Posts in "Books"

After 23 years of procrastination, I have finally finished reading The Lord of the Rings.

I just bought my first physical book in probably 15 years or more. I’ve been all digital since I can remember.

Excalibur - ★★★☆

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.

Book cover of Excalibur: A Novel of Arthur by Bernard Cornwell. The cover features a textured green background with an ornate sword, Excalibur, positioned vertically in the center. The hilt is golden with intricate engravings, and the pommel has an inscription. The title 'Excalibur' is displayed in large, elegant white lettering at the bottom, with the subtitle A Novel of Arthur in smaller blue text below. The author's name, Bernard Cornwell, appears prominently at the top in large white serif font. A quote from People magazine is included, stating: Medieval times burst to life in Cornwell’s canny retelling of the King Arthur myth.
Excalibur, book three in Bernard Cornwell's Arthurian trilogy The Warlord Chronicles

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - ★★★★

Just like The Hobbit, Andy Serkis excels at retelling J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Tolkien has woven a masterful tale that has easily withstood the years since its first publication. It has captured the hearts and minds of readers for decades. Serkis’s narration brings the entire story to life in a way that not many can.

Now to rejoin Frodo and Sam on their continued journey to Mordor, if you catch my meaning. 📚

A close-up of a hand gripping the hilt of an ornate sword with a golden and silver design. The hand is clad in a metallic silver and chainmail armor sleeve. The background features a dark, intricately designed suit of armor with a subtle shine. Overlaid text includes J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Narrated by Andy Serkis.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien

I’ve downloaded 99 books from my Kindle library before Amazon locks them down. Now, I need to figure out how to use Calibre. I’m assuming it’s fairly simple and straightforward.

Enemy of God - ★★★☆

I just finished reading Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell. This second book in the trilogy felt more tightly constructed than the first installment. Cornwell’s trilogy presents his version of the Arthurian legend, featuring characters who actually existed and were later connected to the myth. Is it myth? Legend? History? In the first novel, Arthur was barely more than a supporting character. The second book features him more prominently, but I still wouldn’t say it revolves around Arthur. It seems that Cornwell is building up to the third book, where Arthur will undoubtedly fulfill his destiny. 📚