Excalibur

by Peter Gibbons

The sword has the power of Britain in its steel, men will follow and fight for whoever wields it... Dark Age Britain. A legendary hero rises to unite a divided and threatened land... A country left in ruins after the fall of the Roman Empire is plundered and broken. Saxon hordes have invaded and conquered the East coast of Britain in a blood-soaked Great War which tore the old kingdoms apart. From Bernicia to Kent, land and kingdoms are now under Saxon rule. But these new conquerors want more…

Britain's remaining kingdoms are jaded by the constant threat of war, their Kings old, alliances fickle and frayed. It seems Britain must fall enslaved to the brutal and marauding conquerors from across the sea.

But no one counted on a new and fearsome warlord. A warrior granted power by the druid Merlin through the mighty sword Excalibur. A man with no Kingdom but a quest to unite the country and fight back against the baying Saxon warriors? He is known as the legendary Arthur.

The compelling, fast-paced start of a brand new series from bestselling writer Peter Gibbons. Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwall.

Praise for the

'Epic, brutal action' - Matthew Harffy

'Bloody and brutal, Peter's vivid writing really brings the story to life.' - Donovan Cook

'A superbly atmospheric tale of redemption that pitches the English against Viking raiders and resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened warriors' - MJ Porter

'Thunderously atmospheric! Gibbons once again proves himself a master of Viking & Dark Age lore.' - Gordon Doherty

'Absolutely cracking. The best Viking saga I've read in years. A joy to pick up again.' - Ross Greenwood

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Arthurian, Audiobook, Fiction, Mythology, Historical

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

I am an author based in Kildare in Ireland, with a passion for Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and of course writing! My books include the Viking Blood and Blade Saga and the Saxon Warrior Series. You can visit my own website at www.petermgibbons.com or find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Peter-Gibbon...

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Erika George · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Arthur coming of legend story
4.5⭐️
Loved seeing the elements come into place

Lunette was a joy
Giving Kai and Ector a front seat in the story was excellent

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been interested in stories of King Arthur.
This one takes place as he’s a young man. He’s finding his way on the battlefield. We see him meet Merlin for the first time and when Merlin gives him Excalibur.
It’s a very descriptive book. Lots of fighting and battle gore. Arthur grows as the book goes on and becomes quite the warrior. If you love epic battles, definitely add this to your list

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fellow readers. Excalibur was truly amazing to read. I enjoyed the background story from all the characters and learning about characters that I’ve never heard of before. Take for instance young Arthur’s father Ector or his brother Kal and his daredevil younger sister Lunette. The journey that Merlin sends young Arthur on is one of pure mystery, surprises, survival and magic.
I very much appreciated that the book wasn’t bogged down with to much political talk or romance talk. Both are sprinkled through the entirety of the book. The story does focus on the bond that the two brothers Arthur and Kal has for one another as well as making it back home to their father to show him what men that they have become. I thought that the action and war details were explained very well. I could actually see the battles that took place at the edge of mountains in the pouring rain. Warrior’s fighting to the death. Excalibur slashing through the chaos Eager to get to Huell. What a wonderful treat to read a story from history that has been written so well. I am totally on board to read the next journey Arthur sets out on. I give this book two snaps and a twist.
Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong 4.5!
Arthurian April book 5!!!
Told from Arthur's POV, this is a fantastic look at Roman Britan. Peter Gibbins blends the works of Nennius, Geoffrey of Monmouth The Mabinogion, and other works into this very fast-paced tale!!

Lunette was definitely one of my favorite characters here! Arthurian literature needs more women like her, and I hope we see more of her and book two!

Also, I loved that Ector and Kay play large roles! Some of our classic charicter favorites appear in this brutal Roman British setting, and I love it!! Bors gets a special shout out cause the King Arthur 2004 vibes came out strong, and I loved it!

Fantastic deception of the river Glein as well!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read.

A very different telling of Arthur’s legend, it begins before Arthur was a warrior and leader of men and is a fantastic read.
Really well written, entertaining and fast paced, I loved it and can’t wait to start the next one!

[Sumit · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙧, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙪𝙨 𝘼𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙪𝙨 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙙, 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙖𝙭𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚. 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙?’


🗡The book - 1st in the Arthurian Chronicles - is a retelling of Arthurian legend, but unlike other retellings, it sets the story in a historical period and tells it more realistically, removing its mythical elements.




