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Giles Kristian
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Lancelot: The Betrayal Hardcover – International Edition, June 26, 2018

by Giles Kristian (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,678 ratings
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Set in a 5th century post-Roman Britain besieged by invading war bands of Saxons and Franks, Irish and Picts, Giles Kristian's epic new novel will tell - through the warrior's own words - the story of Lancelot, the most celebrated of all King Arthur's knights. And it's a story that’s ready to be re-imagined for our times.

It’s a story imbued with the magic and superstition that was such an integral part of the enchanted landscape of Britain during this dark times. Many of the familiar names from Arthurian mythology will be here - Mordred and Gawain, Morgana and, of course, Merlin -as will be those vital icons of the legend such as the Round Table and the sword in the stone but these will be reinvented, reforged for a new generation of readers.

Lancelot: The Betrayal is a story of warriors and kings, of strife, warfare and bloodshed but it is also a story of friendship, of over-arching ambition, of betrayal, of love and lust, guilt and tragedy.
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  1. Print length
    450 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Bantam Press
  4. Publication date
    June 26, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    6.38 x 1.73 x 9.45 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0593078551
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0593078556
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Family history (he is half Norwegian) inspired GILES KRISTIAN to write his first historical novels: the acclaimed and bestselling Raven Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin's Wolves. A long-held fascination with the English Civil War then led him to chartt the fortunes of a family divided by that brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury before co-writing Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. He returned to the world of the Vikings with the acclaimed God of Vengeance (a Times Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire and Wings of the Storm. Giles lives in Leicestershire.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bantam Press (June 26, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 450 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593078551
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593078556
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.68 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 1.73 x 9.45 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,678 ratings

About the author

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Giles Kristian

Giles Kristian

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Giles Kristian's first historical novels were the acclaimed and bestselling RAVEN Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin’s Wolves. For his next series, he drew on a long-held fascination with the English Civil War to chart the fortunes of a family divided by this brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury. Giles also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. In God of Vengeance (a TIMES Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire, and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown shortlisted Wings of the Storm, he returned to the world of the Vikings to tell the story of Sigurd and his celebrated fictional fellowship. Lancelot was published to great acclaim and hit The Times bestseller charts at No. 3. It was also a Sunday Times bestseller. He followed Lancelot with Camelot, and his new novel, a thriller called Where Blood Runs Cold, was The Times’ Thriller of the Month. To find out more about Giles: www.gileskristian.com

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
2,678 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book great, beautifully written, and a good take on the traditional story of King Arthur and his Knights. They also say the writing style is engaging and the prose is well-paced.

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Reading experienceWriting styleStoryline
10 customers mention "Reading experience"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-told, interesting, and enjoyable to read.

"...It is one of the top ten best reads I've ever encountered, and I'll be looking for more Giles Kristian books to grace my shelves...." Read more

"This is truly a great read enjoyed everything about it. Have never read a story of the Arthurian Legend from Lancelots view. Couldn't put it down." Read more

"...At this point the book takes a turn and becomes one of the best...." Read more

"Overall good book, keeps you interested. But Lancelot & Arthur should have continued friends. I was disappointed in the ending." Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style beautifully written and appreciate the tremendous use of language and imagery.

"...Kristian is a phenomenal writer. His prose comes straight from the heart (for the romantic and touching parts) or from his gut..." Read more

"...The prose is beautifully written though. I really enjoyed the author's handling of words and I like the fact that Lancelot has to struggle for most..." Read more

"...A great writing style and for the first time really clears up the relationship between, Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere." Read more

"...Tremendous use of language/imagery, a humanization of the legends and story that is better than good...." Read more

7 customers mention "Storyline"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the storyline of the book to be a really good take on the traditional story of King Arthur and his Knights.

"It was definitely a very fresh take on the Arthurian Tales, though I wish there was perhaps a little more detail or some storylines seen through..." Read more

"Giles Kristian is an incredible story-teller. He gets the reader immediately invested in Lancelot's tale and keeps you on edge the entire time." Read more

"A really good take on the traditional story of Le Mort d'Arthur or King Arthur and his Knights...." Read more

"A fantastic novel that brings the old tales to life in new ways a from a new perspective...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

The Journalist
5.0 out of 5 stars At long last... LANCELOT!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
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It's hard to know how to begin. Breathtaking? Poignant, bloody, intense, tragic, touching... I could go on and on.

