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The King Arthur Trilogy: The Winter King, Enemy of God, Excalibur
It takes a remarkable writer to make an old story as fresh and compelling as the first time we heard it. Bernard Cornwell's Internationally bestselling King Arthur Trilogy tells the mythic saga of King Arthur and is the work of a magnificent storyteller at the height of his powers.
THE WINTER KING
The novel is set in Dark Age Britain in a land where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, where a child-king sits unprotected on the throne, where religion vies with magic for the souls of the people. It is to this desperate land that Arthur returns, a man at once utterly human and truly heroic; a man who loves Guinevere more passionately than he should; a man whose life is at once tragic and triumphant.
ENEMY OF GOD
Having defeated the last holdouts of civil war in southern Britain, Arthur has secured Mordred's throne. But he must still face raging conflicts between the old ways and the new, as well as foes more powerful and more dangerous--because they pose as friends.
EXCALIBUR
The unforgettable tale of Arthur's final struggles against the Saxons and his last attempts to triumph over a ruined marriage and ravaged dreams as forces both earthly and unearthly threaten everything Arthur stands for. Peopled by princesses and bards, by warriors and magicians, Excalibur is the story of love, war, loyalty, and betrayal.
1146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2011
212 people are currently reading
1187 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
536 books19.1k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 5, 2022
I binged this trilogy years ago and need to binge it again very soon. I miss Derfel.
February 28, 2022
Cannot wait to re-read this series!
September 15, 2024
These volumes are a masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend that pulses with life, grit, religion, and magic. There are plenty of kings and battles, but of a long line broken people striving for love, family, and peace. This is the second collection that I have read my Cornwell, but it won’t be my last. He is a gift to the reader.
July 19, 2018
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February 4, 2016
The best King Arthur story ever written.
This is my favorite series ever.
This is my favorite series ever.
April 19, 2016
fantastic, absolutely fantastic
January 14, 2023
By far the greatest telling of an Arthurian tale. Bernard Cornwell just has a way of combining history and fiction like no other. Highly, freaking highly, recommend!
October 16, 2011
A truly epic chronicle of the story of Arthur, told through the eyes of the loyal warlord Derfel. Cornwell spins his unique version of the tale, and manages to turn legendary characters into real people with faults and all. Many fabled names make an appearance, like Arthur, Merlin, Morgan, Mordred, Guinevere, Lancelot, Galahad, Sagramor, Bors and Tristan and Iseult. But also historical names like the Saxon warlord Aelle, and the Briton kings Tewdric and his son Meurig, and Cuneglas.
With the lack of information from this period, Cornwell must have felt the freedom to write a true historical fantasy, underlined by magical occurrences influenced by the druid Merlin and his fierce lover and apprentice Nimue. It carries a truly magical tale right in between the struggles between the old gods of the Briton and the new god of the Christians, smack in the middle of the fight against the Saxons, and infighting between the British kingdoms.
It is interesting to see how these books must have been the stepping stone for the current series by Cornwell, the Saxon Series. There is a lot of the warlord Derfel (and a pinch of the savage Culhwch)in the protagonist of that series, Uthred.
A few final comments. The story started quite slow, and it took a while to gather pace. But when it did, I couldn't stop reading. That brings me to the second matter; the sheer size of this tome. These are three huge novels in one, and if you have the discipline to put you Kindle aside after each separate story, that would not be a bad idea. And finally, I have to take issue with the proofreading and formatting of the Warlord Chronicles. It seems that the publisher hurried to add this great series to the tide of ebooks, and the hurry shows, unfortunately.
With the lack of information from this period, Cornwell must have felt the freedom to write a true historical fantasy, underlined by magical occurrences influenced by the druid Merlin and his fierce lover and apprentice Nimue. It carries a truly magical tale right in between the struggles between the old gods of the Briton and the new god of the Christians, smack in the middle of the fight against the Saxons, and infighting between the British kingdoms.
It is interesting to see how these books must have been the stepping stone for the current series by Cornwell, the Saxon Series. There is a lot of the warlord Derfel (and a pinch of the savage Culhwch)in the protagonist of that series, Uthred.