540 AD. Britain. Following the Roman departure, the Saxon hordes invaded the country and plundered it while its numerous kingdoms were divided and weak ripe for pluck. In such a time, a new warlord arises who with the help of a legendary sword Excalibur will unite the country and fight back against the baying Saxon warriors. His name will be Arthur and this is his story from his youth till his first great battle.


‘𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨, 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙨, 𝘼𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙪𝙧. 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩? 𝘽𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙤𝙙. 𝙉𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙚𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙨. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙩. 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙄 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙞𝙢𝙪𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙩.’


🗡Peter Gibbons is not a new name in the historical genre, but this one is my first read by him and I must say I can't stop myself from comparing the book with Bernard Cornwell's The Warlord Chronicles trilogy, which is also based on Arthurian legends --- that's how much I was impressed by his writing.

🗡The story was beautifully waved around actual historical events and mythical legends which makes it more believable and proves the author's mastery over Viking and Dark Age lore. The tightly knitted plot, the fast-paced narratives, the atmospheric descriptions, cinematic battle scenes keep me turning on the pages. I also loved the detailed map and the historical note at the end.

🗡Every character is meticulously written and developed. Arthur's characterization as a reluctant hero was smooth and faultless. Other characters both historical like Ida, Octha, Theodric, Urien, or Owain, and legendary ones like Merlin, Nimue, Uther, or Ector are well fleshed out and a new perspective is given to them.

🗡The book ends with the battle of Glen - Arthur's 1st battle against the Saxons, where the author gives his own twist to the legend which was quite shocking and I hadn't seen it coming.

Overall Excalibur was a wonderful read and I can't wait for the next book. Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian, and Matthew Harffy surely gonna love it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨(4.5/5)

[Carl (Hiatus. IBB in Jan) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Excalibur by Peter James. While it bears some resemblance to Bernard Cornwell's writing style, it leans too heavily on action and gore. I appreciated the character development, particularly Arthur's evolution in his early days before becoming a war leader.

The book also incorporates some interesting historical facts, such as the origin of "Excalibur." This grounding in reality adds depth to the story, and Gibbons clearly did his research.

Unfortunately, the fast-paced narration sometimes felt like listening to a football match on the radio. The short sentences and frequent repetition of names during battle descriptions can be a bit jarring.

Overall, it's a good book that I'd recommend to people who like historical fiction and Arthurian legends. It offers a fresh perspective on the story - many of them I've read in non-fiction books. I will be reading the second book of the saga, which should cover more of the political aspects of the period.

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say Peter Gibbons has fast become a favourite of mine is an understatement. The author and publisher Boldwood, have been killing it in the historical fiction genre recently so when I learnt a new series was starting you can imagine the excitement I felt.

The Arthurian Chronicles tells us about one of the most fascinating characters in history in my opinion – Arthur. From a young age Arthur held a lot of interest to me.. mainly because no one could say one way or another if he existed but the whole idea of Arthur and the sword Excalibur excited me! for me it’s a risk going for Arthur as you need to get that excitement level right to match the myths, and the reader is going to have high expectations.

Did Gibbons deliver? Of course he did!! Gibbons knows his craft and most certainly knows his audience. We have what I’ve come to expect…the wonderful, dark and gruesome gore that any battle loving fan needs but the story is wonderfully weaved with fact and fiction.. I think that’s what makes Gibbon’s writing so exciting to read as his topics always allow some leeway for events to play out and you can really see the effort put into the tale to make the pieces come together.

The author isn’t afraid of detail either, setting the scene.. the ensemble cast too with many a familiar name, each play a part in the development and flow of the tale but in typical Gibbon’s style nothing Is forced in there, its done in what feels like such an effortless way, but I know must have took quite some time to write.

Book 1 is all about laying the foundations but that doesn’t mean you don’t have excitement and you can tell towards the end of the book that a battle is brewing.. but there’s still time for the author to keep the reader on their toes too leaving the reader fulfilled..but at the same time in silent shock.

I know I bang on about pace and flow.. probably way too much… but Peter Gibbon’s gets it.. the mix is so perfect it builds the excitement from the 1st page to last..

Don’t just take my word for any this either.. just look at the praise for the author.. Harffy, Cook, Porter and Doherty.. all household names in my book and certainly authors who are keeping my bookshelves full.

