Customer Reviews

Kingmaking (Pendragons Banner)

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Many reviewers of this book center their review on their previous encounters with Arthur. Since most of us learned about Arthur via the legends - Morte d' Arthur or even Disney's Sword in the Stone - we had the picture of Arthur as the legend.This legend of King Arthur, as ingrained as it is in our culture is not real. It's myth. Historians are just now beginning to debate the idea of the 'real' King Arthur. Who would he have been? Where would he have travelled? What would his culture have been. And we know that the culture of these dark times after Rome left Britain is indeed, dark and fearful.
This book, The Kingmaking, looks at Arthur through that historical eyeglass. What would he have been like as a real, breathing human being? His strength of will, body and spirit are all shown here as well as his human failings. Ms Hollick draws characters who are completely human - with all that that entails...including being inconsistent. I found Arthur and Gwenhyfr to be excellent characters and enjoyed their firery encounters immensely.

There is no need for amazon.com reviewers to blame the author for typos and copy mistakes. Write the publisher!

Read this book as the great historical fiction it is. Dump your preconceived notions of the legendary Kind Arthur and just sit back and enjoy a good read!

I am an avid collector of Arthurian fiction and Helen Hollick's Pendragon's Banner trilogy is one of the best fictional accounts of Arthur in Roman times that I have ever read. Her storytelling and characters are first-rate. Helen Hollick's Pendragon's Banner trilogy is comparable to Bradley's Mists of Avalon , Sutcliff's Sword at Sunset, and Stewart's Merlin trilogy. I highly recommend all the books in the trilogy- The Kingmaking, Pendragon's Banner, and The Shadow of the King. Read these books and you won't be sorry! These books have also been highly recommended by the famous historical fiction novelist, Sharon Kay Penman.

The first in a series of three books, "The Kingmaking", English writer Helen Hollick's maiden novel, is an historical romance set within the legend of King Arthur. Presented as an attempt to separate the historical Arthur from the many myths that have grown out of this period in British history, this effort is part generic period drama and part erotic fantasy, without any inspirational value (unless you happen to be Bob Guccione). Without sufficient knowledge of the historical period, very little awareness of the warrior culture of which she would write, possessing unrefined writing skills, but with an apparently strong desire to explore the love story of Arthur and Gwenhwyfar (that's Guinevere to most of the rest of us), an inexperienced author bit off more than she was ready to chew. The result, unfortunately, was "The Kingmaking".

This novel opens with Arthur, in his sixteenth year, voyaging to Britain with Uthr Pendragon, an exiled claimant to the British throne who is preparing to fight another campaign for his birthright. Unknown to Arthur, he is Uthr's illegitimate child and heir. Also unknown to Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, a spunky tomboy, is waiting in Britain with her nine older brothers and their father, an old ally ready to help Uthr claim his crown. In a pattern that will repeat itself many times over the next seven years (and five hundred and fifty-five pages) of narrative, Arthur and Gwen immediately find themselves in conflict. She dislikes him intensely, soaks him with a bucket of water for his insolence, he kind of likes her spirit and then tries to help her, she resents it but is intrigued by him, then she helps Arthur and finally falls madly in love with him.

When Uthr dies in battle, Arthur is advised of his status and acknowledged as Uthr's heir. He and Gwen continue their adventures from Gwynedd (her home, in modern Wales) to Lesser Britain, to the court of Vortigern (the usurper), and into the field to battle Saxons, Picts and other enemies. Finally Arthur and his allies face the Saxon leader, Hengest, in a showdown that will either cement Arthur's position as a leader of the Britons or will destroy him. Along the way we learn that Arthur isn't a great military leader, doesn't have much of a sense of honor, drinks a lot, and is a horrible womanizer. Gwen, on the other hand, is pretty cool.

While the focus of the story is often away from the battlefield, it's when we find ourselves inevitably drawn to those venues that the narrative becomes most uncomfortable and suspension of disbelief is particularly challenging. Ms. Hollick clearly has limited understanding of combat and very few skills to help bring those scenes to life. In his final battle against Hengest, Arthur finds himself in man-to-man combat with a menacing Saxon warrior. This combat continues for nearly two pages, but most of the narrative is around Arthur's thoughts (like he really wants the guy's sword), rather than the action itself. Finding himself at some disadvantage, he "squirms" to avoid the danger. Then he thinks about wanting that sword. Then the Saxon presses Arthur and his life is in danger, so he "squirms" again. By that point I was squirming, too. I think it might have been an intestinal disturbance.

