Excalibur

This is a story for the ages. Once you start it, be prepared to finish because you can't put it down. Derfel is a hero and a human worth knowing. Loved this trilogy!

Book 3 great read

A well written (and well edited) series. If u enjoy reading books about the legendary Arthur, this is the series to read! It wasn’t your typical Arthur tale. Fabulous!

The Warlord Chronicles is Bernard Cornwell's interpretation of the story of King Arthur. The trilogy is comprised of The Winter King, Enemy of God, and Excalibur and is told from the perspective of Derfel Cardan, a man that Britain's greatest druid Merlin plucked as a child from a death pit to become Arthur's most trusted warrior.Cornwell's is not the romanticized version of Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur or T.H. White's The Once and Future King. The historical Arthur is thought to have lived around the year 500, just after the Romans had abandoned Britain and the beginning of the Dark Ages. Cornwell stays true to that time. There are no knights in shining armour, but warlords in old Roman armour. There is no magic, only superstition and coincidence. There are no stone castles, but forts made of wood and earth. Decay is in the air. The Roman cities crumble, and knowledge of their construction and repair fades.The story begins with Uther Pendragon, King of Dumnonia and the High King of Britain, nearing death. His grandson, Mordred, is his heir; however, Mordred is only a baby. Arthur, a bastard of Uther, takes an oath of loyalty to Mordred and is chosen as Mordred's guardian. Until Mordred is old enough to rule Dumnonia himself, Arthur is effectively the king.Arthur dreams to unite the various kingdoms of Britain and push out the invading land-hungry Saxons. This is the story of Arthur. Over and over again, just when you think that Arthur's dream is to become a reality, the dream is shattered due to his own weaknesses, his sense of justice, the machinations of kings and those closest to him, the conflict between Christians and pagans, or most often his oath of loyalty to Mordred. Certainly, for a moment there is Camelot, but even then dark clouds are on the horizon.I highly recommend these books. As usual, Cornwell excels at describing the battles and the single combats. His take on characters is refreshing. For example, Lancelot is considered the greatest warrior in the land, not because of any actual accomplishments, but because of his ability to control his image, manipulate others, and pay the bards to sing his high praises; in truth, he is a coward. I've read many versions of the Arthur story. While it is difficult to rate one version against another as they are often so different, this is one of the best.

I shock myself to say this, but this series may be the best of all by Bernard Cornwell. Pulls at the heart and enthralls the mind. A truly special series. Thank you, sir.

Note: This is pretty much identical to my review of the first 2 books, since this is more about the trilogy as a whole than the individual book. SPOILER FREE*****I was originally given the first book (The Winter King) as a gift when I was about 13 years old (about 9 years ago). I read it and loved it, but I had no idea it was part of a trilogy until I was in college. I was totally thrilled because not only did it mean I would get to start the first book over again, but that there were THREE books to carry this awesome Arthurian imagining by Mr. Cornwell.That said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the trilogy as a whole. Derfel Cadarn is one of the best characters in recent memory. I get a little tired of your all-too-common Mary Sues in fiction. Derfel is certainly nothing like this- while he truly grows and becomes a formidable warrior who remains honest and loyal, he never seems perfect and is always a humble knight and a delight to "listen" to. I can't begin to give justice to the characters that Mr. Cornwell has created in Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Nimue, Merlin, and many more. Totally unique, but also completely justified in their own way that is still true to the legend and the possible history.But enough about the characters.... I initially got into this series because of the action and creativity, and there was PLENTY. I love the detailed battles, the gripping plot changes,etc. To put it simply: I love the action in this series, and there is never a dull moment. If you can forgive yourself for making up the name pronunciations for, I dunno, MOST of the places and people, then that is the only hurdle my friend, and a minuscule and historically accurate one at that.Please, do yourself a favor, and immerse your mind in the memorable world that Mr. Cornwell has masterfully built.

I have not read this yet, but I am sure I will love it. I have read the first 2 books of the series and Bernard Cornwell does not disappoint. The shipping was fast and the book is in good condition.

Very thoughtful take on King Arthur. Battle scenes are well written. Characters and dialogue are true to the times and meaningful.The biggest negative seems technical and trivial but I think its important. In attempting to adhere closely to the history of the Arthur legend, this author uses character names that may be historically accurate but to me are impossible to remember. This means I had trouble following the various tribes and characters through the plot. Maybe thats my own hangup. But I can’t give a 5 without knowing who the hell the characters are.

