In February I reviewed The Kingmaking, first in Helen Hollick's The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy. The first book followed a young Arthur Pendragon as he became King of the British Isles. I thought it was a strong book with well-formed characters that held my interest.The second book in the series, Pendragon's Banner, has now been re-released and I invite you to check it out as I will be doing when I have the chance.
After claiming his throne on the blood-soaked fields of Rutupiae—striking fear into the hearts of his enemies—only Morgause “the witch” dared to challenge Arthur in this follow-up to Helen Hollick’s smash hit The Kingmaking. In a deadly game of politics and back-stabbing, Arthur must deal with the reality that taking a kingdom is far different from keeping one! Hollick’s new historical, Pendragon’s Banner, spans six years, from 459-465 A.D., and details Arthur’s struggle to stay in power and keep his family alive.
Two enemies in particular threaten everything that is dear to him: Winifred, Arthur's vindictive first wife, and Morgause, priestess of the Mother and malevolent Queen of the North. Both have royal ambitions of their own.
This is not a fairy tale or fantasy. There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot. This is a tale of battle, intrigue and an irate Morgause who delights in nurturing the belief that she is a witch—especially after her very public curse on Arthur’s sons. This is an account of Arthurian legend, based on historical evidence and meticulous research; a story of King Arthur as it may have actually unfolded.
Finding history that is fantastic without the fantasy,
K
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I have to go and get this one because I really enjoyed part one and am hearing that part three publication will be upon us pretty soon too (sometime in the early 2010?). Anyway, I'm looking forward to finding out more about Arthur and this evil Morgause.
ReplyDeleteSounds good. It's been awhile since I've read anything King Arthurish.
ReplyDeleteLilly - Yes, Morgause was set up quite well in the first book to have a big effect in the next ones. It will be interesting!
ReplyDeleteBooklogged - Arthur is one of those characters that there always seems to be something new about.
Hello everyone, thank you so much for your interest and enthusiam for my books. I have quite a soft spot for Arthur - as you may be able to tell from the books! :-)
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Thank you for stopping by, Helen! It really shows when an author cares about her subject, as you obviously do in the Arthur books!
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