Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1212 in Books
• Published on: 1996-09-05
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

Synopsis
Uther, the High King of Britain, has died, leaving the infant Mordred as his only heir. His uncle, the loyal and gifted warlord Arthur, now rules as caretaker for a country which has fallen into chaos - threats emerge from within the British kingdoms while vicious Saxon armies stand ready to invade. As he struggles to unite Britain and hold back the Saxon enemy, Arthur is embroiled in a doomed romance with beautiful Guinevere.

Customer Reviews

A Winning Formula?
Have to say that it seems like 'formula' writing... Have a hero, starting from base beginnings, with special enemies (within his own ranks too)... overcoming the massive odds in a roller-coaster ride (despite regular set-backs), then split it into several books for the extra cash.

Boys-own stuff really. Throw in some (vaguely accurate) history, and pad out with descriptive text, and somehow it doesn't feel like you're reading a trashy novel (but its as easy to read as a trashy novel).

Its SO similar to some of his other books - especially the series on Alfred the Great.

So am I complaining... No, not really! Have just ordered the remaining books in the trilogy - its pretty gripping stuff, and as I say, easy reading. So will I get bored of the formula...? Probably... but not for a few books more...

how to start a good trilogy ...
in style, with good rounded characters, although Arthur could have been more king-like, despite his protestations at not wanting to be king, it made for an enjoyable read. My reservations are listed in the other reviews of the other two books, reinforced by the last one which was unbearably sad at the end, the only time one of Mr Cornwell's books has managed to move me in any way. The others, especially the Grail series, left me cold.

Another winner from Mr Cornwell
After reading the first few prequels in the Sharpe series and being thoroughly impressed I decided to give The Winter King a go. I thouroughly enjoyed Mr Cornwells previous work but I have to say this was in a class of its own. Very well written, well rounded characters including the minor ones and a new spin on the Arthurian legend that took me completely (but not unpleasantly) by surprise. I can't wait to get into the 2 sequels and complete the trilogy. In my opinion a book that MUST be read. Highly recommended even if historical fiction isn't your thing but you enjoy a well written and engaging story.