I did want to say there’s a downside but there isnt.. I’m always keen to crack on with the next book..luckily I won’t need to wait long with the next instalment already up for pre-order for release later in the year!

A very impressive read and after enjoying a lot of the authors books of late I feel like it’s also something new and fresh allowing Gibbon’s to further cement himself as one of the best authors out there!

A wonderous 5* read.

[Charlotte reads history · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excalibur is the story of Arthur that takes us from from his late childhood as a fostered son of the famed champion Ector until his first major battle as a leader against the Saxons.

The evolution of Arthur as a man and a warrior is explored against a backdrop of Britain after the romans left - a somewhat lawless time where strong and brutal warriors carved out kingdoms for themselves, and any systems of centralised governance broke down, making them much more susceptible to being picked off slowly by invading and settled Saxon forces.

Gibbon’s approach is grounded strongly in the historical - he discusses his sources extensively, drawing on early texts like the works of Bede, Nennius’ Historia Brittonum, and the Book of Taliesin and later medieval works such as Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of Kings of Britain as well as many more.

This approach is also reflected in the story itself - Merlin and Nimue explain their ‘magic’ is based on the power of belief and tradition - as well as a bit of trickery.

Their form of magic is still a power that cannot be understated in a time of extreme instability where many people were searching for answers and meaning, in addition to having the shadow of the Romans and all they represented looming over them.

I thought this overarching theme was particularly cleverly highlighted by Gibbon with Arthur’s internal voice, which thrummed with a restlessness with the status quo and a hunger for more.

Arthur understood that a united Britain was the only strategic way to win against the Saxons. I particularly liked that his power came from a mix of force and cleverness - his reflections on lost Roman technique and his enthusiasm for adopting new military tactics all felt like a move away from rule by brute force and felt like the hallmarks of a leader about to earn his legendary status.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and the author for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review. Excalibur is out now!

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the versions of the King Arthur myth that I have watched and read, I probably ought to be bored of this story by now, but somehow every telling brings its own unique satisfaction. In this version of the tale, Peter Gibbons appears to be going for realism. The magical elements of the tale are cut away or left clouded in doubt. Excalibur is not presented by the Lady of the Lake, but by Merlin the druid. Spells are cast, but are they real magic or just parlour tricks that inspire ordinary men to fight harder?

The way that names made famous by the legend are casually dropped is one of the signature points of this version of the tale. No particular note is given to the Princess Guinevere from Camulard in Armorica, she is just a princess from a kingdom over the sea, one of many princesses in the kingdoms of Britain. Her brother Gawain is barely given much attention at all outside of an impressive action sequence and a few messages delivered to Arthur through intermediaries. The inclusion of original characters that are close to Arthur is also a bold choice that turned out well, I felt. Ector and Kai play their traditional roles, but a foster-sister named Lunette is added, and I feel that her character is well blended in despite being something of a rebel against the social order she exists in.

The backdrop of Dark Age Britain is steeped in melancholy and decay. Arthur spends a fair amout of time wondering at the ruins of Roman civilisation and lamenting that the Britons seem to have lost so much knowledge, skill and wherewithal. I wonder if this is a build-up to the glories of Camelot being turned into a rediscovery of the lost Roman arts and knowledge in the sequel?

Overall, I found this a very entertaining read and I would recommend it to both enthusiasts of King Arthur and those who have never heard the legend before as it is not written in such a way as to require a grounding in the myth to understand but it has little Easter eggs that someone familiar with the tale can appreciate.

[Ander · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of King Arthur continues to fascinate us centuries after the first accounts of the legendary king first came to be. Even this past year or so alone, I feel like I’ve seen numerous reimaginings of the Arthurian legends. But there’s a good reason for that. Arthurian stories are filled with bravery, honorable warriors, wicked villains, adventure and romance, they continue to inspire authors and readers alike. I’m always in the mood for a new Arthurian story and with my third book of 2025, I chose to read Peter Gibbons’ Excalibur.

Gibbons’ Arthurian tale grounds Arthur in a much more realistic, historical setting rather than a more fantastical one. There is no Lady of the Lake, nor magic, or magical beasts. The Romans are gone and in their wake, they left behind a fractured land filled with petty kingdoms that fight one another just as much as they fight the invading Saxons. Here we meet Arthur, an orphan who seeks to unite the land of Britain against the Saxons. With the help of his foster father Ector, and siblings Kai and Lunette, they must make a journey to unite the various, fractured kingdoms and rise up against the invading Saxons.

