The Hedge of Mist

Not worth reading. The author really changed from writing her first Arthurian novel. This is so not an Arthurian tale. Definitely a "must NOT read."

In her final book of the "Tales of Arthur" trilogy, Patricia Kennally uses the rich Arthurian legend to its best advantage, spinning it lightyears away 1,000 years in the future. Though her first two books of this series utilized the Arthurian legend, the scope of the myth was not fully tapped into until this book. I had the great fortune to be reading this book at the same time as _La Morte de Arthur_ by Thomas Mallory, and the connections between the two struck me almost every page. Kennally is a master at symbolism and archetypes, and the joy of recognition hits often in this retelling that adds, not detracts from the Arthurian legend.

When, upon finishing the first two books of this trilogy, I realized I had lost my prized copy of the third, I went into a frenzy; upon finding it, I read it without stopping. (Kennealy-Morrison's works are best read, by the way, with Enya's "The Celts" CD on endless loop in the background.) Despite the thickness that has earned these books the name of doorstoppers and the rather unscientific science, not to mention the highly unorthodox retelling of the Arthurian myths, I fell in love with these books both as an admirer of the Tales of Aeron and as a follower of Arthuriana in all its different forms. No matter what else there is to say, there's no doubt that the first book will hook you on the series, the second will draw you deeper in, and the third will leave you with a glowing sense of completion. If you've never read any of Kennealy-Morrison's works before, I recommend starting with this trilogy, going on to the Tales of Aeron (which should be read in chronological order: Silver Branch, Copper Crown, Throne of Scone), and then waiting--impatiently, as every fan is--for Blackmantle to come out in paperback. If you insist on chronology, of course, Blackmantle should come first, but I personally wouldn't put off this experience for anything.

This masterful conclusion to Morrison's Arthurian trilogy is a true joy to read. For anyone interested in Arthuriana, the series represents a wonderful twist to traditional themes. The characters in this story have been around for centuries as have the main plot elements, but Morrison's gifted prose give them new life and depth. Although the book revolves around themes of loss, the overall feeling of the book is one of rebirth and renewal and the reader cannot help but share the narrator's joy as ending draws near. Not since Guy Gavril Kay's Fionavar Tapestry have I read a more touching and compelling account of the once and future king.

This book, the third in the Author's "Arthuriad", brings to a trimphant conclusion the tale of Arthur, King of Kelts, against a backdrop of warriors, druids, space travel and romance. Kennealy-Morrison manages to re-invent Arthur in a manner never before attempted, and does it beautifully. Sweeping prose, poetic descriptions, and heart-wrenching emotion play against a tapestry of stars

I found this book to be well worth the wait. It was a fascinating conclusion to a wonderful Keltic tale. I felt like I knew King Arthur and had lived in his time. As far as Keltic mythology goes, it is a very thought provoking tale. This book, and this trilogy, are highly recommended as fun and entertaining reading. In addition, Kennealy-Morrison's previous trilogy, the tales of Aeron, are also very good