The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur

Bernard Cornwell

Apr 1997 · Warlord Chronicles Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Griffin

About this ebook

With The Winter King, the first volume of his magnificent Warlord Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell turns to the story he was born to write: the mythic saga of King Arthur. Now a major television show.

The tale begins in Dark Age Britain, a land where Arthur has been banished and Merlin has disappeared, where a child-king sits unprotected on the throne, where religion vies with magic for the souls of the people. It is to this desperate land that Arthur returns, a man at once utterly human and truly heroic: a man of honor, loyalty, and amazing valor; a man who loves Guinevere more passionately than he should; a man whose life is at once tragic and triumphant.

As Arthur fights to keep a flicker of civilization alive in a barbaric world, Bernard Cornwell makes a familiar tale into a legend all over again.

Ratings and reviews

I am a HUGE fan of his work but after 3 chapters I finally had to put this book down. not nearly as compelling as the last kingdom series

Came for Arthur stayed for Derfel. This book is perhaps the most realistic retelling of the Arthurian saga. The first few chapters are bit slow but as the plot unravels, the story truly lives up to its greats.

This book is so rich with detail I can picture myself reading it over several times and finding new treasures each time. One of the best accounts of King Arthur and the universe he inhabits. My favorite book I've read in a long time.

About the author

Bernard Cornwell, who has been called "one of the most accomplished storytellers now writing" (Kirkus Reviews) is the author of numerous international bestsellers, including the Sharpe series. He was born in Britain and now lives with his wife in Cape Cod.