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Summary: Even though you know the ending Cornwell does well
Review: In this the last book of the Warlord serise Camelots power is wanning. Merlin calls a big "summit" to discuss this any maybe bring out the power of the old gods.
In a serise of events that will make you both laugh and cry Camelot falls. The tide is held back for a time by Derfal, the son of an Angle lord and one of the kings knights. All around this is a god set of book and I recommend it to anyone who finds themself even midely attracted to the legands of Arthur.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so Great
Review: Personally, i really disliked this book. I thought it was confusing (characters and places) and unclear about plot. It was also too wordy and drawn out (400+ pages). It didnt really catch my attention. After all, I had to read this book for a book report so that might have something to do with it. This would have been a mediocre book if you were into all that medival arthur stuff, which i really am not. So I wouldnt reccomend this to someone who likes a quick and easy read. Also it had a bit too much gore for my taste, so dont read it if you dont like bloody, graphic battle scenes.
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Summary: more gore than I need
Review: This is the only book of the trilogy that I've read. I'm intrigued by the story, but I can't bring myself to read other books in the same style. Lots of graphic fight scenes, blood and heads flying, knights gored or chopped up. Probably enjoyed by more men than women.I had to keep putting the book down because of the fight descriptions, but the story kept me coming back. The characters are more human than many other Arthurian tales, and that's what kept me reading until the end.
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Summary: Among the finest Arthurian retellings!!
Review: I've read a lot of Arthurian retellings and have to count Bernard Cornwell's "Warlord" trilogy as one of the absolute best. It truly has it all. The story adheres far more to the "historical" Arthur of Gildus, Nennius, Geoffrey of Monmouth and William of Malmesbury than the "romantic" Arthur of Mallory and Chretien des Troyes. The Welsh and Irish influences are also strongly felt. In Mr. Cornwell's "historical" treatment, Arthur is not a king, but a Warlord. Uther was Arthur's father, but Arthur did not share in Uther's legacy. Merlin is a well-developed character, but is a wealthy lord and full Druid. A cauldron, another powerful Celtic symbol, replaces the Holy Grail. Finally, the sword was on the stone, not in the stone. But, the fact that the story can be told a multitude of ways, from a multitude of viewpoints, with a cast of both new and common characters points out the strength of the Arthurian legend and the Arthurian public's hunger for more. Each retelling worth its salt (and this one is!!) provides it's own unique take on one of the best-loved legends of the English-speaking world. Even though Mr. Cornwell paints Arthur as a strong and (mostly) virtuous character, he still has flaws. His willingness to forgive his enemies sometimes defies logic. His modestly sometimes rings hollow. But, all in all, he is the heroic figure we all have come to know and love. The same cannot be said of Mr. Cornwell's Lancelot. Suffice it to say that this is by far the least flattering portrait of the "world's greatest knight" that I have ever read. Some of the other ancillary characters get a fuller treatment here than in many other versions of the tale and with some interesting transitions. Guinivere, at least in my book, undergoes several personality transplants during the course of the trilogy, and some are for the better. Nimue/Vivien is far more developed in this series and her transition also runs the full gamut. Many of the other nobles and warriors are also well-painted characters and add a great deal to the overall enjoyment of the story. But, the true measure of an Arthurian novel lies in the strength and credibility of the narrator. Derfel is definitely one of the strongest voices I have heard in Arthurian literature. He is now an aged monk, but in his younger years was a friend and confidant of Arthur who often fought by Arthur's side. He is a sworn enemy of Lancelot, an angle that adds many new slants to the story. But, most importantly, Derfel is telling the story in the past tense; he alludes to future events, tells us enough to let us know where it all leads, and then fills in the blanks. In some respects, Derfel fills the role of Bedivere (which is all I'll say now so as not to spoil the story for those who haven't read the books yet). The writing is powerful, the story is spellbinding, and it achieves that delicate balance of retelling the familiar yet introducing a healthy dose of the new. You just can't ask for anything more.
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Summary: Hone your blades and take up your place in the shield wall.
Review: In the grand conclusion to The Warlord Chronicles, Cornwell puts the reader smack in the middle of the shield wall. His magnificent take on one of the world greatest legends makes one's heart soar. As in the first two books, the aging Derfel, Arthur's most loyal soldier, tells of the final days of Arthur's epic struggle to keep the Saxon hordes at bay, his reluctant cause to keep an evil king from taking the throne, and his attempt to bring justice to all of Britain. Since Derfel was there, only he tells it as it really happened even as the legend is fast becoming myth in his own lifetime. This isn't just a simple tale of good versus evil. It's a battle between the old gods and the new. In its own way, Cornwell's version pays homage to the brave unknown warriors who fought and died in long ago forgotten battles against the darkness.