Excalibur feels very much inspired by the fantastic Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell, but Gibbons gives the story its own identity. There’s plenty different about this exciting new series. I really loved his version of Arthur. We see Arthur struggle with his fate, and his hesitation to be a warrior. He’d much rather live in peace, but he knows there’s none to be had with the Saxons' imminent arrival. 

Overall, I loved this book. It felt fresh, yet familiar, and Gibbons gives his own spin on the various, legendary characters and a story most of us are familiar with. There were a few minor nitpicks I had with some of the dialogue at times, but overall, I had a blast with this book. Fans of Bernard Corwell and Giles Kristian will love this book! 

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excalibur is the first absorbing title in Peter Gibbons’ exciting and enthralling new series, The Chornicles of Arthur.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britain is in complete and utter ruins. Plundered and broken, the Saxons have invaded and conquered every corner of this once great country and they are still not satisfied. The Saxons want more and more and these blood-thirsty conquerors have got no intention of stopping until everything within reach is in their possession. With the constant threat of war, the kingdoms run by old monarchs and historic alliances being held together by gossamer threads, everything seems desperate and hopeless. However, help might be about to come from the most unlikely and unexpected of sources.

There is a new warlord who has been granted the most extraordinary gift by the Druid Merlin. Power is now within his grasp and he must use it wisely in order to restore hope, reverse the country’s ailing fortunes and return Britain to prosperity. With mighty sword Excalibur, nothing is impossible for this young man. He might have no kingdom and only his wits and his sword, but he is determined to succeed because his name is Arthur and he will not stop until he is successful in his quest for a new beginning for his country.

Excalibur is a bold, bloody and brilliant historical novel full of action, excitement and adventure that takes readers on a wonderful journey through time where the stakes are deadly, enemies are around every corner and tensions are running high. Brilliantly atmospheric, wonderfully plotted and wholly immersive, historical fiction buffs will want to add Peter Gibbons’ Excalibur to the very top of their must-buy lists.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Richard West · Rating 5 out of 5]

There must be something in the air or water because there are seemingly a ton of books about Arthur that have come out in the past year. This is another one - and like so many others - it's part of a series as well.

Following the traditional Arthur story in some respects, but deviating from it a great deal as well, this is a highly entertaining, enjoyable look at young Arthur emerging as a warlord and not as a privileged son of Uther Pendragon, what we get is a more realistic look at what the life of Arthur could have been like. Truth be told, there's not a whole lot of evidence that proves Arthur even existed in the first place.

For those who revel in bloody battles and all that implies, this book delivers. It also delivers in the political arena with various kings vying to take the place of Uther, the "king of kings" when he dies and since the Uther presented here is quite old for his time, there's an almost 100% chance he'll die in the second installment. That of course, will make it possible for Arthur to become the Pendragon, or "king of kings" in the next book. We'll see what happens since Volume 2 is supposed to be out in November, 2024.

Meanwhile, if you're an Arthur follower and fan, pick this one up and enjoy!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excalibur by Peter Gibbons in this book the author makes it seem like King Arthur has walked off the pages of a cartoon and into reality and makes the mythical king into an insecure scared adolescent and we get to watch him turning into what he will ultimately Become. The metamorphosis
Doesn’t happen in this first book however in this book he meets Merlin after being sent on a quest by a druid doing merlins bidding to find princess Guinevere the Saxons are still a big problem. The story mr. Gibbons weaves has slight differences from the story most people know but it all makes for a great tale. Author has grown up with this foster brother Kai and raised by the man he calls spear father Guinevere is not from Britain or at least she speaks a different language. I found this to be a very interesting book with great sword fights awesome villains and even greater people to root for. I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens with author and his foster family I do wish we would’ve seen more of the bumbling teenage author but I still find him so likable insecurities and all. #BoldwoodBooks, #NetGalley, #PeterGibbons, #Excalibur,

