|
Browse categories
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
|
|
|
 |
|
The Winter King
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.14
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
Best author of this genre, 22 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell for me is the no 1 in historical fiction genre, and as these are his favourite set of books of all he has written, I was really looking forward to these. I have just finished the first book, and it was amazing. I think as these books are written in the Dark Ages, he is able to let his imagination go wild in a way that he couldn't in the Sharpe or Grail Quest series. This book is an interesting take on the famous Arthur legend, and in his usual way, he has done an amazing amount of research into the time period and legend, to make what is probably the most likely Arthur tale that I have read (dont expect round tables!). This book is one you just cant put down, finished it in a week! A great tale of battles, love and magic..... halfway through book 2 already!
Great beginning to a fantastic trilogy, 12 Oct 2008
This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best work and I can't disagree with him. This trilogy is also a great way to learn about the history of Britain that weaves truths in with a fantastic fictional story.
Not for me, I'm afraid, 14 Sep 2008
OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).
But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.
Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.
Over hyped poor attempt to take your money off you., 31 Aug 2008
I am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, but wow! this was boring, nothing happened. He has obviously attempted to take money out of your pocket 3 times to get to the ending. He should have cut out the boring bits (i.e 98% of the book) took the sequals and edited it all into one decent book. Instead we have to spend about 30-40 hours reading a trilogy that is full of irrelevent banter between a bunch of weirdo's, where nothing really happens. This is seriesly overhyped and a snoozefest. I tried to read it months ago but after reading 100 pages (& still no arthur) i gave up with boredom. Then i started the book again and i've just finished it (i was suicidal from the boredom) and i cant remember what happened, because nothing did happen. I will be donating this book to charity, and i hope they will enjoy it.
My favourite series of books., 12 Aug 2008
I have read all three of these books, several times because I felt so close to the characters. I found that the welsh names very off putting at first, but once you get past that, the writting is a dream. It gives you a real sense of what it would be like to live in mediaeval Briton, as well as in the times of dramatic change for the Britons after the departure of the romans.
I loved all of the characters, they felt real to me, like it was describing real people. I especially loved the way Merlin was portrayed in the books. He was sharp, yet warm and funny. These are books which I will continue to reread again and again, and they will always be special to me.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
Best author of this genre, 22 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell for me is the no 1 in historical fiction genre, and as these are his favourite set of books of all he has written, I was really looking forward to these. I have just finished the first book, and it was amazing. I think as these books are written in the Dark Ages, he is able to let his imagination go wild in a way that he couldn't in the Sharpe or Grail Quest series. This book is an interesting take on the famous Arthur legend, and in his usual way, he has done an amazing amount of research into the time period and legend, to make what is probably the most likely Arthur tale that I have read (dont expect round tables!). This book is one you just cant put down, finished it in a week! A great tale of battles, love and magic..... halfway through book 2 already!
Great beginning to a fantastic trilogy, 12 Oct 2008
This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best work and I can't disagree with him. This trilogy is also a great way to learn about the history of Britain that weaves truths in with a fantastic fictional story.
Not for me, I'm afraid, 14 Sep 2008
OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).
But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.
Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.
Over hyped poor attempt to take your money off you., 31 Aug 2008
I am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, but wow! this was boring, nothing happened. He has obviously attempted to take money out of your pocket 3 times to get to the ending. He should have cut out the boring bits (i.e 98% of the book) took the sequals and edited it all into one decent book. Instead we have to spend about 30-40 hours reading a trilogy that is full of irrelevent banter between a bunch of weirdo's, where nothing really happens. This is seriesly overhyped and a snoozefest. I tried to read it months ago but after reading 100 pages (& still no arthur) i gave up with boredom. Then i started the book again and i've just finished it (i was suicidal from the boredom) and i cant remember what happened, because nothing did happen. I will be donating this book to charity, and i hope they will enjoy it.
My favourite series of books., 12 Aug 2008
I have read all three of these books, several times because I felt so close to the characters. I found that the welsh names very off putting at first, but once you get past that, the writting is a dream. It gives you a real sense of what it would be like to live in mediaeval Briton, as well as in the times of dramatic change for the Britons after the departure of the romans.
I loved all of the characters, they felt real to me, like it was describing real people. I especially loved the way Merlin was portrayed in the books. He was sharp, yet warm and funny. These are books which I will continue to reread again and again, and they will always be special to me.
Id as blud, 25 Oct 2008
I used to read cornwell books when I was 14 and I thought they were amazing.
Recently I picked up this book again and had a quick look through and realised why the biggest fans of these books are 40 year old men and 13 year old boys.
His books contist of gory battles puncutated by erotica set in a different historical periods with a few dates and a bit of a plot thrown in (13 year old boys liking this formula becuase they are interested in sex and a box and 40 year old boys because perhaps dont get as much sex and excitment as they got when they were in their prime)
To be fair this book has a mildy engaging plot but there truly are better books, and authors out there.
