Firelord

Not even "The Mists of Avalon" can touch it.Arthur himself narrates, and while his voice and sensibilities may strike some as too modern and cynical, he fits the portrayal of a chaotic, Romanized society awaiting its inevitable doom. Arthur also provides an immediate hook into the story, which contains some of the most recognizably human characters I have yet found in an epic. Finally the knights are real, the whole bloody lot of abrasive, pigheaded men torn between loyalty to their clans and to the whole of Britain. Finally the women are real; Morgana is a very interesting twist on a Faerie queen, and Guinevere, long cast as a scheming adulteress or a weepy deadweight, at last stands as Arthur's equal and his most worthy opponent. As Arthur says, most kings have wives, but he had a queen. (Btw, if you like her here, read "Beloved Exile.")The tale is a bit nonstandard, in that Arthur's father Uther is merely a Romanized noble, not the king of Britain; Arthur suceeds Ambrosius directly. Merlin is mostly absent, as is any overt magic, and when he does appear is anything but a bearded old man. Religion is largely a catch-as-catch-can issue in the complex, often self-destructive British society; there is also no Grail.Instead, we get a look at a gritty, tumultuous period in the history of Britain through the eyes of a flawed, ambitious man who develops vision and compassion while stumbling towards true nobility. I cannot speak for historical accuracy, but the way things fall apart is stunning in its subtle inevitability; the characters react to each other and their environment in ways that seem natural, not forced by a preordained plot. Arthur and Guinevere's last effort to redeem themselves and patch things together has such desperate, moving potential that I find myself pleading with fate each time the story marches, naturally and relentlessly, to Camlan, where Modred fulfills his destiny.And the ending is priceless.

This book is a must read for any fans of Arthurian myth, Parke Godwin, or just Wales itself (I happen to like all three). All the characters, from Artos himself to Lord Trystan of Castle Dore, are given new depth, character, and emotions. A remarkably realistic look at the 'history' that might have caused the myth. As Godwin says, it might not be what happened, but it's what could have, and what should have.

Firelord ranks at the top of "must reads" for the lover of Arthurian stories. Published about the same time as "Mists of Avalon", this book provides as perspective from the participants such as Morgana, close to the way it would have been perceived in the "old ways". The book provides you with some insight as to why the old ones were viewed as faery and why they supported Arthur. The links to recently departed Romans permenate the book, the portrayal of Guenevere and the Knights is refreshing and holds the reader's interest. The cover art on the 1982, Bantam paperback is one of the most interesting depictions of Arthur, Morgana and Gunenevre, that you will ever see

Not only is the position taken by Godwin, "I, Arthur, King of the Britons, ... want to write of us the way we were," a thoroughly intriguing guide to the approachable side of the legendary King, but Godwin's skill with words is sheer brilliance. Godwin's prose makes so much poetry look anemic. _Firelord_ has the battles, the love stories, the magic, the history, the characters -- all things that are the heart and soul of Arthurian legend. This book will be the cause for hysteric laughter, broken sobs, dramatic contemplation, and absolute tension during the thrills of the chase, as it were. If I were only allowed to own one Arthurian book this would be it [my apologies to Mallory et al.]. -- Camala M. Rya