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The legend of King Arthur has been told many times—but never with the strength and resonance, passion and richness granted it in Stephen R. Lawhead's masterful
Pendragon Cycle
Drought, plague, and war have left the Isle of the Mighty battered and its heart, the beloved Arthur, grievously injured—until a secret relic is brought before the dying KIng; a Holy Grail that heals his wounds and restores his vigor.
But soon evil enters the royal court in the guise of a beautiful maiden; a soulless, malevolent force capable of seducing the King's loyal champion, confounding the sage whom some call Merlin, and carrying the sacred Grail—and Arthur's adored Queen—off into the dark unknown. And now Arthur faces the greatest challenge of his sovererignty: a quest of recovery that must lead the noble liege through realms of magic and the undead, on a trail that winds inexorably toward a grim confrontation with his most foul nemesis . . . and his destiny.
Drought, plague and war have left the Isle of Mighty battered and its heart, the beloved Arthur, grievously injured. But, astonishingly, the High King lives—his wounds healed and vigor restored by a sacred and secret relic: the Holy Grail.At Ynys Avallach, a dying Arthur was miraculously renewed. And now, in this time of rampant disease and death, the great king wants to share the Grail's curative powers with all who require it. A shrine will be built to house the holy treasure—and Arthur's fabled Kingdom of Summer will at long last come to be.But evil has entered the royal court in the guise of a beautiful maiden. Unbeknownst to Arthur, to his devoted warriors, to his adored Gwenhwyvar. . .even to the bard Myrddrin, the sage Emrys whom some have called "Merlin," malevolent forces, soulless and cunning, seduce the King's most loyal champion. And in an unthinkable unguarded moment, the Grail is carried off, vanishing somewhere into the dark unknown.Now Arthur faces the greatest challenge of his sovereign.
Pendragon Cycle
Drought, plague, and war have left the Isle of the Mighty battered and its heart, the beloved Arthur, grievously injured—until a secret relic is brought before the dying KIng; a Holy Grail that heals his wounds and restores his vigor.
But soon evil enters the royal court in the guise of a beautiful maiden; a soulless, malevolent force capable of seducing the King's loyal champion, confounding the sage whom some call Merlin, and carrying the sacred Grail—and Arthur's adored Queen—off into the dark unknown. And now Arthur faces the greatest challenge of his sovererignty: a quest of recovery that must lead the noble liege through realms of magic and the undead, on a trail that winds inexorably toward a grim confrontation with his most foul nemesis . . . and his destiny.
Drought, plague and war have left the Isle of Mighty battered and its heart, the beloved Arthur, grievously injured. But, astonishingly, the High King lives—his wounds healed and vigor restored by a sacred and secret relic: the Holy Grail.At Ynys Avallach, a dying Arthur was miraculously renewed. And now, in this time of rampant disease and death, the great king wants to share the Grail's curative powers with all who require it. A shrine will be built to house the holy treasure—and Arthur's fabled Kingdom of Summer will at long last come to be.But evil has entered the royal court in the guise of a beautiful maiden. Unbeknownst to Arthur, to his devoted warriors, to his adored Gwenhwyvar. . .even to the bard Myrddrin, the sage Emrys whom some have called "Merlin," malevolent forces, soulless and cunning, seduce the King's most loyal champion. And in an unthinkable unguarded moment, the Grail is carried off, vanishing somewhere into the dark unknown.Now Arthur faces the greatest challenge of his sovereign.
400 pages, ebook
First published July 1, 1997
128 people are currently reading
4071 people want to read
About the author
Stephen R. Lawhead
100 books2,719 followersStephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
January 16, 2022
Well, this is another book I'd put before book 3 of Arthur. Actually, I am reading the last book again. I feel that I need some sort of closure to wrap up the whole series.
I didn't really think about Gwalchavad much in the previous books, but he makes a very good narrator to this tale. I also love how Morgian's thoughts are all in italics. The best quote in the whole book, I think, is, "Forget swords and spears-children's playthings. I taught you better than that, Morgaws. I suckled you on venom and bile, girl-use it!" I don't know why, but I just love it.
This book gets really freaky during the climax. You never know what will happen next. It was very intriguing.
Oh, I also love the peon type characters like Peredur and Gereint. These young men are so full of honor and servitude. In fact, if Gereint was real, I would totally want to marry him.
