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The Excalibur Knights Saga #2
The Black Knight: An Arthurian Space Opera Adventure
He came. He saw. He stole the freakin' Merlin.
In the wake of the troglodan attack on Earth, fledgling Knight Nate Arturi and his unruly crew venture into Alliance space in pursuit of the mysterious Black Knight. The mission couldn't be more simple. Find the Black Knight, recover the Beacon, and save the Merlin.
But simple isn't always easy, and the title of Excalibur Knight isn't what it once was.
Arriving in Alliance space, Nate and fellow Knight Iveera quickly find themselves caught in a deadly web of political ambition with ooperian assassins haunting their every step and no one to trust but each other and their rag tag crew.
The clock is ticking. An ancient evil stands on the brink of awakening. But to complete their mission, they'll have to go renegade and forfeit everything.
Can two rogue Knights stop the rising tides of galactic war?
In the wake of the troglodan attack on Earth, fledgling Knight Nate Arturi and his unruly crew venture into Alliance space in pursuit of the mysterious Black Knight. The mission couldn't be more simple. Find the Black Knight, recover the Beacon, and save the Merlin.
But simple isn't always easy, and the title of Excalibur Knight isn't what it once was.
Arriving in Alliance space, Nate and fellow Knight Iveera quickly find themselves caught in a deadly web of political ambition with ooperian assassins haunting their every step and no one to trust but each other and their rag tag crew.
The clock is ticking. An ancient evil stands on the brink of awakening. But to complete their mission, they'll have to go renegade and forfeit everything.
Can two rogue Knights stop the rising tides of galactic war?
386 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2022
47 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2020
I have never read such a stunningly original version of Excalibur. Luke has created a book that will keep you reading all night and even giving you a few laughs. This is one book that you will keep and read again another time, at least I know I will. To top it off, this is a long book so there is a lot to enjoy for your money.
July 3, 2020
Exactly why I love space opera
Luke Mitchell has a way of playing with tropes just long enough to make you think he'll stick with it all the way through, then turning them on their heads. And I love it. This second book in his new series is just as thrilling as the first, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this new universe he's creating. I can't wait until the next one!
Luke Mitchell has a way of playing with tropes just long enough to make you think he'll stick with it all the way through, then turning them on their heads. And I love it. This second book in his new series is just as thrilling as the first, and I'm thoroughly enjoying this new universe he's creating. I can't wait until the next one!
July 20, 2020
This book is full of brutal alien races who all have their own agendas. Plus a lot of secrets.
I think that apart from the plot of the story, one of my favourite ways the author chose to tell his story was through the different races he used. He encorporated their ideals, motives, secrets and politics into the tapestry of this story. They added a very exotic feel to it and gave the story serious range. I love, love, loved the description of the sentient ship Camelot going through a space gateway, something used for galaxy travel called, 'The Lady's Light,' it sounded phenomenal and gave me some incredibly vivid mental images. I know I will be dreaming about travelling that way in space tonight.
Nate and the crew of the sentient ship Camelot are on a rescue mission which is so super secret that it's causing them trouble. Nate still has no idea whatsoever about how to be this Exscalabur Knight that he evidently is. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy which are not helped by the jarheads he has for his new crew.
Chasing the utterly evil Black Knight, who supposedly was an Excalibur Knight once but turned bad. Nate having faced him once, has no wish to face him again, however Merlin is the Black Knights prisoner, and the Black Night is after something, something no one wants him to have. So Nate and his crew of sarcastic jarheads, plus one Excalibur Knight mentor; with a stony personality and a butt ton of secrets; are all chasing the Black Knight.
This story is exciting and is packed with full throttle action scenes, which kept me very well entertained for the whole time it took me to read it. I really liked the humorous sarcasm floating around in the dialogue. The banter was funny to read. The descriptions of the alien races was minimal and yet gave enough for you to get a good mental image of them.
Certain scenes in this book stick out in my mind. I particularly loved the sequence where Iveera moves at incredible speed to stop and capture an assassin. That was impressive writing. I felt that I had a bird's eye view of the event in real time. That was what I enjoyed the most about the book and the series thus far; it's written in a really exciting way. This book is packed full of creative details; which flesh it out in a way that fells utterly organic and completely natural. Yet it remained as far from the usual space romp story as it was possible to get, whilst still sharing a striking resemblance to it. Were there space races alien to our own? Yes.