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Summary: A Very Unique Perspective
Review: Cornwell's account of Arthur in this three book series is a breath of fresh air. I've read all the classics (Once and Future King, Le Morte D'arthur, Idylls of the King), and quite a few other Arthurian books as well. I like that Cornwell doesn't take these others, add a few differing details, and give them a new title. Cornwell gives a very personal and human perspective on Arthur and the events and people that shaped his life. I also love the way he completely changes the stories surrounding the main characters(Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin). I highly recommend this book, as well as the other two in the series(Winter King, Enemy of God).
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Summary: Bernard Cornwell's vision of Arthur is unparalleled
Review: I just finished the last book in Bernard Cornwell's Warlord trilogy and was very impressed with his unique perspective on the Arthurian legend. While most books in this genre follow the traditional "Round Table" formula, Bernard Cornwell has blazed a new path and even pokes fun at the standard retelling by emphasizing that history was "written" by people who could afford to pay bards to compose it. The narrator of this book, like its prequels, is Derfel Cadarn, a warrior in Arthur's service, who is oath-sworn to uphold Mordred's throne, but who finds that his duties often conflict with his sense of right and justice. Cornwell's novel eschews romantic notions of the Dark Ages and instead gives details about daily life that are far from pleasant, e.g., the constant "de-lousing" process. However, far from being a Tolstoy-esque recanting of minute details, this novel outpaces its predecessors with a whirlwind of battle scenes and a breathtaking account of shifting loyalties, ruthless leaders and timeless passions. To anyone serious about the Arthurian legend, this is a must-read!
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Summary: Yet another top-notch political thriller
Review: This is another in Cornwell's series of well-written political thrillers set in fourth-century Britain; it is not the Arthurian legend that everyone's familiar with. As such, it's a fitting finale to "The Warlord Chronicles" trilogy. As in the previous books, Cornwell takes some Arthurian legends from different eras and mixes them together, adding his own touch of historical realism. The portrayal of Saxon-Celtic conflict as well as Christian-Pagan conflict is very well done. The best of the series, this is an excellent book, though one that will disappoint some by painting a vision of Arthur that clashes with their own. As always, Cornwell's storytelling is top-notch.
Rating: 
Summary: The Arthurian legend hasn't been told better
Review: I have to start by telling you I love Arthurian inspired novels. I've read and collected many over the years, from T.H.White's "The Once and Future King", Mary Stewart's trilogy, Stephen Lawhead's five book "Pendragon Cycle", along with books by Sharon Newman, Richard Monaco, A.A. Attanasio, Marion Zimmer Bradley, etc, etc, etc. Ever since I read the "The Sword in the Stone" in primary school, I have been spellbound by the story, and enjoy seeing each writer's perspective in their interpretation of the tale. Bernard Cornwell's interpretation of the Arthurian legend, "The Warlord Chronicles" begun with "The Winter King" and followed by "Enemy of God" and "Excalibur" is, in my opinion, the best so far. The Chronicles take the form of a reflection written by Derfal, one of Arthur's warriors, in old age retired to a monastery. Derfal delights in working behind his abbot's back (he was an old enemy), but he has the protection of his Queen, desperate for a good story. During his time with Arthur, Derfal rose through the ranks to become a brave and loyal commander and a trusted confidant. His position allowed him unique insight into the character of Arthur and all the other figures prominent in the legend. His personal journey leads to love and eventual marriage to a high borne woman, the joy and despair of fatherhood, finding his true ancestry and conversion from paganism to the fledgling Christianity. Most people are familiar in some way with the bones of the Arthurian legend, so I'm not going to tell you anything about the plot. Without deviating too far from the accepted story, in this retelling, Cornwell gives the legend substance. What makes it stand apart is the way he fleshes out the characters so they take on a reality other writers can only dream of (Nimue is particularly good). Cornwell's writing flows so effortlessly, and you quickly become engrossed by the people, the places and the strategy. You can smell the fires, taste the food and wine, feel the harsh winter cold, hear the terrified screams of women and children and see the battles unfold before you. I never thought I would enjoy reading battle scenes, but these (and there are many) are so well written, I didn't skip a word. The motivations of characters, explained by the often cruel and harsh lives they endured, become real. Life was just one huge struggle, no matter where and to whom you were born. "The Warlord Chronicles", which should be read in sequence, is a must for all fans of the Arthurian legend, but anyone who enjoys a well-written story of high adventure will find much to appreciate here.
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Summary: The Last Enchantment
Review: "Excalibur" is the third and final installment in Cornwell's Arthur trilogy. All three books are excellent. Cornwell has taken the mythical Arthur and put him in what is perhaps his true historical setting -- 5th century Britain. In so doing, he brings Arthur, Guinevere and the rest of the characters from the Arthurian legend to life as real people caught up in the events of the time. He does a masterful job of bringing these people to life against a background of war, intrigue, and the crude manners of the period, while adding in a touch of the old magic of the druids and keeping close to the familiar events depicted in the myths. If you are ready to read this book, though, then you should know all this. You should have already read the first two books. If you liked them, this one will not let you down. These books will bring Arthur and his companions alive again in the imagination of anyone who reads them.
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