As a lover of all things Arthurian, I had wanted to acquire this book for over a year. For some reason, it's not available in Kindle version, but that was my ONLY disappointment. Purchasing a print copy was worth the wait in its arrival, as this book was everything I'd hoped it would be and more.

Kristian is a phenomenal writer. His prose comes straight from the heart (for the romantic and touching parts) or from his gut (the battle scenes and violence of 5th century Britain!). I cannot even begin to describe how this book kept me enthralled. It is one of the top ten best reads I've ever encountered, and I'll be looking for more Giles Kristian books to grace my shelves. The final two pages are now tear-stained, and I'm not an emotional person. It is RARE when I cry while reading.

And Kristian is correct in his author's notes. The character of Lancelot has always been overshadowed by the grandeur of Arthur himself, Guinevere, or Merlin. Well, suffice it to say that Lancelot was always my favorite character in the legends, and now is elevated even higher in my book. This man's suffering spirit, the injustice which is never overturned, the courage, honor, and yet human frailty--are all treated with dignity, resolve, and tenderness. This book BREATHES--sometimes quietly and sometimes in gasps as the story evolves. Readers are drawn into Lancelot's character from the start to the finish, and I was breathless at every turn and nuance.

If you have not read this book, RUN to Amazon. Order it and indulge. It's excellent literature and an adventure from beginning to end.
4 people found this helpful
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Shaut
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2020
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It was definitely a very fresh take on the Arthurian Tales, though I wish there was perhaps a little more detail or some storylines seen through instead of an afterthought at the end.
I felt the story could have gone much, much deeper, but I still immensely enjoyed reading it. If you are looking for a good read, I would recommend it, but be aware some things seem to be hurriedly tied up at the end of the story. The prose is beautifully written though. I really enjoyed the author's handling of words and I like the fact that Lancelot has to struggle for most of the book. Nothing is quite handed to him, which is enjoyable.
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Rick Ramunno
5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to put down
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
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Giles Kristian is an incredible story-teller. He gets the reader immediately invested in Lancelot's tale and keeps you on edge the entire time.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2022
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This is truly a great read enjoyed everything about it. Have never read a story of the Arthurian Legend from Lancelots view. Couldn't put it down.
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Grant Boatman
3.0 out of 5 stars Good but I think it’s lacking something
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
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This is the post-Roman, medieval era but the writer doesn’t often paint a picture of surroundings, landscapes, or names he mentions in the book. Paint us a visual picture in words for the time period! I’m reading and I think the same things: where are we? Night, day, forest, woods, plains? Small town, hills, village, castle? What does this or that guy look like?
One person found this helpful
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J Scott L
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2019
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A really good take on the traditional story of Le Mort d'Arthur or King Arthur and his Knights. A great writing style and for the first time really clears up the relationship between, Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere.
3 people found this helpful
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msculati
4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding reworking of Aurthurian Legend--Outstanding
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2018
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The 1st 1/3rd (perhaps more) of the book is a slog....drawn out, a bit boring--please get on with it I found myself thinking more than once (The reason the book is 4* not 5). Then--then we finally get to Tintagel. At this point the book takes a turn and becomes one of the best. Tremendous use of language/imagery, a humanization of the legends and story that is better than good.
I have read almost everything Bernard Cornwell has written and far too often authors, that should not be, are compared to him. This book is on par with the best of Mr. Cornwell's Uther series.
I almost quit reading this book--so glad I did not. Highly recommended--highly
10 people found this helpful
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Lucy Perry
5.0 out of 5 stars Lancelot redeemed
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
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Giles Kristian redeemed Lancelot far beyond my poor power to add or detract. He purged him of the sins attributed to him and wrung all your sympathy out on Lancelot's behalf and made you dread when the fated end did come. For it did come.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Charalambos Papoutsis
5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing
Reviewed in Canada on February 2, 2024
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I was already a big fan of Lancelot after reading Chritien de Troyes "The Knight of the Cart, or Lancelot". On a whim, I thought to google about any modern books with Lancelot as the main protagonist and stumbled across this hidden gem. Mesmerized is the best word I can use to describe my feelings about this book - it is gripping, haunting, and bittersweet. A real page-turner.

