King Arthur lives, but the war isn't over, and distinguishing between friends and foes has never been more difficult. A Long Cloud, the long-awaited fourth installment in the Lion of Wales series, takes Myrddin and Nell into England.And it is there, in the heart of Modred's domain, that the truth about Myrddin's parentage is finally revealed.Complete series reading Cold my Heart, the Oaken Door, of Men and Dragons, A Long Cloud, Frost against the Hilt.
With over a million books sold to date, Sarah Woodbury is the author of more than forty novels, all set in medieval Wales. Although an anthropologist by training, and then a full-time homeschooling mom for twenty years, she began writing fiction when the stories in her head overflowed and demanded that she let them out. While her ancestry is Welsh, she only visited Wales for the first time at university. She has been in love with the country, language, and people ever since. She even convinced her husband to give all four of their children Welsh names.
Sarah is a member of the Historical Authors Fiction Cooperative (HFAC), the Historical Novel Society, and Novelists, Inc. (NINC).
I like that these books are short lol. The story progresses with a few more interesting details revealed about Merlin (Merthin? it's an audiobook so Im not 100% sure lol) and his parentage, and Mogred's plot to become king.
This novel was a little more action packed than the previous ones. I am finding the author's tendency to explain things that don't need to be explained a little tiresome, but I understand that some readers really like this. It does seem to be common for medieval fiction novels in general, I've found.
There's a little more recapping in this one, which, since Im listening to these in quick succession, was a little annoying. But for people who wait a little longer in between novels, I think the amount of recapping is actually pretty great.
There's one more novel in the series so we'll see how it ends!
I squealed with delight when I realized the sequel to one of my favorite books was out a little while ago; I have been *dying* to read more about Nell and Myrddin. You think you know the characters- most have seen or read some iteration of Camelot- but Woodbury manages to invest in them an urgency that many modern retellings have missed. And while Woodbury absolutely includes elements of faith and what modern readers would consider the supernatural, it never rises to the unbelievable level of "magic" that can make Arthurian Legends seem like fairy tales.
The question of who Myrddin's parents are is answered once and for all, but it's not what you might have thought after reading the previous versions. You'll gasp, even if some others have hypothesized the same thing. It's an important revelation, and one can't help but wonder how it's going to affect his relationship with other characters on the canvas.
Nell is a less mysterious character, but her spirit, in my opinion, drives the book. Her bravery and cleverness in the face of tragedy and danger remain impressive; Myrddin wouldn't get very far without her.
Myrddin is still troubled by visions of the death of King Arthur. A vision of sunlight shining on Arthur inspired Arthur’s army to kill half of Agravaine’s remaining forces and now Myrddin is working his way back with Geraint towards Nell and Huw who are under the dubious protection of Edgar. But Myrddin is trying to decide who is a traitor and who truly supports Arthur and he is receiving mixed messages from most of his avowed allies to support Arthur. It is becoming much more complicated in deciding how to rescue Arthur from Modred’s clutches.
This book has lots of intrigue and adventure. Each character comes to life as if you know them. King Arthur is nothing like movies I have watched. This was an enjoyable book.
Even after the last word is read, I could not step out of Sarah Woodbury's medieval world. I held my breath with each suspense , I laughed at each surprise, in truth I could not put it down
My greatest criticism of this book is that it is too short, but that is the brilliance of the author telling the story as a marathon and not a sprint. This is my favorite of the series as it contains a twist in the story even more significant than King Arthur's survival and one that has been slowly built toward since the first installment, Cold My Heart. Nell and Myrddin are married now and accept the importance of their roles in Arthur's battle against Modred, but are still coming to grips with having more than just themselves to care for. Myrddin's newfound role can only serve to put them in more peril as the series progresses. I had never been one to have an interest in Arthurian fantasy, but this series is making me want to explore the genre.
I have loved this series. It combines the best of the Arthur legends with a sense of possibility. It does leave you wanting more and is not a stand alone novel. But the next book, the conclusion, comes out in just a couple of weeks so I am happy to wait. If you love history or legends or like me, love both, don't miss reading this book.
Arrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhh. I turn and it's the last page! THE fucking END! Nooooooooooo. I need more of Myrddin and Nell. I need this amazing series to end with a HEA. Bravo. I can't wait to read Frost Against The Hilt, book 4.
There's Claire and Jamie. Now there's Nell and Myrddin. Great pair of heroes and I'm still pulled into their story. The series of novellas is an okay format, but I would have been just as happy if it was all one book.