P.L. Stuart's Reviews > The Winter King

King Arthur fans rejoice!!! When one of your favorite authors writes about one of your favorite subjects - Arthurian legend - you can only drool with anticipation about how good the book might be. There was certainly no let-down whatsoever with "The Winter King", first book in "The Warlord Chronicles", by Cornwell. I have read almost everything Cornwell has written, from "Sharpe", to the works he is perhaps most famous for, "The Last Kingdom" series, and I love watching the Netflix adaptation. But the entire "Warlord Chronicles" including "The Winter King" is something very special. No one brings the concept of what ancient Britain could be like to life the way Cornwell does. I loved the thrilling battle scene which occurs near the book's conclusion, and even though Cornwell is noted for being the king of battlefield description, this one is may be one of his best, and that means be ready to be awed! I was fascinated when Cornwell wrote Lancelot as a feckless, cowardly, and conniving bad-guy, and it was a great twist, as most of the legends paint him as a - albeit flawed - noble and righteous hero. Derfel, the protagonist, gives us a wonderful, well-rounded perspective on the great Arthur and all the legendary figures who surround him, making them seem vividly real. The perceived war of "Old Gods" magic versus the Christian God, which essentially is between Merlin and his acolytes versus the Christian clergy and followers is fascinating, and represents the "magical" elements of the story. Its all very subtle, believable, and extremely well-done. This book / series is a self-proclaimed favorite of the author, Cornwell, and I have to agree! "The Winter King" is one of the best books I have ever read. Only shame is that I can only give it a five star rating, and not more than that. Read the whole series, continuing with "Enemy of God" and concluding with "Excalibur". You will not be disappointed.