Enemy of God (The Warlord Chronicles, #2)

by Bernard Cornwell

book data

1,023 ratings, 4.26 average rating, 60 reviews (more data...)

rating	frequency	%
5		45%
4		37%
3		14%
2		2%
1		0%

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published

July 3rd 1997 by Penguin Books Ltd (first published 1996)

details

Paperback, 496 pages

isbn

0140232478 (isbn13: 9780140232479)

description

The second book in a trilogy telling the story of Arthur. After one last battle, Arthur will rule a peaceful land. But, unlike Merlin, Arthur has forg…more

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Feb 04, 2010

Cara rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: arthurian

Read in February, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 01, 2009

Joyce Lagow rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in August, 2009

The 2nd in the Arthurian legend.

Taking up from the end of The Winter King, after Arthur’s astonishing victory at Lugg Vale, Enemy of God continues with Cornwell’s highly imaginative reconstruction of the Arthurian legend. Mallory’s Le Morte d’Arthur was romantically based more on his interpretation of the legends, setting them more in the 11th and 12th century. and giving them a “modern” (15th century) interpretation with chivalry, Knights of the Round Table, and all the...more The 2nd in the Arthurian legend.

Taking up from the end of The Winter King, after Arthur’s astonishing victory at Lugg Vale, Enemy of God continues with Cornwell’s highly imaginative reconstruction of the Arthurian legend. Mallory’s Le Morte d’Arthur was romantically based more on his interpretation of the legends, setting them more in the 11th and 12th century. and giving them a “modern” (15th century) interpretation with chivalry, Knights of the Round Table, and all the trappings of medieval fantasy. 5th century reality--the reality of Arthur’s time--was quite different. No knights, no chivalry; Arthur’s ideas of a brotherhood of kings to throw the Saxons out of England were far ahead of his time and actually detrimental to the safety of the kingdom he handed over to Mordred. Cornwell continues to do a beautiful job with elements of the Mallory version; his account of the Round Table is extremely entertaining. Mallory’s Grail quest becomes something quite different and quite grippingly done in Cornwell’s hands; it’s one of the best parts of an outstanding book.

Christianity continues to come off looking like a bad idea, but again, Cornwell remains faithful to what is known of those times, and certainly the scenes he describes in england and Wales certainly occurred elsewhere in the world as well.

What is particularly good about this book is Cornwell’s continued deconstruction of Lancelot, and the “truth” behind the affair with Guinevere. Guinevere herself, as are just about all the important female characters in Cornwell’s books, is an intelligent, strong woman frustrated by the subservient role that even royal women had to play. One of Cornwell’s real contributions to the genre is the continued development of his characters. They are not stick figures who simply exist as an excuse for action, but complex and believable people who react believably to their experiences.

Cornwell continues to write the most fascinating historical action-adventure novels around, and his research is meticulous. The only quibble with the book is that there is no map; it’s a good idea to scan the one in The Winter King and print it out to use as a place reference.

But, other than that, it’s a terrific read. Highly recommended.(less)

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Mar 12, 2010

Ricky rated it:

(review of isbn 0786211008)

Read in March, 2005

This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best...more

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Dec 12, 2008

Reinhold rated it:

(review of isbn 3442351480)

bookshelves: historical-fiction

Read in August, 2003

Eine wahrhaft wunderbare Trilogie

Ehe Bernard Cornwell diese Trilogie verfasste machte er sich einen Namen als BBC-Reporter. Die Notwendigkeit der sehr genauen Recherche hat er in dieser Trilogie mitgenommen. Wenn auch historisch belegbare Aufzeichnungen über Arthur selbst fehlen, so gibt es doch eine Menge geschichtliches Wissen das Cornwell wunderbar in dieses Werk einbaut.

Diese Trilogie erzählt die Geschichte Arthurs ganz anders als wir es aus der Legende kennen. Art...more Eine wahrhaft wunderbare Trilogie

Ehe Bernard Cornwell diese Trilogie verfasste machte er sich einen Namen als BBC-Reporter. Die Notwendigkeit der sehr genauen Recherche hat er in dieser Trilogie mitgenommen. Wenn auch historisch belegbare Aufzeichnungen über Arthur selbst fehlen, so gibt es doch eine Menge geschichtliches Wissen das Cornwell wunderbar in dieses Werk einbaut.

Diese Trilogie erzählt die Geschichte Arthurs ganz anders als wir es aus der Legende kennen. Arthur hat seine Schwächen, Merlin ist "nur" ein Druide, Guinevere ist eine Frau mit überragender Intelligenz, die aus ihrer Rolle ausbrechen möchte und Lancelot ist ein narzisstischer Feigling. Die wichtigsten beiden Punkte bei den handelnden Personen jedoch sind, dass einerseits jede der Hauptfiguren mit einer schier unglaublichen Tiefe ausgestattet ist; und praktisch jede von ihnen eine Veränderung im Laufe ihres Lebens durchmacht. Bezogen auf die Charakterentwicklung ist Cornwell in Gebiete vorgestoßen, die selten erreicht werden. Keine der Figuren ist schwarz oder weiß, alle sind in Graubereichen angesiedelt - aber Cornwell liefert für fast jede Eigenschaft eine Begründung, er erläutert die Motivation die einen Charakter dazu werden lässt, was er ist.

