First read it when first published in the UK and myself and the wife loved it so much we bought all 3 books on audio cassette as well

Although nominally book about Arthur and the continued invasion of Britain by the Saxons  at its heart its really a book about the slow Christian take over of Britain. Many of the characters like Derfel and Nimue were in the original Arthur stories but were later replaced by Lancelot, Gallahad and a few others

For those who have read both there is certainly a few similarities between the Characters in this book and the first couple of books of the Last Kingdom

@templar007

“There is some action but mostly political intrigue and sitting the groundwork for what’s to come.”

Yeah I think this is because the book is written in the first person with the narrator now an old man telling the tale of Arthur through his own personal history. This in itself leads to a problem with action scenes as we know that Arthur and the Narrator obviously survive so any suspense is diminished, and in the case of The Winter King led to a few predictable moments.

This is one of the reasons I dislike books written in the first person although I have persevered with this one as I am a fan of Cornwell’s Sharpe series and the descriptions of life in the dark ages with the decaying Roman architecture are brilliant.

Saying that the book was ok

Yeah, part one is definitely a bit of a slow set up. I’ve very little knowledge of Arthurian legend beyond a couple of movies but as you say @wurzzel there are constraints on the narrative because it’s written as a reflection that lessen any drama surrounding certain characters.

@templar007 I have very fond memories of the Sharpe books though I haven’t read one since the last one came out in 2007. I keep meaning to go back but I’m also happy to have them as good memories without the burden of a more modern reading

@torros I think it does in relation to Derfel there’s a moment quite late in the book that should be full of suspense and dread at what is going to happen to our protagonist but it isn’t there as you know he is going to live to a ripe old age.  But you’re right it is about the journey and there are some questions thrown up later on almost like an afterthought  which make you want answers

I just finished the second book… and I have almost forgotten everything from book one by now. That being said: apart from Derfel and Samson being alive later…. boy there is a lot to unpack.

Sidenote: I love the authors notes on the story after each book. really brings it together even more.

I just started reading the novel and spoilers don’t bother me at all. In general, I really love the whole saga about King Arthur, but now, due to my studies, I have little time left for reading and playing. Helped only with https://assignmentbro.com/uk/do-my-assignment and extracurricular lessons in the library. Thanks to them and also to my friend, I find myself one hour before bed. Of course, more often I spend it on other things, but now I decided to set myself the goal of reading 50 books in the remaining 6 months. I hope I succeed

3 days per book…. oO