Rating: 
Summary: WARNING: Here there be monologue.
Review: Lawhead is, unfortunately, a very inconsistent writer. Sections of each book in this trilogy are excellent and quite enjoyable. However, there are longer portions that are awkward and tedious. The writer also commits a number of literary sins that drag the whole down. In the first book, there is the character of the professor. He is quite flat and is what is known as "the author's mouthpiece"--a set-piece device used to conveniently convey information that the author has trouble working in otherwise. The professor has at least a couple long monologues that reek of the above device.Although there are worthwhile sections, I recommend you avoid this title and pick up something better.
Rating: 
Summary: A rich tapestry of practically poetic adventure.
Review: Lawhead weaves words with a true gift. It is wordsmithing with a gothically
cursive font. You can see, hear and smell his scenes and wallow in the richness
of his characters. A dive into the Celtic twilight zone, complete with rings of
stones and barrows. Imminently entertaining, ennobling and a darn good read. No hobbits but a Tolkien fan shouldn't miss this series.
Rating:
Summary: A match for The Pendragon Cycle!
Review: Lawhead's five-volume "Pendragon Cycle" series was magnificent, and the hope of another series as good seemed an unlikely dream. But in his three-volume "Song of Albion" series, Lawhead has more than matched the brilliance of his former effort. The series kicks off in "The Paradise War", introducing Lewis and Simon, two university students in Oxford, England. They are opposites in every way: while Simon is a rich, good looking and lazy Brit, Lewis is a poor, plain and hardworking American, and these opposites prove to play a key role in the events that transpire. Through a remarkable chain of events, Lewis and Simon both enter a Celtic paradise, the "other world" of Albion. Here they become warriors in a society with medieval traditions, ruled by kings and bards. There are similarities to the worlds of Narnia, and Lawhead paints the other world using language that has strong overtones of Plato's forms. But even more important than the Platonic overtones are the Biblical overtones. Lewis and Simon's involvement in the other world have Messianic and Satanic allusions respectively. The title "The Paradise War" is already an immediate indication that Lawhead is working with the Biblical themes of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation. Simon's entrance to Albion in the end proves to be a dangerous and destructive poison in a paradise: "Simon, who had forced his way into this world, had brought with him alien and deadly ideas" (p407). As great the good and beauty of this world is, so great is the evil and danger into which it is plunged. After receiving warrior training, Lewis plays a key role in rescuing Albion from the evil that threatens it. The main threat is the Cythraul and the infernal demonic host of Lord Nudd's warband, but before they can be conquered the Song of Albion must be restored with its magical singing stones. Lewis (called Llew in the other world) who performs the Hero Feat and so enables king Meldryn to conquer the enemy that threatens and defend the kingship. In his usual style, Lawhead doesn't go for complex allegory, but incorporates Biblical allusions. Readers familiar with Scripture will find many of them, such one instance alluding to Aaron and Hur holding Moses' staff aloft. Some readers might be critical of the fact that Lawhead uses Celtic religion rather than Biblical religion, since although the other world is ruled by the Swift Sure Hand, the Celtic lore at time approaches a pantheon with a plurality and hierarchy of gods, and forms of worship based on rituals and priestly figures much like Old Testament times. But it could be argued that under the guise of Celtic lore and materialistic religion, Lawhead is portraying and conveying valid truths about Christianity that apply in our world today. As always, Lawhead is tremendously articulate. Simon's wordy assessment of modern England is a wonderful example showcasing Lawhead's eloquence and humour (p14ff). The following metaphor is also typical of his talents at literary prose: "We might have exhausted our meal grain, but we possessed the bread of dissent in perpetual supply. When the last of the grain went, people reached for those ready loaves." (p330). When such eloquence is combined with a vivid imaginative world and deeper themes of kingship, justice, truth and good, the result is a tremendously powerful story. It is enjoyable for any serious reader, but will especially be enjoyed by Christians who love fantasy in the style of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. To rank Lawhead on the same level as these two famous writers is perhaps too much, but readers of "The Paradise War" are sure to wish that they had heard of Lawhead sooner! --This text refers to the Paperback edition
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful...stunning...creative...
Review: My favorite books of all time. This trilogy (Song of Albion) is AWESOME. A definite must read for any celtic, medieval, or fantasy reader. i strongly suggest these books. (be sure to get through the first couple chapters which are rather boring. its worth it!