A few final comments. The story started quite slow, and it took a while to gather pace. But when it did, I couldn't stop reading. That brings me to the second matter; the sheer size of this tome. These are three huge novels in one, and if you have the discipline to put you Kindle aside after each separate story, that would not be a bad idea. And finally, I have to take issue with the proofreading and formatting of the Warlord Chronicles. It seems that the publisher hurried to add this great series to the tide of ebooks, and the hurry shows, unfortunately.
June 6, 2017
I loved reading the Saxon Series (now a major TV series, The Last Kingdom). The author has a way of fleshing characters and giving an alternative, less romantic version of history, the kind that makes for great historical fiction.
The Warlord trilogy takes the story of King Arthur and Excalibur to a different level. The main protagonist, just like the Saxon series, is an ordinary man who rises and is privy to the significant happenings and hence gives a bird-eye view of events as they unfold.
All the usual suspects are there, Guinevere, Galahad, Lancelot, Merlin but each is fleshed out as a fallible human making them much easier to relate to.
There is action, intrigue, gore, death loss, revenge etc, everything that makes the series so unputdownable.
Don't bother reading only one of the books, just get the lot.
The Warlord trilogy takes the story of King Arthur and Excalibur to a different level. The main protagonist, just like the Saxon series, is an ordinary man who rises and is privy to the significant happenings and hence gives a bird-eye view of events as they unfold.
All the usual suspects are there, Guinevere, Galahad, Lancelot, Merlin but each is fleshed out as a fallible human making them much easier to relate to.
There is action, intrigue, gore, death loss, revenge etc, everything that makes the series so unputdownable.
Don't bother reading only one of the books, just get the lot.
November 20, 2011
I'm on the third book, Excalibur. I've read straight through all three books. The series is great, you get a great sense of what it was like in 500 AD in Britain, the brutality and the conflict between Christianity and the Pagan religion. These books are some of the best historical fiction that I've read, completely engrossing.
June 3, 2015
Superb retelling of the Arthurian legends. Cornwell's characters are so vivid and alive that you will miss them when you've finished the trilogy - I can think of no higher compliment for an author. Highest possible recommendation.
August 19, 2015
Several people I have recommended this series to complained that it was too slow to start and was therefore difficult to get into. While I agree, the beginning of the first book did not grab me immediately, the series is worth it! One of my favorite versions of the Arthurian Legend that I've read.
February 13, 2019
Ninguém descreve batalhas como o Bernard Cornwell.
February 19, 2024
"Fate is Inexorable" - Merlin
BOOK INFO:
Publisher - Penguin Press
Author - Bernard Cornwell
Page Count - Almost 500 per book (3 book series)
Type - Paperback (2016 editions)
Title(s) - The Winter King, Enemy of God, Excalibur
Audience - A 18+
SUMMARY: This three-part series gives readers a look at the adventures of Arthur through the eyes of the young spearmen Derfel; buckle up cause in typical Bernard Cornwell fashion we are not simply reading about ancient Britain, we are living through the smells, weather, superstitions, and of course miles and miles of marched and muddied battlefields. As the series progresses through a myriad of subplots full of personalities desiring a seat at Arthur's table hoping to shape post-Roman Britain in their image as the one true king will test not only the metal in Excalibur, but the forge in his heart.
PROS: Using Derfel as a stand-in for readers allowed the story of Arthur to stake a claim on our hearts beyond a simple retelling of a legend. With Derfel as our vessel, we could stare in childlike awe when Steelshod Arthur rides on the scene to win the day, while the reader's basic understanding of the Arthurian Legends gives us a chance to step away from the less noble parts of the King's adventures that Derfel himself is not aware of.
CONS: A huge cast of characters, locations to memorize, and the writing is full of old Breton terminology.
RECOMMENDATION: Fans of slow-burn adventure/fantasy genres, and readers looking for historical literature with some artistic license will enjoy this series.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE: " She turned his blood to smoke." - Derfel
******* Sahasrara = "Six Plus One" - Great Bliss
("The Four Noble Truths", and "The Five Stages Of Grief" had a baby and it wasn't 9
because math doesn't count anymore. Reaching the last page WILL hurt you.)
