Comments on: Review: The Kingmaking, Helen Hollick

By: Steven Till

Steven Till — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:55:40 +0000

I liked Hollick’s depiction of Arthur: much more real-to-life than the traditional legend. I felt the author did a good job of blending history with myth, and creating an accurate picture of post-Roman Britain.

Arthur definitely had moments where you disliked him, among his other good qualities. Gwenhwyfar was the same way. There were times where I questioned her, but overall, she was more like-able than Arthur.

What did you think of the antagonist characters? Did you think they were well-rounded and complex? What did you think of Winifred? Did she have any redeeming qualities in your mind?

Also, now that I think about it, I would have liked to see Morgause as a more regularly character throughout the novel. What do you think? I thought she was an interesting, conflicting character.

By: Helen Hollick

Helen Hollick — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:43:27 +0000

just dropping by to say thank you for such a wonderful review and for inviting me onto your blog – I look forward to meeting you all again when book two, Pendragon’s Banner comes out in the USA in September.

oh and zibilee …. yes, I think the Kingmaking would be a perfect place to start!

Helen

By: StevenTill.com - Medieval History (Middle Ages History), Historical Fiction, Fantasy Books, Fantasy Novels, Fantasy Writing, Writing Fiction

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:03:00 +0000

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By: zibilee

zibilee — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 01:06:58 +0000

I love epics and historical fiction but have never read a book about Aurthur. I have The Mists of Avalon on my shelves, but haven't gotten to it yet. Do you think this book would be a good place to start on the subject even though it doesn't follow legend? zibilee’s last blog post..The Weight of A Mustard Seed: An Iraqi General's Moral Journey During the Time of Saddam by Wendell Steavenson - 288 pgs

By: S. Krishna

S. Krishna — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:10:51 +0000

I really enjoyed this one as well. Great review! S. Krishna’s last blog post..The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson

By: Amy @ Passages to the Past

Amy @ Passages to the Past — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:57:17 +0000

Wow! Really great review! I reviewed this one too and really liked it. I'll be posting an interview with her March 2 - thanks for the mention! Amy @ Passages to the Past’s last blog post..word verification on Blogger

By: Carey

Carey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:20:25 +0000

Great review Meghan! I am in the midst of reading The Kingmaking for my review on March 2. Helen has been one of my favorite authors since I first picked up one of her books in the mid 90s. It was The Kingmaking...so this is a re-read for me, though I am finding that I don't remember much detail, just that I loved the story. Can't wait to re-read the next two in the trilogy, I loved them, too! Carey’s last blog post..Saturday Suggestions

By: Beth F

Beth F — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:07:35 +0000

Real or not, I like books about Arthur! Great review. I'm hoping to get to this one. Beth F’s last blog post..Books about Food Challenge: Wrap Up

By: Nymeth

Nymeth — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:27:38 +0000

I really enjoyed your review, especially your thoughts on Arthur not actually being based on a historical figure. I’d always assumed there was a grain of truth behind the legends, but that goes to show how much I know about early British history: nothing And the book sounds fascinating in any case!

Nymeth’s last blog post..Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:59:16 +0000

Great review – I’m glad you enjoyed this book.