Rating: 
Summary: Celtic myth brought to life
Review: Simon & his friend Lewis take off on an expedition to find an aurochs because Simon read about it in a tabloid. Simon goes into a cairn and disappears. Lewis waits for him to come back and then goes in search of information. He finds Professor Nettles, an odd duck, but thoroughly loveable. Nettles gives him the background that he needs, and then they go back to the cairn. This time Lewis goes in. He finds himself in Albion, and must find his way through life. Simon is there at the outset, but there is always something untrustworthy about Simon. The ramifications of having two present-day "strangers" in Albion are set up to be disasterous. This is a wonderful book. You can tell that Mr. Lawhead researched the topic extensively and brings his active imagination to life with this book. The descriptions are wonderful, and the characters about leap from the page. There is a little bit of everything in this book to suit different readers--intrigue, romance, fantasy, history--truly a wellrounded book. I can't wait to read book 2.
Rating:
Summary: Exelent, incredibly written.
Review: Stephen Lawhead is a writer that makes you expeirience the book like no one else could. E.G. If he explains a meal, your stomach starts growling from hunger. The battle sceans are incredibly well written, I assure you, this seiries is not for the weak of stomach.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Fantasy I've Read Since The Hobbit!
Review: The entire Albion Trilogy is awesome and "The Paradise War" sets the stage for the adventure of a lifetime. I first became aware of the series through the music of Jeff Johnson (Ark Records) and Brian Dunning (NightNoise). The Trilogy of instrumental Celtic Music based on the Lawhead books was so tastefully done, it enticed me to find the books. I was not disappointed. All I can say is, everyone that I've ever suggested these books to that read them - loved them! You have got to read these, and might I suggest you hunt down the CD's too! They are great soundtracks to set the mood for great reading! "Hear, O Son of Albion: Blood is born of blood. Flesh is born of flesh. But the spirit is born of Spirit and with Spirit evermore remains. Before Albion is One, the Hero Feat must be performed and Silver Hand must reign." Banfaith of Ynys Sci
Rating:
Summary: Completely Enjoyable
Review: The first two books in this series may be the best of Lawhead's writing. I know 8 people that have read this book and we all enjoyed it greatly. The books were so enthrolling that Jeff Johnson wrote a series of celtic music CDs based on them. They are also worth purchasing. The books and CDs are delightful.
Rating:
Summary: Give 'em ten stars!!!
Review: The Song of Albion trilogy are some of the best books I have ever read!! They deserve 10 stars! I read fiction critically, paying attention not only to the quality of plot, but also quality of writing and, most importantly, development of characters. Stephen Lawhead's books in general, and this trilogy in particular, satisfy me in every detail. The plots are original and very well researched, and the writing is excellent, with inspiring but not over-used metaphors and subtle alliteration. The characterization is excellent! I could not believe when reading some of these reviews that the reviewer had read the same books that I did. I can truly say that I have never read books in which the characters are better developed than in these. These books deserve to be compared with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, which are my all-time favorite books! Read these books if you like, as I do: Celtic mythology; high fantasy; believable fictional characters; writing that is at once both poetic and gritty; anything written by Tolkien; well-written fantasy with Christian values...I could go on, actually--let's just say READ THESE BOOKS. For those people who thought that the Celtic mythology setting of these books was not accurate and rather forced, I beg to disagree. Having studied Celtic mythology informally quite a lot for the past couple of years, I happen to know that these books are VERY well researched. The more that I learn about Celtic mythology, the more I am impressed by the accuracy of the Song of Albion setting. You will have learned more than you know, as you will find if these books inspire you to look further into this fascinating genre of mythology! And the Otherworld setting is, to me, very believable. I could almost believe it is real. It was a mysterious experience to visit a full-sized model of Stonehenge at sunset, during the time-between-times. Another great thing about these books is that musicians Jeff Johnson and Brian Dunning have written music to go with them. I originally heard of these books through this music. I have all the "Songs from Albion" CDs and highly recommend them, especially if you like contemporary Celtic-style music that is original composition, with a touch of New Age, rock, and medieval styles. That is my review of the series. About this book in particular--I do not need to go over the plot since that has already been done here, and I would not want to ruin it for you anyway. This is my second favorite of the three books. It is a great start to the series. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't seem very "fantasy-ish" at the beginning. And don't get it without getting the second one. You will not want to wait. The best thing about this book as far as author's style is the wonderfully character development using the first person. I enjoy writing myself for pleasure (and am preparing to publish my first short story), and I know how difficult it is to develop a character's personality gradually over a book written in the first person from that person's point of view! Stephen Lawhead has done it with a master's touch. Well, I'm done raving now. READ THESE BOOKS!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Even better than the Aurthur Trilogy
Review: There is not a dull moment in any of the Song of Albion books. They can be reread and continuously enjoyed!
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