BOOK INFO:
Publisher - Penguin Press
Author - Bernard Cornwell
Page Count - Almost 500 per book (3 book series)
Type - Paperback (2016 editions)
Title(s) - The Winter King, Enemy of God, Excalibur
Audience - A 18+
SUMMARY: This three-part series gives readers a look at the adventures of Arthur through the eyes of the young spearmen Derfel; buckle up cause in typical Bernard Cornwell fashion we are not simply reading about ancient Britain, we are living through the smells, weather, superstitions, and of course miles and miles of marched and muddied battlefields. As the series progresses through a myriad of subplots full of personalities desiring a seat at Arthur's table hoping to shape post-Roman Britain in their image as the one true king will test not only the metal in Excalibur, but the forge in his heart.
PROS: Using Derfel as a stand-in for readers allowed the story of Arthur to stake a claim on our hearts beyond a simple retelling of a legend. With Derfel as our vessel, we could stare in childlike awe when Steelshod Arthur rides on the scene to win the day, while the reader's basic understanding of the Arthurian Legends gives us a chance to step away from the less noble parts of the King's adventures that Derfel himself is not aware of.
CONS: A huge cast of characters, locations to memorize, and the writing is full of old Breton terminology.
RECOMMENDATION: Fans of slow-burn adventure/fantasy genres, and readers looking for historical literature with some artistic license will enjoy this series.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE: " She turned his blood to smoke." - Derfel
******* Sahasrara = "Six Plus One" - Great Bliss
("The Four Noble Truths", and "The Five Stages Of Grief" had a baby and it wasn't 9
because math doesn't count anymore. Reaching the last page WILL hurt you.)
August 19, 2019
I've lost track of all the versions and variants of the Arthurian legends I've read or watched, but the Warlord Chronicles trilogy is my favourite by far. Because it doesn't try to idealize Britain before the horde of Anglo-Saxons took over and made most of the island into the Lloegyr, the Welsh people's lost lands; because it largely sticks to what is known of a people divided between paganism and Christianity who couldn't remain united long enough to push the invaders out for good, but mostly because, even though most of is a war chronicle, it somehow manages to be a story about love. The narrator Derfel's love for his first lord Merlin, for his warlord Arthur, for Nimue the woman he could never have because she belongs to the gods, for Ceinwyn the one he finally attains, for kingdoms lost and dreams extinguished leaving dreamers wondering what they were pursuing exactly. It manages to make heroes out of very flawed characters and makes you love them regardless, it weaves a gripping story that sticks with you long after you've read and re-read those last poignant pages, leaves you wondering what part of you mourns your own lloegyr.
April 12, 2020
The story is about Arthur, Merlin and all the classic characters of the ancient tale, but told from the perspective of Arthur's right-hand spearman, Lord Derfel Kadarn. Best historical fiction story and trilogy I've ever read. I want to read it again. Extremely gritty, real, and best of all, believable. I can conceive that this actually happened, even though it is entirely fictional. Some of the characters are rooted in history, even the main character. There's a dark twist on everything and everyone, but it is true to the time. I would set aside Game of Thrones to read this instead. There is no magic in this story except for the miraculous things that happen here and there and are attributed to the gods, or to random happenstance. Nobody really knows, but they do claim to know. I recommend this series highly. An epic, enrapturing and endlessly entertaining tale of the war of ancient Britons versus the Saxons of old.
August 27, 2025
I really enjoyed all three books in Cornwell’s take on the Arthurian legend. Unlike the “official” or more mythic versions filled with the Holy Grail and shining perfection, this series felt far more human, grounded, and believable.
Cornwell’s Arthur, Merlin, and Guinevere are not untouchable icons but men and women shaped by their flaws, virtues, and shifting ideals. Each character follows their own destiny, often clashing with others, which makes the story richer and more alive. The muddy battles, fragile alliances, and fragile loyalties come across with grit and realism rather than polished legend.
What I appreciated most is that this is not a tale of perfect heroes but of people trying — sometimes failing — to live up to their own ideals. It makes the story compelling, emotional, and very human. A strong and refreshing retelling of the Arthurian cycle.
