Book Description
For the Glory of Camelot!
Britain is in ruins as lords and chieftains fight for supremacy. From this chaos will rise Arthur and a golden age of chivalry and wonder -- and a dark time of betrayal and bloodshed. Take the role of a knight at court and make a name for yourself. Can you save Camelot? Will you make your own legend?
An Epic Roleplaying Game in King Arthur's Britain
* A new edition of the classic roleplaying game, undertaken by Hall of Fame game designer Greg Stafford.
* A complete roleplaying game of Arthurian adventure and glory -- players portray knights who grow in power and reputation. Play sessions occur between winter seasons of character "downtime" meaning a campaign can span the entirety of the Arthurian era.
* Provides details on five distinct periods within the Arthurian era -- from before Arthur's birth to the fall of Camelot -- allowing for many different campaigns and true epics. Players will tell the stories of three generations of characters -- assuming their knights survive the brutal realities of feudal life.
* Maintains the much-loved game mechanic, with its emphasis on passion traits and detailed life events.
Customer Reviews:
classic.......2006-08-01
This game is great. Like a fine wine, it has only gotten better with age. It is a classic. Enough said. If you have any interest at all in the Arthurian mythos or knights and the middle-ages in general, check this out. You won't regret it.
Five stars for fifth edition.......2006-01-09
Pendragon is a role-playing game in which the characters all play knights (although there are some additional options for female characters). When I told my players this they looked at me and winced. "Are you sure I can't play a mage?" one quickly asked. Character generation subdued the complaints because while all the characters are knights, they are also all unique. A remarkable system of "passions" and "traits" is really what ends up defining a character. You do not just play a knight, but a "Just", "Valorous" knight; or a "Lustful" knight with a "Hatred of Saxons"; or a "Cruel" knight with little respect for his liege; or a "Pious" and "Chaste" Christian knight; and so on.
Some earlier editions of Pendragon had a wider range of options for knights. They could come from different parts of Europe and be of different faiths. This edition places a few limits on those options, but does so with a purpose. The game has its own built in campaign and the early glimpses of this we get in these rules shows this to be more even more focussed and comprehensive than before. The "Great Pendragon Campaign" (which is scheduled for release sometime in 2006) will hopefully cater for these options and allow players to take them as time in the campaign passes.
"Time passing" is actually one of things that really makes Pendragon stand out. It is a game in which time passes quickly. Your knight will hopefully marry, develop a fief and have children. He (or she) will also grow old and decrepit and will eventually have to retire. And this is where you will be very grateful for those kids. As the campaign progresses your character's children and his/her children's children will take front stage. Your dynasty will expand. Connections will develop with others. Loyalties will be tested. And alliances will be forged and shattered.
"Pendragon" is designed to take you into the world of early Britain. Into a green and pleasant land besieged by Saxon hordes. At this stage you don't need anything else to transport you, but if you purchase this book I am sure you (like me) will soon be waiting for the "Great Pendragon Campaign" to take your party from the darkest days of anarchy, through the Battle of Badon, into the glory of Arthur's realm and beyond into the final dying of the light. If (again like me) you can't stand the wait, purchase this book and, when its prodigious well of ideas runs dry, pick up some of the old 4th edition resources to keep you going.
If I had to come up with one word to review Pendragon with it would be "elegant". Everything about this game flows with an understated grace that sets it apart from anything that has ever appeared in the RPG market. Very highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
An Exquisite Portrayal.......2007-09-17
Helen Hollick was born 1953 in Walthamstow, North East London. When she came of age to seek employment she had always yearned to be a journalist, but her careers advice was unhelpful. You can't be a journalist she was told, you can't type. Instead she ended up working in a library. The one advantage of working there was that she had access to lots of books. By the time she was married with a young daughter she found she had time to begin writing herself and began to put down on paper her own thoughts of Arthurian Britain.
In her own words the author stated that she made a conscious decision to leave Merlin and Lancelot out of the books. There was to be no magic or myths in the book. What she did not know was that her writings on the subject would not just fill one book, but three.
Personally I found the book very refreshing and forward looking, if that can be said about a book that covers a period of time well over a thousand years ago. It coincided closely with my own feelings on what the Arthurian period may have been like. The book was certainly a million miles away from the Hollywood image of the period. Showing `knights' in full plate tournament armour. Something that was not invented for another several hundred years after the period that Arthur, or someone like him may have lived.
