Sword at Sunset

Rosemary Sutcliff · Jack Whyte

May 2008 · Chicago Review Press

About this ebook

This brilliant reconception of the Arthurian epic cuts through the familiar myths and tells the story of the real King Arthur: Artos the Bear, the mighty warrior-king who saved the last lights of Western civilization when the barbarian darkness descended in the fifth century. Artos here comes alive: bold and forceful in battle, warm and generous in friendship, tough in politics, shrewd in the strategy of war—and tender and tragically tormented in love. Out of the interweaving of ancient legend, fresh research, soaring imagination, and hypnotic narrative skill comes a novel that has richly earned its reputation as a classic.

Ratings and reviews

Rosemary Sutcliff has a unique knack for drawing a realistic story out of legend and romance. It was agonizing to actually understand how a man such as Artos would have felt knowing that Britain was bound to fall eventually. His struggle to avoid the darkness has once again shown Sutcliff to be a master of historical fiction.

Astounding non fiction of the life of the most probable King Arthur. This tale is about the life of a warrior called Artos the Bear and his amazing victory at the Battle of Badon. Along with his companions. Best Arthurian non fiction of a proven documented life. Five stars. Will reread many times.

About the author

STRONGRosemary Sutcliff wrote more than 40 historical novels for young adults—including The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers, The Sword and the Circle, and Black Ships Before Troy—five adult novels, and several books of nonfiction.