Cornwell does it again, 22 Oct 2008
This is the second book in the Arthur series and Cornwell keeps up his amazingly consistant and high standards. This is his take on the Arthur legend, using much more of the 'real' story compared to the legend most of us know now. He has incorporated some modern additions to the legend such as Merlin, Lancelot, the Round Table and Camelot, however being Bernard Cornwell he does not deliver these in a standard way, he has his own twist! I agree a little with the other review on here, he recaps a lot of Book 1 on the assumption it may have been a long time for readers in between books, however if you read them in sequence like I did, it is a little annoying. However this is my only small critiscm, and this book is another historical fiction classic.... leaves Britain in turmoil as usual and cannot wait to finish the 3rd and final in the series....
Enemy of sleep!, 13 Jun 2008
this trilogy held my attention, this book particularly with its indepth look at battles, territory and the like. My criticism, for there is one, remains the same as my criticism of the last book and indeed the overall saga, all that spitting! Endlessly recited. He spat. OK, they did it to avert evil but one would think they spent their lives averting evil as they were spitting at every conceivable moment of their lives. It spoiled an otherwise very good series.
2nd part of the greatest Trilogy ever written, 22 Oct 2007
Continues on from The Winter King and skillfully handles many well known elements of the Arthurian legends such as Tristan, Lancelot and Guineveire's 'romance' and the Grail in a realistic well thought out way. The narrator of the story, Derfel Cadarn,friend of Arthur is on top form and brings to life a very realistic view of life in 500AD.
The use of the bitches against the war-dogs during one of the battles against the saxons was brilliant and cunning Merlin and Nimue are again on top Form here. If you can get hold of it try listening to Tim-pigott Smiths audio cassette of this trilogy, he reads it wonderfully and why its not been released on CD yet i dont understand.
Highly Recommended
Amazing continuation of a great saga, 10 Aug 2007
After the great "Winter King" here is the equally splendid second part of the trilogy. Bernard Cornwell managed to keep exactly the same very high level of storytelling and all day life and nature description. The story never gets boring and, even for people knowing the story of Saxon invasions and having some knowledge of Arthurian mythos, there are surprises in every chapter. Author's (and narrator's) dislike of Christianism is even stronger in this book that in the previous, so religious people can be somehow schocked, but still it is a great read.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
Best author of this genre, 22 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell for me is the no 1 in historical fiction genre, and as these are his favourite set of books of all he has written, I was really looking forward to these. I have just finished the first book, and it was amazing. I think as these books are written in the Dark Ages, he is able to let his imagination go wild in a way that he couldn't in the Sharpe or Grail Quest series. This book is an interesting take on the famous Arthur legend, and in his usual way, he has done an amazing amount of research into the time period and legend, to make what is probably the most likely Arthur tale that I have read (dont expect round tables!). This book is one you just cant put down, finished it in a week! A great tale of battles, love and magic..... halfway through book 2 already!
Great beginning to a fantastic trilogy, 12 Oct 2008
This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best work and I can't disagree with him. This trilogy is also a great way to learn about the history of Britain that weaves truths in with a fantastic fictional story.
Not for me, I'm afraid, 14 Sep 2008
OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).
But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.
Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.
Over hyped poor attempt to take your money off you., 31 Aug 2008
I am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, but wow! this was boring, nothing happened. He has obviously attempted to take money out of your pocket 3 times to get to the ending. He should have cut out the boring bits (i.e 98% of the book) took the sequals and edited it all into one decent book. Instead we have to spend about 30-40 hours reading a trilogy that is full of irrelevent banter between a bunch of weirdo's, where nothing really happens. This is seriesly overhyped and a snoozefest. I tried to read it months ago but after reading 100 pages (& still no arthur) i gave up with boredom. Then i started the book again and i've just finished it (i was suicidal from the boredom) and i cant remember what happened, because nothing did happen. I will be donating this book to charity, and i hope they will enjoy it.
My favourite series of books., 12 Aug 2008
I have read all three of these books, several times because I felt so close to the characters. I found that the welsh names very off putting at first, but once you get past that, the writting is a dream. It gives you a real sense of what it would be like to live in mediaeval Briton, as well as in the times of dramatic change for the Britons after the departure of the romans.
I loved all of the characters, they felt real to me, like it was describing real people. I especially loved the way Merlin was portrayed in the books. He was sharp, yet warm and funny. These are books which I will continue to reread again and again, and they will always be special to me.
Id as blud, 25 Oct 2008
I used to read cornwell books when I was 14 and I thought they were amazing.
Recently I picked up this book again and had a quick look through and realised why the biggest fans of these books are 40 year old men and 13 year old boys.