Take a Trip .......2007-04-01
Hollick's three-book series is a must read for all lovers of the early British time period. Arthur - his happy and tragic times come alive across the three novels. The books are paced wonderfully and the secondard characters are as well developed as Arthur. Good copies can be hard to find. Try amazon UK for good copies also.
I am a Believer!.......2006-04-07
This Is the First and Best series I have ever read. The realism of the story brings you back to Arthurian times, and all its majestic beauty. I read that Hollick did a lot of research on all of her books to get the time frame just right. I will not deny that she is one of the best authors I have discovered. I know this series might not be for everyone, but if you have a love for medieval drama, and of the life and times of King Arthur and his beloved Gwenhwyfar you will certainly enjoy this series.
Excellent Arthurian Literature!.......2004-04-21
I've read a lot of different takes on the story of King Arthur, but Hollick's Kingmaking made the story totally fresh to me. Some of the complaints I've read about this book is that it's too romantic (I don't read romances, so a little romance can be refreshing) and too violent (what do you expect in war?), and that King Arthur was portrayed as a womanizer (well...he may or may not have been, and this image of him didn't really bother me). All this was true, but I really don't think it hindered the story, in fact, it just made it more real and fantastic at the same time.
I'm now disappointed that the other books in this series are not readily available and at a cheap price. I happened to buy the hardback edition of The Kingmaking for a dollar (go figure!), and I will now consider this book a treasure. If you're a fan of Arthurian fantasy or just fantasy in general, this is one epic book worth reading.
A must read for all fans of Arthurian fiction!.......2003-12-30
I am an avid collector of Arthurian fiction and Helen Hollick's Pendragon's Banner trilogy is one of the best fictional accounts of Arthur in Roman times that I have ever read. Her storytelling and characters are first-rate. Helen Hollick's Pendragon's Banner trilogy is comparable to Bradley's Mists of Avalon , Sutcliff's Sword at Sunset, and Stewart's Merlin trilogy. I highly recommend all the books in the trilogy- The Kingmaking, Pendragon's Banner, and The Shadow of the King. Read these books and you won't be sorry! These books have also been highly recommended by the famous historical fiction novelist, Sharon Kay Penman.
Book Description
Live the glory of King Arthur's court. Smite bloodthirsty giants, crush treacherous invaders, brave the mysterious lands of faerie, and dabble in Celtic magic. Pendragon is a roleplaying game based on the legends of King Arthur, Lancelot, Guenever, and the Knights of the Round Table. To become a knight of the Round Table you must uphold the chivalric ideals of courage, honesty, fair play, and justice. Armed and armored, you are the law of the land, in a life-or-death struggle to join the fellowship of the Round Table. This book contains everything you need to explore the mysteries and dangers of Arthur's Britain
Customer Reviews:
I am not worthy !.......2002-12-25
Now, part of the review guidelines for this forum is that one should not simply praise without giving good reason why: however, in this case there are so many good reasons for praise that i am overwhelmed.
So, to keep it simple: this is the Arthurian roleplaying game. You play a knight, or maybe a clecrk or lady, or maybe even (though i would not reccomend it) a magician.
Yes, that is about it for "character classes". You see, the game depends a lot more on your characters background and personality than his "powers". Do not worry though, there will be lots of fights anyway.
If you like medival stuff (but not so much that you let facts get inthe way of fun, wich the medivals themselves would find silly) you will like this game.
A lot.
The not - so - simple, pretentious version...
I suppose one way to start would be its base material, the most splendid cycle of legend in Britain, the chronicle of King Arthur Pendragon. Sadly, the legend in our time has been tainted by superficial sentimentality, dried out by cheap attempts at making it historical (often just an excuse to make it but another version of poor conan the barbarian), and mocked by new - age foolishness. The wonder of this game is that it takes all these limited approaches and simply lets them be absorbed by the origional noble medival tales, creating a setting of vibrant richness.
Another important point: this is a game that is much larger on the inside than the outside. There are mysteries in it that simply never will be solved, even though one feels a hint of their massive importance. But building on them is a clear, if complex, world of heroism and everyday responsibillities. But even if you try to stick to "normal" knightly deeds, you can still get caught up in the labyrinths of politics and romance.
