King & Raven

Rating:
Summary: Gracious to Read
Review: Amazing. I have read this story more times than one would care, without even feeling bored. There's something magical about this story and I assure you that it has not lost it's magic. Of course my favorite was Raven, a low classer who rose into a higher lifestyle.

Rating:
Summary: Surprising
Review: As an avid reader of all the retellings of the Arthurian legend, as well as the tracts that attempt to place it in historical perspective, I am always thrilled to find a unique version. And I have to put "King & Raven" in that category. It managed to remain "true" to the mainline version of the tale, yet the introduction of the peasant perspective gave it a realism I had not yet seen. The shabby treatment of the common people of the day was not something I had ever considered before, but I can only feel it was accurate. As a result, Raven, the accidental knight, has become the first character of the legend that I can truly say I would have wanted to be. He truly embodied the spirit of chivalry that the "true" knights could never achieve because of their petty vanities and self-indulgence. As I came to the final pages of the book, I realized I wasn't ready for it to end! In Cornish folklore, Arthur's soul went into a raven's body upon his death. I can only hope that Mr. James is planning on tying this tidbit into a sequel!

Rating:
Summary: Raven is now my favorite character in Arthurian literature.
Review: As an avid reader of all the retellings of the Arthurian legend, as well as the tracts that attempt to place it in historical perspective, I am always thrilled to find a unique version. And I have to put "King & Raven" in that category. It managed to remain "true" to the mainline version of the tale, yet the introduction of the peasant perspective gave it a realism I had not yet seen. The shabby treatment of the common people of the day was not something I had ever considered before, but I can only feel it was accurate. As a result, Raven, the accidental knight, has become the first character of the legend that I can truly say I would have wanted to be. He truly embodied the spirit of chivalry that the "true" knights could never achieve because of their petty vanities and self-indulgence. As I came to the final pages of the book, I realized I wasn't ready for it to end! In Cornish folklore, Arthur's soul went into a raven's body upon his death. I can only hope that Mr. James is planning on tying this tidbit into a sequel!

Rating:
Summary: Wickedly Arthurian
Review: Delicious counterpoint to the current Camelot fad

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic King Arthur book
Review: I just loved this book, the point of view from a mere squire into knight was a dangerous risk for an author, but came out just lovely. I was surprised to find so much lust and riping-bodices in this book, the cover appeared quite tame, nevertheless, a book worth reading if you love king Arthur and his court.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful writing style makes it a pleasure to read!!
Review: I thought it was an excellent book. My only problem with it were the anachronisms!! They were driving me nuts - large cathredals in the 5th century, and many more. I love history. I love historical fiction and I think it should be given it own section in the bookstores, but I hate when historical facts are badly jumbled. All in all I loved the book and I look forward to his next!!

Rating:
Summary: A medieval tale of revenge, battle, love and loss.
Review: KING & RAVEN is set in the 13th century, the time of the great medieval tales of Arthur and Camelot. It is the story of Micah, who calls himself Raven, and his coming- of-age. He begins as a peasant lad on a farm near Camelot. His sister dies, raped by knights from the castle, and he swears he will revenge her. His quest takes him into Camelot, and from there across the sea to Normandy and Anjou. When he returns as a dubbed knight, it is near the end of Camelot's quest for the Sangral, the holy grail. Raven discovers he has made an impossible oath he must balance his pledge of revenge, his wish to save Camelot, his loyalty to the ideals of chivaly, and his debt to the wizard Merlin. There is no easy answer.

Rating:
Summary: Surprising
Review: Not at all what I expected. I also thought the cover looked tame enough so I went ahead and bought it. I was surprised - but not disappointed. Very well written. Although I still wonder what happened to Anduin and Sarah...

Rating:
Summary: A rich and authentic view of King Arthur's Court.
Review: One of the richest and well written books on Camelot I've had the pleasure of reading. The retelling of Arthurian times as seen through the eyes of a peasant-turned-knight was inspired and intriguing. Mr. James has obviously researched his subject well. The reader can taste the dust, sweat and blood of an ardent knight as well as feel his honor, valor and love of chivalry. This is a book I did not want to end. One can only hope there will be a sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Must Read
Review: Reading this book makes one wish it would not end. The absolute passion that "Raven" feels after much strife, and the absolute determination he has for avenging his sisters violent death is mesmerizing. An absolute must read for those who love Aurthurian Novels.