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50 pages 1 hour read

The Winter King

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995

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Book Brief

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Bernard Cornwell

The Winter King

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1995
Book Details
Pages

431

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Britannia • Post-Roman

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell is a grim reimagining of the King Arthur legend set after the fall of the Roman Empire, following the monk Derfel Cadarn who chronicles Arthur's rise to power as he navigates political turmoil, Saxon invaders, and internal betrayal to defend Britain and secure Mordred's throne. The book contains graphic depictions of war, violence, and sexual violence.

Gritty

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.3

61,922 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Bernard Cornwell's The Winter King captivates with its rich historical setting and dynamic characters, effectively bringing Arthurian legend to life. Critics praise its compelling storytelling and intricate narrative. Some, however, find the pacing uneven and the myriad of characters occasionally hard to follow. Overall, it's a vivid and engaging read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Winter King?

Fans of deeply immersive historical fiction with rich character development and intricate plots will enjoy Bernard Cornwell's The Winter King. Those who appreciate the Arthurian legends reimagined with gritty realism, similar to the works of Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave or Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth, will find this novel particularly captivating.

4.3

61,922 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

431

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Britannia • Post-Roman

Publication Year

1995

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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