Arthur: Book Three of the Pendragon Cycle (Mass Market Paperback)

Unlike the preceding titles, "Arthur" features countless battles, and plunges the reader from glorious victories to devastating defeats. But the primary note is one of victory, as Arthur overcomes the hostile forces both from within and outside of Britain to establish a magnificent Summer Kingdom. "Arthur" is especially characterized by exciting medieval warfare, complete with clever and ingenious military strategy (sieges, ambushes), military tactics of infantry and cavalry, naval jousting, and plain man-to-man combat. The sheer intensity of the action layered with political intrigue and suspense alone makes this a gripping read.

But this is so much more than a novel about military conquests. Arthur's leadership and kingdom have definite overtones of the remarkable Israelite victories under Moses, Joshua and Gideon. With the battle cry "For God and Britain", Arthur and his brave warriors fight valiantly, but constantly ascribe victory to God alone. "If the High King of Heaven fights for us, who can prevail against us?" (p.294)

But not only is the conflict helped by God, it is also for God. Lawhead identifies Arthur's kingdom with the cause of Christ, and portrays his battles against the barbarians as a conflict between Arthur and the True God and "the barbarians and their loathly idols." (p.265) His battles are God's battles, and battles for God's kingdom. Arthur's glorious kingdom strongly resembles the legendary kingdom of justice and peace of king Solomon. It is clearly a symbol of the kingdom of Christ, the glorious Kingdom of Summer, described by prophecy as follows: "...a land where kings extend their hands in justice rather than reach for the sword; where mercy, kindness, and compassion flow like deep water over the land, and men revere virtue, revere truth, revere beauty, above comfort, pleasure, or selfish gain. A land where peace reigns in the hearts of men; where faith blazes like a beacon from every hill and love like a fire from every hearth; where the True God is worshiped and his ways acclaimed by all." (p.136) As High King of Britain, Arthur serves as steward of the justice of the High King of Heaven (p.383). Just like the days of Solomon, men flock from far and wide to learn from Arthur's justice, and marvel at his prosperity and peace.

Because Arthur's kingdom is a symbol of the Christ's great Kingdom of Light, it is set over against the Kingdom of Darkness. Arthur's true foes are not just physical warriors armed with spears and battle axes. He must wage war especially against a spiritual foe armed with the powers of darkness: the evil sorcery of Morgian.

But Arthur's desire to bring peace to the ends of the earth ultimately proves to be his downfall. The book ends with an ambiguity that leaves your heart burning for the kingdom of light and sorrowing over the waves of darkness that assault it. Is the conclusion intended to be an indictment of modern Britain for abandoning the principles of the Kingdom of Summer? At any rate, it will not leave you unmoved.

Does the book have weaknesses? Although it is clearly symbolic, one might question the wisdom of marrying church and state too closely, not unlike the excesses of emperor Constantine. And Lawhead's understanding of the extent to which God controls evil is questionable (p.369). Further, this book (along with others in the series) would benefit immensely from a more detailed map, as well as a extensive glossary of terms, people and places. Readers should also be forewarned that even though "Arthur" is only volume 3 in a series of 5, the last part of "Arthur" concludes the life-story of Arthur. If you want to get the most enjoyment out of the two following volumes (Vol. 4 "Pendragon" & Vol. 5 "Grail"), you would be well-advised to read them in their correct chronological place, namely before the third part of "Arthur". The ending of "Arthur" is best read at the very end of the series. The ending is somewhat sudden and surprising, but on the other hand the dash of tragedy injected in the concluding pages makes the novel all the more convincing and makes our passion for the Kingdom of Summer burn all the brighter. A more fitting ending to the life of Arthur is hardly conceivable.

But such weaknesses will be quickly buried under the novel's countless strengths. There is so much to say about this novel - the gripping plot, the marvellous descriptive language, the evocative mood where even the landscape contributes to the atmosphere in a manner strongly reminiscent of Tolkien (a high compliment indeed!), the religious imagery. Typical of Lawhead, you will find yourself partaking in genuine glory and in genuine grief. Lawhead has an uncanny ability to stir emotions and passions. The passion that Lawhead ignites for a king and a kingdom ultimately proves itself to be a passion for God and His kingdom. And that is a significant achievement indeed.