Arthur finally, and mostly by accident, dispatches the Saxon warrior. Inexplicably, it's only then, through the eyes of Hengest, who is wondering what happened to his champion, Aethal, that we learn the significance of Arthur's individual combat. Aethal, we discover, is a renowned warrior, possessed of a sword that reputedly makes him invulnerable in combat to everything except dragons. Hengest fears that if something happens to Aethal his men will lose heart and all will be lost. Then he learns that Aethal is dead and, oh yeah, all is lost. Imagine what this information might have done for the dramatic tension of Arthur's battle scene if we had known that before they fought!

Equally disturbing is the tortured prose that suffuses most of Ms. Hollick's narrative; and it's no simple Chinese water torture that ensues. Her nouns and verbs are water-boarded almost beyond endurance by a virtual flux of flamboyant, vague and largely unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. Nothing escapes. It's a take-no-prisoners approach to writing prose that leaves the battlefield strewn with thousands of innocent and irrelevant descriptive phrases where simple and direct depictions of action could better help the reader to understand what is happening and why it's important.

Most frustrating for the reader with some knowledge of the Arthurian tradition is the way in which this tradition has been utterly abandoned, then replaced with nothing of real value. The spiritual Arthur, the chivalric Arthur, the noble Arthur, the sleeping Arthur whose legend inspires hope for the British people are all gone. In their place is a greedy warlord who aspires to little more than women, power, booze, and, did I mention, women? We have no idea what Gwen sees in him, but she's a saint.

The only saving grace in this story is that this Arthur is probably closer to the historical figure (if he actually existed) than most of the fictions we enjoy today. But beyond supposition, there's little evidence that establishes this version over those it seeks to replace. There's nothing gained by supplanting an inspiring fictional character with one who may be closer to the texture of the warlords who lived in fifth and sixth century Britain without, at least, some evidence that the new version is reasonably accurate. And when one considers the number of anachronisms sprinkled through the text, one is hardly inspired to believe that this account of Arthur's history is particularly accurate.

In praise of this work, the pace of the narrative is adequate, the interactions between characters can be compelling, and the dramatic tension is occasionally engaging. But overall, the effort is quite disappointing.

A more charitable review for a rookie author might have noted the major flaws in passing, offered a few words of praise for the effort and, perhaps, awarded two stars for work that wasn't a total failure. But Helen Hollick took on the Matter of Britain before she was remotely ready for the challenge, failed rather badly, and hubris has its price. In the final assessment, "The Kingmaking" is nothing more than a bodice-ripper that insinuates itself into, and detracts from, the Arthurian legend to no discernible purpose; except, perhaps, to stimulate the libido and to sell a few books.

Finally, I should note here that Helen Hollick does deserve more than a little credit for having the courage to share her vision with us. I'm sure she put a lot of effort into this novel and it's probably a bit disheartening when some sod takes a blunt instrument to her work with gleeful abandon. Had it not been for the many highly positive reviews of this book here at Amazon, and the influence those reviews had on my decision to purchase and read "The Kingmaking", I would have preferred not to do so. But because of this, I feel the need to make other potential readers aware that not everyone had such a favorable view of this novel, with apologies to Ms. Hollick for any undue harshness and in the hope that I will be able to offer more positive reviews of her work in the future.

The Kingmaking is one of the best Arthur story's I've read in a long time.I have read many books on Arthur and this one taught me more of the English history then any other book.Helen Hollick made Arthur and Gwenhwyfar very special together.I couldn't put the book down [that good!]You have to read the other two books by Helen Hollick on Arthur! The story tells you about the dark ages and how time and people might have been then.Its different than some of the fairy like stories I read before on Arthur.It was better and more believable!If you are a Arthur fan like I am you really have to read the Pendragon's Banner trilogy.I'm sure you will love it.I did!

I read this book two years ago and I thought it was great. For anyone who love's the tale of arthur than you must get this book! It tells a story from the young artthur to manhood with his lady Gwein. I thought this book is great and I read it all the time when I have a chance.It even made me cry. that's how powerful it is!

