50 pages • 1 hour read
The Winter King
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Book Brief
431
Novel • Fiction
Britannia • Post-Roman
1995
Adult
18+ years
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
61,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
61,922 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
431
Novel • Fiction
Britannia • Post-Roman
1995
Adult
18+ years
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