Customer Reviews

Excalibur

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One of the final volumes published in the legendary Ballantine Adult Fantasy series, this novel was also one of the very few originals in that roster of fantasy classics. It most definitely deserves to be in their company!

Nowadays there are all too many fantasy novels that are merely drab, by-the-number imitations of Tolkien. But in the first few years of Tolkien's mass popularity, his influence was far more subtle and original. What Laubenthal does in this wonderful novel is to capture the magical, otherworldly feel that infuses Tolkien's work -- as well as that of his fellow Inklings, C.S. Lewis & Charles Williams. The result is a novel that burns with true poetry, true magic, true wonder.

The storyline seems improbable on the face of it: a quest for both Excalibur & the Holy Grail in contemporary (1972) Mobile, Alabama? Yet it not only works, it works gloriously. I've seldom come across such a moving & inspiring depiction of the power & transcendent beauty of the Grail. And in the brief glimpses she gives us of the Otherworld, Laubenthal has created a seamless fusion of Arthurian mythos & Tolkien-flavored fantasy. It leaves the reader wanting much more!

What Laubenthal has done, in fact, is not only craft a powerful & entertaining fantasy novel, but successfully depict a spiritual journey in lyrical, luminous prose. Pagan & Christian themes are perfectly interwoven into a shimmering tapestry. Both the characters & the readers emerge changed by the end of this tale. Most highly recommended!

The story was very interesting at first.Its a great concept but towards the end of the book ,it started to drag. I skimmed the pages of the last chapter to get to the end. It is a wonderful story though.