The Kingmaking, Siourcebooks, Inc. Kindle Edition by Helen Hollick.
My knowledge of medieval history is not extensive, but I am well acquainted with the legend of King Arthur and Camelot and his Knights of the Roundtable, etc. Thus, I was intrigued with the idea behind this book. And I was similarly intrigued by the wide diversity of reviews that ranged from being brilliant 5 star history all of the way down to a dismal one star historical romance with an erotic bent.
Helen Hollick, the author, is reputed to have an Honors Diploma in Early Medieval History, as well as a close acquaintance with the folkloric tales that have come down through the ages. As stated, not being overly knowledgeable about the history of the period, I can only depend upon those who do know for authenticity. However, as a novel, the history would appear to be adequate when dealing with possibly mythical material. In this case, it would appear that she has combined a historical period and a legend into a fascinating postulation about the birth and rise to power of England's legendary King Arthur.
Furthermore, with the little knowledge I do have of the period, I believe she has quite adequately described a number of the characters we find in the legendary stories at an earlier, or developmental, age. More importantly, she has provided us with a picture of Arthur that is far- removed from that most often presented of the man and perhaps, by doing so, has `stepped on the toes' of those who prefer to believe in the old romantic picture. Here, instead of the kind, gentle ruler portrayed in legend, I believe the author has presented a man much closer to the type of person who could survive and ascend to the position of Ruler of Britain in the chaotic milieu of the period. He is a man who can bring himself to serve the man who killed his father and can play the rest of the cut-throat political game required to survive. He is a ruthless leader with a mind well suited to devise battle strategies and the physical strength and ability to lead his, often motley, collection of troops on the field of battle. He also has psychological problems that stem from his childhood, including mistreatment by his father's mistress, which contributed to his almost constant drinking and womanizing.
With respect to mechanics of presentation, the author has set forth the political, as well as personal, maneuvering by both the men and women of importance to the story interspersed with depiction of travels and battle portrayals that move the story at a rapid pace. She also employs a verbalization, and depiction of characters' interaction and priorities that provide a `feeling' of the period. She has been criticized as producing an erotic romance not particularly well based in fact. Granted, parts of the story could be condensed, and some of the episodes similarly could be treated. The author similarly has little 'feel' for battle scenes, as one could expect. Not wishing to be thought of as being chauvenistic, I believe that other than some of the many women who have experienced battle, it is difficult for them to describe. However, much of the `eroticism' referred to, is little different than that depicted in Ken Follett's, Pillars of the Earth, or similar novels of the era.
To summarize, I was not expecting The Kingmaking to be a pillar of historical fact, and especially when it is based on legend, where facts so often are distorted. The book is flawed, yes, but does provide an enjoyable read for the person interested in provision of a different, and probably more realistic, portrayal of King Arthur. If a reader prefers to retain his/her romantic images of the usually portrayed King Arthur, this book is not for you. Reviewed by John H. Manhold, award winning fiction/non-fiction author.

If this is 'Arthur as you've never seen him before', or some other similar superlative, that's spot on.

An utterly unlikeable Arthur, as despicable as the rest of the equally (save one) scheming warlords, who hasn't managed, in the first third of the book, to distinguish himself from the others in any way.

He has, however, managed to beat and rape his (admittedly scheming) politically-wed Saxon wife, and have her like it. And no little 'love tap' either - he punches her full in the face, then beats her with his belt till she's bloody. THEN he rapes her. After which he gropes her, then insults her, and then she wants him back.

More disturbingly, all the women save for Gwynhwyfar (Guinevere), are apparently bitches, sluts, whores, and so on and so forth.

But hey, since ALL the men do it, and all the women accept it without comment (or overmuch comment), I blame the author more than her poor written Arthur.

Apparently Hollicks' idea of gritty realism is to render all women either madonnas or whores.

The issue isn't that Hollicks' Arthur is a brutal, despicable bastard. I recently read a book that did precisely that with Robin Hood, and it worked. Why? Context! *That* Robin was robbing *everyone* - none of this stealing from the rich to give to the poor stuff. But in context it made sense, because the peasantry hated the lords more than they hated Robin. He was viewed as one of their own - albeit a crazed and fearsome own. That, and the narrator was posited as the person who started the whole Robin Hood legend in the first place, telling the 'true story' later on. Robin is never portrayed as a hero. Hollicks' Arthur *is* the hero. That's the key difference. His behaviour, worthy of any villain (he even executes slaves at a mine for no particular reason that the author ever makes QUITE clear), is apparently, by dint of his being Arthur, suddenly acceptable, if not admirable.

