The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur

Bernard Cornwell

Apr 1997 · Warlord Chronicles Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this ebook

With The Winter King, the first volume of his magnificent Warlord Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell turns to the story he was born to write: the mythic saga of King Arthur. Now a major television show.

The tale begins in Dark Age Britain, a land where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, where a child-king sits unprotected on the throne, where religion vies with magic for the souls of the people. It is to this desperate land that Arthur returns, a man at once utterly human and truly heroic: a man of honor, loyalty, and amazing valor; a man who loves Guinevere more passionately than he should; a man whose life is at once tragic and triumphant.

As Arthur fights to keep a flicker of civilization alive in a barbaric world, Bernard Cornwell makes a familiar tale into a legend all over again.

Ratings and reviews

Easily one of the best series I have ever read and my favorite work from Cornwell. This is a realistic depiction of what King Arthur and his warriors would have actually been, Iron age warlords in post Roman Britain and not fancy knights that did not exist anywhere near this period. Told through the eyes of Derfel Cadarn, a young warrior who joins and fights for Arthur, this is a beautifully told story of war, victory, tragedy, love and betrayal. The battle scenes are second to none and the depiction of the dark years after the Roman withdrawal from Britain is masterful. I really can't say enough good things about this series or this will be a ten page review. I'll just say I highly recommend it and it's on my yearly "reread" list for a reason.

This book is so rich with detail I can picture myself reading it over several times and finding new treasures each time. One of the best accounts of King Arthur and the universe he inhabits. My favorite book I've read in a long time.

I really enjoyed this book. You won't find round tables and swords in stone but you will find Arthur, Merlin and the rest. It is in a different light these characters are portrayed but it is a fine portrayal. Well done.

About the author

Bernard Cornwell, who has been called "one of the most accomplished storytellers now writing" (Kirkus Reviews) is the author of numerous international bestsellers, including the Sharpe series. He was born in Britain and now lives with his wife in Cape Cod.