Excalibur - ★★★☆
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Finished reading: Excalibur by Bernard Cornwell 📚
Bernard Cornwell’s Arthurian trilogy The Warlord Chronicles reads much like his The Last Kingdom series (which is, by the way, the basis of a great Netflix series). In fact, you might be forgiven if you blindly pick up a book from one series and think you’re reading the other.
You might also be forgiven for wondering in frustration, “Where is Arthur?” If the books were turned into screenplays (there was one short-lived attempt), the artist portraying Arthur would only qualify for a supporting actor award because warrior-turned-monk Derfel Cadarn is the true main character.
Cornwell’s strength is taking characters who actually existed and weaving realistic storylines around their lives. But if you’re a fan of Arthurian mythology, I might suggest you skip this series wherein Arthur is portrayed as a reluctant but oath-bound leader around whom warriors coalesce. Somehow he’s able to command their respect despite the author’s unwillingness to treat him as any sort of hero. Guinevere is smart and conniving. Lancelot is an arrogant usurper. And Derfel is the real hero.