His books contist of gory battles puncutated by erotica set in a different historical periods with a few dates and a bit of a plot thrown in (13 year old boys liking this formula becuase they are interested in sex and a box and 40 year old boys because perhaps dont get as much sex and excitment as they got when they were in their prime)
To be fair this book has a mildy engaging plot but there truly are better books, and authors out there.
Cornwell does it again, 22 Oct 2008
This is the second book in the Arthur series and Cornwell keeps up his amazingly consistant and high standards. This is his take on the Arthur legend, using much more of the 'real' story compared to the legend most of us know now. He has incorporated some modern additions to the legend such as Merlin, Lancelot, the Round Table and Camelot, however being Bernard Cornwell he does not deliver these in a standard way, he has his own twist! I agree a little with the other review on here, he recaps a lot of Book 1 on the assumption it may have been a long time for readers in between books, however if you read them in sequence like I did, it is a little annoying. However this is my only small critiscm, and this book is another historical fiction classic.... leaves Britain in turmoil as usual and cannot wait to finish the 3rd and final in the series....
Enemy of sleep!, 13 Jun 2008
this trilogy held my attention, this book particularly with its indepth look at battles, territory and the like. My criticism, for there is one, remains the same as my criticism of the last book and indeed the overall saga, all that spitting! Endlessly recited. He spat. OK, they did it to avert evil but one would think they spent their lives averting evil as they were spitting at every conceivable moment of their lives. It spoiled an otherwise very good series.
2nd part of the greatest Trilogy ever written, 22 Oct 2007
Continues on from The Winter King and skillfully handles many well known elements of the Arthurian legends such as Tristan, Lancelot and Guineveire's 'romance' and the Grail in a realistic well thought out way. The narrator of the story, Derfel Cadarn,friend of Arthur is on top form and brings to life a very realistic view of life in 500AD.
The use of the bitches against the war-dogs during one of the battles against the saxons was brilliant and cunning Merlin and Nimue are again on top Form here. If you can get hold of it try listening to Tim-pigott Smiths audio cassette of this trilogy, he reads it wonderfully and why its not been released on CD yet i dont understand.
Highly Recommended
Amazing continuation of a great saga, 10 Aug 2007
After the great "Winter King" here is the equally splendid second part of the trilogy. Bernard Cornwell managed to keep exactly the same very high level of storytelling and all day life and nature description. The story never gets boring and, even for people knowing the story of Saxon invasions and having some knowledge of Arthurian mythos, there are surprises in every chapter. Author's (and narrator's) dislike of Christianism is even stronger in this book that in the previous, so religious people can be somehow schocked, but still it is a great read.
BEST TALKING BOOK EVER, 31 Jan 2008
At once i loved this Talkingbook It was a brilliant find and i really loved it
Disappointing, 09 Nov 2006
I was so disappointed by this audio CD. The actor has a voice similar to Julian Clary and mispronounces some of the characters names! It could have been done a lot better.
Graphically gruesome in places, my rising 6 year old had nightmares. The Greek Myths are much loved in our house. We have books and audio books and this is the first disappointment.
Keeps the kids happy on long car journeys, 02 Aug 2006
We purchased this CD on the basis of another Amazon review and weren't disappointed. Ths kids (aged 8 & 6) love the stories (Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts among others) and the CD is requested on every car journey! It's a painless way of getting a bit of knowledge/history into us all. The stories are re-told in modern language with some music thrown in for effect at key points, which all adds to the effect. The narrator has a pleasant voice (important when these CDs are played repeatedly!) and even though we all know the stories backward now, enjoy them still.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
Best author of this genre, 22 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell for me is the no 1 in historical fiction genre, and as these are his favourite set of books of all he has written, I was really looking forward to these. I have just finished the first book, and it was amazing. I think as these books are written in the Dark Ages, he is able to let his imagination go wild in a way that he couldn't in the Sharpe or Grail Quest series. This book is an interesting take on the famous Arthur legend, and in his usual way, he has done an amazing amount of research into the time period and legend, to make what is probably the most likely Arthur tale that I have read (dont expect round tables!). This book is one you just cant put down, finished it in a week! A great tale of battles, love and magic..... halfway through book 2 already!
Great beginning to a fantastic trilogy, 12 Oct 2008
This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best work and I can't disagree with him. This trilogy is also a great way to learn about the history of Britain that weaves truths in with a fantastic fictional story.
Not for me, I'm afraid, 14 Sep 2008
OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).
But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.
Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.
