easily one of my favorite trilogies of all time! Derfel is an amazing character, and Cornwell manages to have creative spins on the Arthurian characters.
Excellent review! You and Allen have me wanting to pick up these books, and I will definitely check out the audio versions! I do tend to prefer more weird magic stuff in my fantasy, but I still think I might enjoy this, especially after what you said about the characters. Thanks, Sarah! ☺️🧡
This series is very dear to my heart as I read it about twenty five years ago and was what ignited my passion for reading as young teenager. I remember buy the hardback for book three on release day. I'm so happy it seems to be become popular again!
Saint Derfel Gadarn (Derfel the Mighty) "Derfel in war, he would work his spear wondrously, steel covering is the garment, brave is the appearance." "When there were at Camlan men and fighting and a host being slain, Derfel with his arms was dividing steel there in two".
I finished the series... I loved it from start to finish. I'm not overly familiar with Arthurian Myths (I know the broad strokes but little else) but easily my favourite interpretation of the Arthur stories I have experienced. And what an ending. I appreciate that we're not in Arthur's head, not that that wouldn't have been good or interesting if we were, but it adds to the mystique of the character. I was already interested in reading Cornwell's books cuz The Last Kingdom on Netflix is one of my favourite shows ever now I've to read everything Cornwell has written.
I’m so glad you loved it! 😍 Isn’t Derfel one of the best characters you’ve ever read? I will reread these books often, I think. I’m also looking forward to reading more Cornwell - I just can’t add another super long series yet 😅
Awesome review Sarah! I haven't read this series yet, but I have read the Saxon Chronicles which was great. I view some historical fiction as similar to epic fantasy but without the magic. There is a Canadian writer named Jack Whyte who also wrote a nine book saga of the Arthurian tales called the Camulod Chronicles. The first book is The Skystone.
Thank you so much! I haven't read the Jack Whyte books, but my Dad has them all, so I'll certainly get to them some day. Thanks for the recommendation :)
I think you'd really enjoy them, Jimmy! It's easy to see where John Gwynne pulled his influence and you become more and more invested in the characters with each book.
I have this trilogy on my TBR and i plan to read these books very soon... I adored your review, i think you have a excellent way to communicate your opinions, and is always a pleasure to hear your thougths.
I'm halfway through Winter King, I love it so far. Especially as someone who isn't much of a Arthurian Myth enthusiast, aside from the Monty Python film, BBCs Merlin and Disneys Sword in the Stone
With all the talk of Arthurian retellings recently, I decided to start The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte. It is a 9 book series that started in the mid-90s. I've had them for decades but have never read them. It is also historical fiction. Since I don't have any Bernard Cornwell books (yet) this will have to scratch my Arthurian itch. Lol
1:43 Did you just say all my buzz words? *Added to TBR* My brother watched so many Arthurian shows and movies and I would always sit with him and watch them all. I definitely want to get into this series!
This is so high praise Sarah! I just bought The Crystal Cave after your recommendation of that series, but after I finish that, this is my next go to. Especially the character work sounds sooo interesting. I already know that Lancelot will annoy me so much. 😂 A character you just love to hate. You're going to love the Liveship Traders if that's something you like haha. By the way, if you want to read about the historical character on whom the character of Merlin was based, I think you'll like the Lost Queen. It's slightly more towards fantasy but really minimal (he was a druid and you do need to believe that their power is real for the story to work) and the author did a lot of research to make the battles etc. historically correct. It's more focussed on his sister but still you see a lot of Lailoken (=Merlin). He's not funny at all though. 😅
I really want to pick up that series, Jolien, so thanks for reminding me of it! I think you will love The Crystal Cave. At least, I hope you will. I know you also enjoy grimdark, so I think Warlord Chronicles will satisfy that craving for darker stories, while also really hitting the great historical notes.
I have been meaning to read Bernard Cornwell for a long time. I've always been most interested in his Sharpe novels, but I ended up starting with The Winter King a few days ago lol I'm not that far into it yet, but I love the man's writing so far.
Yes, his writing is so compelling!! The books just keep getting better. I’m jealous that you’re just beginning your journey. Wish I could go back and experience them for the first time again right now ❤️
Yes, it’s interesting to read about how the knights evolved and who is responsible for which parts of the myth. This book plays with that idea in a way I really enjoyed ☺️
Thanks for the recommendation on something I know very little about! Also, totally agree with you on the physical book experience. I hate when the font or the book itself makes reading hard. Have you ever looked at the font of the modern Lord of the Rings trilogy in the black cover paperbacks? That font disgusts me haha look at it the next time you are in a bookstore, it's so bad, but yet most people buy those versions when there are way better versions out there. That is one major benefit of digital reading, you can pick thousands of fonts and sizes. I love a good physical book, but digital reading is just a better reading experience in most cases, sadly.
