Excalibur (The Warlord Chronicles), cover images may vary

Bernard Cornwell did not disappoint with his final entry in the Warlord Trilogy. Just like the first two, the reader is treated to prosaic language that revels in its poetic beauty, mingled with the blunt, pragmatic realism of the soldier who is narrating the story. As the book opens, we find ourselves back in war-torn Dumnonia, which Arthur has just unified after Lancelot's rebellion. Merlin is preparing to summon the pagan gods of Britain in an endeavor that could split the country in two. And Arthur and Derfel prepare for the inevitable spring invasion of the Saxons. It is in this book that the climactic Battle of Mount Badon is brilliantly realized, the battle between the Britons and Saxons for which the real Arthur (if he ever existed) was certainly responsible for. Those familiar with the previous two books in the series, "The Winter King" and "Enemy of God" know that Cornwell has taken a bold step with his take on the legend of King Arthur by giving the tale a new, more realistic approach. But unlike its predecessors, this book tends include real magic, whereas in the previous two novels, genuine magic was substituted for clever tricks that preyed on a superstitious people. Merlin was therefore portrayed more as a sardonic trickster than as the genuine and powerful wizard he is more commonly shown to be in other variations of the legend. Many have complained that the book tended to confuse them due to the large amount of characters, most of whom have difficult-to-pronounce Welsh names (Culhwch, Caddwg, and Hygwydd come to mind). In Cornwell's defense, the Welsh names are very realistic and they reflect the fact that this Arthur story is set in post-Roman Britain, rather than the Anglo-Saxon England of the 11th century. And as overwhelming as the names can be at first, Cornwell excels at developing many different personalities so that before you know it, the unusual names are as familiar to you as those of old friends. Though it is Arthur's tale, we get to know the narrator Derfel much more intimately, which is another element that I found appealing. Derfel, currently an old Christian monk writing Arthur's tale in secrecy, was once one of Arthur's greatest warriors and closest friends, and he is a man who excels at war, but to whom we grow very attached due to his humility, courage, pragmatism, and his undying love and devotion to his woman, Ceinwyn. If this book has any failing, it would have to be Cornwell's tendency to repeat himself constantly about important events or characters. Unfortunately, we must constantly hear about the black face of Sagramor (Arthur's Numidian commander), the fact that Derfel is a Saxon who can speak both the British and Saxon tongues, and how Merlin is very powerful and virile despite his old age. It's very difficult to end a great trilogy well, but Cornwell has definitely succeeded and brought his story of Arthur to a close.

Cornwell's interpretation of the Arthurian mythos is compelling and superbly written. He breathes new life into the legends by presenting the well-known characters as realistic figures, neither saints nor demons. Few of his villains are without some kind of redeeming feature, and none of his heroes are without flaw. Arthur, a bastard by birth, is generous and kind but ruthless and vain; Gorfyddyd, a tyrannical ruler bent on overlordship of all Britain, is a loving and doting father and Merlin, the inveterate trickster, is never without some surprise up his sleeve but is ultimately human and filled with doubt in the gods and in himself. Many of the integral parts of the mythos (the Grail quest, Merlin's magical prowess, the love affair between Lancelot and Guinevere) are retold in an utterly plausible manner. Cornwell's Britain is not a utopian Camelot but a patchwork quilt of loosely affiliated kingdoms warring with one another and fighting off Saxon marauders who themselves are divided into different warlords' followings. His description of religious conflict is one of two faiths, Christianity and Celtic paganism, at times vying for supremacy, at times seeking to co-exist, and always plagued by internacine rivalries and differences of doctrine and ideology. We view all these people and conflicts through the eyes of Derfel, a Saxon-born slave who fights his way to the top of Post-Roman British society, allowing us to see the legend from a unique and rarely-explored perspective. The result is a spellbinding journey through war and peace, faith and folly, in a three volume work that, but for its recent publication, would no doubt be regarded as a great classic of Western literature. This last volume left me wanting more. What do you say, Mr. Cornwell? Once more unto the breach?