I didn't really think about Gwalchavad much in the previous books, but he makes a very good narrator to this tale. I also love how Morgian's thoughts are all in italics. The best quote in the whole book, I think, is, "Forget swords and spears-children's playthings. I taught you better than that, Morgaws. I suckled you on venom and bile, girl-use it!" I don't know why, but I just love it.
This book gets really freaky during the climax. You never know what will happen next. It was very intriguing.
Oh, I also love the peon type characters like Peredur and Gereint. These young men are so full of honor and servitude. In fact, if Gereint was real, I would totally want to marry him.
August 5, 2019
A great read and more focused on the great battle between good and evil. It's heavier on the Christian mythology and metaphors than the rest of the books, but still highly enjoyable. The struggle and true-heartedness of Galahad are moving, just as the realm of darkness and illusions is indeed creepy.
Also, it's great to have someone else as the main hero besides Arthur and Merlin, for a change. Just sad that Lancelot's redemption was not complete, but I guess even fantasy books need to keep a measure of realism, especially when drawing upon actual lore.
Also, it's great to have someone else as the main hero besides Arthur and Merlin, for a change. Just sad that Lancelot's redemption was not complete, but I guess even fantasy books need to keep a measure of realism, especially when drawing upon actual lore.
March 2, 2021
Not as good as I hope it would be and a slight letdown for the end of a great series. But still good because it ties in somewhat to the overall story.
February 5, 2024
I always feel bad for Percival and the way he was ousted as the OG Grail knight, but this was lush. Gwalchavad makes for a fascinating narrator.
February 5, 2012
Seven years of war with the Saecens are followed by an Vandali invasion while the country reels from drought and plague. Arthur's tired host defeats the Vandali but Arthur is seriously injured. The wounds are great and he is taken to Ynys Avallach where Charis, a queen of the fair folk resides. It is hoped that her nursing skill may help him. There a miracle occurs and Arthur survives. That miracle is the Grail brought from its hiding place to heal the Pendragon. Arthur realizes that the Grail is a holy relic that could bring peace and health to Britain and builds a great shrine for it. And, as Arthur has predicted friends and enemy alike come to view and be healed by the Grail.
Meanwhile, Morgian schemes to lure Arthur's champion, Llenlleawg, to become her spy and help bring about the fall of the Pendragon, his queen, Gwenhwyvar, and Myrddin, his bard and counselor. Her goal is to destroy all of Britain and kill the three. Her minions steal the Grail, murdering both guardians and pilgrims in the process. Knowing that his arrogance was the root of this problem, Arthur falls into a deep depression. Myrddin at last is able to bring Athur to his senses and the host pursues Morgians's followers in the hope of recovering the Grail.
The final battle occurs in a place of Morgian's choosing, Llyonesse, where her powers are strongest. Arthur and his host have no recourse but to take up the challenge. Thus begins the major action of the tale as Arthur and his men travel through Llyonesse where Morgian uses her evil magic to raise dead warriors, beasts and create horrible illusions to defeat the host.
For me, the first part of the book seemed to be disjointed and to drag an but when the Grail is stolen, the author seems to hit his stride and the story flows rapidly to the end. From that point, I could not put the book aside unitl I finished. The narrator is Gwalchavad, Lord of Orcady, with parts prefaced by the words and thoughts of Morgian, the Queen of Air and Darkness. All in all, the book is worth your time!
Meanwhile, Morgian schemes to lure Arthur's champion, Llenlleawg, to become her spy and help bring about the fall of the Pendragon, his queen, Gwenhwyvar, and Myrddin, his bard and counselor. Her goal is to destroy all of Britain and kill the three. Her minions steal the Grail, murdering both guardians and pilgrims in the process. Knowing that his arrogance was the root of this problem, Arthur falls into a deep depression. Myrddin at last is able to bring Athur to his senses and the host pursues Morgians's followers in the hope of recovering the Grail.
The final battle occurs in a place of Morgian's choosing, Llyonesse, where her powers are strongest. Arthur and his host have no recourse but to take up the challenge. Thus begins the major action of the tale as Arthur and his men travel through Llyonesse where Morgian uses her evil magic to raise dead warriors, beasts and create horrible illusions to defeat the host.