Last but not least, this game does exactly what it was intended to: rules, mood, and setting are in perfect symbiosis. This becomes painfully clear when talented but lesser designers try to muck about with the basics: just look at fourth editions pathetic magic system. Still, at least they had the good sense to make it optional.
This is the best role - playing game in the world. Try to be worthy of it.
King of RPG's.......2001-06-01
It's been a whlie since I've played this, or any other game.
This game lives up to it's title. While, perhaps, a bit more gritty than the "Once and Future King" stories, the rules do an excellent job of re-creating the world of King Arthur. I've been Role Playing for quite a while now... 14 years? And this is one of the best games out there, and a very refreshing change from the Monty Haul-ism of D&D and the like.
The emphasis here is on ROLE PLAYING. The rules focus on attempting to become a perfect knight, a paragon of virtue, and a knight of renoun. Unlike other games, this game incorporates a "winter season" that assumes downtime, and allows your character to age. Yes, aging is a part of this game, and perhaps your character's children will get to adventure as well.
The Traits operate on a balance scale of 20 points - The total of these two attributes add up to 20. So you have, perhaps, Merciful 17 - Cruel 3. Passions are things you feel strongly about, your Lord, hate of the Saxons, etc.
This is a sample of the way the rules are designed to help you Role Play rather than Roll Play.
Combat and Magic are taken much more seriously than in D&D. Your character's hit pionts are derived from their stats, and stay that way for the rest of the game (more or less). The most hit points you can have is 39. Armor absorbs damage. Now, what's the most damage our 39 hit point character can do with his sword? 7D6 - that's up to 42 points, with an average of 24/25.
Combat is to be taken seriously!
As for Magic, well. This isn't D&D. There's none of the flash-bang Magic that there is in D&D. In fact, Merlin would be impressed by the magic a 2nd level D&D wizard could do. Spells take a long time to cast. Holy Ground, High Holidays, group ceremonies, etc. have a great effect on the outcome of spells. This is a game where players will spend weeks or months preparing spells, to be cast in holy places, on high holy days. Then spending time resting and recuperating after spells have been cast.
I don't know how supplements handle magic, Faerie, etc. Notice again that the emphasis here is on Role Playing, Storytelling, not FLASH-BANG effects. This game gives you opportunities to describe events, tournaments, adventures, celebrations, not just hack-and-slash fighting.
This game isn't for everyone, even those who it is for may take a while to acclimate. Like Castle Falkenstein, and Amber, this game is designed to help you tell a story. The rules add to the drama, they aren't just a collection of rules on how to create powerful characters and how to fight with them. Role Playing came out of Wargaming, and it shows. This is one of the few games that elevates Role Playing to the status of art. This is a game that returns to us the lost art of Story Telling.
COMPLETE DIFFERENT METHOD OF RPG.......2000-04-20
Pendragon is great. This book contains detailed data, written in a clear way, about life in Arthur's age, beginning in the year 510 after CHrist. THe only flaw is the combat system, which is too violent. Of course, a battle till death is a violent event, but after loosing so much time developing your character, you discover how easy is to be killed using this combat system. ANyway, the authors give you a perfect set-up to go aboard a journey of history, not only a journey of killing, earning gold or casting spells,like AD&D does, for exxample.
One of the best, and most underrated, RPGs ever........1999-02-01
This is one of the most beautiful treatments of Arthurian subject matter I've seen, RPG or not. I don't like Chaosium's combat rule system for this type of game, but the personality and passion trait systems work great plugged into other RPGs, if you spend a little time converting. The strength of the game lies in the reverential yet exciting treatment of the whole milieu. Beautifully illustrated, particularly by Arnie Swekel and Lisa Free. This belongs in any game library.
Arthurian Role-Playing at its best.......1998-09-03
King Arthur's Pendragon is what more role-playing games should be about. That is story. The game mechanics are all directed to telling the epic story of a group of knights as they advance through the years. Through the years is an important point. Unlike some games where players seem to go from one battle to the next for no more reason than "killing is fun" and "we get more gold that way", Pendragon is about how people grow and change. They sart out as young knights who rapidly rise in prowess until age finally starts to nibble away at them leaving them old and infirm. Not to worry, each character aims to have heirs that will take up the cause and follow in their father's legendary foot steps. The scope of the game covers usually 60+ years in the life of Arthur ( starting at his age of 3 if you use the expanded time of Anarchy ).