Was there a good guy and a baddie? Yes; but there was also a good deal of funny moments, where poor Nate was unwillingly and uncomfortably aroused by the females in his vicinity. And oh, did he blush poor guy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this space romp.
The detailing was nice and clear, the tension was palpable, and built up nicely till it reached the violence; which was off the scale! I just love this sort of scifi.
I think that apart from the plot of the story, one of my favourite ways the author chose to tell his story was through the different races he used. He encorporated their ideals, motives, secrets and politics into the tapestry of this story. They added a very exotic feel to it and gave the story serious range. I love, love, loved the description of the sentient ship Camelot going through a space gateway, something used for galaxy travel called, 'The Lady's Light,' it sounded phenomenal and gave me some incredibly vivid mental images. I know I will be dreaming about travelling that way in space tonight.
Nate and the crew of the sentient ship Camelot are on a rescue mission which is so super secret that it's causing them trouble. Nate still has no idea whatsoever about how to be this Exscalabur Knight that he evidently is. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy which are not helped by the jarheads he has for his new crew.
Chasing the utterly evil Black Knight, who supposedly was an Excalibur Knight once but turned bad. Nate having faced him once, has no wish to face him again, however Merlin is the Black Knights prisoner, and the Black Night is after something, something no one wants him to have. So Nate and his crew of sarcastic jarheads, plus one Excalibur Knight mentor; with a stony personality and a butt ton of secrets; are all chasing the Black Knight.
This story is exciting and is packed with full throttle action scenes, which kept me very well entertained for the whole time it took me to read it. I really liked the humorous sarcasm floating around in the dialogue. The banter was funny to read. The descriptions of the alien races was minimal and yet gave enough for you to get a good mental image of them.
Certain scenes in this book stick out in my mind. I particularly loved the sequence where Iveera moves at incredible speed to stop and capture an assassin. That was impressive writing. I felt that I had a bird's eye view of the event in real time. That was what I enjoyed the most about the book and the series thus far; it's written in a really exciting way. This book is packed full of creative details; which flesh it out in a way that fells utterly organic and completely natural. Yet it remained as far from the usual space romp story as it was possible to get, whilst still sharing a striking resemblance to it. Were there space races alien to our own? Yes.
Was there a good guy and a baddie? Yes; but there was also a good deal of funny moments, where poor Nate was unwillingly and uncomfortably aroused by the females in his vicinity. And oh, did he blush poor guy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this space romp.
The detailing was nice and clear, the tension was palpable, and built up nicely till it reached the violence; which was off the scale! I just love this sort of scifi.
September 25, 2024
"The Black Knight: The Excalibur Knights Saga, Book 2" by Luke Mitchell, narrated by Gary Tiedemann, is an enthralling continuation of the Arthurian space opera series. Released in 2023, this audiobook has captivated listeners with its blend of science fiction, adventure, and mythological elements. In this review, we'll explore the various facets that make this audiobook a compelling listen and why it has garnered positive feedback from its audience.
Plot Summary
The story picks up after the troglodan attack on Earth, with fledgling Knight Nate Arturi and his crew venturing into Alliance space in pursuit of the enigmatic Black Knight. Their mission is straightforward: find the Black Knight, recover the Beacon, and save the Merlin. However, the journey is fraught with danger and political intrigue. Nate and his fellow Knight, Iveera, quickly find themselves entangled in a web of ambition and deceit, with ooperian assassins lurking at every turn. As they navigate these treacherous waters, they must rely on their wits and each other to prevent an ancient evil from awakening and plunging the galaxy into chaos.
Character Development
Luke Mitchell excels in creating complex and relatable characters. Nate Arturi, the protagonist, is a young and somewhat reluctant hero who grows significantly throughout the story. His interactions with Iveera and the rest of his ragtag crew add depth to his character, showcasing his vulnerabilities and strengths. The Black Knight, as the antagonist, is shrouded in mystery, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative. The supporting characters, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations, enrich the story and contribute to its dynamic nature.
Themes and Motifs
"The Black Knight" delves into themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. The Arthurian legend is cleverly reimagined in a futuristic setting, with the Knights of the Round Table transformed into space-faring warriors. The motif of the knight, representing honour and duty, is central to the story, as Nate grapples with his responsibilities and the weight of his title. The narrative also explores the ethical implications of power and the sacrifices required to protect the greater good.
