Background
Published in July of 2024, “Excalibur The Chronicles of Arthur” is the first book in The Arthurian Chronicles series by Peter Gibbons. Set in Dark Age Britain, the novel reimagines the legend of King Arthur, focusing on his rise as a formidable warlord. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britain is fragmented and vulnerable to Saxon invasions. Arthur, empowered by the druid Merlin and the legendary sword Excalibur, embarks on a quest to unite the fractured land and repel the Saxon threat. Gibbons’ portrayal emphasizes the brutal realities of the era, offering a fresh and action-packed retelling of the Arthurian saga.
My Thoughts
This is not the usual Arthurian Legend. Merlin hands the sword to Arthur and there really isn’t anything special about him. The book is violent and even brutal at times, yet it was well written. I felt it was true to the time period and Gibbons writes a compelling story.
Recommendation
This isn’t for everyone, but I’m excited for the next volume to come out.