For me, the first part of the book seemed to be disjointed and to drag an but when the Grail is stolen, the author seems to hit his stride and the story flows rapidly to the end. From that point, I could not put the book aside unitl I finished. The narrator is Gwalchavad, Lord of Orcady, with parts prefaced by the words and thoughts of Morgian, the Queen of Air and Darkness. All in all, the book is worth your time!
March 30, 2024
《Not for nothing am I called the Queen of Air and Darkness》
♤gwalchavad: noble heart, sir galahad
♤morgaws: princess of darkness
And thus ends the main five books of the Pendragon Cycle. Following the Arthurian legends of the Holy Grail and Lancelot's betrayal, Grail is the darkest of the five, with Merlin as a close second. Morgaws made a good villain, but I would have liked some of her POV to understand her more. Gwalchavad was an interesting narrator, though.
Content:
Violence/gore (battles, corpses, dismemberment, etc.)
A gruesomely desecrated altar with human excrement and pieces of a dead bull is described.
Morgian commits incest off-page, but we get a little of her POV leading up to it.
Morgaws attempts to seduce various men.
A comment about the love life of a married couple.
Language (d- ,h- )
Mention of attempted suicide.
Demons/monsters.
Undead warriors.
Ages 17+
♤gwalchavad: noble heart, sir galahad
♤morgaws: princess of darkness
And thus ends the main five books of the Pendragon Cycle. Following the Arthurian legends of the Holy Grail and Lancelot's betrayal, Grail is the darkest of the five, with Merlin as a close second. Morgaws made a good villain, but I would have liked some of her POV to understand her more. Gwalchavad was an interesting narrator, though.
Content:
Violence/gore (battles, corpses, dismemberment, etc.)
A gruesomely desecrated altar with human excrement and pieces of a dead bull is described.
Morgian commits incest off-page, but we get a little of her POV leading up to it.
Morgaws attempts to seduce various men.
A comment about the love life of a married couple.
Language (d- ,h- )
Mention of attempted suicide.
Demons/monsters.
Undead warriors.
Ages 17+
May 15, 2016
Esta é uma das sagas mais belas que tenho tido oportunidade de ler. Depois de ter lido os anteriores através da biblioteca, foi com grande prazer que descobri este exemplar na Feira do Livro de Setúbal há uns anos, sendo assim o único de seis livros fantásticos que se encontra nas prateleiras. E, depois de tanto tempo há espera, este exemplar foi lido.
Depois do quarto livro, Pendragon, e do final misterioso e um tanto atordoador, fiquei num hiatus entre a leitura desse e deste, Graal. Ainda bem, porque tornou este livro ainda mais "doce". Foi como um elixir de beleza de encanto que me veio parar às mãos e tornei a embrenhar-me naqueles bosques, naquelas intrigas tão bem elaboradas e escritas com uma grande beleza e reencontrar personagens tão brilhantes como Artur e Merlin.
Neste volume a história é narrada por Gwalchavad (Galahad, noutras histórias arturianas), ainda parente de Morgana, é um dos amigos leais de Artur. Depois das guerras com os povos invasores, da recuperação milagrosa de Artur e da seca, este e os outros amigos vêm-se a braços com uma nova aventura: dar a conhecer o Graal a todos e protegê-lo, inaugurando assim o Reino do Verão, o grande objetivo de toda a saga, profetizado por Taliesin no primeiro livro. Porém, cedo começam a ver que algo está estranho e a outra narradora da história começa e tecer a sua teia, se bem que não apareça diretamente no livro: Morgana.
Personagens maravilhosas, ricas e complexas, que é sempre um prazer reencontrar, ajudaram mais uma vez a criar uma história fantástica. Nesta história deixam-se de lado as guerras mais mundanas e o foco principal passa a estar relacionado com o Graal e todos os seus poderes. Não há tantas personagens como nos outros livros, mas as que estão presentes continuam no seu melhor: Artur, Merlin, Avallach, Charis, Morgana...todos elas estão muito bem, mesmo que nem todas tenham o mesmo destaque que noutros livros da saga. Artur e Merlin continuam no centro de tudo, com especial atenção para Llenlleawg (Lancelot) e Morgaws.