The game mechanics are simple and straight forward with events resolved usually by a skill test on d20 and damage rolled with d6. One element that adds much to the colour of the game are the Personality traits and passions. Personality traits are 13 matched pairs of qualities that define how the character often behaves ( example is Wordly and Generous ) with each pair adding to 20. Knights who posses high levels in certain passions gain fame for their chivralous or religous behaviour. Passions represent oaths and duties to others. Strong passions can aid a character to do impossable feats but can also blind a character to other situations.
This game is a classic that has withstood the test of time for a reason and that is it one of the best games around. I especially like running this game with more mature players who want more than another slasher flick or want a more heroic tale to tell.
Book Description
The Romans fortified the southeast coast of Britain and called it "the Saxon Shore" to defend against the piracy of these wolves of the sea. The tyrant King Vortigern invited them into Britain as mercenaries to fight his enemies. Ambitious and treacherus, they siezed Vortigern as a hostage and slaughtered his nobles at Stonehenge during the "Night of the Long Knives." Now, forced forever from their homelands on the continent, the Saxons are in Britain to stay. Some work for peace. Most others for war. Not even the combined armies of King Arthur can eradicate them, though their power will be broken for a generation after the epochal Battle of Badon. This is the story of the rise to power of the proud and energentic Germanic peoples who rule the south and east coasts and renamed their new domain "England."
Saxons! is a supplement for the King Arthur Pendragon(TM) roleplaying game, describing the Germanic invaders of Britain. It provides the history, heroes and culture of the Saxons, Angles, and Jutes, plus rules for Saxon character creation and Magic. The full 70-year campaign begins in 449 AD with the advent of the Saxons in Britain and culminates at the Battle of Badon in 518 AD. Discover the detailed geography and politics of the "Saxon Shore" area--Essex, Kent, Sussex and Wessex--described with extensive maps and notes
A Pendragon supplement for Dark Ages Britain. Your must have a copy of "Pendragon" to understand and use the roleplaying game systems presented within this supplement.
Book Description
At the dawn of his reign, a young king must prove his greatness . . . or lose a realm.
Arthur is king—but darkest evil has descended upon Britain's shores in many guises. Fragile alliances fray and tear, threatening all the noble liege has won with his wisdom and his blood.
In this black time of plague and pestilence, Arthur's most trusted counselor Myrddin—the warrior, bard, and kingmaker whom legend will name Merlin—is himself to be tested on a mystical journey through his own extraordinary past. So Arthur must stand alone against a great and terrible adversary. For only thus can he truly win immortality—and the name he will treasure above all others: Pendragon.
Customer Reviews:
Book Four of the Pendragon Series.......2007-09-06
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Lawhead makes his home in Austria with his wife. Stephen Lawhead is one of my all time favourite authors and I am only sorry that he does not write more often.
All of the books so far in the Pendragon series have been good reading, particular for those interested in the Arthurian legends, but also for those who just like a good historical novel. Set against the background of Roman Britain with a little Celtic legend thrown in the books tell a wonderful and sometimes moving story of Taliesin Merlin and Arthur.
In this particular book Merlin tells the story which Arthur's own book left untold. The story of the winning of the title Pendragon and all that it entails, both for Arthur and the people who surround him, both friend and foe.
Reads like left-overs but eventually warms up.......2005-07-26
I have long admired Stephen Lawhead's writing. He has the uncanny ability to create worlds and characters that spring to life through his poetic images. He has definitely breathed new life into the Arthurian legends with his Pendragon Cycle. But "Pendragon", the fourth book in the series, is perhaps the weakest link.
"Pendragon" is not a continuation of the story that was started through "Taliesin", "Merlin", and "Arthur". Rather what Lawhead does in this fourth installment is revisit some stories about Arthur's life that either weren't in the previous books or that weren't expounded upon. This makes the beginning of the story read like left-overs that Lawhead cut from the original work. There are even times when the story is word-for-word the same as the previous novel. That being said, "Pendragon" does begin to build about halfway through the book and the story of Arthur's struggle to save Britain from a barbarian invasion comes to life.
While perhaps not the strongest link in the cycle, "Pendragon" is a continuation of Lawhead's magnificent rendering of Arthur's life. He has crafted Arthur as a king who is both strong and intelligent, fearless and faithful, seemingly invincible but also somehow mortal (even though he is the forever king). If readers can stick out the ramshackle beginning, they will not be disappointed in the end. Especially when the legend of the grail comes into question. But, as Merlin says, "that is a different story" and one this reader is looking forward to.
Great book in Series.......2005-06-29
Pendragon is one of the better books of the series. It has a flowing plot, which at times is thick and hard to read, but lawhead makes up for it in the poetry of his language. It is a unique addition to all the Arthurian books out there, and to me, the best researched and thought up.
I have read too many accounts of Arthurian fiction, and I very much liked the Pendragon cycle. Lawhead writes like a poet. His writing can get pretentious at times, and a bit thick and hard to read, but it is well worth it. It definitly enriched my mind and made me want to write epic poetry. It's not the kind of book that you can't put down, the narrative doesn't flow like a best-selling novel, but if you like the subject matter, it is not hard to get though.
Many people critisize this series of books because it deviates from legend. This bothers me. The reason it is "legend" and not fact is because it is largely unknown. I love how lawhead makes everything seem authentically celtic, ("Bedwyr" instead of "Bedivere" and so on)and he puts his own version of the legend, which every author has the right to do. If you're anything like me, your sick of hearing about Lancelot and Guenivere and you want a new and refreshing version of the saga. Lawhead has done his research and knows what he is writing.
Strongly recommended. Read in order.
Lawhead returns to the era of Arthur's Early Reign.......2004-09-04
Pendragon is the fourth of Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, an excellent reimagining of the King Arthur legend. Set right after Arthur's coronation, with Merlin as the narrator, Pendragon tells the story of Arthur as a new king facing adversity both in England and abroad in Ireland. A huge armada arrives in Ireland while Arthur is visiting his ally Fergus, an armada looking for a new home, a home taken by force and led by the ruthless Boar. After a viscious fight in Ireland, the Boar leaves only to land in the very heart of Arthur's new kingdom which has just been struck by a terrible plague that may wipe out the kingdom. Arthur must go beyond himself and find a way to defeat both a cunning and deadly enemy as well as a way to stop a unseen plague.
quality stuff.......2004-05-05
A wonderful book, which Lawhead says should be read between the second and third books of Arthur . . . It is very powerful to me that Lawhead's characters see their own weaknesses so clearly.
Book Description
They called him unfit to rule, a lowborn, callow boy, Uther's bastard.
But his coming bad been foretold in the songs of the bard Taliesin. And be had learned powerful secrets at the knee of the mystical sage Merlin. He was Arthur -- Pendragon of the Island of the Mighty -- who would rise to legendary greatness in a Britain torn by violence, greed, and war; who would usher in a glorious reign of peace and prosperity; and who would fall in a desperate attempt to save the one be loved more than life.
Download Description
E-Book Extra: "Stephen R. Lawhead on." (The writing process; The Atlantis/Britain connection; Whether or not Arthur existed, etc.)
His coming had been foretold in the songs of the bard Taliesen and prepared for by the magic of Merlin. He was Arthur -- Pendragon of the Island of the Mighty -- who would rise to legendary greatness in war-torn Britain; who would usher in an era of peace and prosperity; who would fall in a desperate attempt to save his beloved.
They called him unfit to rule, a lowborn, callow boy, Uther's bastard.
But his coming bad been foretold in the songs of the bard Taliesin. And be had learned powerful secrets at the knee of the mystical sage Merlin. He was Arthur -- Pendragon of the Island of the Mighty -- who would rise to legendary greatness in a Britain torn by violence, greed, and war; who would usher in a glorious reign of peace and prosperity; and who would fall in a desperate attempt to save the one be loved more than life.
Customer Reviews:
Third in the Pendragon series.......2007-09-04
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Lawhead makes his home in Austria with his wife. Stephen Lawhead is one of my all time favourite authors and I am only sorry that he does not write more often.
Merlin thoughts travel along the same path as his father Taliesin. He has long dreamed of the Kingdom of Summer. A dream that draws together the fragmented tribes of England into one peaceful union. T achieve this dream, Merlin must find and train the boy whose birth has been foretold in the stars, Arthur.
This will be no easy task and there will be many trials and tribulations along the way, but Merlin is ready for all of this and more. Stephen Lawhead weaves a magical tale, bringing a new slant to the Arthurian legends.
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
A look at Arthur, and in a large part, his military life. The book opens with him leading a small war band, and continues with his military prowess increasing, particular when he has sage advice from the more experienced Merlin.
A different take on the Arthur story, but certainly interesting because of it.
Refreshing take on King Arthur.......2007-06-06
I have just finished Arthur and so far I have truly enjoyed the series. I love his take on the legends. My favorite of the three first books was Taleisin but the others have been a pleasent read. Its not a nail biter but it is a good book. I really like how there isn't the usual magic. I really find this series refreshing so far!
Really A Story About Arthur?.......2005-12-31
Lawhead seems to have a pattern going in his saga about Arthur: he'll give the book the name of an important character and then completely disregard that character when writing the novel. This book was more about the battles and Merlin's wise guidance than it was about the fallible human characteristics of the seemingly godly King Arthur. I love Arthur but I'm not a purist--a twist on the legend is fine. But how did Morgian, Gwenhwyvar, and the Knights of the Round Table become merely blurbs?
Lawhead made Arthur's tough ascension to legend too simple and one dimensional. I didn't feel anger when Arthur was snubbed or happy when he was accepted by the people. I didn't dread seeing Medraut or the outcome of their battle (ha! what a battle). If you want a book that precisely describes British landscape, read this book. If you want an interesting take on Arthurian legend, read the Warlord trilogy by Bernard Cornwell.
Best book in the cycle, poetic language, though a bit pretentious and hard to get through........2005-06-29
"Arthur" is the best book in the cycle. It is especially good if you have already read "Taliesin" and "Merlin". This is the height of action and intrigue. I like the changing of narrarators, even though first person writing is my fancy. It annoyed me when the nararator would say "They said something interesting, but I didn't hear them", which happened more than a few times.
I have read many Lawhead books in my day. He seems to get better with time, his latest books are the ones you should go for.
I have read too many accounts of Arthurian fiction, and I very much liked the Pendragon cycle. Lawhead writes like a poet. His writing can get pretentious at times, and a bit thick and hard to read, but it is well worth it. It definitly enriched my mind and made me want to write epic poetry. It's not the kind of book that you can't put down, the narrative doesn't flow like a best-selling novel, but if you like the subject matter, it is not hard to get though.
Many people critisize this series of books because it deviates from legend. This bothers me. The reason it is "legend" and not fact is because it is largely unknown. I love how lawhead makes everything seem authentically celtic, ("Bedwyr" instead of "Bedivere" and so on)and he puts his own version of the legend, which every author has the right to do. If you're anything like me, your sick of hearing about Lancelot and Guenivere and you want a new and refreshing version of the saga. Lawhead has done his research and knows what he is writing.
Strongly recommended, especially if you have read the two before it and plan on reading the two after it. But this is as good as it gets.
Average customer rating:
- Amazing Story, Creativity Triumphant!
- Timeless and Timely
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PenDRAGON'S REQUITE: King Arthur Triumphant!
Victor C Brice
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0595420095 |
Book Description
For nearly two thousand years, the animosity between Sir Lancelot and King Arthur remains unsettled as they slumber restlessly in the dream dimension of the Morpheum, where sleeping beings remain bound to the earth by people's dreams and wishful fantasies. When they reemerge in the twenty-first century, King Arthur seeks justice for his betrayal while Sir Lancelot seeks vengeance for the persecution of Guinevere. Thus, the Roundtable Knights of Camelot are divided into civil war set against the backdrop of Baltimore, Maryland. One by one, the nobility of King Arthur's court "awaken" for the final judgment resulting from the love affair between the ordained protector of the Holy Grail Sir Lancelot, and Her Royal Highness Queen Guinevere. But in the midst of this volatile situation comes a dire message of great urgency from Queen Vivian, sovereign of mystic Avalon, that will forever change the course of Arthurian history.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing Story, Creativity Triumphant!.......2007-05-26
As one, like many, who grew up enchanted by the Arthur legend, to be able to be transported back into the tale, with a fresh telling, was worth the time. But then, to have the characters brought into the present day for an imaginative, and contemporary, continuation of the saga was truly a gift from the heart of the author. As I read this, I could see the story being played out as a movie. And, a great one it could be. Highly recommended.
