- Hardcover: 448 pages
- Publisher: Headline Review; First Edition edition (5 Mar 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0755348656
- ISBN-13: 978-0755348657
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 4.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 281,168 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Uther Pendragon, High King of Britain, is dying. As he weakens, Britain is being torn apart by the squabbling of kings. Only one man can bring them together. This is the legend of Artorex, the man destined to be King Arthur.
Artorex, tall for his years, is growing up in the household of Lord Ector. Artorex was sent here by the Bishop of Glastonbury when he was but a babe in arms and, although his parentage is unknown, life has been unremarkable. That is, until the arrival of three men who arrange for him to be trained in the skills of the warrior; blade and shield, horse and fire; pain and bravery.
By the time the men return, Artorex is both a father and a warrior – and married to Lady Gallia. The country is in a desperate state – Londinium is about to fall to the Saxons and Artorex is needed to help fight their advance. But to do so, he must leave his wife and family in the care of others. In an act of appalling treachery, they are slaughtered. But despite his terrible grief, Artorex’s destiny is set. He launches into a campaign of battle against the Saxon hordes, earning himself the trust of all men, and proving himself to be the only worthy successor to Uther. But Uther cannot accept Artorex’s role and hides his sword and crown.
If Artorex is to unite the kings and fulfil his destiny, he needs the weapon destined to be worn by the High King of the Britons. Can he find the embittered Uther's hiding place? The future of Britain is at stake...
Artorex, tall for his years, is growing up in the household of Lord Ector. Artorex was sent here by the Bishop of Glastonbury when he was but a babe in arms and, although his parentage is unknown, life has been unremarkable. That is, until the arrival of three men who arrange for him to be trained in the skills of the warrior; blade and shield, horse and fire; pain and bravery.
By the time the men return, Artorex is both a father and a warrior – and married to Lady Gallia. The country is in a desperate state – Londinium is about to fall to the Saxons and Artorex is needed to help fight their advance. But to do so, he must leave his wife and family in the care of others. In an act of appalling treachery, they are slaughtered. But despite his terrible grief, Artorex’s destiny is set. He launches into a campaign of battle against the Saxon hordes, earning himself the trust of all men, and proving himself to be the only worthy successor to Uther. But Uther cannot accept Artorex’s role and hides his sword and crown.
If Artorex is to unite the kings and fulfil his destiny, he needs the weapon destined to be worn by the High King of the Britons. Can he find the embittered Uther's hiding place? The future of Britain is at stake...
About the Author
M.K. Hume is a retired academic and is married with two sons.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
With a great many books having been written about the life and times of King Arthur, an author really does have to come up with something a little special to stand out in the sea of literature. Here MK Hume steps into the front line with her first tale in whats set to be a trilogy of a tale that utilises the best of the myths along with transfering them to what many believe is historically the real time period of the King.
What ensues in this first book (of the trilogy) is his journey from boyhood to manhood and his taking of the throne upon the death of Uther with a tale that really will enthuse the reader. The writing style is a pure joy to read and its obvious from the opening couple of pages how enthused the author is along with how clued up they are about the time period. Definitely a tale for all who love a good historical epic with characters so tangable you can almost meet them face to face. Cracking offering and I'll eagerly devour the next tale in October.
What ensues in this first book (of the trilogy) is his journey from boyhood to manhood and his taking of the throne upon the death of Uther with a tale that really will enthuse the reader. The writing style is a pure joy to read and its obvious from the opening couple of pages how enthused the author is along with how clued up they are about the time period. Definitely a tale for all who love a good historical epic with characters so tangable you can almost meet them face to face. Cracking offering and I'll eagerly devour the next tale in October.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The first book of a lengthy trilogy that promises to be an imaginative, entertaining, educational and thorough retelling of the Arthurian legend covers the origins of Artorex from the age of 14, brought up at the Villa Poppinidii in Aquae Sulis (Bath) by Roman foster parents up to his first encounter with the High King Uther Pendragon, his battles with the barbarian Saxon hordes, his ascension to the throne and his coming to an awareness of the destiny that has to some extent already been mapped-out for him.
I'm in no position to question the historical accuracy of the novel - the work however has clearly been thoroughly and academically researched - but as a work of imaginative fiction, the first part of the Dragon's Child Trilogy is tremendously stirring stuff and rather well-written, taking time to establish the historical context of the period, considering the backgrounds of the personalities and making those characters come vividly to life through a number of personal challenges that they have to face. Prophesy and destiny are in this way mixed with history and personality, cutting through the legend to the people underneath, making it all very real and meaningful and thoroughly engaging the reader. Outstanding.
I'm in no position to question the historical accuracy of the novel - the work however has clearly been thoroughly and academically researched - but as a work of imaginative fiction, the first part of the Dragon's Child Trilogy is tremendously stirring stuff and rather well-written, taking time to establish the historical context of the period, considering the backgrounds of the personalities and making those characters come vividly to life through a number of personal challenges that they have to face. Prophesy and destiny are in this way mixed with history and personality, cutting through the legend to the people underneath, making it all very real and meaningful and thoroughly engaging the reader. Outstanding.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Discovered the book at the airport before going on holiday. I was already keen on the Arthur legend, but the decision to buy was based, shallowly, on a judgement of the cover. I'm glad I did - it was an absolutely excellent read. Could not put it down. Very eagerly awaiting next volume - Warrior of the West.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Another retelling of the ultimate Matter of Britain
M K Hume's take on the Arthurian legend is a post-Roman Britain where the Celts (Britons?) and remnants of the Romans are living in fear of the Saxon invaders, who have encroached... Read more
Published on 17 Mar 2010 by M. R. N. Shackelford
Reworked Arthur legend
This is entertaining fiction/'history' a good read, but this is a long way from the quality of Cornwell, Iggulden or even Scarrow. Read more
Published on 10 Feb 2010 by S. Glossop
Excellent!!!
I found this book whilst staring at the many shelves of Waterstones one Saturday. I had never heard of the author or the series of books before but the cover intrigued me straight... Read more
Published on 9 Feb 2010 by Je Salter
poorly researched, average writing
Like another reviewer, I was surprised at how little the author seems to know about 5th/6th century Britain, given that she claims to be "something of an expert on most things... Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2010 by H. M. Wiseman
A thoroughly entertaining and rather bloody historical romp
Despite a fairly slow start the attention is held by the author's grasp of the period. Indeed I managed to finish the first half of the book at one sitting and that reflects what... Read more
Published on 9 Jan 2010 by Unguslazadir
King Arthur
The author doesn't capture the real characteristics of the original Arthur. He was a tribal warrior and a leader who for a time united the tribes but she is trying to portray an... Read more
Published on 4 Jan 2010 by Mr. George Cairns
Original, fresh, contemporary
This is an extremely well written recreation of a major British legend dear to many people's heritage. Read more
Published on 11 Nov 2009 by J. Cooper
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