Over hyped poor attempt to take your money off you., 31 Aug 2008
I am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, but wow! this was boring, nothing happened. He has obviously attempted to take money out of your pocket 3 times to get to the ending. He should have cut out the boring bits (i.e 98% of the book) took the sequals and edited it all into one decent book. Instead we have to spend about 30-40 hours reading a trilogy that is full of irrelevent banter between a bunch of weirdo's, where nothing really happens. This is seriesly overhyped and a snoozefest. I tried to read it months ago but after reading 100 pages (& still no arthur) i gave up with boredom. Then i started the book again and i've just finished it (i was suicidal from the boredom) and i cant remember what happened, because nothing did happen. I will be donating this book to charity, and i hope they will enjoy it.
My favourite series of books., 12 Aug 2008
I have read all three of these books, several times because I felt so close to the characters. I found that the welsh names very off putting at first, but once you get past that, the writting is a dream. It gives you a real sense of what it would be like to live in mediaeval Briton, as well as in the times of dramatic change for the Britons after the departure of the romans.
I loved all of the characters, they felt real to me, like it was describing real people. I especially loved the way Merlin was portrayed in the books. He was sharp, yet warm and funny. These are books which I will continue to reread again and again, and they will always be special to me.
Id as blud, 25 Oct 2008
I used to read cornwell books when I was 14 and I thought they were amazing.
Recently I picked up this book again and had a quick look through and realised why the biggest fans of these books are 40 year old men and 13 year old boys.
His books contist of gory battles puncutated by erotica set in a different historical periods with a few dates and a bit of a plot thrown in (13 year old boys liking this formula becuase they are interested in sex and a box and 40 year old boys because perhaps dont get as much sex and excitment as they got when they were in their prime)
To be fair this book has a mildy engaging plot but there truly are better books, and authors out there.
Cornwell does it again, 22 Oct 2008
This is the second book in the Arthur series and Cornwell keeps up his amazingly consistant and high standards. This is his take on the Arthur legend, using much more of the 'real' story compared to the legend most of us know now. He has incorporated some modern additions to the legend such as Merlin, Lancelot, the Round Table and Camelot, however being Bernard Cornwell he does not deliver these in a standard way, he has his own twist! I agree a little with the other review on here, he recaps a lot of Book 1 on the assumption it may have been a long time for readers in between books, however if you read them in sequence like I did, it is a little annoying. However this is my only small critiscm, and this book is another historical fiction classic.... leaves Britain in turmoil as usual and cannot wait to finish the 3rd and final in the series....
Enemy of sleep!, 13 Jun 2008
this trilogy held my attention, this book particularly with its indepth look at battles, territory and the like. My criticism, for there is one, remains the same as my criticism of the last book and indeed the overall saga, all that spitting! Endlessly recited. He spat. OK, they did it to avert evil but one would think they spent their lives averting evil as they were spitting at every conceivable moment of their lives. It spoiled an otherwise very good series.
2nd part of the greatest Trilogy ever written, 22 Oct 2007
Continues on from The Winter King and skillfully handles many well known elements of the Arthurian legends such as Tristan, Lancelot and Guineveire's 'romance' and the Grail in a realistic well thought out way. The narrator of the story, Derfel Cadarn,friend of Arthur is on top form and brings to life a very realistic view of life in 500AD.
The use of the bitches against the war-dogs during one of the battles against the saxons was brilliant and cunning Merlin and Nimue are again on top Form here. If you can get hold of it try listening to Tim-pigott Smiths audio cassette of this trilogy, he reads it wonderfully and why its not been released on CD yet i dont understand.
Highly Recommended
Amazing continuation of a great saga, 10 Aug 2007
After the great "Winter King" here is the equally splendid second part of the trilogy. Bernard Cornwell managed to keep exactly the same very high level of storytelling and all day life and nature description. The story never gets boring and, even for people knowing the story of Saxon invasions and having some knowledge of Arthurian mythos, there are surprises in every chapter. Author's (and narrator's) dislike of Christianism is even stronger in this book that in the previous, so religious people can be somehow schocked, but still it is a great read.
BEST TALKING BOOK EVER, 31 Jan 2008
At once i loved this Talkingbook It was a brilliant find and i really loved it
Disappointing, 09 Nov 2006
I was so disappointed by this audio CD. The actor has a voice similar to Julian Clary and mispronounces some of the characters names! It could have been done a lot better.
Graphically gruesome in places, my rising 6 year old had nightmares. The Greek Myths are much loved in our house. We have books and audio books and this is the first disappointment.
Keeps the kids happy on long car journeys, 02 Aug 2006
We purchased this CD on the basis of another Amazon review and weren't disappointed. Ths kids (aged 8 & 6) love the stories (Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts among others) and the CD is requested on every car journey! It's a painless way of getting a bit of knowledge/history into us all. The stories are re-told in modern language with some music thrown in for effect at key points, which all adds to the effect. The narrator has a pleasant voice (important when these CDs are played repeatedly!) and even though we all know the stories backward now, enjoy them still.
amazing a must have, 21 Mar 2006
very clear and easy to understand and read. full of interesting and factual information but presented in an exciting way. Absolutly fascinating! a must have for all historians or anyone hus interested in ancient civilisations.
covers a huge variety of different stories, myths, legends etc.
