This is the final book in the Pendragon’s Banner trilogy. See my reviews for The Kingmaking and Pendragon’s Banner.
Arthur has had an incredibly successful career overall, triumphing over adversity to become the Pendragon, virtually king of Britain. His vassals are kept in line by their fear of the Artoriani, Arthur’s supreme mounted force. But all is not perfect in his kingdom. Arthur’s uncle, Aurelianus Ambrosius, and the Roman faction are sure that they’d be happier under a renewed Roman government. Arthur’s former wife, Winifred, never stops her meddling, and her son Cedric grows to become a real threat. Worst of all, Arthur has to overcome the fear of defeat for the first time in his long career, and must question truths he has always held dear.
I’ve enjoyed all of Hollick’s works so far and this conclusion to a great trilogy is no exception. I really like a lot of these characters, even the sometimes-villains, although I think anyone would struggle to like Winifred or Cedric, who is so governed by his violent impulses. I think he’s today’s serial killer. But I did in a fashion like Ambrosius, who has doubts about taking the kingdom, and I really liked his son and daughter-in-law. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar are still favorites and their relationship stays strong.
The conclusion to this trilogy is fairly obvious for anyone who knows anything about the Arthurian legends, but Hollick twists it a bit to give her characters the ending that they’ve gained, good or bad. So while it’s predictable, there are aspects of it that are outside the typical Arthurian box.
I will say that Hollick’s prose is a bit unconventional and I found at times that the story required a lot of concentration. I couldn’t keep track of what was going on while the TV was on, for example, but I normally prefer reading in silence with no distractions, so this wasn’t a hindrance for me. I think that patience will certainly be rewarded in this case, and I’m happy to recommend Shadow of the King, and the entire trilogy, to historical fiction fans.
I am an Amazon Associate. I received this book for free from the publisher for review.
I didn’t realise that the third book was out already!
.-= Marg´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday – Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett =-.
I have the first 2 books and can’t wait to start them.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesdays =-.
I don’t have any of these, but they do sound good!
.-= Julie P.´s last blog ..Review: Wounded – A Love Story =-.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. I am delighted that my Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy has been so well received – and enjoyed – in the USA.
I am proud of my books, they were hard work to research and write, but I feel even prouder that people such as yourself are gaining enjoyment from the stories I have written. After all, if a book is not enjoyed it has little value as a novel.
Again, thank you for your kindness and support
I bought the first book in this series after reading tons of great reviews on it. I am looking forward to reading it, and I am glad to hear that the rest of the series doesn’t disappoint. Glad to hear that you liked the book, I will remember that they need a bit of concentration while reading.
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I’ve always wondered if the modern-day serial killer would be a successful knight or warlord during earlier eras.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog ..North & South =-.
I still have the first one to read — I like Arthur books so I’m hoping I like these too.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Featuring . . . The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama =-.
This is another one I need to read in the next week or two, so glad it lives up to her previous books.