If you're a Medieval junkie or a fan of the Arthurian stories, then this is a must buy. I would even recommend it for people who are looking for a great book. I was disappointed by Bernard Cornwell's characterization of Lancelot, but Kristian's Lancelot may as well be a Celtic Achilles. Do yourself a favour and buy this. You won't be disappointed.
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Andreas
5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping tale
Reviewed in Germany on July 22, 2021
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A very nice written book giving a new perspective on the arthurian myth. But beware. The overall tone is a sad one, that love and happy endings are never secure but Lancelot never gives up. A land and a hero never loosing a battle but aware that they will loose their wars. A must read.
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William Gwynne
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible Arthurian fiction
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 3, 2021
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Simply, one of the best books I have ever read. Pure brilliance! Incredible prose, amazing characters, immersive world-building.

“And yet Arthur had Merlin. And Merlin had an idea. And so Arthur listened”

Lancelot is a historical version of the Arthurian tales that was refreshing and special. Wow, it was phenomenal!

The Arthurian legends have undoubtedly consisted of some of my favourite tales of all time. From the film adaptations to Tolkien’s epic poem The Fall of Arthur and Bernard Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles. These are some of my favourite books ever, hence why I am currently writing a 6,000 word essay on the evolution of the legends. Lancelot now enters this bracket, and goes right up near the top.

This was a wonderful retelling of well-known stories, from a unique and wonderful perspective, including an entirely new coming of age story, and giving such a brilliant depth to the story of Lancelot.

Giles Kristian's prose is smooth, clear and alluring. The reading was made even better by the great audio narration of Philip Stevens, the first audiobook I’ve ever listened to.

“Arthur would fight for Britain. I would fight for Arthur. And Guinevere would always own my soul. The gods are cruel.”

The characters are masterful! New characters were brilliant and memorable, Pelias and Melwas being two such people. I fell in love with some. I absolutely despised others. They will linger on my mind for a long time to come.

This is my first reading of a book by Giles Kristian, a crime really. And oh was I so happy to discover he creates amazing action sequences. You are immersed into the conflict, whether it be a duel, or a skirmish, or a large scale battle. Whatever it is, you will feel as if you are there, participating in the crush of battle, experiencing the claustrophobic adrenaline rush of the shieldwall. Yet another aspect of this book to praise!

Lancelot is a story of heroism and tragedy. Of love and loyalty. Of a heart-wrenching decision between friendship and love. An impossible decision. I hate certain decisions Lancelot makes, but I could not stop myself sympathising with him and agreeing with his course. Kristian framed the story in the perfect way.

Overall, I cannot express the joy I found in this novel. It was utterly brilliant! Never a dull moment. Characterisation, plot and pace was all spot on. Nothing to fault in this magnificent tale. The sequel matches this in craft step by step.

5/5 STARS - READ THIS BOOK
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jorge marco
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantástico
Reviewed in Spain on September 30, 2019
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Muy buen libro, con intriga, pasiones, luchas y demás aventura. La única que pega el envío, Correos me lo entrego como si el propio libro hubiese también ido a las guerras que relata. Como consecuencia tiene una esquina muy doblada.
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Cliente Amazon
4.0 out of 5 stars Original
Reviewed in Italy on September 30, 2019
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He is Always a good writer, and I prefer to read his books in english (not my mothertongue) since sometimes the translations do not make justice to his "prosa".
This book, as usual, is original, realistic and compelling.
Maybe I liked his old books better…… or maybe I did not like the end….
I do not know, maybe a little bit ness definitive … some hope for the future at least for Lancelot.
but i do not want to spoil.
anyway I will read all his new books when they will be published.
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