- Hardcover: 547 pages
- Publisher: St Martins Pr (Dec 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 031214699X
- ISBN-13: 978-0312146993
- Product Dimensions: 21.1 x 14 x 4.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,211,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Pendragon's Banner (The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy)
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Product Description
Review
"If only all historical fiction could be this good." --Historical Novels Review
"Hollick's writing is one of the best I've come across - her descriptions are so vivid it seems as if there's a movie screen in front of you, playing out the scenes." --passagestothepast.com
"Hollick adds her own unique twists and turns to the familiar mythology" --Booklist
"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature."
--Books Magazine --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
"Hollick's writing is one of the best I've come across - her descriptions are so vivid it seems as if there's a movie screen in front of you, playing out the scenes." --passagestothepast.com
"Hollick adds her own unique twists and turns to the familiar mythology" --Booklist
"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature."
--Books Magazine --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Product Description
n the Kingmaking a young orphan named Arthur found his destiny of greatness and achieved both of his long-awaited goals: the throne of Britain and marriage to his beloved Gwenhwyfar. With this vivid retelling of Britain s ancient legend, novelist Helen Hollick combined meticulous historical research with her own creative vision to great critical acclaim. Now with Pendragon s Banner, the legend continues. At age twenty-four, King Arthur has the kingdom he fought so hard for and a new young family. But keeping the throne of Britain - and keeping his wife and three sons safe proves far from easy. There are two enemies who threaten everything that is dear to him: Winifred, Arthur s vindictive first wife who is determined to use the fledgling Christian church to ensure succession for her own son; and Morgause, priestess of the Mother and malevolent Queen of the North. To complicate matters, tragedy strikes just when Arthur needs Gwenhwyfar most, putting their passionate relationship on precarious ground. it promises to take all of Arthur s strength, courage and cunning to secure his birthright and the confidence of his queen.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Don't read this book (or any of the trilogy) expecting a tale of mystery, magic and Merlin. Rather a historian's view of what the real Arthur and Britain in the post-Roman, pre-Saxon age might have been like. This is a time when Rome has deserted the British and the English are only just arriving from 'Germany' bringing with them upheaval and a constant struggle for power. A time when 1000 soldiers is considered a major force and tribal and ethnic loyalties are constantly shifting. As in real life many people are looking to the past and the glory of Rome while others want to look to the future. Not as clear a distinction as it sounds. Dirt, death, tragedy and a nicely dispassionate view of life and death keeps the books rocking along even though they are quite substantial. I did manage to put it down but it did certainly keep me popping back as often as possible.
If I did have one criticism it was that Guinevere (spelt in the more realistic Welsh fashion in this book) was possibly a little bit more of a modern feminist action hero than I feel reasonable. But then again what is a novel without a challenging interpretation of life and love.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Pendragon's Banner takes up where The Kingmaking left off as Arthur Pendragon has a constant battle to hold on to his crown and keep peace among the rival British and Saxon factions. With no real home of their own, Gwenhwyfar and their sons ride with Arthur and his men, but this eventually leads to tension between the two, especially after a tragic accident threatens to destroy the marriage permanently. Uthr's former mistress Morgause plots with King Lot and the Picti of the North to destroy Arthur and his family, as Arthur's ex-wife Winifred continues her scheming to make her son Cerdic as Arthur's heir.
There's actually a whole lot more to it than that, but I'm not into book reports and we all know the main gist of the legends. What you don't find in Hollick's trilogy is all the glorified magic and enchantment of many other books on the period - no Merlin, no Knights of the Round Table and no Lancelot. Arthur is a hard drinking, unfaithful (at times), hot tempered ruthless warrior who does what he has to do to survive and protect his kingdom and his family. Just be warned, the battle scenes are brutal and bloody, so if you're looking for a prettified story of Arthur and his Gwenhwyfar I suggest you look elsewhere. Next up and last in the trilogy Shadow of The King. 4.5/5 stars.
There's actually a whole lot more to it than that, but I'm not into book reports and we all know the main gist of the legends. What you don't find in Hollick's trilogy is all the glorified magic and enchantment of many other books on the period - no Merlin, no Knights of the Round Table and no Lancelot. Arthur is a hard drinking, unfaithful (at times), hot tempered ruthless warrior who does what he has to do to survive and protect his kingdom and his family. Just be warned, the battle scenes are brutal and bloody, so if you're looking for a prettified story of Arthur and his Gwenhwyfar I suggest you look elsewhere. Next up and last in the trilogy Shadow of The King. 4.5/5 stars.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of the best books I have ever read on the subject of King Arthur. I absolutely loved all of the faults and shortcomings that were woven into the character of Arthur. Ms. Hollick did not portray him as the "golden king" of legend, she made him real and likeable. I needed to order this book from the UK, as I reside in the US, and Ms. Hollick's books are not available here. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND anything that has been written by Helen Hollick - you won't be disappointed.
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