Customer Reviews

Excalibur (The Arthur Books #3)

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Cornwell's interpretation of the Arthurian mythos is compelling and superbly written. He breathes new life into the legends by presenting the well-known characters as realistic figures, neither saints nor demons. Few of his villains are without some kind of redeeming feature, and none of his heroes are without flaw. Arthur, a bastard by birth, is generous and kind but ruthless and vain; Gorfyddyd, a tyrannical ruler bent on overlordship of all Britain, is a loving and doting father and Merlin, the inveterate trickster, is never without some surprise up his sleeve but is ultimately human and filled with doubt in the gods and in himself.
Many of the integral parts of the mythos (the Grail quest, Merlin's magical prowess, the love affair between Lancelot and Guinevere) are retold in an utterly plausible manner.
Cornwell's Britain is not a utopian Camelot but a patchwork quilt of loosely affiliated kingdoms warring with one another and fighting off Saxon marauders who themselves are divided into different warlords' followings. His description of religious conflict is one of two faiths, Christianity and Celtic paganism, at times vying for supremacy, at times seeking to co-exist, and always plagued by internacine rivalries and differences of doctrine and ideology.
We view all these people and conflicts through the eyes of Derfel, a Saxon-born slave who fights his way to the top of Post-Roman British society, allowing us to see the legend from a unique and rarely-explored perspective. The result is a spellbinding journey through war and peace, faith and folly, in a three volume work that, but for its recent publication, would no doubt be regarded as a great classic of Western literature.
This last volume left me wanting more. What do you say, Mr. Cornwell? Once more unto the breach?

The tale of Arthur has been told many times since the middle ages, each telling bringing something new to the story, but hands down, The Warlord Chronicles is the absolute best version of the modern era. Gone are the romantic elements that have permeated the story since the middle ages and replaced with an absolute reality and profound humanity that is not present in any other Arthurian novel.
Bernard Cornwell is one hell of a writer and is best known for his successful Richard Sharpe series, historical novels of the Napoleonic Wars, so you know you're in good hands as you read this book. Cornwell takes his liberties with the tale, yes, but he knows just how far he can go with the characters and events to keep things always interesting. Even if you've read many other Arthurian novels, I guarantee it, this one will surprise you.
Excalibur is the final book in the Warlord Chronicles trilogy, and I'm tempted to say the best one, but you MUST read the first two in order to fully appreciate this tale. Here one learns of the final fate of all the characters, the idealistic Arthur, his faithful man-at-arms Derfel, the treacherous Guinevere, the slimy Lancelot and of course Merlin who is single minded in his ploy to bring the Old Gods back to Britain. The Warlord Chronicles are destined to become classics of modern literature and the standard by which all other Arthurian novels will be judged. Not to be missed.

I must admit, the only reason I did not give the two previous books in this trilogy five stars is because the final book in the series was SO good I had to reserve it the best rating possible. It is very rare that I feel strong emotion when reading a book, or for me to become emotionally attached to the characters, but in this case, both occurred. Excalibur builds upon the solid foundations of the last two books, developing characters and plot to even further. The author still manages to surprise you, even if you know your Arthurian trivia. Most importantly, the conclusion was spectacular. Some might find it frustrating, but now I couldn't imagine it ending any other way. I won't give any more away.... Mr. Cornwell, if you are reading this, I beleive this could be a very successful film/series of films. The old Excalibur set the mould for the Arthur of the Romances, but this takes "The King" in entirely an new direction. This could become (unfortunately with much simplification) the definitive Dark-Age Arthur film. Anyway read the first two novels, then read this one... I practically didn't sleep until I finished it. Wonderful... I HIGHLY RECCOMEND!

Bernard Cornwell did not disappoint with his final entry in the Warlord Trilogy. Just like the first two, the reader is treated to prosaic language that revels in its poetic beauty, mingled with the blunt, pragmatic realism of the soldier who is narrating the story.

As the book opens, we find ourselves back in war-torn Dumnonia, which Arthur has just unified after Lancelot's rebellion. Merlin is preparing to summon the pagan gods of Britain in an endeavor that could split the country in two. And Arthur and Derfel prepare for the inevitable spring invasion of the Saxons. It is in this book that the climactic Battle of Mount Badon is brilliantly realized, the battle between the Britons and Saxons for which the real Arthur (if he ever existed) was certainly responsible for.

Those familiar with the previous two books in the series, "The Winter King" and "Enemy of God" know that Cornwell has taken a bold step with his take on the legend of King Arthur by giving the tale a new, more realistic approach. But unlike its predecessors, this book tends include real magic, whereas in the previous two novels, genuine magic was substituted for clever tricks that preyed on a superstitious people. Merlin was therefore portrayed more as a sardonic trickster than as the genuine and powerful wizard he is more commonly shown to be in other variations of the legend.

Many have complained that the book tended to confuse them due to the large amount of characters, most of whom have difficult-to-pronounce Welsh names (Culhwch, Caddwg, and Hygwydd come to mind). In Cornwell's defense, the Welsh names are very realistic and they reflect the fact that this Arthur story is set in post-Roman Britain, rather than the Anglo-Saxon England of the 11th century. And as overwhelming as the names can be at first, Cornwell excels at developing many different personalities so that before you know it, the unusual names are as familiar to you as those of old friends.