Glad to know I'm not alone with my font-related frustrations, haha. I definitely enjoy changing the font/size on my kindle. If you do decide to pick up this trilogy, I hope you enjoy :)
Awesome series review! I haven't heard of this series but will definitely check it out. Thanks If you like Arthurian lore you might like The Lost Queen by Signe Pike. It gives me the same cold cozy feeling as a Juliet Marillier book.
I have been reading The Winter King for a couple of months now. I'm maybe 30% in. I've heard it takes a while to get into it but starting to wonder if I'm going to make it.
I am sure you mentioned this in the video but full disclosure I had you on podcast mode while doing things around the lab but would this work for someone who knows very little about the Arthurian myth? Like I know The Sword and the Stone and that this is like the original love triangle but that's about it lol which is sad cause Guy Gavriel Kay has his Finovar series that plays with this myth and I read that but I know all the allusions went over my head. And if this isn't a good place to start what is?
I think this would be a fine entry point; it doesn’t require any prior knowledge or “play with” the myth as a literary device. It’s just presenting the story in a more realistic light. I really love Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga, which is told from Merlin’s point of view! Beautiful writing with more magic than this one, but I think either would be great entry points. If you want the “classic” take, you can’t go wrong with The Once and Future King!
It can be dark at times, but the characters are always trying to do what’s right. So it’s less of the nihilistic, bleak tone of grimdark, and more the very difficult realities of living in Dark Ages Britain.
I finished the series... I loved it from start to finish. I'm not overly familiar with Arthurian Myths (I know the broad strokes but little else) but easily my favourite interpretation of the Arthur stories I have experienced. And what an ending. I appreciate that we're not in Arthur's head, not that that wouldn't have been good or interesting if we were, but it adds to the mystique of the character. I was already interested in reading Cornwell's books cuz The Last Kingdom on Netflix is one of my favourite shows ever now I've to read everything Cornwell has written.
Such a great review of one of my favorite trilogy, Sarah! Glad you loved it, and Lancelot.
Hahahaha, the hatred for Lancelot is real and all-encompassing. The only character to rival Nina ;)
easily one of my favorite trilogies of all time! Derfel is an amazing character, and Cornwell manages to have creative spins on the Arthurian characters.
It’s so fantastic. I love Derfel; I would have followed him along for a ten book series!
YESSSSSSSSSSSS
Can't wait to hear all your thoughts!! :D
Excellent review! You and Allen have me wanting to pick up these books, and I will definitely check out the audio versions! I do tend to prefer more weird magic stuff in my fantasy, but I still think I might enjoy this, especially after what you said about the characters. Thanks, Sarah! ☺️🧡
Thanks, Johanna! I hope you do enjoy them if you pick them up 🥰
This series is very dear to my heart as I read it about twenty five years ago and was what ignited my passion for reading as young teenager. I remember buy the hardback for book three on release day. I'm so happy it seems to be become popular again!
What an amazing series to get you invested in reading. Have you reread them in the years since? I think they will stick with me for a long time.
Saint Derfel Gadarn (Derfel the Mighty)
"Derfel in war, he would work his spear wondrously, steel covering is the garment, brave is the appearance."
"When there were at Camlan men and fighting and a host being slain, Derfel with his arms was dividing steel there in two".
I finished the series... I loved it from start to finish. I'm not overly familiar with Arthurian Myths (I know the broad strokes but little else) but easily my favourite interpretation of the Arthur stories I have experienced. And what an ending.
I appreciate that we're not in Arthur's head, not that that wouldn't have been good or interesting if we were, but it adds to the mystique of the character.
I was already interested in reading Cornwell's books cuz The Last Kingdom on Netflix is one of my favourite shows ever now I've to read everything Cornwell has written.
I’m so glad you loved it! 😍 Isn’t Derfel one of the best characters you’ve ever read? I will reread these books often, I think.
I’m also looking forward to reading more Cornwell - I just can’t add another super long series yet 😅
I bought winter king yesterday because of your recommendation 🥳
Love to hear this! I hope you enjoy it.
Awesome review Sarah! I haven't read this series yet, but I have read the Saxon Chronicles which was great. I view some historical fiction as similar to epic fantasy but without the magic. There is a Canadian writer named Jack Whyte who also wrote a nine book saga of the Arthurian tales called the Camulod Chronicles. The first book is The Skystone.
