Not for me, I'm afraid
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OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).
But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.
Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.
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Over hyped poor attempt to take your money off you.
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I am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, but wow! this was boring, nothing happened. He has obviously attempted to take money out of your pocket 3 times to get to the ending. He should have cut out the boring bits (i.e 98% of the book) took the sequals and edited it all into one decent book. Instead we have to spend about 30-40 hours reading a trilogy that is full of irrelevent banter between a bunch of weirdo's, where nothing really happens. This is seriesly overhyped and a snoozefest. I tried to read it months ago but after reading 100 pages (& still no arthur) i gave up with boredom. Then i started the book again and i've just finished it (i was suicidal from the boredom) and i cant remember what happened, because nothing did happen. I will be donating this book to charity, and i hope they will enjoy it.
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My favourite series of books.
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I have read all three of these books, several times because I felt so close to the characters. I found that the welsh names very off putting at first, but once you get past that, the writting is a dream. It gives you a real sense of what it would be like to live in mediaeval Briton, as well as in the times of dramatic change for the Britons after the departure of the romans.
I loved all of the characters, they felt real to me, like it was describing real people. I especially loved the way Merlin was portrayed in the books. He was sharp, yet warm and funny. These are books which I will continue to reread again and again, and they will always be special to me.
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A Winning Formula?
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Have to say that it seems like 'formula' writing... Have a hero, starting from base beginnings, with special enemies (within his own ranks too)... overcoming the massive odds in a roller-coaster ride (despite regular set-backs), then split it into several books for the extra cash.
Boys-own stuff really. Throw in some (vaguely accurate) history, and pad out with descriptive text, and somehow it doesn't feel like you're reading a trashy novel (but its as easy to read as a trashy novel).
Its SO similar to some of his other books - especially the series on Alfred the Great.
So am I complaining... No, not really! Have just ordered the remaining books in the trilogy - its pretty gripping stuff, and as I say, easy reading. So will I get bored of the formula...? Probably... but not for a few books more...
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how to start a good trilogy ...
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in style, with good rounded characters, although Arthur could have been more king-like, despite his protestations at not wanting to be king, it made for an enjoyable read. My reservations are listed in the other reviews of the other two books, reinforced by the last one which was unbearably sad at the end, the only time one of Mr Cornwell's books has managed to move me in any way. The others, especially the Grail series, left me cold.
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