All in all an excellent book definatly 5 stars and definatly worth reading.
Really captures the heart of Greek Myth, 20 May 1998
This book is among the best myhology books I have ever read. It is expanded to the best and most popular of Greek Myths. For example, The Labors of Hercules, The Quest for the Golden Fleece and more.
|
|
|
 |
|
Hogfather (Discworld)
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
|
*Amazon: £3.98
|
|
Product Description
What could more genuinely embody the spirit of Christmas (or Hogswatch, on the Discworld) than a Terry Pratchett book about the holiday season? Every secular Christmas tradition is included. But as this is the 21st Discworld novel, there are some unusual twists. This year the Auditors, who want people to stop believing in things that aren't real, have hired an assassin to eliminate the Hogfather. (You know him: red robe, white beard, says, "Ho, ho, ho!") Their evil plot will destroy the Discworld unless someone covers for him. So someone does. Well, at least Death tries. He wears the costume and rides the sleigh drawn by four jolly pigs: Gouger, Tusker, Rooter and Snouter. He even comes down chimneys. But as fans of other Pratchett stories about Death know, he takes things literally. He gives children whatever they wish for and appears in person at Crumley's in The Maul. Fans will welcome back Susan, Death of Rats (the Grim Squeaker), Albert and the wizardly faculty of Unseen University and revel in new personalities like Bilious, the "oh god of Hangovers." But you needn't have read Pratchett before to laugh uproariously and think seriously about the meanings of Christmas. --Nona Vero, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tale, wonderfully read, 21 May 2006
You will want to listen to it again and again. I am in my twenties and listened to it on the long drive to work. Suitable for all ages!
Will Arthur ever find his peace? A great end to the trilogy, 28 Oct 2008
The third and final book of the Arthur/warlord trilogy is again a Bernard Cornwell classic. Not many authors have his ability for you to get into the heads of their characters in the same way he manages. You are so immersed in them, the story and the time period that it gives you an extra depth when you read his work. Our heroes think that maybe at last they have found a lasting peace for Britain..... of course that could never do! With twists, plots and power hungry rulers, there is still plenty for them left to fix. Cornwells interpretation of the Arthur legend is based on the stories from the time, rather than the much later Arthur legends which were written over 500 years later. This gives a much more believable Arthur legend than many others. He has included many of the later additions to the legend such as the round table, Camelot and alike so as not to make the story too different to the one we all grew up with, however still keeps the story in the dark ages as it was meant to be. An excellent end to the set and for me unfortunately only a couple more of his novels left to read.....
Cutting through the nonsense with Excalibur, 13 Jun 2008
Remembering first and foremost that this is myth wrapped into fiction, a dangerous mix at the best of times, this is far and away the best of the 3 books in the trilogy. However, the whole trilogy was spoiled for me by the incessant 'he spat' to the point when I began to believe that Southern England is a place of bogs and marshland due to the amount of saliva spat into it during Saxon times. Unfortunately an author does tend to fasten onto a word (with Martina Cole, for example, in Faces, it was 'sipped') and they do not realise they are overdoing it to an alarming degree. This is where the editor should be taking note and they aren't.
Having said that, this trilogy far outweighs the Holy Grail books in both content and characterisation, even if Arthur is nowhere near the heroic figure he deserves to be and Lancelot is more cowardly than I presumed him to be. But that is entirely a matter of opinion. Enjoy the books. He won't write better than these.
Inspiring, 23 Mar 2008
These are the finest books that I have ever read. They tell the tale of King Arthur in the dark ages in a way that makes you believe in such men, or certainly hope they existed. The story is brilliantly told through the writings of the main character Derfel Cadarn and these books blend the myth of King Arthur with what little is known of those times. Derfel tells the tales with such heart that you can almost feel the landscapes and characters he describes, from the mischievous Merlin to the imperious Guinevere. Quite simply, buy these books and treasure them.
A magnificent ending to my all time favorite trilogy., 22 Oct 2007
All the unanswered treads from the previous two books are sorted out here, the Battle of Mount Badon is proberbly the best described and gripping battle i have ever read. The last 100 pages ore amazing and the ending, as you would expect very sad. I only wish Bernard Cornwell would write about what happened to the surviving Charactors from between the end of the book and the start when Derfel is an old Monk re-telling the tale that only he and sly Bishop Sansum remember living through. Maybe he feels some stories should not be told and that we dont need all the answers? Overall the best book in what in my opinion is the Greatest trilogy ever written, highly recommended, now will someone make this series into a movie or tv series (without ruining it!)