Thank you so much! I haven't read the Jack Whyte books, but my Dad has them all, so I'll certainly get to them some day. Thanks for the recommendation :)
So glad you reviewed this! I've had them forever and gotta find time for this one. You did an excellent job selling it 😎
I think you'd really enjoy them, Jimmy! It's easy to see where John Gwynne pulled his influence and you become more and more invested in the characters with each book.
Wow Sarah, you have me sold! I’m definitely going to try this out.
I hope you enjoy it, Chas! Such a fantastic series.
@@TheBookCure I’m sure I will. It’s going on my must read list for December. 🙂
I have this trilogy on my TBR and i plan to read these books very soon... I adored your review, i think you have a excellent way to communicate your opinions, and is always a pleasure to hear your thougths.
Thank you so much! This series was phenomenal and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
The best series I've ever read 📚
Just looking at my TBR seeing where I can squeeze them in. Really looking forward to it! Sword in the Stone was one of my favorites growing up.
I hope you can find some space; these are so very worth it!
My favourite series ever. The name pronunciation can be difficult, Bernard Cornwell had a nice guide on the FAQ's on his website.
It’s fantastic. I’m sure I’ll be rereading it before long. 🥰
I read the first book after your recommendation and thought it was great. I would love to see a spoiler chat about the series in future
I'm halfway through Winter King, I love it so far. Especially as someone who isn't much of a Arthurian Myth enthusiast, aside from the Monty Python film, BBCs Merlin and Disneys Sword in the Stone
Watch Excalibur, perhaps the best of the Arthurian legend on film or screen, at least IMO.
wow! this book was not on my radar but definitely will check out
It was fantastic. I loved all three of them :)
Proper excited to pick this series up, I've heard nothing but great things. Fabulour review !
Thank you! They are so fantastic and I’d recommend getting to them as soon as possible ☺️
With all the talk of Arthurian retellings recently, I decided to start The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte. It is a 9 book series that started in the mid-90s. I've had them for decades but have never read them. It is also historical fiction. Since I don't have any Bernard Cornwell books (yet) this will have to scratch my Arthurian itch. Lol
I haven’t read this series, though my Dad has! I will try to get to them someday, for sure.
You sold me. Just ordered the trilogy. Thank you Sarah.
I’m so glad to hear this! I hope you love it!!
1:43 Did you just say all my buzz words?
*Added to TBR*
My brother watched so many Arthurian shows and movies and I would always sit with him and watch them all. I definitely want to get into this series!
Yes, bump them to the top of the TBR. They’re SO GOOD 😍
This is so high praise Sarah! I just bought The Crystal Cave after your recommendation of that series, but after I finish that, this is my next go to. Especially the character work sounds sooo interesting. I already know that Lancelot will annoy me so much. 😂 A character you just love to hate. You're going to love the Liveship Traders if that's something you like haha.
By the way, if you want to read about the historical character on whom the character of Merlin was based, I think you'll like the Lost Queen. It's slightly more towards fantasy but really minimal (he was a druid and you do need to believe that their power is real for the story to work) and the author did a lot of research to make the battles etc. historically correct. It's more focussed on his sister but still you see a lot of Lailoken (=Merlin). He's not funny at all though. 😅
I really want to pick up that series, Jolien, so thanks for reminding me of it! I think you will love The Crystal Cave. At least, I hope you will. I know you also enjoy grimdark, so I think Warlord Chronicles will satisfy that craving for darker stories, while also really hitting the great historical notes.
Spot on, the best Arthurian version by a country mile.
I love your reviews! You are so thorough!.
Thank you, Penny! It’s hard to hold back the tide once it gets going 😅
What a Review!!!!
I have the first book on Audio!! I listened to the first few minutes and the narrator sounds great.
He does a phenomenal job! Cannot WAIT for you to read them. 😍
Great review Sarah. I also struggled with the pronunciation of Welsh names. Maybe we need lessons with Philip Chase 😊
I would sit through any class taught by Philip ☺️
Absolutely can't wait to get to this sometime.
It’s so enjoyable! I hope you’re able to read them soon! ☺️
Great review! I'm going to have to check this book series out. I love anything to do with King Arthur.
Yes, you should read them as soon as your TBR allows!
great review
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it ☺️
Gah! Can't wait!
You’re going to love them, I’m sure of it!
Had this on my tbr for awhile. More and more evidence that I need to move it up
Definitely! Bump it all the way up; you won't regret it!