Cornwell’s Arthur, Merlin, and Guinevere are not untouchable icons but men and women shaped by their flaws, virtues, and shifting ideals. Each character follows their own destiny, often clashing with others, which makes the story richer and more alive. The muddy battles, fragile alliances, and fragile loyalties come across with grit and realism rather than polished legend.
What I appreciated most is that this is not a tale of perfect heroes but of people trying — sometimes failing — to live up to their own ideals. It makes the story compelling, emotional, and very human. A strong and refreshing retelling of the Arthurian cycle.
June 2, 2023
I found the narrator compelling and you find interest in the present day story as well as the past which focuses more on Arthur. Cornwell writes battle and fight description very well and this trilogy didn't disappoint on that front. I flew through all three novels and wish there was more, even if it was just to tie up the narrator story lines. As far as Arthurian legends I really liked how a lot of this was completely fictional but based on a lot of background research to the time period and how it was back then. Historical fiction is loose here, as the author even says in his notes, more fiction but very fun.
August 22, 2021
Cornwell tells the story from the perspective of a monk decades after the events. He is and is not faithful to the traditions. He humanizes the fictions and uses his own masterful storytelling to take a new angle on well-worn narratives.
Cornwell is subtle and poignant contrasted by brutal and bracing. Not influenced by political correct story-telling, his mythology is the one i prefer. What a gift.
Cornwell is subtle and poignant contrasted by brutal and bracing. Not influenced by political correct story-telling, his mythology is the one i prefer. What a gift.
December 10, 2022
This is my absolute favorite Cornwell series. He weaves a beautiful and careful epic of Arthur, treating the more difficult themes with brilliant perspective and art. I became so tied to the characters that I wept openly at the end, not because of any tragedy, but because the tale was over and I could no longer visit with my friends of which I grew so fond!
June 29, 2019
I'm a big fan of Cornwell. And had been reading him for years but some how only found this set. Not unlike his novels about Uhtredd of Babbanberg it has a great hero who you'll like very quickly.
This is a different take on Arthur his nights and Merlin. I enjoyed it. They are quick easy reads.
This is a different take on Arthur his nights and Merlin. I enjoyed it. They are quick easy reads.
March 15, 2022
Brilliant retelling of the Arthurian legend. Highly recommend this trilogy. A very different view of Lancelot, and his affair with Guinevere. Very satisfying ending. I have read many versions of the legends, and I think this is my favorite, as well as being among my favorite all time books.
September 18, 2024
Fantastic Storytelling
The Arthurian Legend has been interpreted dozens of times but this work stands out for its unique perspective, captivating character development and page turning pacing. 1500 pages was too short, but the story was just so satisfying in the end.
The Arthurian Legend has been interpreted dozens of times but this work stands out for its unique perspective, captivating character development and page turning pacing. 1500 pages was too short, but the story was just so satisfying in the end.
January 5, 2018
Yet more great historical, thrilling fiction (well, not all fiction!), from Cornwell, now back to Saxon times, long before the Conquest.
September 25, 2019
Bernard Cornwell did a great job with writing this series so far....(only half way through book 2). I’m not a fantasy fan, but I really like the way he’s written it! I LOVE his writing!
April 14, 2020
Arthur
Just reread all three and they still are fresh and vivid,the characters are bold and the story timeless! This man excels at his craft.
Just reread all three and they still are fresh and vivid,the characters are bold and the story timeless! This man excels at his craft.
April 15, 2020
.
Very engaging tale. I would like to think King Arthur still lives. The battle scenes are vivid and memorable, great read
Very engaging tale. I would like to think King Arthur still lives. The battle scenes are vivid and memorable, great read
February 9, 2021
Craigslist
Excellent book. It's a long read but I couldn't put it down. Well worth the time and effort. I enjoyed the hell out of it.
Excellent book. It's a long read but I couldn't put it down. Well worth the time and effort. I enjoyed the hell out of it.
October 28, 2021
Fantastic. A must read
April 16, 2022
I've read everything he's written except the Sharpe series. I recently purchased that one although I haven't started it yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews