Absolutely brilliant interpretation of the Arthurian epic. Cornwall brings the whole Arthur tale to vivid life without the mumbo-jumbo of wizards and sorcery. Sure, there's Merlin at the centre of everything (even when he's disappeared) but Cornwall's Merlin is a druid who is more shaman than wizard and you're never quite sure whether he has any magic in him or whether it's all conman tricks and the effective use of superstition. Still, this s Merlin is just as effective in his world as anyone else's Merlin...and a really likeable old rascal to boot.

Arthur is the warlord, reluctant to take the throne and unite Britain against the Saxons who have begun to invade and settle. He is a strong man, a great warrior, leader and tactician, but one who's sense of order prevents him from taking the throne, because of the illegitimacy of his birth, in favour of the clearly unhinged child Mordred whose bloodline is pure.

Seen through the eyes of Derfel, Arthur's loyal lieutenant and a Saxon raised amongst the Britons, this is an historical novel rather than a swords and sorcery romp. But the characters are so well drawn, the narrative so well paced and written and the story so compelling that this Arthur novel, along with the rest of the trilogy, deservedly sits amongst my favourite book.

I have read The Winter King and its sequels a number of times...say no more.