Erzählt wird die Geschichte von einem alten Mönch mit Namen "Derfel". Er war als Kind einer druidischen Todesgrube entkommen, wurde von Merlin großgezogen und danach zum Krieger ausgebildet. Er wurde zu einem der großen Heerführer Arthurs und zu seinem Schwager. Er schreibt die Geschichte seines Lebens nieder, die Geschichte der Kriege gegen die Angeln und Sachsen, die Geschichte des Aufstieg und Falls Arthurs und des Aufstieg und Falls von Mordred und natürlich die Geschichte des Kampfes des Druidentums gegen das Christentum. Aber auch mit der ganzen Geschichte entfernt er sich weit vom Mythos. Der Name Camelot taucht nicht ein einziges Mal auf, und "Tafelrunde" wird als eine Verballhornung geschildert. All das hat seinen Mythos verloren, doch genau dadurch entsteht der Mythos neu; weniger glänzend zwar, dafür aber um so glaubwürdiger. Der Erzähler ("Derfel") ist ein Kind seiner Zeit und so erzählt er auch alles als mit den Augen seiner Zeit gesehen. Er spuckt permanent aus und berührt Eisen um das Böse abzuwenden. All das jedoch erzählt er in einer bildhaften, warmherzigen Weise. Zugegeben die Schlachtszenen sind alles andere als warmherzig dennoch sind sie sehr bildhaft. Nichts für schwache Nerven. Cornwell durchbricht die Grenze zwischen historischem und Phantasyroman. Wahrlich eine Meisterleistung.

Sprachlich muss man das Werk eindeutig als über dem Mittelmaß stehend beurteilen, wenngleich es bestimmt nicht als außergewöhnlich bezeichnet werden kann. Es ist aber so gut geschrieben und formuliert, dass sich die Mehrheit der Romanciers ein Beispiel nehmen können.

Ein einziger Schwachpunkt ist Cornwell unterlaufen. Er teilte das Buch in drei Bände auf. Keiner dieser Bände kann ohne die anderen existieren - das ist das Wesen einer Trilogie, jedoch versucht Cornwell dies trotzdem zu ermöglichen, indem er die wichtigsten Fakten in jedem Band wieder anklingen lässt. Dies ruft zwar die Fakten erneut in Erinnerung, aber es ist manchmal (besonders am Anfang eines Bandes) eher enervierend denn hilfreich. Die extrem enge Verstrickung der Bücher miteinander, ist auch der Grund warum man nicht ein einzelnes Buch aus dieser Trilogie beurteilen oder rezensieren kann. Es ist ein Gesamtwerk und muss auch als solches gelesen werden. Stellen Sie sicher, dass sie alle drei Bücher (1. Der Winterkönig, 2. Der Schattenfürst und 3. Arthurs letzter Schwur) zur Hand haben, wenn Sie mit dem Lesen beginnen.

Dieses Buch hat so viele Pluspunkte, dass man Gefahr läuft einige zu übersehen. Ich möchte versuchen sie nochmals zusammenzufassen. Es hebt sich sprachlich vom Mittelmaß ab, es erzählt seine Geschichte in herrlichen Bildern, es zeichnet die meisten Personen mit einem ungeahnten Tiefgang, es liefert Charakterentwicklungen in selten gesehenem Umfang, es stellt die Sage um Arthur in einem neuen - sehr interessanten Bild dar, es ist historisch untermauert. Es ist eine Neuerzählung des Mythos, der weder den Vergleich mit den besten historischen Romanen scheuen muss, noch muss er sich fürchten wenn man ihn mit der besten Phantasyliteratur vergleicht. Der einzige Schwachpunkt - die Verteilung auf drei Bände - wiegt nur wie eine Feder auf der negativen Waagschale. (less)

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Aug 05, 2008

Susie rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in August, 2008

Bernard Cornwell's Enemy of God is the second book of The Warlord Chronicles, about the infamous legend of Arthur. Of all his many books and series, Bernard Cornwell confesses The Warlord Chronicles as his favourites ^^]

"Once upon a time, in a land that was called Britain, these things happened . . . . well, maybe. The Warlord Trilogy is my attempt to tell the story of Arthur, 'Rex Quondam Rexque Futurus', the Once and Future King, although I doubt he ever was a king. I suspect ...more

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Apr 09, 2008

Anthony rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: historical-fiction

Read in April, 2008

recommends it for: Adults with an interest in the legend of Arthur, or historical fiction of fifth century England.

The Warlord Chronicles series is Arthur as you have never seen him before. No shining knights in plate armor, no ‘round table’, no magical sword or quest for the mystical Holy Grail. Many of the names you know are here but these are not the tired characters you have seen again and again in other media. This is probably the most historically accurate representation of the mythical fifth century British warlord, Arthur, you have ever heard. This is also the least ‘historical’ of Cornwe...more

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Dec 09, 2009

Jules rated it:

(review of other edition)

bookshelves: -2009, arthurian, historical-fiction, read-in-english

Read in December, 2009

I wasn't quite as fascinated by this book as I was with The Winter King, the first book of the trilogy. Cornwell of course continues to excel at research and three-dimensional story-telling, especially when it comes to his characters. I love his take on Arthurian legend, where the Grail Quest becomes a quest for the pagan Treasures of Britain, especially the Cauldron.

The part that threw me were the few instances of repetition of tedious small facts. I notice these things, and I don't...more

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Jan 02, 2009

Phil M rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: fantasy-fiction

I loved all 3 of these books. For some reason, I liked 'Enemy of God' the best because it had the most drama and adventure. Other than just plotting strategies to crush the opposing armies, this book had a strong plot, from the relationships building between the characters, to the sudden deaths of others. I found that I finished this book the fastest because I couldn't seem to put it down. The 1st and 3rd were great as well, but I enjoyed this one more thoroughly.

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Feb 13, 2009

Gary rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Cornwall is an awesome author of great skill who is at his best when it comes to writing about people. He develops his characters fully. This is my favorite Arthurian Series of all time. It reinvents the Arthurian tales and yet still manages to stay with the legendary framework. The only other book about Arthur that even comes close is by Rosemary Sutcliff, Sword at Sunset.

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Jul 03, 2008

Concupiscor rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in August, 2008

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 31, 2009

Ross rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in July, 2009

Book 2 of the War Lord Chronicles trilogy about Arthur
For males who like well written historical novels with warriors, battles, etc.
The history here is a little sketchy since very little is known, Cornwell gives you a realistic feeling of anchient Brittain.

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Jun 17, 2008

Rachel rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in May, 2008

recommended to Rachel by: James
recommends it for: people who like Arthurian retellings, long books, and a hint of fantasy

This was my favorite of the three books in Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles. I found that Derfel matured a lot as a narrator in this book, and that the plot seemed like more than just a random string of events. This book is full of difficult and even shocking moments that you see coming but can do nothing to stop, notably Tristan and Isolde and then the big dramatic shocker at the end of the book, which I will not spoil here, but which I found an interesting, if perhaps unnecessarily tabloid-ish ta...more

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Mar 13, 2009

Old-Barbarossa rated it:

(review of isbn 0786211008)

Second part of the trilogy.
Some of the big bits of the Arthurian myth are touched on and again we know that the tale will be rewoven under Igaine's influence to form the basis of the later medieval stories. A grail quest (of sorts); Gwen and Lance; the round table; Tris and Izy...oh, that ends badly.
Also loads of betrayal and some much needed revenge.
But now all the seeds are planted for the last part. I hope it is as well done as the 1st two bits of the trilogy. What cornersto...more

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Mar 12, 2009

Robin rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in April, 2009

recommends it for: arthur fans

I couldn't really get into this book. I enjoyed it, but it just didn't suck me in. Cornwell's writing is such that I want to read the story, but I can put the book down and not pick it up aagain for several days. His take on the Arthur stories has a strong historical base and are intersting from that standpoint, but they could be a lot more entertaining than he made them. So these are great to read if you're really into the real arthur, but don't expect to get swept away.

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Apr 16, 2007

JT rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: nutsonthetablebooks

Read in March, 2007

recommends it for: History/Fiction

This book is the second in a 3 part series about King Arthur. Unlike most King Arthur books this one is factually based in feudal Britain. This isn't a "Fantasy book", the magic is handled more as an unproven cult and in no way dominates the storyline. This is a truly unique tale and one that tops any other Arthur tale I've ever read or seen.

Although there seems to be some crappy love story weaved into this, the book is a great continuation of the Authur tale. Just like th...more

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Apr 21, 2009

Troy Martin rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: arthurian, lit-lite

Read in February, 2009

Masterful stroy telling again. superb use of climax - all the same strengths... and all the same weakness. Crass, cynical, and ungracious at times. Bitter attitude toward the storyteller, which of course twists back on Mr. Cornwell as well. He is his own judge, but not the bards.
Wonderful dialogue between Derfel and Arthur on oaths and the king.

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Mar 05, 2009

Jana rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: fantasy

Read in March, 2009

recommends it for: Christy, Jessie,Leigh

Book 2 of this Arthurian saga was filled with tender moments, betrayal, and intrigue. I am really enjoying the way this author is telling the story and I love Derfel.

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4 comments

Dec 19, 2009

Marcus Peddle rated it:

(review of other edition)

A good mixture of action and politics. The plot thickens in this second book, and like the first volume of this trilogy, it was hard to put this book down.

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Apr 07, 2009

Bettie marked it as to-read (review of isbn 0312187149)

bookshelves: to-read

H:\bookies\not essential\Bernard Cornwell - Warlord 01 - The Winter King\Bernard Cornwell - Warlord 02 - Enemy of God

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Sep 08, 2009

Jennifer Lawrence rated it:

(review of isbn 0312187149)

Read in September, 2009

The second book in a triology. It was the type of book that once I started reading I hated putting it down. The continuation of a really interesting story. But like the first book the war scenes are so descriptive and violent. The Druids are disgusting and filthy characters. There is a lot of filth in the book. It's a book I shouldn't have liked, but did.

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