Call of Destiny

by Alan Fenton

Genres: Fantasy, Arthurian

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lucille Rivera]

wdwsf

[Philippa]

Fenton has re-written the Arthurian legend within contemporary society, with a fair amount of success. I did initially find it quite slow and predicatable: Igraine falls pregant, Merlin strikes a deal with her and Uther to hand Arthur over to grow up with a different family, Arthur sleeps with his half-sister, etc etc. Anyone familiar with Arthurian legend can see where almost every scene is going. But as the story progresses, the characters become more Fenton's own, and the new twists and turns become more fulfilling.

The drama plays out against the backdrop of global terrorism, and although I think some of the more technological talk might have gone over my head a little bit, the latter half is gripping and the events which build up towards the last chapter are terrifying in their realism.

Arthur himself is particularly believable: Fenton conveys his chivalry and strong leadership without creating a character too perfect to exist.

A slow start, but immensely improved by the second half. I've just ordered the second book, and am looking foward to see how the crisis is resolved and how the rest of the legend plays out.

[Robert]

Lots of promise, but didn't quite get going.