Though it is Arthur's tale, we get to know the narrator Derfel much more intimately, which is another element that I found appealing. Derfel, currently an old Christian monk writing Arthur's tale in secrecy, was once one of Arthur's greatest warriors and closest friends, and he is a man who excels at war, but to whom we grow very attached due to his humility, courage, pragmatism, and his undying love and devotion to his woman, Ceinwyn.

If this book has any failing, it would have to be Cornwell's tendency to repeat himself constantly about important events or characters. Unfortunately, we must constantly hear about the black face of Sagramor (Arthur's Numidian commander), the fact that Derfel is a Saxon who can speak both the British and Saxon tongues, and how Merlin is very powerful and virile despite his old age.

It's very difficult to end a great trilogy well, but Cornwell has definitely succeeded and brought his story of Arthur to a close.

I just finished the last book in Bernard Cornwell's Warlord trilogy and was very impressed with his unique perspective on the Arthurian legend. While most books in this genre follow the traditional "Round Table" formula, Bernard Cornwell has blazed a new path and even pokes fun at the standard retelling by emphasizing that history was "written" by people who could afford to pay bards to compose it.

The narrator of this book, like its prequels, is Derfel Cadarn, a warrior in Arthur's service, who is oath-sworn to uphold Mordred's throne, but who finds that his duties often conflict with his sense of right and justice. Cornwell's novel eschews romantic notions of the Dark Ages and instead gives details about daily life that are far from pleasant, e.g., the constant "de-lousing" process. However, far from being a Tolstoy-esque recanting of minute details, this novel outpaces its predecessors with a whirlwind of battle scenes and a breathtaking account of shifting loyalties, ruthless leaders and timeless passions.

To anyone serious about the Arthurian legend, this is a must-read!

The book Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell is an amazing story. Excalibur is a book that describes the epic that is the war of a noble kingdom. Unlike most of the other books that talk about Excalibur and the adventures of King Arthur this book revolves around one of Arthur's Knights of the Round Table, Derfel. Derfel was a lord of war and law. He controlled one of the armies that were under the rule of Arthur. The setting of this story is in the island of Great Briton. King Arthur and his allies control of half of the island. The other half of the island is controlled by the barbaric Saxons that invaded over 100 years ago. I wouldn't recommend this book to people that don't like war and gore. Though to every one else I strongly recommend this book. This book talks about gods and war. The war is described in amazingly thrilling detail that will absolutely exhilarate your very senses. I would give this book a rating of 110 out of 100.

Per my review of WINTER KING, this is a different take on Arthur, focusing on the legend and the times. And those times were when Briton was desperately fighting itself and trying to hold back the Saxon invasions. The ruins of Roman occupation still remain.

In this part of the trilogy Arthur's plans to unite Britain begin to unravel. Merlin is betrayed and former allies of Arthur turn on him or won't assist him as Mordred gathers power.

Follows the Arthurian legend in some places but in others it is very different. For instance, Galahad and Lancelot are half-brothers; Galahad is brave but Lancelot is a coward who had good PR people, to speak, who made him into a hero. Arthur has children from a previous marriage. Mordred is club-footed. Merlin doesn't get trapped in a tree. I could go on but don't want to give out real spoilers.

Appreciators of an author who can blend History with legends will greatly appreciate this trilogy.

Enjoy!

i cried when this novel ended, for the characters had been with me for three weeks. i read the trilogy straight through and the ending of the tale was like the ending of a friendship. derfel steals the show, his ever trustworthy nature, always making the right decision, and his ability to love above all else makes the characters drawn to him. druids, christians, battles, promises kept, promises broken, and peace in small measures. the women are the solice and problems both large and small.

Excalibur is the best telling of the Arthurian legend since Mallory. Cornwell makes Arthur his own, and in finishing this third book of Cornwell's Arthurian trilogy, I wished for a fourth.

Cornwell tells his tale through Lord Derfel Cadarn, a monk and Arthur's retired warlord. Cadarn's version mocks the flighty tales of magic and pagentry passed down in ballads and (implicitly) in other authors' tellings. Cadarn was there. He was saved from death as a child by Merlin. He fought alongside Arthur at his greatest battles. He was there at Guinevere's downfall, and helped Guinevere on her course of reuniting with Arthur.

And you believe him. Every word. Much of this belief is due to Cornwell's excellent crafting of the time and place. The tensions between Christians, pagans, druids, and just plain folk create a powerful cross-grain in this trilogy. Layers of Roman and druid and pagan architecture straddle the landscape.

But it is not just historical veracity that lends Derfel his charm. Derfel is one of the warmest, most competent characters to emerge from my fiction reading in a long time. You just like him. You love being in his confidence. You accept his judgments. And you certainly live his fears and defeats and victories.

What a read. Start at the beginning with The Winter King and read straight through.

Cornwell's account of Arthur in this three book series is a breath of fresh air. I've read all the classics (Once and Future King, Le Morte D'arthur, Idylls of the King), and quite a few other Arthurian books as well. I like that Cornwell doesn't take these others, add a few differing details, and give them a new title. Cornwell gives a very personal and human perspective on Arthur and the events and people that shaped his life. I also love the way he completely changes the stories surrounding the main characters(Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin). I highly recommend this book, as well as the other two in the series(Winter King, Enemy of God).