Narration by Gary Tiedemann
Gary Tiedemann's narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His versatile voice brings the characters to life, capturing their distinct personalities and emotions. Tiedemann's pacing and tone are well-suited to the story's blend of action and introspection, enhancing the overall listening experience. His ability to convey the tension and drama of the plot keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Writing Style
Mitchell's writing is both descriptive and engaging, effectively transporting listeners to the vast and perilous universe he has created. His prose balances action-packed sequences with moments of reflection, allowing for character development and plot progression. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humour, providing a counterbalance to the story's darker themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Black Knight: The Excalibur Knights Saga, Book 2" by Luke Mitchell, narrated by Gary Tiedemann, is a must-listen for fans of science fiction and Arthurian retellings. Its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout audiobook. Tiedemann's narration adds an extra layer of depth, making it an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Plot Summary
The story picks up after the troglodan attack on Earth, with fledgling Knight Nate Arturi and his crew venturing into Alliance space in pursuit of the enigmatic Black Knight. Their mission is straightforward: find the Black Knight, recover the Beacon, and save the Merlin. However, the journey is fraught with danger and political intrigue. Nate and his fellow Knight, Iveera, quickly find themselves entangled in a web of ambition and deceit, with ooperian assassins lurking at every turn. As they navigate these treacherous waters, they must rely on their wits and each other to prevent an ancient evil from awakening and plunging the galaxy into chaos.
Character Development
Luke Mitchell excels in creating complex and relatable characters. Nate Arturi, the protagonist, is a young and somewhat reluctant hero who grows significantly throughout the story. His interactions with Iveera and the rest of his ragtag crew add depth to his character, showcasing his vulnerabilities and strengths. The Black Knight, as the antagonist, is shrouded in mystery, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative. The supporting characters, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations, enrich the story and contribute to its dynamic nature.
Themes and Motifs
"The Black Knight" delves into themes of heroism, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil. The Arthurian legend is cleverly reimagined in a futuristic setting, with the Knights of the Round Table transformed into space-faring warriors. The motif of the knight, representing honour and duty, is central to the story, as Nate grapples with his responsibilities and the weight of his title. The narrative also explores the ethical implications of power and the sacrifices required to protect the greater good.
Narration by Gary Tiedemann
Gary Tiedemann's narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His versatile voice brings the characters to life, capturing their distinct personalities and emotions. Tiedemann's pacing and tone are well-suited to the story's blend of action and introspection, enhancing the overall listening experience. His ability to convey the tension and drama of the plot keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Writing Style
Mitchell's writing is both descriptive and engaging, effectively transporting listeners to the vast and perilous universe he has created. His prose balances action-packed sequences with moments of reflection, allowing for character development and plot progression. The dialogue is sharp and often laced with humour, providing a counterbalance to the story's darker themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Black Knight: The Excalibur Knights Saga, Book 2" by Luke Mitchell, narrated by Gary Tiedemann, is a must-listen for fans of science fiction and Arthurian retellings. Its captivating plot, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a standout audiobook. Tiedemann's narration adds an extra layer of depth, making it an immersive and enjoyable experience.
June 28, 2020
The Eighth ExcaliburI got this book for a honest review the same as the first in the series and boy luke hasn't dissapointed in finishing of book 1's story i'm not going to give spoilers or give away the plot but if you've read the first nate arturi story then this second book will make you cry "Luke whens the 3 rd one due out"
June 27, 2020
Masterful
If you want to read a book of space opera in its finest form then take the time to read this one it will make you wonder just how a author can pack so much material in such a small book, this book encompasses the total galaxy and back and forth over it several times quickly. Wonderful read have already pre ordered next book in the series. Thankks
If you want to read a book of space opera in its finest form then take the time to read this one it will make you wonder just how a author can pack so much material in such a small book, this book encompasses the total galaxy and back and forth over it several times quickly. Wonderful read have already pre ordered next book in the series. Thankks
June 27, 2020
So much action. Feels like I need to catch my breath between chapters. Nate grows quite a bit in the book and all of the characters are getting even more interesting. There are so many layers to what's going on that it would be easy to get lost.
July 10, 2020
The continuation of a very imaginative re-telling of the Arthurian legend.
July 23, 2020
An amazing story. A fledgling Knight and his group have a simple task. Will they be able to actually do it. Plenty of action to keep you intrigued.
January 1, 2021
Cant wait to see whalers this series goes! Any way we can hog tie the author and make the write faster? Legally of course!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews