‘Artorius!’,‘For Arthur!’,‘For Arthur!’ that's what I has shouting at home after reading this book!

I don't know what to write, this book hurt me, broke my heart and it made me cry but at the end, I loved each page of it.

In his amazing and beautiful lyrical prose, Kristian created for us a kind of an Arthurian version of "Old Man Logan" and that's all I can say, I don't want to spoil anything about what happens in this story, you need just to know that it's following King Arthur after the ending events of Camelot. Where did he go? What became of him? Was he still alive? Who was he now?...etc. All the answers are in this well crafted story.

I usually hate when there is the past and present sections of a character's story but in this book, I enjoyed following both parts. Also, the author inserted the tragic story of Tristan and Isolde but he used it for the main character as a kind of reflection on his own past mistakes.

All in all, it was just brilliant. I know that the author might not be thinking at all about writing another book in The Arthurian Tales and it saddened me greatly to hear that but I'm still hoping for a Merlin book.(Pretty Please)

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Okay WHO is cutting onions in here? Oh, it's Giles himself cutting them!

This book has had me weeping. Buckets. I could fill a whole pond with these tears.

Now I know that Giles is probably one of the most brutally effective authors out there. He has a command of writing that we all can only dream of. And he has the power to make you tense, make you ecstatic with joy, the power to make you desperate to become a horse lord and ride into battle and he, unfortunately, has the power to make you weep. He's basically the Thanos of historical fiction.

Arthur is the best of the Arthurian tales - something I really do not say lightly. Please, I implore you to read this series. It is seeping in emotion, in friendships that shape countries, in relationships that hit home, in intense action that has your blood pumping. It's incredible.

My reading experience with Arthurian legend is plenty but this series offer me completely different point of views. As the finale from The Arthurian Tales, Beran the mercenary's story is perfect to describe how Britain heroism continuing Arthur's dream.

The writing is amazing. It is have enough aspect that make me enjoy and engagingly read historical fiction story. It isn't overly descriptive but potrayed the situation, the emotions and my fave.. strong development characters. His characters always felt flesh out and natural. I love each their journey, adventure and personal arc from each one since first book. This is absolutely not my last read from the author.

Thank you Netgalley and Bantam, Transworld Publisher from Random House UK for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Expecting release date : 6 June 2024

*Arthur* is the gripping conclusion to his Arthurian Tales trilogy, and it delivers a dark, gritty, yet deeply satisfying reimagining of the legendary tale. The novel follows Beran, an aging and disillusioned mercenary, as he is tasked with a dangerous mission: to protect a young boy, the son of King Constantine and the grandson of High King Ambrosius, who might be Britain’s last hope against the Saxon invaders. Beran’s journey to deliver the boy to Camelot, the last bastion of resistance, is fraught with peril, betrayal, and the haunting echoes of his past.

Having loved the first book in the series, 'Lancelot', and feeling somewhat ambivalent about the second, 'Camelot', I found this instalment to be a powerful return to form. Kristian masterfully balances historical realism with the subtle, almost understated magical elements that are integral to the Arthurian mythos. This blend makes the story feel both grounded and mythical, fitting comfortably within the legend while also offering a fresh perspective.

The novel’s dual timeline, which alternates between Beran’s present-day struggles and flashbacks to Arthur’s youth, enriches the narrative. We see a more vulnerable, human side of Arthur—his flaws, his burdens, and the immense weight of living up to a legendary legacy. This approach adds depth to the character, making him relatable and complex, rather than the untouchable hero often portrayed in other retellings.

One of the things I appreciated most about the novel were the risks Kristian took with the narrative, particularly in how he reimagines well-known figures like Tristan and Isolde. Their inclusion, along with other familiar characters, doesn’t feel forced but rather adds layers to the story, bringing new dimensions to the relationships and themes we associate with Arthurian lore.

I also cried a whole bunch reading this, as I did with Lancelot—there’s something about the way Kristian writes about loss, loyalty, and the passage of time that just hits hard. The ending, in particular, was both heartbreaking and satisfying, providing a fitting conclusion to a series that has explored the human side of these legendary figures.

This is a triumphant final chapter that brings Giles Kristian’s trilogy to a compelling and poignant close. It’s a must-read for fans of historical fiction and Arthurian legends alike, offering a story that is as brutal as it is beautiful.

I love Arthurian literature so I was keen to read this, and also quite surprised the previous two in the series had completely passed me by. On the strength of Arthur, which stands alone perfectly well, I will certainly be reading Lancelot and Camelot.

I thought this was a very original, clever and effective reimagining of the version of the Arthurian story that has its roots in Celtic mythology, as opposed to the later 12th century French romance embellishments (though Tristan and Isolde do make an appearance). This novel is set in the dark times when the Saxons are overrunning Britain, the brief glory of Arthur's reign has already passed into a distant memory, resistance to the invaders takes place in small pockets and seems doomed. The chaos allows bands of mercenaries to thrive, among them a band led by the unprincipled Nabor ap Nabor, where grumpy old recluse Beran has found a temporary home. When the band raids a travelling party protecting the wife of King Constantine and her son, the grandson of Ambrosius, High King of Britain, Beran finds himself spiriting the boy away from the mercenaries and their orders to kill him - he might be the last hope of Britain, if he can be got safely to Camelot. As they face a multitude of dangers on their journey, snippets of Beran's past come to light and he must face memories and consequences that have long been buried.

It's hard to say any more without spoilers, but this is a clever conceit, some very fine writing, and all in all, quite the unputdownable tale if you're a fan of Arthurian fiction that goes beyond the cardboard legendary figure and tries to explore the real man who inspired the legends. Recommended.

“Arthur” by Giles Kristian is the third book in his Arthurian Tales trilogy, and it takes a dark and gritty approach to the classic legend. The novel follows two timelines: one featuring a grizzled old warrior named Beran in the present day, and the other following a young Arthur. These storylines converge in a satisfying way by the novel's end.

Beran, a hardened mercenary, finds himself tasked with an unexpected mission: protecting a young boy who may be the key to Britain's future. The Saxons now rule the land, but whispers of Arthur's return persist. Beran defies his companions and chooses to safeguard the boy, embarking on a perilous journey across Britain.

As Beran and the boy make their perilous journey across a war-torn Britain, they encounter a cast of characters both familiar and surprising. We meet Tristan and Isolde, their passionate love story tinged with the desperation of a conquered land. The enigmatic Saracen warrior Palamedes and the charismatic "Little King" Guivret also join the fray, their loyalty tested by the harsh realities of the present. These encounters breathe new life into these legendary figures, showcasing their complexities and vulnerabilities.

The other timeline delves into Arthur's youth, showcasing his struggles with identity and the burden of a legendary lineage. These flashbacks offer a beautiful undercurrent of loss and longing for a bygone era. Seeing Arthur grapple with the weight of his future adds depth to the overall narrative.

The strength of “Arthur” lies in its willingness to deconstruct the Arthurian myth. The once glorious Camelot is now a fading memory, replaced by a desolate land where survival is a daily struggle. The novel's use of foreshadowing pays off in a rewarding way for readers who pay close attention, though if like you’re like me and your attention wanders, you can sometimes find yourself having to reread parts of the novel, but it will definitely leave you pondering the cyclical nature of power, loss, and the legacy of legendary figures.

However, the storyline involving the present day could have been more fleshed out. A longer novel might have allowed for deeper character development and a more nuanced exploration of this timeline.

This book is a gripping and suspenseful read that offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend. The novel's dark and gritty atmosphere is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction, while the dual timelines and well-placed foreshadowing keep the reader engaged. While some aspects, like the development of the present-day storyline, could have been further expanded upon, Arthur remains a satisfying conclusion to Kristian's trilogy. It offers a brutal yet strangely beautiful reimagining of the Arthurian legend, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after the final page is turned.

This is definitely a book for fans of historical fiction who enjoy a slightly darker take on classic myths. If you're looking for a new take on Arthurian myth that's not afraid to get dark, then “Arthur” is definitely worth checking out.

The Book’s Basics

Title: Arthur

Author: Giles Kristian

Series: The Arthurian Tales

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length: 372 pages

Initial Reaction: Interesting story, but disappointing overall.

I received a galley of this book from NetGalley without charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Summary

Beran is working as a mercenary for a group with questionable morals.  

The mercenary band attacks a travelling cart but suddenly Beran decides he wants to save the boy that is in the cart. 

The boy is the only son of a late British king and he has the potential to rule the British people, which is especially important as they have been fighting a Saxon invasion. 

Beran agrees to take the boy to safety - to Camelot where Beran has his own ghosts. 

There is a lot of fighting and retrospection, with sections looking at Arthur’s (yes, that Arthur) childhood. 

From the previous books in the series, there is also a change in how the Saxons interact with the British, which was interesting to see.

Who would I recommend this book to?

I struggled a bit with this book, in that it (and the series) have been so hyped up, but it fell a bit flat for me. 

I read the first two books in this series so that I’d feel prepared for reviewing this book, and there were parts that I liked. The plot was good and when there was magic I found it interesting.

There is Druid magic throughout but it doesn’t feel magical. The story itself is decently interesting, and I’d say if you like historical fiction with violence then it might be worth the read. 

What brought my rating down the most is that I don’t think the characters are particularly well developed, especially Arthur. I find him flat and happy to blame others instead of actually thinking things through.

So, if you enjoy plot-driven historical fiction then this might be worth a read, but I would try not to go in with too high of expectations (better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed!).

I read the first two Arthurian books by Giles Kristian and so when this one was announced I knew it was going to be at the top of my list and it didn't disappoint.
It was action-packed, emotional and a beautifully woven story. There were parts that absolutely devastated me.

It's my favourite of the trilogy and I recommend it, and the others, to anyone who wants to read a brilliant Arthurian Legend retelling.

A fitting closing novel to this well-crafted Arthurian Tales trilogy, Arthur delivers on a number of levels. Full of heroism and chivalry (as has stunningly marked this series) - check. Character development well wrought to bring these mythical characters to life - check. Action and tension worthy of knights of old - check. Rich story telling that satisfies with touching quality - check.

I loved that each of the books in this trilogy had a distinctly separate story arch. They didn't all start with a boy growing to a man with all the good and bad vignettes of his life fully illustrated along the way, as we did with Lancelot. That would have felt too weighty. all three books took their own path. Though, I want to give an enthusiastic shout out to the beautifully written relationships between a boy and gruff older man who shared knowledge, skill, humour and hard lessons whilst growing as close as a father and son over the years. It's so lovely and touching. Each book carries a story along this line and I loved it. The surrogate father figure is crucial and so well done.

There's a lot that happens in this novel and I won't touch on it at all for fear of giving anything away. Much ground to cover in wrapping up the overarching storyline and so well done. If you are a fan of the Arthur legend, this may very well be a trilogy you can sink your teeth into. I am, I did, and am very happy as a result.

This is a story of honour, betrayal, faith. A story that is based on a myth and on what could have happened in the Dark Time.
This is the story of Arthur and of a seasoned warrior and his mission.
It was always an exciting experience reading the novels in this series as there's the smeel of the fires and blood, sweat and iron.
I loved the characters and the storytelling kept me hooked and reading.
This time we met Arthur, Tristan&Isolde and we go back in time and fast forward to the time after Arthur.
If you love the Matter of Britain this is a great series, read it and lose yourself in a place between myth and history.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

When I found this gem of a book I was intrigued enough to want to read it and I do not regret it.
Arthurian myth in an England in chaos written in what I at first found slightly confusing dual timeline makes this an excellent read for those that love mythical retellings, historical fiction or just a good fantasy read. And while this hovers above the border between fantasy and historical fiction it leans more towards historical and for me, at times, became a bit to real when I just wanted to get swept away into another world.

One timeline (the past) where Arthur as a boy grows into the man he was. This gives an indepth view of which experiences shaped him and how he became such a legend.
In the the present timeline we follow a young prince and a seasoned soldier turned mercenary who must travel to Camelot for the future, as a last hope to end the Saxon rule over Brittain. While being hunted by Queen Morgana, chased by other mercenaries and mainly just trying to survive, Beran (the mercenary) whilst protecting the young prince must also process and come to terms with his own past.

It is a beautiful story which brings legends to life, but as I found that the hopping between the different timelines a bit confusing and the book needed a lot of concentration to catch all the details It's a 3.5 star read for me.


I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

My second favourite Arthurian series after Bernard Cornwell's Winter King. Mixing the well known myth with some fresh perspectives makes for a compelling journey for the familiar characters, tho the pace can be a bit uneven at times. Recommended

Giles Kristian’s third book in the Arthurian trilogy is beautifully written and maybe the best of the three.
Steeped in the legend of Camelot and the Saxon period, this is a tale of betrayal, hope, love and loyalty. With the nice addition of Tristan and Isolde.
The book has a beautiful air of mystery and magic throughout, with the authors wonderful ability to create the right atmosphere and immerse the reader.
I’ve read all three books in this wonderful trilogy and highly recommend them.

On the fine line between historical fiction and fantasy, Arthur steers clearly on the path of the real world

Third in a loose trilogy of novels set in a sub-Roman Britain and infused with Arthurian mythos, Kristian's firmly historical novel on an ahistorical character follows the wanderings of a grizzled warrior named Beran, who falls foul of his fellow mercenaries when he slaughters the cutpurses he's with to rescue a boy who might one day be a prince. From there, twists and turns take Beran and his unwilling charge (unwilling on both sides) from familiar haunts to the uncertain welcomes of a post-Roman landscape where roving bands of Saxons are out to assert their newfound land.

Peopled with flesh-and-blood characters drawn from British folktales, songs and myths, the book brings pre-medieval Britain to life, where the memories of the Romans are still very much alive and their successor rulers still squabble over their imperial inheritances. Beran is a standard grizzled warrior, the young prince a standard wobble-lipped scion, and the touches of Arthurian legend in this book—where Arthur isn't revealed until the last chapters, but an astute reader will understand exactly where the mythical king is hiding from early on—are brought thumping back down to solid ground.

Although it is only loosely tied to its predecessors, to appreciate this book fully I imagine it would be helpful to read the other two, as the narrative is unnecessarily slippery. In essence, the Arthurian stuff bookends the main narrative, with a scene that could have come from T.H. White's mythos at the beginning, and a Peter Jacksonesque Ride of the Rohirrim ending, and a thread of backstory of Arthur's major turning points throughout.

When reading any book related to British myth, or even Northern European myth, one will always look to J.R.R. Tolkien. He wrote in both modes, in the historical based on bibliographical and philological sources, and in the mythic, fantastic manner; Kristian's Arthur weaves along the same groove but firmly on the historical path. The faint traces of magic and mystery are glossed over, which is a shame when one understands that it was a different time, when science was unknown except as fantastic metaphor, and although certain characters seem to have powers beyond the human (all women except for Merlin), these moments that touch the other world are rare and minor.

I think this is a great read for someone who is into historical blood and gore but there is less meat on these bones than I would have liked.

Arthur being published caught me by surprise early this year. I was looking for one of my older audiobooks back in January to try and get myself out of a two-month-long funk and I decided on Lancelot. And that’s when I learned about Arthur, so it seemed like fate (I still don’t believe in coincidences). It took me a bit longer to get to Arthur than I planned, but at least I got there in time for its release.

I admit I wasn’t sure what to expect from Arthur. Back when I first read Lancelot, I loved it. Camelot, not so much. And also a couple of years have passed since those books were released and a lot has changed. But I still kept an open mind as I had a good feeling. And to my absolute delight, I enjoyed the hell out of Arthur.

We are some years after Camelot ended. Saxons roam the lands and it’s getting hopeless to force them out of Britannia. Citys fall and but a few stand still against them. Queen Morgana is scheming to put her grandson on the High King’s throne to unite the lords. Which includes ordering the murder of Prince Erbin, the son of the late King Constantine. For some, he is the beacon of hope for a better future, for some he is but a hurdle on the way to power. For Beran, though, he is a window to the past and also a pain in the ass as he tries to get him safely to Camelot. And believe me, it’s harder than it sounds.

Arthur has a dual timeline, which I think worked really well for this story. On one hand, we follow the adventures of Beran, Erbin, and the friends they make along the way, on the other hand, we get a look into Arthur’s life from his boyhood until he became a man. Arthur can be read as a standalone, but if you read both Lancelot and Camelot, it certainly will enhance the whole experience. We learn how Arthur found out about his father, how he met Morgaine (later Queen Morgana), and how he fell in love with Guinevere. I especially recommend reading Lancelot as Arthur adds an awesome background to the story in that one.

In Arthur, we get to know a man who is not without flaws, who is vulnerable, and by no means perfect. In Kristian’s interpretation, he is a human being, simple as that. With dreams and passions as anyone else, even if he didn’t choose the life that was given to him. And yet he still rose to the role of a legend. Which is probably the heaviest burden of them all.

Beran and Erbin are surrounded by a host of side characters, all of them well rounded out. There is Guivret, the Little King who mostly cares only for his own comfort, Palamedes the Saracen who works for him and takes a liking to the boy, and the most interesting of them all, Tristan and Isolde. Yes, the fabled couple whose story we all know. Kristian took some liberties here (as he did with most of the legends he was inspired by, but honestly I think it worked out magnificently), but their inclusion in the first place brings a nice parallel to the relationship between Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot. And provide an opportunity for reflection. I loved it. And even though I knew how it must end, I still kept rooting for a different outcome.

