- Paperback: 590 pages
- Publisher: BookForce UK Ltd; New edition edition (30 Oct 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1905108273
- ISBN-13: 978-1905108275
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.8 x 4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 769,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Shadow of the King (The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy)
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Product Description
Review
"If only all historical fiction could be this good." --Historical Novels Review
"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature." --Books Magazine
"Helen Hollick is an author who is conquering the world one country at a time with her intricate way of bringing the past to life."
--Suite 101 Romance --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature." --Books Magazine
"Helen Hollick is an author who is conquering the world one country at a time with her intricate way of bringing the past to life."
--Suite 101 Romance --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Product Description
Arthur is dead. His widow, Gwenhwyfar, left at Caer Cadan with their small daughter, faces overthrow by the powerful council headed by Arthur's uncle. But, unknown to her, events in France and Germany mean that a far mightier battle lies ahead. This is the third volume in the "Pendragon's Banner" trilogy.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have to agree with the previous reviewer. Helen Hollick has managed to create the best portrayal of Arthur, Guinevere and the rest of the characters that I have ever read. And again, I have read a lot (Arthurian legend being probably my favourite genre). I was glad that she chose to exclude Lancelot from the story although I did miss Merlin a little. The ending of this book is far superior to any other ending of this legend. The only other series that comes close is Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles although these are much darker and and concenrate on the battles. Helen Hollick's is a brilliant tale of Dark Age politics and humanity. You will not regret buying this book.
4 of 4 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.
I found it very interesting that the origin of the sword from the stone could be because the Latin for 'out of a stone' (ex saxo) is similar to 'from a Saxon' (ex saxone). Sounds reasonable!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
By far the best version of the Arthur legend I have read so far - and I've read a few!
Helen Hollick combines fact with fiction to create a very real and credible Arthur. Her trilogy is packed with suspense, passion and pathos and is totally addictive! I defy anyone who does not fall in love with at least one of her beautifully developped and fully rounded characters, be it with her headstrong Gwenhwyfar or with her rugged Arthur.
Unlike most contemporary Arthurian novels, Helen omits the characters of Lancelot and Merlin, and rationalises the magical elements of the legend, one would think to the disappointment of the reader. Without a shadow of a doubt, however poor Merlin and Lancelot were not missed by me in the slightest, despite my being a lover of all these magical and romantic elements in previous novels.
'The Kingmaking', 'Pendragon's Banner' and 'Shadow Of The King' are all absolute 'musts' for anyone who enjoys a damn good read, and the sooner a film maker puts them on the big screen, the better!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A classic trilogy
This is the third novel completing the Pendragon Trilogy by Helen Hollick. Without question this is an outstanding trilogy, brilliantly researched, brilliantly presented. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Hiraethus o Gymru
This is the best 'Arthur' I've read.
I have just finished reading the Pendragon trilogy and I found it was hugely enjoyable. It was a refreshing slant on the Arthurian legend with no Lancelot, no knights in shining... Read more
Published 16 months ago by joolsuk
The Real Arthur! At last!!
I read this entire series cover to cover in short order because I could not put these books down. Ms. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Cathy Helms
Final entry in The Pendragon Trilogy
Shadow of the King takes up where Pendragon's Banner left off, as Britain is at peace and Arthur and Gwenhyfar live at Caer Cadon with their young daughter Archfedd. Read more
Published on 12 Dec 2008 by Misfit
the best ever
this is the last of a trilogy - the best EVER that I have read I was in tears at the end It's a big book but I read it through in three days - I just couldn't put it down. Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2001
An Arthur to top all Arthurs!
By far the best version of the Arthur legend I have read so far - and I've read a few! Helen Hollick combines fact with fiction to create a very real and credible Arthur. Read more
Published on 12 April 2001
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