Timeless and Timely.......2007-05-25
The basic dynamics between people really haven't changed. We love, hate, plot revenge, fight and hurt the same way whether it is 1007 or 2007. The only difference is circumstance or environment. This book is definitely original. It not only retains the major elements of the original story but original, new perspectives have been added. I still can't decide which era's story I liked better. My jaw actually dropped at one point, I blushed and there may even have been a gasp. There's a lot of passion, emotion and action to become involved in and you will become involved. Thoroughly enjoyed this vividly descriptive telling of my favorite story.
Average customer rating:
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The Trials of Arthur: The Life and Times of a Modern-day King
Arthur Pendragon
Manufacturer: Element Books Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0007121148 |
Book Description
This book is an alternative armchair adventure that chronicles the exploits of one of the most outrageous men of our time--a nature lover, a profane mystic, who parties with his druidical knights, the Warband, while preaching of personal freedom from atop a motorcycle.
Average customer rating:
- Dan's Heroic Book Reveiw
- Dan's Heroic Book Reveiw
- The best Arthurian anthology I've read
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The Pendragon Chronicles: Heroic Fantasy From the Time of King Arthur
Manufacturer: Wings Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0517093715
Release Date: 1993-07-18 |
Customer Reviews:
Dan's Heroic Book Reveiw.......2002-03-22
The Pendragon Chronicles : Heroic Fantasy from the Time of King Arthur is some of the best peices of work put down in one book. The 12 stories in this book prove and prove again why arthurain stories are the most wirtin type of stories ever. Most of the stories have detailed and booldy battles in them, some even have love and lust. All of my favorite characters show up in the stories, Sir Arthur and Lancelot of the Lake all make there own appearances. No matter what type of book you like Jane Yolen gives you the best stories you have ever seen.
This book is a colliction of stories of the dark ages to the middle ages. I gave this book a five because of the way for if there was a bad story you didn't like they made up for it by two more good ones. You also can add to your useless triva of all the differnt ways to dei a slow and painfull death. Some of the stories area little to detailed like one about Merlin and how he misses love but other than that it was a awsome book. I Would say this is alittle more of aboy book on the subjects it deals with but its a perfect book if your looking for different subjucts of Arther.
My favorite story is called Midnight, Moonlight, and the secerct of the sea. It doesnt deal with the happy go luck time of jousting and marryment but of the awfull cursaides were the nights ran through the streets beheading and killing everthing they say and one nights exploits and banishment to wonder. I would tell more but this is a story that its just too good to give away the ending...
Dan's Heroic Book Reveiw.......2002-03-22
The Pendragon Chronicles : Heroic Fantasy from the Time of King Arthur is some of the best peices of work put down in one book. The 12 stories in this book prove and prove again why arthurain stories are the most wirtin type of stories ever. Most of the stories have detailed and booldy battles in them, some even have love and lust. All of my favorite characters show up in the stories, Sir Arthur and Lancelot of the Lake all make there own appearances. No matter what type of book you like Jane Yolen gives you the best stories you have ever seen.
This book is a colliction of stories of the dark ages to the middle ages. I gave this book a five because of the way for if there was a bad story you didn't like they made up for it by two more good ones. You also can add to your useless triva of all the differnt ways to dei a slow and painfull death. Some of the stories area little to detailed like one about Merlin and how he misses love but other than that it was a awsome book. I Would say this is alittle more of aboy book on the subjects it deals with but its a perfect book if your looking for different subjucts of Arther.
My favorite story is called Midnight, Moonlight, and the secerct of the sea. It doesnt deal with the happy go luck time of jousting and marryment but of the awfull cursaides were the nights ran through the streets beheading and killing everthing they say and one nights exploits and banishment to wonder. I would tell more but this is a story that its just too good to give away the ending.
This is the end to my review
untill next time
Dan
The best Arthurian anthology I've read.......2001-10-22
This is the best anthology of Arthurian fiction I've ever come across. Ashley treats us with every variety of the legend imaginable. First, he draws from pre-Malory sources: a retelling of the last chapter of Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of Britain; "The Lady of the Fountain" from the Mabinogian, an ancient collection of Celtic myths; and the 12th century epic poem Jaufry, which was forgotten for 600 years.
