I enjoyed this at least as much as the Merrily Watkins books. Phil Rickman evokes place and the power of the land on people better than I have ever read elsewhere. It was enhanced for me because having lived in the area for 20 years I was familiar with all the places.It struck me how this authentic rendition of a Tudor Glastonbury bears so much resemblance to the town today! Still full of weirdos (in the nicest possible sense).The main characters were sympathetically drawn and easy to empathise with but so much of that must be down to the excellent reading. There are few Elizabethan figures more infamous and mysterious than John Dee, the Virgin Queen's personal astrologer. Author Phil Rickman imagines a young John Dee, and sends him to Glastonbury, reputed resting place of King Arthur, on a secret quest. Rickman ups the ante by making Dee's cohort none other than Robert Dudley, the queen's favorite suitor. It isn't long before a kidnapping, a gruesome murder, and a blossoming love affair make this quest a perilous one. Any novel set among the ruins of a famous abbey and Glastonbury Tor would promise intrigue, magic, and mystery, but throw in solid historical research, brilliantly drawn characters, skillful plotting and evocative period detail, and you've got a winner. Not since Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) have I encountered as dastardly a villain as the one who holds dominion here, and the touches of the paranormal, never over the top, add to the aura of eeriness. Phil Rickman never fails to deliver, and The Bones of Avalon is one of his best. Recommended for fans of first rate historical fiction, first rate mystery, and first rate writing.
What do You think about Die Gebeine Von Avalon (2010)?
I just could not read this one. Did not like how it was written and could not "get into" it.
—Jessica
Had to push my way through this one, but not sorry I did.
—Mlrunner
Entertaining, but of his books, not my favorite.
—bytecut