O enredo é mais dado ao mistério e à magia. As personagens partem numa demanda perigosa pelo meio de caminhos obscuros e repletos de misteriosos e horrendos desafios, que vão aparecendo de repente e que muito servem para demonstrar a capacidade imaginativa do autor, bem como a sua audácia quanto ao mistério e ao suspense. O clima de suspeita e mistério está presente durante todo o livro e o dei por mim sempre na expectativa, a querer saber o que vinha a seguir e a estabelecer teorias.
As descrições continuam perfeitas, transpirando harmonia e beleza, mas também uma força assustadora nos momentos mais tensos. Mais uma vez, o autor cria o ambiente certo, faz as descrições certas, através de uma linguagem rica e elaborada, épica. É como se o leitor estivesse junto das personagens.
Em suma, é mais um belíssimo romance fantástico de Stephen Lawhead. Recomendo sem reservas a todos os que gostam de um bom livro. Para quem gosta das lendas arturianas então é um autêntico doce que se derrete na boca.
Depois do quarto livro, Pendragon, e do final misterioso e um tanto atordoador, fiquei num hiatus entre a leitura desse e deste, Graal. Ainda bem, porque tornou este livro ainda mais "doce". Foi como um elixir de beleza de encanto que me veio parar às mãos e tornei a embrenhar-me naqueles bosques, naquelas intrigas tão bem elaboradas e escritas com uma grande beleza e reencontrar personagens tão brilhantes como Artur e Merlin.
Neste volume a história é narrada por Gwalchavad (Galahad, noutras histórias arturianas), ainda parente de Morgana, é um dos amigos leais de Artur. Depois das guerras com os povos invasores, da recuperação milagrosa de Artur e da seca, este e os outros amigos vêm-se a braços com uma nova aventura: dar a conhecer o Graal a todos e protegê-lo, inaugurando assim o Reino do Verão, o grande objetivo de toda a saga, profetizado por Taliesin no primeiro livro. Porém, cedo começam a ver que algo está estranho e a outra narradora da história começa e tecer a sua teia, se bem que não apareça diretamente no livro: Morgana.
Personagens maravilhosas, ricas e complexas, que é sempre um prazer reencontrar, ajudaram mais uma vez a criar uma história fantástica. Nesta história deixam-se de lado as guerras mais mundanas e o foco principal passa a estar relacionado com o Graal e todos os seus poderes. Não há tantas personagens como nos outros livros, mas as que estão presentes continuam no seu melhor: Artur, Merlin, Avallach, Charis, Morgana...todos elas estão muito bem, mesmo que nem todas tenham o mesmo destaque que noutros livros da saga. Artur e Merlin continuam no centro de tudo, com especial atenção para Llenlleawg (Lancelot) e Morgaws.
O enredo é mais dado ao mistério e à magia. As personagens partem numa demanda perigosa pelo meio de caminhos obscuros e repletos de misteriosos e horrendos desafios, que vão aparecendo de repente e que muito servem para demonstrar a capacidade imaginativa do autor, bem como a sua audácia quanto ao mistério e ao suspense. O clima de suspeita e mistério está presente durante todo o livro e o dei por mim sempre na expectativa, a querer saber o que vinha a seguir e a estabelecer teorias.
As descrições continuam perfeitas, transpirando harmonia e beleza, mas também uma força assustadora nos momentos mais tensos. Mais uma vez, o autor cria o ambiente certo, faz as descrições certas, através de uma linguagem rica e elaborada, épica. É como se o leitor estivesse junto das personagens.
Em suma, é mais um belíssimo romance fantástico de Stephen Lawhead. Recomendo sem reservas a todos os que gostam de um bom livro. Para quem gosta das lendas arturianas então é um autêntico doce que se derrete na boca.
June 29, 2024
Grail is the fifth official book in Stephen R Lawhead’s epic Arthurian retelling, The Pendragon Cycle. (Yes I know there’s a ‘coda’ volume called Avalon, but it’s not really a part of the main five book series.
To make a long story short the last three books of the series can be uneven at places because books four and five were originally supposed to be the middle part of book three, ‘Arthur’. (This was back when Lawhead’s contract allowed him to tell the story of book three in two books) But then things changed and so book three can feel rather truncated at times. When I read book four, ‘Pendragon’, I enjoyed it but there were parts of it that were uneven and if that’s how the series had ended it would have felt a little underwhelming.