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say that Arthur will come back in Britain’s darkest hour, but I think his myth is alive and kicking given the number of novels about the Matter of Britain were out in this decade.
This is a good one, gritty and grim as the best stories about Arthur are (Monthy Phyton and the Holy Grail is among the best but its’ a movie).
It’s a fast paced and action-packed historical fiction that tells the story of Arthur but how it could be, more realistic and less mythical. I loved it and I loved the new outlook to some parts of the myth as reading about characters like Merlin, Nimue or Ector fleshed out and part of a historical moments, with all their strengths and weaknesses.
A fast paced and gripping read that kept on the edge. I loved the tightly knitted plot and how the battles felt realistic, like you could smell the blood and the sweat
I read a new book will be out this autumn, cannot wait to read it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the first book in the Chronicles of Arthur series. On first impressions, I felt the author did a wonderful job with setting the scene. When I read a historical novel, I like to feel as though the story is taking me somewhere else, and the author did an excellent job with bringing the story and characters to life, with vivid imagery. I found that for the most part, I focused on the general atmosphere, the descriptions of the characters and their behaviour, rather than the dialogue.

Some of the battle scenes seemed a little bit intense, but certainly action-packed. It didn't take me long to get into this, and it was an entertaining read. If you are a historical fiction reader, or particularly interested in the legend of King Arthur, you may want to give this book a try.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Excalibur with the Pigeonhole digital book club, chosen because I have always been interested in this period of history. The pace and action never let up carrying the reader along at breakneck speed, the writing is quite simple and straightforward with some good descriptions which you almost don’t notice because of the swift momentum of the narrative. I would have liked some slower moments to explore the relationships and lives of the principal characters a bit more (although this would undoubtedly slow the pace and would not be to some readers’ taste).
I thought the mixture of pagan and Christian beliefs as they co existed at this time, were well portrayed. But I didn’t really enjoy the detailed blood and guts descriptions of constant battle scenes (I don’t like watching war films either😅) and it wasn’t really for me for that reason. The rating is probably a reflection of my personal preference.

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I appreciated the Dark Ages outlook on the many Arthurian characters in these pages, I did not appreciate rereading the same information many times, for example, the description of a shield. I can't be more specific due to not wanting to use spoilers for other readers, and perhaps you won't think the same as me when reading this rendition of Excalibur. However, I believe you will need an open mind to the tales of Arthur and Excalibur to enjoy this book. Being of at least 4 different Celtic tribes from Britain and Ireland, I enjoyed seeing rarely used names from our Pantheons of Gods, and Gaelic words with their anglicized counterparts. The Author is very descriptive when writing, which allows the reader to be there amongst the characters and to share their adventure. However, I did feel the writing was a little stiff in some spots, it just didn't flow naturally for me. But in the end, this is the beginning of a new series and I look forward to seeing where the Author takes us.

[Kymber Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Gibbons book, Excalibur, is book one in the Chronicles of Arthur series; a brand new retelling of the Arthurian legend that will leave readers breathless with the action and brutal rendering of Saxon warlords and Dark Ages history. If fact, Mr. Gibbons draws on extensive research to bring Excalibur to life, showing in remarkable details, the day to day life in Britannia during this brutal time in history.

Readers hear about the prophecy of the red dragon and white a bit more than they than they usually do in passing history, as well as Aurthur's sister Morgana, and her background.

Mr. Gibbons does an outstanding job at reeling readers in right from the beginning up to the end with the action, life like characters, and well developed plot. If readers are looking for a bold, new take on a classic story, giving Mr. Gibbons's Excalibur a chance is one that is sure to please every type of reader!

[Tony Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you come to this book looking for a tale of magic and myth, you're going to be sorely disappointed. Like Bernard Cornwell's Arthurian trilogy, this is a more grounded tale, where the "magic" is never expressly shown to be b.s., but it's quite clear that there's some manipulation going on.

I really wish that this trend of deconstructing and grounding our heroes and legends would begin to give way to a Renaissance of old fashioned storytelling, but having said that, this is a great book.

I mentioned Cornwell's Arthurian trilogy earlier, and there's no doubt that this first book takes its inspiration from that saga. But if you've read that series don't let that deter you from reading this one. This isn't simply a copycat or a rehash. There is a lot of new stuff and fresh takes here to enjoy. Peter Gibbons is a very solid writer with strong storytelling instincts.

Ì can't wait to read the next book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Arthur.

There's no proof he ever existed, with the 'original' (for want of a better word) imagining of him being all Medieval style, Knights on horses, shining armour, lances etc (think the film 'Excalibur').

More recently, that's shifted to post-Roman Dark Ages, in the period between the Romans leaving Britain and the Saxon invasion.

