What do You think about Avalon: The Return Of King Arthur (2000)?
I usually love Stephen Lawhead's books and the series that this particular book concludes is one of my favorite series but he really failed on this one. This is the story of King Arthur coming back to power but in the present day. I didn't feel like he developed the character well and you did not see enough of his "knights". Some of the passages were just hokey. I was so excited when I heard of this sixth book and when I was done I just felt he could have done so much better. It was rushed and not well thought out.
—Jeffield
This is the story of the return of Arthur after the death of King Edward, who supposedly commits suicide. It begins with a man named James Arthur Stewart who is working to retain his inheritance, Blair Morven. All looks bleak until he meets Enbries (alias Merlin) whose tale is too strange to believe. James is to be the next king of England! He who cannot even retain his inheritance? Enbries totes out the proof - birth certificate, parents, marriage certificate, and all paperwork pertaining to his past to prove it. Once James believes the fun has only begun. The political wheels turn rapidly to discount the claim and smudge his reputation. James has difficulty coping with all of this but while he is a fair, honest, and courageous man who has the interests of the people foremost in his heart he must prove it to the people of England. Enter the evil Moira (Morgian) his ancient foe in another life who strives to thwart James in his quest to be crowned king. This is quite a good read and if you enjoyed the original story of Arthur, Merlin and Morgian you will find this updated version most entertaining. I did.
—Rusty
Amazing. When the British monarch personally falls apart, and Parliament is working hard to eliminate the monarchy altogether, only a few feel the void. James Arthur Stuart would be just as happy to see it go, but he's currently embroiled in a fight to keep the house that hadn't been properly deeded when it was left to him. He's been so wrapped up in that fight and so uncertain of his future that he's ignored the girl he's always expected to marry, and she's moved on. A mysterious figure approaches him with the news that he is the legitimate heir to the throne, and suddenly James must accept the responsibility of the whole of Great Britain in order to straighten out his own life. More and more, it feels like what he was born to do, and the reader is left with little doubt that he's the best man for the job. This is an intriguing and moving book that almost turned me into a monarchist.
—Jen