The trilogy ends - but what an ending!, 10 Aug 2007
And three! Bernard Cornwell managed to finish his Warlord trilogy with another masterpiece - and this is not a small achievement. So many promising book and movies fail at the finish! So here we have a slow buildup leading us to the inavoidable wagnerian great finale! I just loved this book - and loved the whole trilogy. And I will not reveal anything - be surprised. And delighted, although it will be a sad delight.... as you can expect from the end of King Arthur story.
Best author of this genre, 22 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell for me is the no 1 in historical fiction genre, and as these are his favourite set of books of all he has written, I was really looking forward to these. I have just finished the first book, and it was amazing. I think as these books are written in the Dark Ages, he is able to let his imagination go wild in a way that he couldn't in the Sharpe or Grail Quest series. This book is an interesting take on the famous Arthur legend, and in his usual way, he has done an amazing amount of research into the time period and legend, to make what is probably the most likely Arthur tale that I have read (dont expect round tables!). This book is one you just cant put down, finished it in a week! A great tale of battles, love and magic..... halfway through book 2 already!
Great beginning to a fantastic trilogy, 12 Oct 2008
This is the journey of a young man called Derfel becoming a warrior lord around the Arthurian Legends - the story is Inventive and wonderfully descriptive, which brings all the characters to life. The story has an earthy realism feel to it and keeps you wanting the main character Derfel to be safe throughout all the battles and challenges he comes up against. This is my all time favourite trilogy, its great escapism and wonderfully written. Bernard Cornwell in an interview said this was his best work and I can't disagree with him. This trilogy is also a great way to learn about the history of Britain that weaves truths in with a fantastic fictional story.
Not for me, I'm afraid, 14 Sep 2008
OK, I give up. I wanted to like this, I really did. As a teenager I read and loved Frans Bengtsson's "The Long Ships", and I was hoping to recapture some of that chilly evocation of the dark ages; this "authentic" Arthurian trilogy is supposed to be among Cornwell's best work (and is indeed his own favourite).
But it just didn't do it. Lots of Celtic names, lots of "he said, she said", lots of fighting... but zero engagement with this reader; I didn't make it to the end.
Sorry Bernard, but this (and its two sequels) are going back to the charity shop.
Over hyped poor attempt to take your money off you., 31 Aug 2008
I am a fan of Bernard Cornwell, but wow! this was boring, nothing happened. He has obviously attempted to take money out of your pocket 3 times to get to the ending. He should have cut out the boring bits (i.e 98% of the book) took the sequals and edited it all into one decent book. Instead we have to spend about 30-40 hours reading a trilogy that is full of irrelevent banter between a bunch of weirdo's, where nothing really happens. This is seriesly overhyped and a snoozefest. I tried to read it months ago but after reading 100 pages (& still no arthur) i gave up with boredom. Then i started the book again and i've just finished it (i was suicidal from the boredom) and i cant remember what happened, because nothing did happen. I will be donating this book to charity, and i hope they will enjoy it.
My favourite series of books., 12 Aug 2008
I have read all three of these books, several times because I felt so close to the characters. I found that the welsh names very off putting at first, but once you get past that, the writting is a dream. It gives you a real sense of what it would be like to live in mediaeval Briton, as well as in the times of dramatic change for the Britons after the departure of the romans.
I loved all of the characters, they felt real to me, like it was describing real people. I especially loved the way Merlin was portrayed in the books. He was sharp, yet warm and funny. These are books which I will continue to reread again and again, and they will always be special to me.
Id as blud, 25 Oct 2008
I used to read cornwell books when I was 14 and I thought they were amazing.
Recently I picked up this book again and had a quick look through and realised why the biggest fans of these books are 40 year old men and 13 year old boys.
His books contist of gory battles puncutated by erotica set in a different historical periods with a few dates and a bit of a plot thrown in (13 year old boys liking this formula becuase they are interested in sex and a box and 40 year old boys because perhaps dont get as much sex and excitment as they got when they were in their prime)
To be fair this book has a mildy engaging plot but there truly are better books, and authors out there.
Cornwell does it again, 22 Oct 2008
This is the second book in the Arthur series and Cornwell keeps up his amazingly consistant and high standards. This is his take on the Arthur legend, using much more of the 'real' story compared to the legend most of us know now. He has incorporated some modern additions to the legend such as Merlin, Lancelot, the Round Table and Camelot, however being Bernard Cornwell he does not deliver these in a standard way, he has his own twist! I agree a little with the other review on here, he recaps a lot of Book 1 on the assumption it may have been a long time for readers in between books, however if you read them in sequence like I did, it is a little annoying. However this is my only small critiscm, and this book is another historical fiction classic.... leaves Britain in turmoil as usual and cannot wait to finish the 3rd and final in the series....