Which is very much the time period in which this novel is set, (re)imagining Arthur to belong to this period (and all that entails), and with Merlin as a Druid rather than a Wizard.

This also 'brings in' several notable characters from the Arthur story alongside both Arthur and Merlin - Guinevere, Kai, Igrainne and Uther all make appearances here - but there is one notable absence (Lancelot) who, I presume, will appear in later books.

Well worth a read.

[GingerOrange · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story.

I was in the mood for a historical adventure and this novel was certainly that. I'm also very into the legend of Arthur so I was very interested to dig into this story. From the jump, this story has a lot of fighting scenes and they are well-written. Fast-paced and, at times, gory. I think that was perfect for this story. This book also follows Arthur's development from a boy to a formidabble warrior and commander. So theres a persoanlity change and the author did a good job of making it realistic. They didn't delve too deeply into things but, with certain battles, Arthur's fear and warrior-thinking were well depicted. The writting and other characters also very perfectly depicted the time period. And, especially to do with Merlin, there was a little bit of mysticism thrown into the story for good measure.

In conclusion, a really good adventure.

[Barbara Lennox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book as I love all things Arthurian, but this didn't do it for me. The characters were two-dimensional, the conflict very much a goodies (Britons) versus baddies (Saxons) with no nuance or subtlety. Nor did I find the political/historical background very convincing, and I do know about the period. Yes, there was plenty of action but I look for character development and internal conflict as well as action and didn't find it in this book. For anyone wanting to read a great fictional interpretation of the Arthurian myth, go for Bernard Cornwell or Rosemary Sutcliffe. Will I read the next book in the series? Probably not.

[Peter Hendrycks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many books about the Arthurian legend, and when I came across this series from an author I had not yet experienced, I said why not? I was not disappointed! This story goes into areas that others have not. Mr Gibbons tells a wonderful story, and shows Arthur to slowly earn his place. Reluctantly accepting his sword, and needing to prove he deserves it from that moment. The final battle scene was vividly described, and made you feel you were there! As there is more to the story yet to come, I am eagerly awaiting to find out how this all comes out. Arthur, Guinevere, Lunete, Uriens, Uther, Owain, and others. How does Mr. Gibbons finish this story?

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A epic retelling of Arthur from a journey of being a young boy to a man. The atmosphere is quite brutal in keeping with the times so not for the faint hearted but I relished it because it is so honest. The characters are well told especially Arthur who I grew quite fond of. The powerful writing makes it a thrilling read which I found hard to put down. Even when I wasn't reading I was thinking about the story and wondering what direction it would go in next. A incredibly crafted plot with terrifying blood thirsty battles!

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

Excalibur is an epic historical novel set after the Romans had left Britain, leaving all the Kings at war with each other. Can Arthur convince them to join together to face a new foe, the Anglo Saxons?

Full of battles and a journey into becoming a man this was an interesting more factual take on the Arthurian legend. It was very gruesome and realistic about the battles, I loved how cunning Arthur is and how he used that to win his battles

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent tale! We meet Arthur as a young man of about 17 years old. We follow him as he travels with his foster father's warband and then later when he and another warband are sent on a mission by Merlin. Slowly he starts to develop into the man of legend, using Excalibur, given to him by Merlin, to rally the kingdoms of Britain to fight the Saxons. This story covers about a year of Arthur's life and ends after the first major battle against the saxons, so there's plenty more to come! Looking forward to the next book in the series, Pendragon.

[Linda Susan Garman · Rating 5 out of 5]

BELIEVE

I grew up reading Mary Stewart and T.H.White and all of the other classical other Arthurian writers. Wanting so badly to believe that it the myth of Arthur was fascinating and true.I've read history books wanting to believe that all is real. This book is a great example of what it could have been like. The people and battles are believable and the heart rending loses that occur during the course of the book draw you further into the myth and what could have been the truth of Arthur. A great read and a wonderful telling of Arthur.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed listening to this book. Excellent medieval battle scenes. Great creation of the Arthur myth into a real-world believable tale. Peter Gibbons nicely weaves history with fiction. This book details Arthur's rise from childhood to war band leader. Arthur is vicious in battle but with a softer side. Perfect depiction of his coming chivalry. Merlin is a feared druid but without fantastic magic. Believable all around. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Bernard Cornwell-esque stuff.