King of the Scepter'd Isle [Paperback]

Michael Greatrex Coney (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The story of King Arthur, the trials of a race of alternate-world gnomes, the fate of the universe and that of an entity known as the Starquin are woven together in this sequel to Fang, the Gnome . Avalona and Morgan le Fay, immortal Dedos (or Fingers) of Starquin, are attempting to avert a catastrophe predicted for some 30,000 years in Earth's future. Avalona, with the aid of the girl Nyneve, wants to elevate mankind by introducing chivalry and related concepts through the myth (and later actuality) of Arthur and his knights. Morgan seeks to cause mankind to destroy itself, creating Mordred to that end. In another happentrack (parallel world) lives a race of gnomes genetically designed to pioneer a deserted planet. As the two worlds, and one other, come together in a single probability track, the gnomes find themselves unhappily living with the giants and caught up in the events that make up the Arthurian saga. All the familiar figures are to be found, although often in unexpected guise, and the ending remains the same. The gnomes, however, flee to space and become witnesses to the final outcome in man's far future. Coney's heroes are usually reluctant in this often earthy, sometimes absorbing tale, which in parts is heavily laden with social satire.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

When humanity's existence threatens the life of the great god Starquin, his handmaidens Avalona and Morgan, along with their sometime consort Merlin, wage a three-sided battle on one of Earth's "happentracks," using the Knights of Camelot and the gnomes of Mara Zion as their pawns. Continuing the story begun in Fang, the Gnome (LJ 2/15/88), Coney's latest fantasy showcases his eclectic imagination and effusive good humor. Recommended for most fantasy collections.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 399 pages
• Publisher: Roc (November 6, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451450426
• ISBN-13: 978-0451450425
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,272,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining twist on the Arthurian legend..., June 8, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: King of the Scepter'd Isle (Hardcover)

This is an interesting novel that I read on accident. It was really a serendipitous find in a bargain bin. The characters are primarily those from Coney's previous novel, Fang The Gnome, and he ties these in with the primary characters from the legend of King Arthur, retelling the tale from a different perspective in a different world. The "many-worlds" theory also comes into play, and that is affecting the events in the world in which this story is set. Also, the unseen influence the gnomes have over events is rather amusing; they are the catalyst behind the formation of the legend. In other words, Arthur is really just a bumbling young man who is promoted by mysterious events, many of which are due to the actions of the gnomes. This is a good, lighthearted read that should be enjoyed by fantasy fans of all ages. If you can find this book on the shelf at a bookseller that sells used books (because it is out of print), pick it up and give it a try.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Variation on the King Arthur legend., December 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: King of the Scepter'd Isle (Hardcover)

Coney has put together an alternative perspective on the telling of the Arthur legend.

Although comical at times, it does get a bit boorish at times.

A good read for Arthurian fans looking for a new take on the old tale.