I've read a lot of Arthurian retellings and have to count Bernard Cornwell's "Warlord" trilogy as one of the absolute best. It truly has it all. The story adheres far more to the "historical" Arthur of Gildus, Nennius, Geoffrey of Monmouth and William of Malmesbury than the "romantic" Arthur of Mallory and Chretien des Troyes. The Welsh and Irish influences are also strongly felt. In Mr. Cornwell's "historical" treatment, Arthur is not a king, but a Warlord. Uther was Arthur's father, but Arthur did not share in Uther's legacy. Merlin is a well-developed character, but is a wealthy lord and full Druid. A cauldron, another powerful Celtic symbol, replaces the Holy Grail. Finally, the sword was on the stone, not in the stone. But, the fact that the story can be told a multitude of ways, from a multitude of viewpoints, with a cast of both new and common characters points out the strength of the Arthurian legend and the Arthurian public's hunger for more. Each retelling worth its salt (and this one is!!) provides it's own unique take on one of the best-loved legends of the English-speaking world. Even though Mr. Cornwell paints Arthur as a strong and (mostly) virtuous character, he still has flaws. His willingness to forgive his enemies sometimes defies logic. His modestly sometimes rings hollow. But, all in all, he is the heroic figure we all have come to know and love. The same cannot be said of Mr. Cornwell's Lancelot. Suffice it to say that this is by far the least flattering portrait of the "world's greatest knight" that I have ever read. Some of the other ancillary characters get a fuller treatment here than in many other versions of the tale and with some interesting transitions. Guinivere, at least in my book, undergoes several personality transplants during the course of the trilogy, and some are for the better. Nimue/Vivien is far more developed in this series and her transition also runs the full gamut. Many of the other nobles and warriors are also well-painted characters and add a great deal to the overall enjoyment of the story.But, the true measure of an Arthurian novel lies in the strength and credibility of the narrator. Derfel is definitely one of the strongest voices I have heard in Arthurian literature. He is now an aged monk, but in his younger years was a friend and confidant of Arthur who often fought by Arthur's side. He is a sworn enemy of Lancelot, an angle that adds many new slants to the story. But, most importantly, Derfel is telling the story in the past tense; he alludes to future events, tells us enough to let us know where it all leads, and then fills in the blanks. In some respects, Derfel fills the role of Bedivere (which is all I'll say now so as not to spoil the story for those who haven't read the books yet). The writing is powerful, the story is spellbinding, and it achieves that delicate balance of retelling the familiar yet introducing a healthy dose of the new. You just can't as

I just finished the last book in Bernard Cornwell's Warlord trilogy and was very impressed with his unique perspective on the Arthurian legend. While most books in this genre follow the traditional "Round Table" formula, Bernard Cornwell has blazed a new path and even pokes fun at the standard retelling by emphasizing that history was "written" by people who could afford to pay bards to compose it.The narrator of this book, like its prequels, is Derfel Cadarn, a warrior in Arthur's service, who is oath-sworn to uphold Mordred's throne, but who finds that his duties often conflict with his sense of right and justice. Cornwell's novel eschews romantic notions of the Dark Ages and instead gives details about daily life that are far from pleasant, e.g., the constant "de-lousing" process. However, far from being a Tolstoy-esque recanting of minute details, this novel outpaces its predecessors with a whirlwind of battle scenes and a breathtaking account of shifting loyalties, ruthless leaders and timeless passions.To anyone serious about the Arthurian legend, this is a must-read!

I must admit, the only reason I did not give the two previous books in this trilogy five stars is because the final book in the series was SO good I had to reserve it the best rating possible. It is very rare that I feel strong emotion when reading a book, or for me to become emotionally attached to the characters, but in this case, both occurred. Excalibur builds upon the solid foundations of the last two books, developing characters and plot to even further. The author still manages to surprise you, even if you know your Arthurian trivia. Most importantly, the conclusion was spectacular. Some might find it frustrating, but now I couldn't imagine it ending any other way. I won't give any more away.... Mr. Cornwell, if you are reading this, I beleive this could be a very successful film/series of films. The old Excalibur set the mould for the Arthur of the Romances, but this takes "The King" in entirely an new direction. This could become (unfortunately with much simplification) the definitive Dark-Age Arthur film. Anyway read the first two novels, then read this one... I practically didn't sleep until I finished it. Wonderful... I HIGHLY RECCOMEND!