TL;DR version. There is no legend here, no vision. Power and money alone don't last. Hollicks' Arthur is nothing but another petty warlord, no different from any of history's other petty, brutal, unremembered warlords. The kind of lord no person in their right mind would follow once the gold runs out. Of course it's the author's right to spin such a tale - however, it rather misses the point of the Arthurian legends altogether.

The Kingmaking is Book One of The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy, by Helen Hollick, re-released by Sourcebooks on March 1. An epic undertaking, The Kingmaking is the tale of the mythical King Arthur and his queen Gwynefar, stripped of wizards, magic swords, and mythical ladies rising from lakes. It is the tale of Arthur as he may have been.

Many talented writers have spun the tale of Arthur and his knights of the Round Table (Mary Stewart notably comes to mind here), but it took author Helen Hollick to strip away the trappings of myth and magic and write what possibly might be the most compelling account of all.

Little is known of England during that murky time period between the abandonment of Rome and the invasion of the Normans in 1066. Hollick takes advantage of this and drawing from what little is known about the Angle, Jute and Saxon warlords that vied for control of England, she paints a vivid portrait of a divided land populated by a widely diverse population caught between their pagan past and the introduction of Christianity .

Here we are presented with an Arthur who is a product of these dark times, a complex man who is, in turn, both a brilliant strategist with touching compassion for his people and a

Hollick acknowledges the guidance of renowned historical fiction author Sharon Kay Penman in her forward - indeed the book is dedicated to her - and the influence shows. A comprehensive afterword to the novel reveals her meticulous attention to historical detail and provides a most satisfying end to this first novel of the trilogy.

But perhaps her most impressive strength as an author lies in her development of character, specifically the Pendragon himself. If you are looking for a saint-like Arthur, hoodwinked by his golden Guinivere (Gwynafar), you won't find that here. Arthur is a red-blooded man of his times who takes women at his pleasure, lies and cheats as necessary to take what he feels rightfully belongs to him, yet still manages to remain - by and large - a sympathetic character you will cheer for.

Fans of Sharon Kay Penman will appreciate Hollick's complex character development, plot pacing, and attention to historical details while any afficianado of Athurian legend should appreciate this original vision of the myth. This is first-rate writing, indeed.

Historical fiction lovers, meet Helen Hollick. Enjoy!

Hollick's Arthur is not the usual halo-crowned, knight in shining armour. No rose-colored version here! He has flaws, fears, a roving eye and is stubborn as a mule! But, he has the heart, strength, cunning and courage necessary to excel as King. And you can't help but have a little crush on him!

Gwenhwyfar (or Gwen as I called her throughout the novel for sanity purposes - I just could not figure out how to pronounce!) is a girl after my own heart. A tomboy all the way - she is also strong-willed, tenacious and intelligent.

Arthur and Gwen are first bonded through a mutual suffering of abuse at the hands of evil, female caretakers. Both have a chance to save each other from these witches! Arthur & Gwen were a joy to read, these two have some great exchanges of words and make quite a pair!

The Kingmaking has everything without having too much. I much prefer this "real" Arthur to the "fairy tale" Arthur. What I like about historical fiction is that the people you read about were actually living, breathing human beings and that makes it so much easier to relate to their shortcomings or concerns or emotions. The Kingmaking was a fabulous novel, hard to put down and now on my list of all-time favorites! Helen Hollick's writing is fantastic and I am very much looking forward to reading the next two in the series!

Sourcebooks is releasing the other two in the Arthur Pendragon series...

Pendragon's Banner (book #2): released September 1, 2009
Shadow of the King (book #3): released March 1, 2010

This Is the First and Best series I have ever read. The realism of the story brings you back to Arthurian times, and all its majestic beauty. I read that Hollick did a lot of research on all of her books to get the time frame just right. I will not deny that she is one of the best authors I have discovered. I know this series might not be for everyone, but if you have a love for medieval drama, and of the life and times of King Arthur and his beloved Gwenhwyfar you will certainly enjoy this series.