The Oak Above the Kings

This is the second of Kennealy MNorrison's King Arthur cycle, and i loved it as much as the first. In this one, we see Arthur and Talisen, together, prepare for the battle that will free Keltia. We see the deepening relatonship between Arthuir and Gweniver(finally!). The relationships here are well fleshed out, and i especially enjoy the banter between Talisen and Morgan!

This is the second book in Patricia Kennealy-Morrison's Celtic science fiction. The series started with "The Grey Hawk's Feather" which introduces you to all the famous characters, Merlyn, Arthur, Ygrawn, Uther, Gweniver, and the somewhat passed over, in other tales, Taliesin. In this particular telling Taliesin, the greatest bard ever known to Keltia, narrates in bardic style the story of his friend and fostern Arthur. Morrison does away with the more annoying parts of Arthurian legend, Lancelot for one, and concentrates on a very different telling of the tale in space upon a planet far away. The second book encompasses the arrival of Arthur and his army on Tarra, the home of Ederyn the then traitorous "King" of Kelts, through Arthur's eventual victory over Ederyn, (I don't think I'm giving too much of the story away), and his leaving of Keltia to visit far off worlds as well as his eventual return. The truth of Talyn's mother is finally revealed, with shocking implications. Now, just let me say, I LOVE THIS SERIES! I especially love the character of Taliesin. He is my favorite from all of Morrison's books and possibly from any others I have ever read. His voice is exceptionally distinctive in the telling and very consistent. He is a very unassuming character, terrified out of his wits most of the time and sure that everyone knows it, yet is completely honest about this fact. I love the style of these books too. The prose is perhaps a bit cumbersome when you first begin reading but it is defiantly an epic tale, every event fraught with dan from now 'till nevermass, and all the characters with the seeds of greatness in them, Arthur most of all. I love this particular universe because it is so imaginative, Celtic legend mixed with sciencficiton in a successful blending. Now, the Kirkus reviewer has a point when he says that Patricia Kennealy-Morrison has a "general air of self-importance". He hits the nail right on the head. She is continually prating on the virtues of the Kelts. How they are so much more evolved than "other societies I could name" in that they have magical arts, no rape, varying marriage laws, and women are considered equals. It is an attitude hard to avoid throughout her books, but this is the only detraction I will make and, you will admit, not a very serious one.

Patricia continues the great storytelling of the previous books of the Keltiad in this novel. We are transported first person to the land of arthur (for a twist this land is outer space) and told Arthur's life story through the eyes of his bard and close friend Taliesan. This book moved me to tears at some points. The love and friendship bonds that the book builds are remarkable! I couldn't put it down. If you have read the Copper Crown and its counterparts you will be intrigued when you discover that the writing style is completely different from the first triology. This is writen in first rather than third person. It is rare that an author has such talent as to switch styles. The style change means that you will never tire of the Keltiad. Instead of boresdom you will find love for the lore as past history links all the books together.

I have highly enjoyed all of the books in this series, and I also agree with the above reviewer that there are some inaccuracies in the Kirkus review that lead one to believe that the reviewer did not give it his or her full attention. In all, if you love fantasy, Celtic myth or Arthurian legend these books are well worth a read.

I don't think I would've written anything regarding thisseries, even though I love it, except for one thing. In reading thereview by the critic I noticed an error I'm sure all fans of this series will note. In this particular adaptaion of the Arthurian Chronicles, GWENIVER IS NOT ARTHURS SISTER, SHE'S HIS COUSIN!!!!! If you are going to crtique the book, sir or madame, I strongly suggest, as do all of Ms. Kennealy-Morrisons fans, I'm sure, that you READ THE BOOK!! You can find a copy of this wonderfully written and inspired tale in your local book store. Obviously you don't have a copy of your own!!!