I have been meaning to read Bernard Cornwell for a long time. I've always been most interested in his Sharpe novels, but I ended up starting with The Winter King a few days ago lol I'm not that far into it yet, but I love the man's writing so far.
Yes, his writing is so compelling!! The books just keep getting better. I’m jealous that you’re just beginning your journey. Wish I could go back and experience them for the first time again right now ❤️
Lancelot is basically a fan fiction insert into the myth by a French writer, so makes sense for him to be a bad guy in something more “authentic”
Yes, it’s interesting to read about how the knights evolved and who is responsible for which parts of the myth. This book plays with that idea in a way I really enjoyed ☺️
Thank you for this review. I have put this series off long enough. It’s time👍🏼
Yes, it is!!! You will not regret it ☺️
This is a wonderful wysr. I would love for you to do a spoiler discussion at some point.
Thanks, Derri! Perhaps Allen will be on board one day ☺️
You encapsulated my utter hatred of Lancelot.
Thanks for the recommendation on something I know very little about! Also, totally agree with you on the physical book experience. I hate when the font or the book itself makes reading hard. Have you ever looked at the font of the modern Lord of the Rings trilogy in the black cover paperbacks? That font disgusts me haha look at it the next time you are in a bookstore, it's so bad, but yet most people buy those versions when there are way better versions out there. That is one major benefit of digital reading, you can pick thousands of fonts and sizes. I love a good physical book, but digital reading is just a better reading experience in most cases, sadly.
Glad to know I'm not alone with my font-related frustrations, haha. I definitely enjoy changing the font/size on my kindle.
If you do decide to pick up this trilogy, I hope you enjoy :)
Awesome series review! I haven't heard of this series but will definitely check it out. Thanks
If you like Arthurian lore you might like The Lost Queen by Signe Pike. It gives me the same cold cozy feeling as a Juliet Marillier book.
I’ve heard great things about that series, and I think you’re absolutely right in thinking I’ll enjoy it ☺️
I finished Winter King last night and already halfway through Enemy of God. Fantastic series so far
Yesss! I’m so glad you’re loving it so far. It just keeps getting better 😍
@@TheBookCure I'm already on Excalibur, I think this could be another all-time favourite series 😃
@@TheBookCure I'm already on Excalibur, I think this could be another all-time favourite series 😃
@@thatsci-firogue I’m so happy! It’s definitely a favourite for me as well 😍
I have been reading The Winter King for a couple of months now. I'm maybe 30% in. I've heard it takes a while to get into it but starting to wonder if I'm going to make it.
Are you an audiobook person? The narration is great and it helped me get over that little bump at the beginning!
Ah, yes, the Welsh. I got this series on Audible last year, so I didn't have that problem, and I really enjoyed it.
Glad to hear it ❤️
Just got the trilogy, plan on starting them soon.
Very exciting; I hope you love them just as much as I did! :)
Sounds great, but I doubt they are the best Arthur retelling...how could these meager novels stand up to Transformers: The Last Knight?
You’re so right. I should have mentioned this in my review 🤣
I am sure you mentioned this in the video but full disclosure I had you on podcast mode while doing things around the lab but would this work for someone who knows very little about the Arthurian myth? Like I know The Sword and the Stone and that this is like the original love triangle but that's about it lol which is sad cause Guy Gavriel Kay has his Finovar series that plays with this myth and I read that but I know all the allusions went over my head. And if this isn't a good place to start what is?
I think this would be a fine entry point; it doesn’t require any prior knowledge or “play with” the myth as a literary device. It’s just presenting the story in a more realistic light.
I really love Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga, which is told from Merlin’s point of view! Beautiful writing with more magic than this one, but I think either would be great entry points. If you want the “classic” take, you can’t go wrong with The Once and Future King!
Hi 👋 I was looking at this series... but I got nervous 😟 is it too grim dark books??? Thank u for the video, happy reading to you!! 📖👻
It can be dark at times, but the characters are always trying to do what’s right. So it’s less of the nihilistic, bleak tone of grimdark, and more the very difficult realities of living in Dark Ages Britain.
I finished the series... I loved it from start to finish. I'm not overly familiar with Arthurian Myths (I know the broad strokes but little else) but easily my favourite interpretation of the Arthur stories I have experienced. And what an ending.
I appreciate that we're not in Arthur's head, not that that wouldn't have been good or interesting if we were, but it adds to the mystique of the character.
I was already interested in reading Cornwell's books cuz The Last Kingdom on Netflix is one of my favourite shows ever now I've to read everything Cornwell has written.