BUT……
Ladies and Gentlemen I am SO PLEASED to announce that this final book ‘Grail’ is fantastic and one of the better books in this series.
Grail is told from the POV of the ‘Galahad’ character in the story and it tells the tale of Arthur’s kingdom preparing to honor and venerate the Holy Grail, and how evil is preparing to destroy these best of laid plans. Whereas books two through four of this series are more or less straightforward historical fantasy novels, ‘Grail’ almost reads more like a medieval horror novel at times. It feels like Lawhead’s Arthur got injected with a good dose of The Witcher for this last book, and it really adds some much needed juice to the series.
Evil shows its face in ways we’ve never seen before in this cycle, and it makes for a powerful narrative. Monsters, shape shifters and even the forces of the undead stand to oppose The Kingdom of Summer. This one really leans into the “fantasy” parts of the series!
This series will never work for some people, simply because of the way most of the books read like historical chronicles and not 21st century fantasy books published by Tor. But even though the characterization is different from what you might expect, I don’t think the characters are weak or flat.
In a similar way, the plots of all of Lawhead’s novels can read as being long or can seem like they ramble, but it’s once again because he’s trying to make the books feel like history rather than a three act narrative.
Personally I love this series. I think this ending book is just what it needed. I really hope more people check this series out. It’s fantastic and really worth your time.
To make a long story short the last three books of the series can be uneven at places because books four and five were originally supposed to be the middle part of book three, ‘Arthur’. (This was back when Lawhead’s contract allowed him to tell the story of book three in two books) But then things changed and so book three can feel rather truncated at times. When I read book four, ‘Pendragon’, I enjoyed it but there were parts of it that were uneven and if that’s how the series had ended it would have felt a little underwhelming.
BUT……
Ladies and Gentlemen I am SO PLEASED to announce that this final book ‘Grail’ is fantastic and one of the better books in this series.
Grail is told from the POV of the ‘Galahad’ character in the story and it tells the tale of Arthur’s kingdom preparing to honor and venerate the Holy Grail, and how evil is preparing to destroy these best of laid plans. Whereas books two through four of this series are more or less straightforward historical fantasy novels, ‘Grail’ almost reads more like a medieval horror novel at times. It feels like Lawhead’s Arthur got injected with a good dose of The Witcher for this last book, and it really adds some much needed juice to the series.
Evil shows its face in ways we’ve never seen before in this cycle, and it makes for a powerful narrative. Monsters, shape shifters and even the forces of the undead stand to oppose The Kingdom of Summer. This one really leans into the “fantasy” parts of the series!
This series will never work for some people, simply because of the way most of the books read like historical chronicles and not 21st century fantasy books published by Tor. But even though the characterization is different from what you might expect, I don’t think the characters are weak or flat.
In a similar way, the plots of all of Lawhead’s novels can read as being long or can seem like they ramble, but it’s once again because he’s trying to make the books feel like history rather than a three act narrative.
Personally I love this series. I think this ending book is just what it needed. I really hope more people check this series out. It’s fantastic and really worth your time.
March 28, 2007
Favorite Quotes
…when he smiles it is as if the sun itself has come from behind a cloud to light the dreary shadow-crowded way with dazzling warmth.
…to speak of her is to demean with words what is best expressed in a song; a wordless melody of the kind oft stroked on the harp of Myrddin's hand is the best description, I do believe, for when the harp strings sing and the heart shed's it's weariness and rises to the eternal dance, that is what it is like to behold [her].
Elegance finds its meaning in her movements, and to hear her speak is to know how heaven's bright citizens address their immortal kind.
…when he smiles it is as if the sun itself has come from behind a cloud to light the dreary shadow-crowded way with dazzling warmth.
…to speak of her is to demean with words what is best expressed in a song; a wordless melody of the kind oft stroked on the harp of Myrddin's hand is the best description, I do believe, for when the harp strings sing and the heart shed's it's weariness and rises to the eternal dance, that is what it is like to behold [her].
Elegance finds its meaning in her movements, and to hear her speak is to know how heaven's bright citizens address their immortal kind.
July 27, 2013
Los dos anteriores libros de esta saga se me habían hecho bastante pesados. Batalla tras batalla interminable, siempre contra un enemigo más fuerte y numeroso que el anterior pero por suerte este fue totalmente diferente. Volvió un poco al espíritu que tenía Merlin donde la magia está presente. Morgian por fin toma protagonismo y nos muestra de lo que es capaz.