The final book in the Warlord Chronicles trilogy, loved most of it, but I feel as though I enjoyed the first two a bit more. Was not a big fan of certain resolutions, and at times it almost felt like we needed a fourth book.This is still a highly positive review, and I can’t imagine fans of the first two books necessarily being disappointed with this one. Perhaps there were one or two epic moments I was expecting throughout the series, that eventually never materialised. Loved the characters throughout, and the redemption arc of one in particular was extremely well executed. The only reason it might sound like I’m complaining is because the first two books were close to perfection, and there were parts in this one which maybe didn’t quite go the way I would have wanted. Which doesn’t necessarily mean others won’t enjoy it more.One thing I can guarantee, this is one of the most quotable series ever. I’m not someone who ever highlights passages and quotes on my Kindle, this series practically forced me to. Looking back, I feel like there’s still so much more I could have, and should have highlighted, so that I could go back and relive those moments when I first read those words.Battle scenes are usually what make or break a fantasy series that involves war. We fantasy readers have been fortunate enough to have been acquainted to some in recent times who are absolute masters of depicting battle – John Gwynne, Joe Abercrombie, to name just two. It is hard to imagine anyone writing modern fantasy who has not been influenced by Bernard Cornwell.Lord of the Rings had its Helm’s Deep, Wheel of Time had Dumai Wells, Malazan Book of the Fallen had its Chain of Dogs. Every fantasy series worth its salt has absolute epic moments that stick with the reader even years after you’re done with the series. With the Warlord Chronicles, that battle for me would be Mynnyd Baddon.Overall, a masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend, and a must read, highest possible recommendation.Did King Arthur and Camelot truly exist? For the two weeks it took me to read this series, they truly did. And when you read this tale, you will hope they existed, and wish they didn’t.

I've read it before, probably in paperback rather than on a Kindle. Did I review it before? There doesn't seem to be an easy way to tell. So apologies for any duplicationThe central story is the battle of Mynydd Baddon, which may or may not have taken place somewhere in Britain sometime after the Romans went home. Arthur is the not-King (it's complicated) and Derfel is his sidekick, a British warlord of Dumnonia, now Devon, and under attack from the Saxon immigrants. (In the author's later books the Saxons are under attack from Viking immigrants). Derfel tells the story in his old age, now a Christian monk.It is the third book in the Arthur novels. It's hard to tell how accurate it is, because as the author points out in the note at the end, we just don't know. After the Romans left, there is a gap of 500 years in the historical record, filled with bits and pieces written long after the event. We don't even know if there ever was a King Arthur, or not-King ArthurBut it FEELS real

Bernard Cornwell's trilogy of Arthurian novels concludes with this excellent final book, completing the retelling of the great cycle of stories that have made up the Matter of Britain for centuries.Arthuriana is a crowded field with countless books, films, comics, TV series being made every year. This trilogy manages to be a valuable adition to the wealth of material already produced by the simple expedient of being well written and hugely enjoyable. Set pieces, The Battle of Mons Badon and Merlin's attempt to return the Old Gods, dominate the opening half of this novel, These are very well done, and Cornwell uses then to flesh out his version of Guinevere , making her more sympathetic than in the earlier volumes. Gawaine too, is given a memorable scene. There is little room for Lancelot though, who is hardly featured at all. Like most of this trilogy this part of "Excalibur" is mainly realistic, historical fiction with the more fantastical elements of the tales being presented in an ambiguous way, easily expilcable by credulity or fancy or coincidence.In the closing scenes, the magic that infuses these ancient sagas, shines through, as history starts to be too flimsy a thing to retell the heroic deeds, and the legend and myth shows clear. As Cornwell puts it, in the afterword detailing his (immaculate) historical research and sources, "We have clearly moved far beyond the realm where any self respecting historian would venture..."Even so , the whole novel has a realistic , grounded setting and flavour, making the final inexplicable episodes, Ceinwyn's illness, Merlins's last enchantments, Morgan and Nimue's spell duel, all the more striking.As to Derfel himself, our narrator and chief actor in the wars and struggles of Arthur, readers may long have suspected which of the huge cast of memorable characters from the cycle he stands for / is a version of. The actual final scene confirms it, in a very satisfying and theatrical way,The framing story, an older Derfel writing up the events for a Christian audience , are left tantalisingly unfinished. But at least when we last see him, even in aged retirement in a monastery cloister, he has had mighty Hywelbane returned to him and will meet his end, whatever it is, sword in hand.

Quite incredible, I have never in my 83 yrs read a book as good as that. Had me shaking with fear at times, and with excitement at others and I have even shed some tears. No other author has ever managed to do that. Bernard Cornwalls imagination is amazing, he takes you into the story and you are there living the action and terror. Several times I had to go back several pages to read them again as I could no believe what I was reading. If you want a book that keeps you up until the early hours this and the two previous books of the trilogy is for you. Quite quite stunning.

The final instalment of this series. I am gutted! The whole series had me glued from start to end. It blows the lid off the traditional tales of King Arthur presenting a noble yet flawed character. This book brings all the storylines to an end - it is hard to go into depth without spoiling the story! Derfel the main character is the central character and surrounded by a whirlwind of other titan like characters. Cornwalls language and story telling creates characters which are lifelike and very believable supported by a storyline which is compelling. Action, romance, tragedy,history - this novel has it all! I am a book worm , so I read and then donate my books otherwise I would be infested with books! This series... goes on to the keep shelf - so I can read them again!