I honestly don’t have much to complain about, maybe I wanted a bit more emotions from Beran regarding Iselle, but honestly, this book was just so good, that I kept turning the pages, especially toward the end. I felt the tension building both in the book and in myself, and that’s the best kind of thrill you can have as a reader. When you don’t know what’s going to happen, where things can go both ways and you have no control over any of it.

I can’t express how happy I am that Kristian decided to return to the world of The Arthurian Tales and bring it up to a trilogy. I absolutely had no idea I needed this closure, and yet here we are. Arthur brought this emotional roller coaster ride I never saw coming, to a perfect end, and I enjoyed it immensely. If you like historical fiction novels or if you want to read a different kind of Arthur story, then you definitely should pick up a copy!

Very beautifully written and great finale of the series. One should definitely read it if they are interested in this period.

“He watched them die, those horse lords. Those gods of war. The clamour of it ebbed even as the light leached from the land, but he knew he would hear it always. He watched until it was done.”

We follow a grim, disillusioned mercenary named Beran. He kills for money, but then he is ordered to kill a boy. And no ordinary boy at that. It is a boy who could unite Britain, but only if he lives….

I imagine everyone has seen or read or watched many different takes on the Arthurian legend, but please do not let that move you away from this. Arthur, as well as the two companion novels, Lancelot and Camelot, offer such a unique perspective. This is historically based, as we are thrust into a Britain now with little hope of fighting back the seemingly endless waves of Saxons.

Giles Kristian once again proves his writing prowess. His characterisation is simply sensational, with character growth occurring so naturally, in a way that does not feel forced by plot. It is really just amazing how immersive and engaging this story is, and a huge contributor to that is how natural and vivid the characters feel.

“‘The songs say I will come again.’ He lifts his chin. ‘Here I am.’”

I will continue to profess my love for this book as I now turn my attention to the themes. We have the battle between tragedy and heroism, but we also have an exploration of themes that usually aren’t engaged with as much. Such as the double-edged sword of memory is exposed as Beran is forced to confront his past, and finds both solace and pain in it. This engagement with themes that contribute to the plot but also simultaneously enriches the characterisation has such a strong impact on the reading experience. I’ve said it already, but I’ll say it again. Giles Kristian uses his vast writing skills to weave a tapestry that immerses you and shocks you, but also moves you and has a lasting impact.

This is just extraordinary. Arthur like you have never seen it before, yet it resonates in your heart just the same. The character arcs are brilliant, the world vivid, the plot unpredictable, the prose lyrical. It is a joy to pick up.

If you like Arthurian literature, you should love this. If you enjoy historical fiction, you should this. But if you just love an immersive story with standout characters, you should also love this.

At a time when the Saxons rule Britain, the legend of King Arthur remains strong in the collective memory of the people. And even those with little time for sentimentality cannot turn away from the opportunity for things to be different, unlikely as it seems.

So, when Beran the mercenary - a man with his own secrets - is tasked with the murder of a young boy, the son of King Constantine, who represents the last hope for a change, he goes against all his natural inclinations and decides to deliver the boy to the one place where he has a chance of effective sanctuary - Camelot, which still holds out against the Saxon forces.

As they progress with their quest they encounter many other characters (including Tristan and Isolde), some of whom offer help. But the journey is perilous indeed, and there are no guarantees that either of them will reach Camelot safely...

This is a beautiful story that brings legends to life. Densely written, the historical content can at times seem a little overwhelming, so it demands reader's full attention. But it is well worth the effort. It gets 3.5 stars and would probably have got 4 if it had not required quite so much by the way of concentration!

Utterly magnificent. As in Lancelot (the first in the trilogy) Kristin has taken old stories and familiar characters and taken them to new places. beautifully written, gripping and full of surprises Arthur is the best of the three

This is the final part of Giles Kristian's Arthurian trilogy . What an excellent story and a real improvement on the previous book, Camelot. We meet an old knight, Beran, who is a mercenary, working for the cutthroat Nabor ap Nabor, and he has been ordered to murder a boy fleeing a burning city. He is the son of King Constantine and the grandson of High King Ambrosius. What happens after that fateful meeting in the woods when his life hangs in the balance is a story full of emotion, finality, regret for the past and lost love And we see the coming of Arthur to save Britain when all hope is lost.