AudioBook Review: Stars Overall: 4 Narration: 4 Story: 5 Everyone is somewhat familiar with the Arthurian legends and the story of the King and the Knights of the Round Table. Far from a very familiar feel, although presenting many of the characters in a new and different way, Gillian Bradshaw has retold the familiar story with several new twists, all unique and refreshing, that make for a wonderful story. In the start of this story we are told of Gwalchmai’s (Sir Gawain) is starting a quest to find a long lost love that he wronged, Elidan. Used to set up the story Gwalchmai’s distraction and rather dry retelling of the history leave us with only his perspective, and while his regret is evident I most certainly would have appreciated seeing the events in real time, rather than in this retelling. Gwalchmai’s travels bring him to stay with Rhys’ family, where dazzled with the knight and the possibility of more, he asks to sign on as his servant. From here, the story starts to gain traction with Rhys gaining in confidence and knowledge as the story unfolds. Particularly apt is Rhys’ ability in narrating the story, presenting information with his own observations, often spot on. Unlike any other Arthurian Tale that I have read, this story manages to present a twist to the story that makes it feel very plausible and real. The world of Arthurian Britain is described with great detail and beautiful prose – sure to please history fans. There are two love stories here, that conceivably be stretched to three if the early infatuation and fascination that Rhys had with Arthur’s warband could be counted. A brief love soon cleared of its shine as Rhys is quickly learning the consequences of all actions. Narration is provided by Nicole Quinn who aptly manages the often twisted pronunciation of names and places, many carrying the feel of the often-unpronounceable Welsh. Her own accent, and lack of great pretention in presenting the various characters, her smooth transitions and seamless transition from prose to poetic are easy to listen to and present the story with flair. Layered with description, imagined history, danger, sorcery and the classic good versus evil conflict that fuels the story of Arthur, this is a wonderful twist on the familiar story. Best read after Hawk of May to have the full understanding, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. I received an AudioBook copy of the title via AudioBook Jukebox for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
My wife and I just finished reading this worthy follow-up to Bradshaw's great novel, Hawk of May. In fact, I like this one considerably better than Hawk of May.The Kingdom of Summer continues the story of Gwalchmai and Arthur's warriors, but this time it is from the perspective of a simple Christian farmer who longs to contribute anything he can to preserving the light of the Roman empire. Although I am a history fanatic and was greatly impressed by the historical basis for Hawk of May, I was relieved that The Kingdom of Summer was less bogged down with facts and more involved in the characters' emotions and actions. Plot Synopsis: Gwalchmai, Arthur's greatest warrior, has been wandering Britain alone in the winter in search of the woman he loves. He has not seen her for eight years and yearns to see her, just to ask forgiveness for his long-ago trespasses against her. Gwalchmai agrees to take a farmer, Rhys, as his servant, and together they set out to accomplish a task given them by the emperor of Britain, Arthur.I highly recommend this fine novel of fantasy to any lover of history, fantasy, or Arthurian legend. I can't wait to read the final in the series, In Winter's Shadow.
What do You think about Kingdom Of Summer (1992)?
This book comes a lot closer to the "official" version of Gawain's character than does the previous book, but the plot still has very little to do with the main Arthur/Lancelot/Guenevere triangle that most think of when they think of the story. As I understand it, that story is told in the last book of the trilogy. But even aspects of the main King Arthur legend that do show up are quite divergent from the traditional version.I really enjoyed both Rhys's character and that of an adult Gwalchmai. The story being told from Rhys's point of view leads a little bit of separation from the main action, which is a bit of a shame since the plot is more developed and intricate than it was in Hawk of May yet it seems less immediate.I'm looking forward to the last book, if nothing else to see how Ms. Bradshaw incorporates her twists in the characters and magical world into the main legend.
—Melanti
Book Two in this Arthurian trilogy. Gwalchmai, a knight of Arthur's court seeks his lost love Elidan to ask her forgiveness for his killing of her brother, a rival king to Arthur. The usual Arthurian characters play pivotal roles including evil queen Morgawse and her son Medraut , Arthur's son. Told by Gwalchmai's servant Rhys there is plenty of action describing the battle between the darkness and the light. If darkness and the Saxons win the world, as they knew it, will be pitched into darkness for generations. Hence an explanation albeit a romantic one for the Dark Ages.
—Kate
KINGDOM OF SUMMER by Gillian Bradshaw is an interesting historical fiction/fantasy set in England during Arthurian era.It is the second in the trilogy.It has cruelty,kindness,justice,darkness,witchcraft,sorcery,King Arthur's followers,magic,courage,witches,knights and heros. This the story of Sir Gwalchmai,aka Sir Gawain. Who armed only with his magic sword and his otherworldly horse,he will prove to be a faithful warrior of King Arthur.Sir Gawain and his faithful servant Rhys while trying to find the woman Sir Gawain loved but committed a grave offense to will encounter an evil force,his mother,the witch-queen Morgawse.Sir Gawain will learn secrets from his past that may deny him his peace. This is a new tale to an old story of King Arthur and his noble knights. A wonderful retelling of the King Arthur legend that will appear to a wide variety of readers.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher.Details can be found at Sourcebooks,Landmark, a division of Sourcebooks,Inc.and My Book Addiction Reviews.
—April