Gwalchavad me gustó como narrador, le agregó algo distinto a la saga, siendo su voz muy diferente a la de los demás narradores que tuvimos.
Siento que con este último tomo la saga se redimió. Muy recomendable!
Gwalchavad me gustó como narrador, le agregó algo distinto a la saga, siendo su voz muy diferente a la de los demás narradores que tuvimos.
Siento que con este último tomo la saga se redimió. Muy recomendable!
October 2, 2017
J'aurais eu énormément de mal à clôturer la lecture, invoquant tous les moyens possibles pour ne pas avancer dans les trente dernières pages. J'étais ennuyée ? Non, pas du tout. Je n'arrivais juste pas à me dire que cette saga serait définitivement clôturée pour moi.
February 3, 2023
Wow, this was probably my favorite along with Taliesin out of all of the books in the series. A lot more action and adventure. Focuses a lot on loyalty and honor. Will be finishing up the last section of Arthur bow.
I listened to the audiobook for free on Hoopla. Simon Vance is my favorite narrator out of the three.
I listened to the audiobook for free on Hoopla. Simon Vance is my favorite narrator out of the three.
November 22, 2022
The best in the series so far, I think.
May 11, 2024
Excellent. Best of the series!
May 29, 2018
Simple. easy to read. Entertaining.
July 6, 2025
merlin sings a 15 page long song set to a harp — goated
January 21, 2014
This book was much better written, more exciting, and with more believable sorcery from Merlin and Morgian than "Arthur". That being said, I am confused about the layout of the two books "Arthur" and "Merlin" as their timelines overlap which took away the suspense and emotion of important characters dieing when you know that they must live and be present for Arthur's final battle. Also, it did not at the end connect Llenlleawg's final fate as a banished and disgraced traitor to his status in the previous book "Arthur" as his champion. And I don't recall the post-"Grail" timeline portion of "Arthur" including any mention of his betrayal. And what about Gwenhyvar's betrayal? Supposedly she was kidnapped but the stable boy and the witnesses saw her as being complicit in Llenleawg's stealing of the Grail. And didn't Arthur mention some of the surviving Cymbrogi going to search for the Grail after Arthur disappears? Why would they do that if they knew he had given it back to Avallach? The story just didn't hold together own its own or paired with the previous book in the series "Arthur". It was painfully obvious that Lawhead didn't plan out "Grail" before writing "Arthur". I would've preferred a more chronological telling of the Arthur story or at least a better planned collaboration between the two books. Again, this was such a disappointing take on a much-loved story so full of opportunities for literary gold.
November 21, 2014
I have been waiting FOREVER to read Grail! The narrator, surprisingly, was Galahad (Gwalchavad in the novel), a character much less explored. Lawhead took an uncommon road in making him the brother of Gwalcmai (Gawain) rather than his brothers being Gaheris, Agravain, and Gareth. I didn't know that in some old Welsh tales, they were brothers, rather than Galahad being Lancelot's son. I would have liked to see Gwalcmai appear in the novel, since he is my favorite of the Arthurian characters, but I can see the backstory Lawhead weaves for him and though Grail is the only of the Pendragon cycle I read, I have a feeling that Gwalcmai has appeared in previous books.
Anyway- THE BOOK. The grail heals an injured Arthur and many other people, but it is stolen by Morgaws and Llenleawg (Lancelot) and the Cymbrogi (Arthur's men) must find it. I was so devastated when Tallaght died, but loved everyone, especially Cai (Kay). Lawhead constantly makes you think something tragic has happened, leaving you having to read more. I also like how he kind of mixed the Green Knight with David and Goliath in Merlin's song. And the grail scene itself! Entrancing! (Though Galahad is very bold to argue with an angel the way he did.) Really devoured this book.
Anyway- THE BOOK. The grail heals an injured Arthur and many other people, but it is stolen by Morgaws and Llenleawg (Lancelot) and the Cymbrogi (Arthur's men) must find it. I was so devastated when Tallaght died, but loved everyone, especially Cai (Kay). Lawhead constantly makes you think something tragic has happened, leaving you having to read more. I also like how he kind of mixed the Green Knight with David and Goliath in Merlin's song. And the grail scene itself! Entrancing! (Though Galahad is very bold to argue with an angel the way he did.) Really devoured this book.