Enemy of sleep!, 13 Jun 2008
this trilogy held my attention, this book particularly with its indepth look at battles, territory and the like. My criticism, for there is one, remains the same as my criticism of the last book and indeed the overall saga, all that spitting! Endlessly recited. He spat. OK, they did it to avert evil but one would think they spent their lives averting evil as they were spitting at every conceivable moment of their lives. It spoiled an otherwise very good series.
2nd part of the greatest Trilogy ever written, 22 Oct 2007
Continues on from The Winter King and skillfully handles many well known elements of the Arthurian legends such as Tristan, Lancelot and Guineveire's 'romance' and the Grail in a realistic well thought out way. The narrator of the story, Derfel Cadarn,friend of Arthur is on top form and brings to life a very realistic view of life in 500AD.
The use of the bitches against the war-dogs during one of the battles against the saxons was brilliant and cunning Merlin and Nimue are again on top Form here. If you can get hold of it try listening to Tim-pigott Smiths audio cassette of this trilogy, he reads it wonderfully and why its not been released on CD yet i dont understand.
Highly Recommended
Amazing continuation of a great saga, 10 Aug 2007
After the great "Winter King" here is the equally splendid second part of the trilogy. Bernard Cornwell managed to keep exactly the same very high level of storytelling and all day life and nature description. The story never gets boring and, even for people knowing the story of Saxon invasions and having some knowledge of Arthurian mythos, there are surprises in every chapter. Author's (and narrator's) dislike of Christianism is even stronger in this book that in the previous, so religious people can be somehow schocked, but still it is a great read.
BEST TALKING BOOK EVER, 31 Jan 2008
At once i loved this Talkingbook It was a brilliant find and i really loved it
Disappointing, 09 Nov 2006
I was so disappointed by this audio CD. The actor has a voice similar to Julian Clary and mispronounces some of the characters names! It could have been done a lot better.
Graphically gruesome in places, my rising 6 year old had nightmares. The Greek Myths are much loved in our house. We have books and audio books and this is the first disappointment.
Keeps the kids happy on long car journeys, 02 Aug 2006
We purchased this CD on the basis of another Amazon review and weren't disappointed. Ths kids (aged 8 & 6) love the stories (Heracles, Theseus, Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts among others) and the CD is requested on every car journey! It's a painless way of getting a bit of knowledge/history into us all. The stories are re-told in modern language with some music thrown in for effect at key points, which all adds to the effect. The narrator has a pleasant voice (important when these CDs are played repeatedly!) and even though we all know the stories backward now, enjoy them still.
amazing a must have, 21 Mar 2006
very clear and easy to understand and read. full of interesting and factual information but presented in an exciting way. Absolutly fascinating! a must have for all historians or anyone hus interested in ancient civilisations.
covers a huge variety of different stories, myths, legends etc.
All in all an excellent book definatly 5 stars and definatly worth reading.
Really captures the heart of Greek Myth, 20 May 1998
This book is among the best myhology books I have ever read. It is expanded to the best and most popular of Greek Myths. For example, The Labors of Hercules, The Quest for the Golden Fleece and more.
Abridged ... but still a good story, 17 Feb 2008
This was my first Pratchett audio books and, though abridged, was a joy to listen to, especially when travelling.
I love the way Tony Robinson (not one of my favourite actors) voices the characters, it is virtually perfect. I would love to see him narrate the entire book, rather than the abridged version.
ISIS books produce the unabridged version - but a quick word of advice - Nigel Planer is deadpan with little alteration in his voice. At times he appears bored with the story, pausing where there shouldn't be pauses and placing emphasis (when he gets round to it) where it shouldn't be. It appears to be a paycheque for Planer.
Robinson, on the otherhand, appears to be a Pratchett fan, is narration is full of the depth of the true connoisseur.
Overall, abridged or not, I'd sooner have Robinson than Planer.
One final comment about the ISIS audio books - avoid the MP3 versions which have every chapter on one single disc. The chapters don't run properly due to the numbering system that they are using for the individual tracks. Instead of 01, 02 ... 10, 11, etc they have used 1, 2, 3, etc meaning that you start on track 1 then move to track 10, 11, etc. If you are after a straight run without problems, fork out the extra money and buy the multi disc versions, you can play these anywhere on any system.
If you're new to Pratchett, or travelling, or going into hospital, then the abridged version are well worth having.
What kinds of strange and curious creatures do you think exist ?, 30 Dec 2007
Thanks to this book I am now acquainted with all kinds of possible and impossible beings. I have read all the Discworld novels and I can say, that this one is one of the best. I especially liked the idea of tod taking over the job of the missing Hogfather - with Nobby sitting on his bony knees waiting for a present. Hard to put down!! Let me also recommend reading Tino Georgiou's bestseller--The Fates--if you missed it!
BEWARE: ABRIDGED, 16 Oct 2007
Nowhere on the description of this audiobook on Amazon is there any mention of the fact that it is abridged and is not in fact a narration of the book as in, for example, Harry Potter, but essentially only a summary, being only 3 cds long.
