Rating: 
Summary: well written, but not what i expected
Review: Having never read this author before, I can't compare this book to any of his others. Avalon was well written- and even engaging- but certainly not what I expected when I bought it. The dust jacket and synopsis make it seem as though the story was about the rebirth of Arthur into modern England. Instead we are left with an interesting albeit off-topic tale of the battle between the "evil" Prime Minister who wants to overthrow the monarchy, and the Man Who Would Be King. The idea for the book seemed like a great one, I just struggled with the manner in which it was laid out. I mean, if this book was really about Arthur, why do we have so few examples of his life (via flashbacks or whatever), and so many chapters full of the Prime Minister bantering with his flunkies? I can only hope that perhaps this is the first in a series of books, and Lawhead will eventually show us more of how his modern-day Arthur would lead the England of the future. An interesting read, but not "Arthurian" enough for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Second half of this book saves it
Review: Having previously read "Byzantium" and "Iron Lance", I was curious to see how Lawhead would handle a story set in modern times. His writing is still superior to much of the stuff thats out there these days. However, the protaganist in this story is not nearly as engaging as in Lawhead's previous works. You admire the character, but I didn't feel the connection with him the way I did in Lawhead's other books.The first half of this book moved much too slow for me. Only at about the midway point did the pace quicken to my liking. Every writer is allowed to delve into uncharted waters. My only hope is that Lawhead sticks to what he seems to do so well - writing in the distant past as opposed to the present day.
Rating:
Summary: Worth the reading...
Review: I enjoyed this book very much (but then Arthurian fiction is my favorite). I was sceptical at first because very often this type of book doesn't translate well into modern times, but this one pulls it off very well. The end is a little lame but all in all I'd say it's worth the reading!
Rating:
Summary: Not up to Lawhead's standards
Review: 'Avalon' never quite delivers what the dustjacket promises. True, it's a story of the modern incarnation of Arthur, but it's a plot point barely referred to. Lawhead occasionally devotes a few paragraphs to the rebirth, but outside of those few pages this might as well be a political novel. I question Lawhead's abolition of the monarchy storyline. He could have written a much more engaging novel based on the return of Arthur idea without it. I would have preferred Arthur physically returning from wherever he's been than a protagonist only casually aware that he used to be King Arthur. The characters are well-drawn. There are no gaping plot holes (outside of the unnaturally evil British PM). This is a well-written book, but just as Lawhead's previous novel 'The Iron Lance' did, this one falls a tad short.
Rating:
Summary: Arthur doesn't translate well to modern times
Review: This book is probably fun for Lawhead fans. Lawhead keeps the suspense going until the end, although the constant dustups with Morgan Le Fay are a bit predictable. The thesis of the book is pretty bizarre, however. The book goes on and on about how the solution to the problems of modern society (bad government, immorality, just plain evil) are to be found in the divine right of kings. This part is pretty hard to swallow and kind of ruined the book for me.
Rating: 
Summary: COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN
Review: This book is my new favorite book. I could not put the book down the entire time I was reading it. It made me want to read THE PENDRAGON CYCLE all over again- so many similarities and references are made with in the novel.
Rating:
Summary: Two thumbs way up!
Review: I took me only three days two read this book. Make no mistake: This is a fine book, the kind we have come to expect from Mr. Lawhead. I can't say that it is the best book this year, or the best book ever, but certainly among the top few I've read this year. There are plot twists aplenty here, and never was I sure about what would happen next, this is why I finished in such a short time. Avalon is an original and accomplished book from the master of fantasy and historical fiction!
Rating:
Summary: An interesting premise, but not fully realized.
Review: An interesting premise, but not completely drawn out. The characters are one dimensional and the plot is not logical.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible conclusion to The Pendragon Cycle
Review: Though Stephen Lawhead means for this book to be a stand alone novel and not a part of the Pendragon Cycle, I cannot imagine enjoying it as much without having first read the Pendragon Cycle. That said, this book is much different than any of the other books he has written. One difference is that it all takes place in a short space of time (less than a year), wheras many of his books take up a long period of time. Also, this takes place in the present time, not the past. But the themes in this book are timeless. Lawhead has been able to speak against the cynical attitude of the present day in a powerful way. This book deals with timeless issues and questions of leadership that need to be addressed today. But he does it in a fun story and at no time seems to be preaching. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the Pendragon Cycle, for it re-introduces you to some memorable characters. I would also recommend this book to anyone who would like a deeper, more real look at what leadership is all about and what true sovereignty is.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent modern day retelling of Arthur
Review: A drunken King Edward IX commits suicide. Throughout England the cry is to end the farce that the crown has become due to the Royals continually scandalizing the country as they have for the past few decades. Prime Minister Thomas Waring pushes Magna Carta II that would abolish the monarchy. Not so surprisingly, he has plenty of supporters. However, former military officer Captain James Arthur Stuart learns from the mysterious Embries that he is the rightful heir to the throne. However, James does not want the crown. Embries awakens depressed memories within James that persuades the Scotsman that he is Arthur returning as prophesied to bring back morality and values to Britain. Accompanied by his mysterious adviser and other loyal followers, James battles the twenty-first century enemies of the people: the multi-headed media and the corrupt political parties. He leads the fight against the modern day foes of honesty and compassion for all. However, James and his loyal followers also have a return engagement with an ancient evil that plans to finish the job this time. AVALON: THE RETURN OF KING ARTHUR is a wonderful modern day allegory that centers on the return of King Arthur to fight the malice and malaise that grips Britain. The tale will remind legend fans of DC Comics Camelot 3000. The exciting story line brings forth the chivalrous notions of the Round Table to combat with official cynicism, violent prejudice, and popular apathy. Readers will root for the Arthurian characters to win the victory. Patrons of Camelot will immensely enjoy this novel and want to read Stephen R. Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle.
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