<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: Arthur endures
Review: Diana Paxson continues her exploration of the Arthurian cycle with another fine (but short) story. While the names are somewhat confusing for those used to the romantic spellings, the themes hold true to the canon, with a twist. She retells the Grail quest here with Arthur taking on the Fisher King role. To be enjoyed for its freshness, the book holds its own for those looking to relive the myth.
Rating: 
Summary: Delicious Read!
Review: I finished "the Book of the Cauldron" in record time. This was a strong third in the series, with even better character development than the earlier two volumes. The persona of Morgause, especially, is delightfully wicked and motivated. Ms. Paxson knows her 'women's magic' well, and it shows. Why in the world this publisher is not promoting these books better is a mystery to me. They rate a hardback contract, not to mention a bright, solid boxed-set presentation. Hello-o! This is a world-class writer you've got here: these books have cross-over potential, they are deep and well-researched, and not genre-fantasy at all. Maybe they could be classified as visionary history. Pay attention! This is more careful work than "Mists of Avalon", which sold so well mostly on the basis of its cover art.
Rating:
Summary: Delicious Read!
Review: I finished "the Book of the Cauldron" in record time. This was a strong third in the series, with even better character development than the earlier two volumes. The persona of Morgause, especially, is delightfully wicked and motivated. Ms. Paxson knows her 'women's magic' well, and it shows. Why in the world this publisher is not promoting these books better is a mystery to me. They rate a hardback contract, not to mention a bright, solid boxed-set presentation. Hello-o! This is a world-class writer you've got here: these books have cross-over potential, they are deep and well-researched, and not genre-fantasy at all. Maybe they could be classified as visionary history. Pay attention! This is more careful work than "Mists of Avalon", which sold so well mostly on the basis of its cover art.
Rating:
Summary: What a treat!
Review: I really loved this one. I liked the first two - a lot - also, but this was a humdinger! This is such an original retelling of the legends, and the first that really makes sense to me even though I've always loved the Arthurian stories. Paxson has a real genius for delving into the back-story of the stories we all think we know - and coming up with plausible explanations for much of what is puzzling to modern minds, even while seeming to remain true to the ancient culture. A great exercise in fantasy. And there are moments of real beauty here too. I could have wished the book were longer - but it's the economy that gives her retelling such impact; she just goes to the heart of each important scene, and then moves on, so the reader is left with a series of really vivid images; and this method is so appropriate to the nature of the Arthurian legend, whose truth comes to us in glimpses, through the distortions of history. This is a wonderful writer.
Rating:
Summary: Readable, but does it add anything new?
Review: The Arthurian canon has been written about over and over, and in some cases by better writers than Paxson. In this series' favor is her knowledge of Saxon culture and religion, which adds a new and different element, and her fairly good use of original texts as her sources. Negative points are her sometimes mundane prose and her occasionally clumsy, Bradley-influenced dialogue. I found it annoying that, as in many other fantasy books, a woman who seeks power for herself (Morgause) is seen as evil and corrupt, whereas a man who seeks power (Artor) is following his "destiny". And why is it OK for Guendivar (Guinevere) to sleep with several men but negative when Morgause does it? Overall, this book is an enjoyable read, but the flaws make it hard to recommend it whole-heartedly.
<< 1 >>
| 