He also includes retellings of famous selections from Le Morte D'Arthur, including Steinbeck's take on Sir Balin and the Dolorous Stroke, and Roger Lancelyn Green's somewhat liberal translation of the "Tale of Perceval".
And finally there are many modern fantasy stories that treat the Arthuran mythology in turns as comical, idyllic, historical, or romantic. The depictions of Merlin and Arthur vary from author to author depending on the mood and setting, but that is what makes the legend so exciting to study.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in the stories of King Arthur and Camelot.
Average customer rating:
- STRENGTH OF WORDS
- The Pendragon
- The Pendragon
- Slow and plodding
- Excellent
|
The Pendragon
Catherine Christian , and
Thomas, Sir Malory
Manufacturer: Warner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 044632342X |
Customer Reviews:
STRENGTH OF WORDS.......2003-02-19
If you are an Arthurian reader who appreciates insightful, well developed characters this book should be in your collection. I hope it is reprinted someday, it is a fine epic. Told in the first person by Bedivere, it gives an account that is largely from the Malory/Geoffrey of Monmouth stories but with changes that make many events more plausible.
The author skillfully sets the tone to realism, presenting all viewpoints. For example, when Lancelot's son dies in all of his pure and saintly glory, there is a suggestion that he suffered from an actual disease, akin to leukemia. This does not take away the granduer, it wisely grips your empathy.
Bedivere is a bard, but more so an impatient and hard working soldier and statesman who strives through tremendous responsibility. He sacricfices for king and country with stubborn strength and regrets, like any human.
The female characters are not present enough but for this viewpoint, it makes sense. Gratefully, Morgan (Mawgan) is not evil in this book. Morgawse is troublesome, but not a cartoon, like so many other versions. Guenevere is often spoken of but rarely in the scenes. You meet the character of Ygern (who is not Igraine, Arthur's mother) straightaway, I missed her toward the middle of the book.
Another blissful skill Catherine Christian has is to pay due to all religions and the religious conflict of Arthur's time without ever a hint of preference or agenda. The voice is that of Bedivere alone.
This is a book to be read at first sitting, the first eighty pages, with patience. After that, you should be enthralled enough to read it anywhere. It is a wonderful meld of emotion and entertainment, as all fine literature should be.
The Pendragon.......2002-09-20
On the down side, this book has almost ruined any chances of me liking any other Arthur books, but only because there aren't any better out there. I've read plenty of books about Arthur and Camelot, but none that was so realistic, so intense in a way. Like every story that has been retold again and again, the books about King Arthur are largely similar in how the people are viewed, such as most Arthur books have "Morgen le fey" as an evil witch and sorceress, not so with this book. This is the book that takes the story and puts life into it and it's characters, bringing these people closer to your heart. I found myself not able to stop reading, and yet, not wanting the book to be over all at the same time. At the end I just sat and thought about it for awhile, wishing the tragic ending didn't have to be like that. This is not a book for people who scorn any Arthur book that is not told in the classic style, for it is not. This is a wonderful book that I very highly recomend, if you can find it.
The Pendragon.......2000-06-06
This novel just lends itself to be read. If ever there was a more touching piece of Aurthorian fiction, I have not found it. The author creates vivid characters and landscapes that imbed themselves into the mind. Even though the reader knows the final outcome of any novel centered around King Aurthor, he will find himself on the egde of his set to see the next page.
Slow and plodding.......2000-03-10
Slow and plodding, this is a difficult book to read; it isn't really so much a bad book as it is a pointless one. Most of the traditional elements are here with a few changes but its all been told so many times before in such better ways. If you like Arthorian legends try Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy instead (or the Once and Future King by T.H. White if you want something more traditional or Arthur Rex if you want to laugh your head off.)
Excellent.......1999-11-15
Catherine Christian has created a haunting rendition of the Arthurian legend. She has written the book with great sensitivity and combined this with historical accuracy.
The story is told through the eyes of Bedivere, Arthur's milk brother and first companion, and covers the period from Arthur's childhood to his King-making and inevitable death. The end is so sensitively written, that I imagine even the toughest reader would be moved to tears, as was I.
I first read "The Pendragon" when I was a teenager and I have never forgotten it. I just finished re-reading my brother's copy and would love to obtain a copy for myself. It is a great pity that the book is out of stock for the world is missing the opportunity of a first class read.
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