Enemy of God by Bernard Cornwell
“But when you have order, you don't need Gods. When everything is well ordered and disciplined then nothing is unexpected. If you understand everything,' I said carefully, 'then there's no room left for magic. It's only when you're lost and frightened and in the dark that you call on the Gods, and they like us to call on them. It makes them feel powerful, and that's why they like us to live in chaos.”
This second installment in the Warlord Chronicles surely delivers. Rich in atmosphere, action, and adventure. Bernard Cornwell is proving to be one of the premier writers of the day. I found it intriguing and involving the way he made the Arthur Saga believable and grounded in a reality rather than a romantic fairytale as the saga developed over time.
The story begins with Uther Pendragon, King of Dumnonia, and the High King of Britain, nearing death. His grandson, Mordred, is his heir; however, Mordred is only a baby. Arthur, a bastard of Uther, takes an oath of loyalty to Mordred and is chosen as Mordred’s guardian. Until Mordred is old enough to rule Dumnonia himself, Arthur is effectively the king.
Arthur dreams to unite the various kingdoms of Britain and push out the invading land-hungry Saxons. This is the story of Arthur. Repeatedly, just when you think that Arthur’s dream is to become a reality, the dream is shattered because of his weaknesses, his sense of justice, the machinations of kings and those closest to him, the conflict between Christians and pagans, or most often his oath of loyalty to Mordred. Certainly, for a moment there is Camelot, but even then dark clouds are on the horizon.
The characterization is so vivid, the landscapes and living conditions described in a way that you felt the cold winds, smelled the offal and saw the end of Roman Britain fall into an unrepairable Dark Age, which is studied comparatively little to the Medieval period, the Renaissance... Cornwell weaves spellbinding storytelling with integral parts of this part of Britain's history.
Great story and well written. Makes the period (500 AD) seem very real, a tough time to be living. Loved the character Derfel. Lots of heroism, love, hate, death, treachery, just like life.
0 Comments