A Novel of Arthur (The Warlord Chronicles) - The Winter King

Bernard Cornwell is probably the best story teller, particularly of the British Isles, that I've read. His historical fiction is wonderful and written in a way the reader doesn't want to put it down. I purchased the whole Arthur series to make sure I could follow Arthur's journey.

Tremendous read. A bit heavy but the writer knows how to spin a yarn and keep you on the edge of your seat and you know what? It's the second time instead the book and I still am totally captivated by it.

Engaging and compelling. I believe that most who read this novel Will conclude that yes there must be some substance to the legend of King Arthur and this is about as close as you will get. An excellent choice for those of us who enjoy historical fiction.

I have read many versions of the Arthur legend. When I started this one I was skeptical. Though it took me a while to get into this one, I ended having enjoying it. It is a very different look at the legend and a very interesting one.

I had a hard time getting through this book. Having read the series Saxon Tales, I would say this is formulaic Bernard Cornwell, with lots of descriptions of settings, battles, gore, etc. However I have read a lot of books about Arthur and his legend and I didn't particularly like this presentation. Since the tale is not told through Arthur's point of view, there's no way to get inside his head like there was for Uhtred in the Saxon Tales series. I also didn't like the female characters; Guinevere is presented as self centered and narcissistic. Nimue is more like a witch or sorceress than the priestess as she is presented in other books. I don't know if I will read the other two books in the series or not, but I felt the same way about the Saxon Tales and eventually ended up liking those books very much. I will read something else for now.

Certainly not the typical approach to the Arthur story. Told from the view of a peasant soldier, not the normal main characters of the Arthur story. Arthur the warlord, not the king, in a terrible time of unrest in "England". A gritty down to earth telling of times and troubles of Saxon and Irish invaders and split kingdoms.

Certainly not the typical approach to the Arthur story. Told from the view of a peasant soldier, not the normal main characters of the Arthur story. Arthur the warlord, not the king, in a terrible time of unrest in "England". A gritty down to earth telling of times and troubles of Saxon and Irish invaders and split kingdoms.

I'm having a hard time connecting with the characters. Build up to the context of the story is slow as well. I'll try picking it up at another time to see if it's just not my current mood (as far as my literary taste), but I wasn't as impressed as other readers. The only reason that I choose this author was due to the praise that he received for some of his other work and that he happened to have a period novel in a genre that I am very attracted to at the moment.

I've read all the Grail series and this continues in the same manor. Mr. Cornwell is such a great writer, it's hard to maintain the perspective this is historical fiction. This was a good book and I look forward to reading more that Bernard Cornwell has to offer.

While I much enjoy the Arthurian legend, and I know Cornwell has many loyal fans,I was disappointed. I did not finish this book. It was, I thought, boring and disjointed. The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte were a more interesting and readable treatment of the same subject.

BC has incredible writing style. I finished Game Of Thrones, and needed more intrigue, backstabbing, moneygrubbing, raping and pilaging. . Not to mention blood squirting amputations, stabbings, and people burned at the stake. This book series has it all!

Love the series, definitely one of my favorite period/fantasy books. Bernard Cornwell dances the line between fantasy and otherwise well and overall presents an entertaining retelling of the Arthurian tales.

Like historical fiction? This writer is the Master Story Teller. Great story, character development, and a can't-put-it-down read. The BEST I have ever read! Finished, don't stop there! Get all three books so there is no wait time between them!

Nobody (or at least nobody in Eurocentric countries) grows up without at least a passing knowledge of Arthurian legend. Cromwell tells a tale, not of the magical king of legend, but of a flawed but brilliant warlord, someone who could plausibly exist in the real world through the eyes of his adherents.

Really liked this series, a good measure is that I was sad when I completed my last book in the Trilogy. Was expecting a little more at the end, maybe one last hurrah for the protagonist but it was overall a great experience

The title may be a bit of an understatement. Over the last two weeks, I read six books that were well reviewed here on the store and this was my favorite of the bunch. The writing is efficient and the story is compelling.

Sets the stage very well for this trilogy. Lots of strange names and places, but Cornwell provides enough context to keep things in its' place. Drama and intrigue build as characters, alliances and blood feuds take shape. Sets the stage and makes a reader eager for more.