January 24, 2014
This was the best book of the Pendragon cycle by far. The order of the books is kind of confusing if you don't read them all together. Some of the events are overlapping throughout some of the series.
I really liked reading the book from Gwalchavad's perspective. That is one thing I really enjoyed about this series is that you hear some of the same events but from other perspectives. It blends together everything as a much greater story.
I was really surprised that the one person who is the traitor turned out to be Llenlleawg who is Arthur and Gwenhyvar's champion. He is seduced by the mysterious Morgaws who turns out to be the daughter of Morgian. Morgain's part in the story is interestingly added to the story in italics at the beginning of some of the chapters. Out of all the characters, I sort of thought that Gwalchavad would be the one that turned on author since the story is from his perspective. Amazingly he seems to be the one who is able to overcome evil the most.
I was also really relived that Bedwyr, Cai, and Cador end up being alive at the end. The part where Arthur and his friends find them dead in a big oak tree was heartbreaking.
I really liked reading the book from Gwalchavad's perspective. That is one thing I really enjoyed about this series is that you hear some of the same events but from other perspectives. It blends together everything as a much greater story.
I was really surprised that the one person who is the traitor turned out to be Llenlleawg who is Arthur and Gwenhyvar's champion. He is seduced by the mysterious Morgaws who turns out to be the daughter of Morgian. Morgain's part in the story is interestingly added to the story in italics at the beginning of some of the chapters. Out of all the characters, I sort of thought that Gwalchavad would be the one that turned on author since the story is from his perspective. Amazingly he seems to be the one who is able to overcome evil the most.
I was also really relived that Bedwyr, Cai, and Cador end up being alive at the end. The part where Arthur and his friends find them dead in a big oak tree was heartbreaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2015
Last book of the "Pendragon Cycle" series, "Grail" shows more of the story from the evil side of things. I feel the same way about this one as I did about "Pendragon", because they are out of sequence, and there isn't a real clear timeline, I found myself thinking, "was this before this event??" So I really liked it, though I loved Taliesein, Arthur, and Merlin. I was kind of hoping that this one would solve the mystery of what happened to Arthur, but I guess, we will never know. That is part of the appeal of the Legend. Lawhead is a gifted writer and I enjoy his books. Like Tolkien, never light reading, you have to know you are in for the long haul and that you will have to keep your mind sharp. No casual reading here. As a series, I loved it! This is by far my avorite series about Arthur and I love the legend, partly due to the fact that Arthur, his men, and Merlin are all followers of Jehu, and the whole affair between the queen and Lancelot is missing. For "Grail" as a stand alone, again great, as part of the series not my favorite one, but still a wonderful part of the Arthurian Legend. I give it 4+ stars.
April 27, 2016
This is the fifth installment in the Pendragon series, and like the fourth book, Pendragon, it takes place within the time period of the third book, Arthur. On reflection, I think that there are two important things to note about this series: first, I think it is targeted at young adults, and second, Lawhead seeks to give it a Mabinogian-like feel. And do, I recall reading this series as a young adult and thinking the heroes were the best. Now my impression is that while they might be stout and true, they aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. The reader can spot the villain a mile away, and they practically walk around with a neon sign proclaiming "I am the evil villain", but Arthur's comrades and his wise counselor Myrddin, give them full access to the inner court. You kind of wonder what might have been had there been a clever spy master to advise Arthur. Be that as it may, this book does have echoes of Celtic legend and Lawhead has been one of my favorite authors over the years.
October 22, 2009
I truely enjoyed this book, it was from a voice I wasn't expecting to hear from, but enjoyed. Gwalchavad was a great person to hear the story from especially with Morgian's veiw sporatically added in. In this series I will admit my favorites were when Emrys was the voice, but I felt Gwalchavad was a okay substitue. While it is a great story, the series as a whole still feels unfinished. Since much of the seires skipped around in time, this book really falling in the middle with Arthur being the end, I felt confused at times. But the illisions Stephen created were complete and I believed all of them heart and soul, to the point of morning losses of beloved characters! I thank my Husband for buy's me this series for I don't know if I would have bought it myself, but am glad I read it!