I bought this and "Making Money" and the reading by Tony Robinson is superb, but I would recommend anybody who wants the proper full version to buy the unabridged version (Nigel Planer, Harper Audio) for another 10 US dollars.
Basically a great book was ruined by the felling of having been totally ripped off: Amazon - please show clearly when an audiobook is abridged or risk your customers feeling conned!
A pure delight and a histerically funny tale about a different Christmas... and "haute cuisine", 31 Aug 2007
I confess immediately that I am addicted to Pratchett and greatly enjoyed almost all of the Discworld novels - and here is what I consider his second best (number 1 in my book being "Small gods"). And Pratchett's second best is still a great masterpiece. The story is quite simple - on the Discworld there is no Christmas, but instead there is the (almost identical) Hogwatch Night. So the local Santa Claus is of course called the Hogfather. And this year there is a major problem - the Hogfather is missing and there is an urgent need for a remplacement, a back up, an interim, whatever, but the Hogwatch Night must go on! Children are waiting for their toys and a merry "ho, ho, ho".
Now, in order to replace the Hogfather, the candidate must have some important qualities: he must be a supernatural being. He must have the ability to be in many places in the same time. He must be able to travel instantly from one point to another. He must have a long experience in supernatural work necessary to keep the world in order. And the most important - he must have a 100% success in his previous line od duty. So, what do you think, who will get the job? Well, I am certain you have already guessed....
The very idea of replacing the Hogfather (Santa Claus) by... well, the guy who replaces him, was already a great idea. But it gets better. The author actually managed to keep this idea under good control, avoiding all the traps and producing an incredible amount of smart gags, funny jokes and delicious one liners, when in the same time always keeping the good taste and never allowing himself even one vulgarity. Great achievement!
But after all, most of Pratchett books are like that. So, what makes this one a masterpiece? It is the "haute cuisine" moment. Now, Pratchett always claimed that "cuisine" and food are two different things - and in this book he proves his point, describing the best and the most expensive restaurant in Ankh Morpork struggling to serve dinner to customers without any real food! Some knowledge of French will be required to appreciate this fragment of the book (or at least a French English dictionary) but otherwise this is probably the most intelligent and funniest (the most tasty) gag in all Pratchett's works until now.
To conclude, this work is a treasure - go get it! There is no excuse - you have to read it!
One of the best books I've read., 24 Jul 2007
I read this book about 3 years ago but I still reckon it's one of the best Pratchett books I've read so far. I think it's just written very well as well as being very interesting. It seemed to draw me into it's pages more-so than any other Pratchett book.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Customer Reviews
Absolutely brilliant, 02 Oct 2008
My 7 year old son loves audio books and we have lots! He likes King Arthur tales but they can often be quite difficult to read and understand. However this is read brilliantly and we have both been gripped. Admittedly I have quite often had to pause it and explain parts but it is read in chapters which gives you convenient places to recap. We have listened travelling to and from school and for 3 nights we sat in the car on the drive listening to see what happens. This is a great next step if they are getting a little to old for 'Stories for 5/6/7 year olds" audio books. It really is great. Buy it!
Fantastic - must have!, 15 Aug 2008
I bought this for my five year old son to listen to for our holiday in France. The idea was to entertain whilst driving - it was fantastic - both me and my husband loved it just as much as our son. Sean Bean has a wonderful voice - a great story teller. It had us all in tears - magical! If you are thinking of buying this - go for it - you wont be disappointed!
anon from Camberley, 04 Feb 2008
Loved it, as do my 4yr old and 6 yr old. listened to it on the way to school and like the other reviewer had to stop myself carrying on once I had dropped off the children. So good to hear one of the classics as well, reminds me of my childhood!!
Just brilliant, 04 Jan 2007
If you are interested in this CD enough to read the reviews then take it from me, you are safe to go ahead and buy it. I got this CD for Christmas and it really delivered on every front.
The adaptation itself is brilliant. It covers most of the main events in the classic Arthur legends and gets through them at a cracking pace without ever compromising the epic nature of the stories. The classical music works very well and compliments the production nicely.
Sean Bean gives a first class reading. I've never been a big fan of his 'grim northener' srceen persona but here he uses his distinctive voice to great effect. Children who know him from the Lord of the Rings movies will find a lot to enjoy here,
The CD does not skip over some of the sexual elements and complicated relationships from the legends but manages to convey the events in a way that should be appropriate for most families who want to listen to this together on a car journey or something similair.
I can't give this CD enough praise. I listened to 25 - 30 audio books last year and this one really stood out as a wonderful production. When I finished I listened to the whole thing over again. It also sparked my interest in the Authorian legend and led me on to further reading, I can think of no higher recommendation then that.
Beautiful tal | | |