Pendragon's Banner

Author Helen Hollock's "Pendragon's Banner" is the second novel in the "Pendragon's Banner Trilogy." As with Part #1, I found myself unable to put this book down. Ms. Hollick continues here with her story of King Arthur, a unique tale without magical or supernatural elements. It is more complicated than the first novel. Many of the characters from before, return here. I was immediately drawn into the narrative and was amazed at how believable her characters and storyline are. This is extraordinary "historical" fiction rather than fantasy. Ms. Hollick's Arthur is no mythical monarch of yore, but a flesh and blood, complex man. He is a courageous, warrior king, now approaching his middle years. At times he is cunning and ruthless. He wenches, drinks, has a terrible temper, and adores his lovely Gwenhwyfar and his three sons. Arthur, the son of a Romano-British nobleman, Uthr, follows the "old religion," the soldiers' god, "Mithras." The Christian Church was still young during the Dark Ages and most people remained pagan for quite some time. Many of Arthur's problems eventually stem from the vying for power between the Church and the old ways. The setting is an island country situated off the North West coast of Europe - now called Great Britain - during the 5th century. It was inhabited by the Celtic people known as the Britons and a collection of various Germanic peoples, the Anglis, Jutes, and Saxons. This was a time of great upheaval and change. "The province of Britain had been abandoned to fend for herself, for the great power that had for four hundred years dominated an Empire was dying; but in Britain a few influential men clung obstinately to the security of Rome's tattered skirts, refusing to believe their established way of life was over, finished, and a new about to begin." Meanwhile, a power vacuum was created when the Romans left. Arthur marries his first wife Winifred, the Saxon granddaughter of his hated rival Hengst. Hengst's son, Vortigen, also a bitter enemy, forced him to wed her in order to forge and alliance and keep the peace. Arthur has a son with Winifred, Cerdic, who could be in line for the throne. He divorces Winifred after a short while and then remarries Gwenhwyfar, whom he has loved from boyhood. He fights to unify the land of Britain, though war and strife plague him constantly. Arthur faces numerous and seemingly insurmountable problems. His uncle Ambrosius, Uthr's youngest brother, longs for a return to the Roman Empire. Also, numerous chieftains are ready to fight to the death to take Arthur's place as High King and Supreme Ruler. Far in the north the evil Morgause, who wants to be queen, plots his downfall. To add to the mix, a series of heartbreaking losses threaten his marriage to Gwenhwyfar. The two quarrel frequently and Arthur's many infidelities are insupportable...at least to me they are, but I don't live in the 5th century. He actually discusses some of his lovers, a few taken for political purposes

First off, I'll say that I totally agree with the three earlier reviews posted herein for this truly wonderful work of historical fiction! Ms. Helen Hollick is just an OUTSTANDING writer! Her research coupled with her talent for bringing to REAL LIFE the personalities about whom she writes speaks so very highly of her. I too consider her my friend! This book, the second in the "Pendragon's Banner Trilogy" just does a marvelous job of bringing us a realistic and moving portrayal of King Arthur Pendragon, his wife Gwenhwyfar, their children, and the life & times in which they lived. At the height of his kingship, Arthur must struggle mightily to maintain a balance between his love for his family and desire for peace and stability against the forces which would destroy him, his beloved family, and all that he's worked for. If you're looking for magnificent, "stay up all night" reading (because, at least in my case, once I started, I find it near impossible to stop reading Helen's books!) that's REALISTIC to the time, Helen's Pendragon books are for you! However, if you're looking for the well-worn "fairy tales" (originally generated by the Normans as Helen has pointed out) of King Arthur, Pendragon's Banner is not going to be your cup of tea! There is war and the brutality thereof, lust, treason, murder, and some very evil people in King Arthur's world. Which makes for a very real and thoroughly exceptional reading experience! Helen Hollick has "the right stuff" in her works. She rates at the top of the list of medieval historical fiction writers, along with such wonderful authors as Sharon Kay Penman and Bernard Cornwell. Thank you Helen, for the splendid job you've done in writing this book and the entire "Pendragon's Banner Trilogy"!!

I have now read all three of these books. This trilogy by Helen Hollick has been wonderful. Am now very sad I have finished them! Well written, believable characters who develop and make sense. Terrific storyline woven together by a master of her craft. Cannot recommend these books more highly, well done Helen and PLEASE can we have some more of your stories soon. Thankyou.

This second book of Hollick's trilogy is pure delight; the characters and their relationships are now well developed coming off the first book (even the horses!) and Arthur's fateful tragedies are deeply felt. Hollick allows the critical story passages space to breathe, giving this sweeping novel time to develop for the final book. Well done again. 5 stars.

Not only am I a great fan of Helen Hollick's books, I am also proud to call myself one of her friends. After reading her books and writing to her we have been corresponding for about 3 years. I was also able to meet her in London about 2 years ago. She is so personable and fun that you just know where her fabulous stories are coming from. Her books are my favorite in the entire world and Helen is one of my favorite people also. Thanks, Helen, for the books and the friendship!