September 8, 2015
This was a pretty good conclusion to the Pendragon Cycle. In land full of pestilence and war, Arthur's posession of the Holy Grail has brought a peace to the land. Being enchanted by a mysterious woman, Arthur's champion disappears with the Grail. To keep peace within Britain, Arthur and his fellow warriors must take on his nemesis and retrieve the Grail .
This book definitely had a darker tone to it, which I could feel as I was reading it. It was well written to conclude the story without any loose ends. The series itself was a pretty interesting alternative view point of Arthurian legend. From what I understand a lot of the names versions used throughout the series are derived from Welsh origins. I really enjoyed it as a whole.
This book definitely had a darker tone to it, which I could feel as I was reading it. It was well written to conclude the story without any loose ends. The series itself was a pretty interesting alternative view point of Arthurian legend. From what I understand a lot of the names versions used throughout the series are derived from Welsh origins. I really enjoyed it as a whole.
May 13, 2009
I listened to the audio book edition of this story and really enjoyed it. It's hard following the names when listening, but that was the only complaint I had. The story was so different than the usual Grail sagas, I found it intriguing. Stephen Lawhead writes great characters with a lot of depth and color. His battle scenes are always very graphic, but I think pretty realistic to the ways of fighting in that age, in a word - brutal. This series of books has presented the whole Arthurian Legend in a rather unique way, where events that seem ordinary in their day could be embellished over the centuries to the mythic proportions they have today.
March 23, 2014
Le dernier livre du cyclde de Pendragon est vraiment excellent, probablement le meilleur de la série, peut-être une fin un peu trop heureuse à mon goût, mais le côté plus fantastique que dans les autres tomes m'a bien plu. Les personnages sont pour la majorité les mêmes que dans les livres précédents et quelques nouveaux, forts intéressants, y font également leur aparition. Une très bonne fin à une incroyable série, même si quelques points demeurent sans réponse... Je la recommande fortement à tous les fans du Roi Arthur et de Merlin!!
January 21, 2015
Second best book in the Pendragon cycle. A little bit darker mood , but more moral questions appeared and the story deeper than the prvious books; it is not just about battles and blind faith in christianity. I like that heroic protagonists are not completely faultless, they have now wrong decisions and they have to be face to face with them.
It is specially true to Arthur, who was a flawless semi-god in the previous books, but now he has to regrets some of his reckless decisons and has to deal with betrayal.
It is specially true to Arthur, who was a flawless semi-god in the previous books, but now he has to regrets some of his reckless decisons and has to deal with betrayal.
January 29, 2016
The book is compelling in every manner. One compelling aspect lies on how the book captures our daily lives as we try to become the Light of the world in a place full of dark temptations. It is a book where we all can make a certain resemblance to as it expresses the common struggle and remedy people who live in the Light has through the main characters of the story.
With both good and evil existing in the book and adding on, a thrilling twist, the Grail is a highly recommendable book to everyone who enjoys mysterious, yet adventurous books.
With both good and evil existing in the book and adding on, a thrilling twist, the Grail is a highly recommendable book to everyone who enjoys mysterious, yet adventurous books.
February 4, 2016
Beautifully written by Lawhead, as all the books in this series (Pendragon Cycle) have been. The story is narrated largely by Gwalchavad (Galahad) and in part by Morgain (Morgan Le Fay). The Holy Grail is clearly the centre/object/quest in the novel and we see Morgain's evil at its greatest extent in the series, as she strives to take the Grail and destroy Arthur and Merlin. My only complaint with the whole series is that it's disjointed. Both the books Grail and Pendragon should have been written into the series before many of the events in book 3 ( Arthur ); it's all out of sequence.
December 1, 2017
Grail was such a good book and such a good fanale to a brilliant book series. I found them all interesting and this book does it justice as the end. From the grim moments, to the messed up moments and moments of when the light over comes the darkness and I would recommend the Pendragon Cycle to anyone Christian and non Christian, regardless, you will love it! (Just don't show them to your kids, this is more for the young adult onwards!)
May 25, 2023
A masterful story of Grace woven with the mystical, the dangerous, the heroic, and the broken. This is a story of life at its best and worst; all we dream of life being and all our worst nightmares. Two perspectives woven together flawlessly.
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