Arthur. Very well written and kept my interest throughout the book.
This was three books in one. It is the story of Britain after the fall of Arthur. Very well written and kept my interest throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews