A Great Read About the Rise and Fall of Camelot
938189
Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot was the first book I've ever read from Bill O'Reilly. Granted, I've been a fan of The O'Reilly Factor for over ten years, I felt compelled to read this book for the subject matter, as well as the author. Despite my slow and methodical pace of reading, I finished Killing Kennedy in one week. The book was riveting, clear, concise, and absorbing. I couldn't put it down. Before finishing KK, I went and read some of its other reviews. Negative reviews of less than three stars are unwarranted. These types of reviews come from three kinds of people: People who dislike Bill for his political views, Kennedy assassination conspiracy geeks who are 50, unemployed, and live with their parents, and people who have not read his book at all. Killing Kennedy is not a verbose, complex textbook geared towards scholars and academics. Bill isn't speaking to this audience. Killing Kennedy was written for average people like you, and me. People who want to read an interesting yarn about the Kennedys, without the clutter of a classroom text. Now for some concerns. The title of the book "Killing Kennedy" is somewhat misleading. The book really touches on all the major landmarks of the Kennedy Administration: from his inauguration in 1961, until his burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The assassination portion itself seems very brief in comparison to the rest of the book. I wish Bill and Martin had developed the assassination more, providing more details about this tragic event in human history. There are also some inconsistencies. Bill writes in Killing Kennedy that Oswald didn't eat, or have time for a lunch. In another book "Crossfire" by Jim Marrs, the author states that an employee in the Texas School Book Depository saw Oswald on the day of the assassination sitting in a booth by himself, "he appeared to be having lunch." Also, Bill writes a page about Lee and Marina's non existent sex life. He writes that the two fight, and Lee hits her. This page seems almost identical to a scene in Oliver Stone's "JFK", as if Bill and Martin saw the scene from the movie, and then paraphrased it in their book. Aside from this, "Killing Kennedy" is an amazing read, start to finish. I loved the book, and warmly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about Camelot: A brief, yet very special time in the long annals of American History.
846154
Druon's series "The Accursed Kings" in well written and fun to read with a jaundiced view of the great and powerful during the period in which the series is set.  It does take some liberties with possible hidden actions and incidents behind the documented history of the times portrayed but as far as I can tell from the perspective of a somewhat serious student of the period the series is, with the exception of one or two factual slips, quite accurate in following and effectively incorporating documented information.

I particularly enjoyed this volume as I have a special interest in Plantagenet history and the reign of Edward II was both a spectacular failure and an interesting contrast to the reigns of his father and son.
3955096
I own this book in both audio and print form.  The audio version (unabridged) is read by Royal Shakespeare Company alumnus Derek Jacobi.  Anyway ... this book does a marvelous job of debunking some of the common myths about Richard III.  Tey's fictional detective Grant uses actual historical reference material to come to his own determinations about Richard III and the "princes in the tower."  For a dedicated Ricardian such as myself, it's nice to see Richard portrayed in a different light.  He was very popular in life, and Tudor historians were the ones who painted him as a deformed villain.
4950080
This book is the very best for those interested in reading about King  Arthur.  It is filled with imagination and it creatively looks at the  famous characters and events featured in the story with a fresh and  unbiased tone.  The musical "Camelot" and the Disney film  "The Sword in the Stone" are both based off of this particular  book, and many other versions have been influenced by it.  It is a great  book for the way it looks at Arthur as a man who was genuinely good, but  also emphasizes that at the same time he was really only a normal guy with  his limitations.  One of my favorite parts is when Arthur is just a boy and  Merlyn teaches him how to look at different things in different  perspectives by turning him into animals.  The middle and end are very sad,  but the author shows her originality again by giving the very end an  uplifting message that hope will live on in the sight of despair, and that  people may be mortal, but legends live forever.
2377892
The other side of camelot.  Finally a little balance.
2875588
Very interesting take on the Camelot legends. Thank you for listing the names of characters, places and a map at the front of the book as I had trouble with the strange spellings. I copied those pages to facilitate my reading until I learned the names.
4467078
What I Thought:
So many artists try and take on the Arthurian legends, and most of them cannot come close to doing it justice. From television shows to films and books, there are a wide variety of stories trying to retell our old classic tales of Arthur and the gang.

However, that is not what Realm Lovejoy has done at all. Yes, the legends are the base of the story, but we aren't being told the stories of Camelot we have heard before. Not only are we being told stories of their youth, rather than their renowned adventures, but we are also being told them in a modern day version of Camelot and the world.

Personally, I like it. I wasn't certain, once reading the full blurb and the excerpts, but when I got a few pages in, this book had me hooked. it is a fun, fast-paced tale of magic, young love and betrayal. There are everyday adventures and lessons to be learned, all while in the world of magic.

We learn about some of our favourite characters, when they were mere teenagers, most of them still growing into their powers and who they would become in later life, as we know them from the tales. Some are cocky, where they are kind and gentle later, others are the epitome of sweet and caring, where we know they will turn to evil and hatred.

All these brilliant differences in character make you yearn for the next book in the series, a way to see into the life of each, a way to discover what befalls them, in order to change them so.

I thought the characters were fun, exciting and a good representation of the originals, and this helped create a youthful feel to each. I liked the relationships built between each, especially those we have ideas of how they turn out. It's like knowing a secret, but not wanting to tell the characters in your book.

I also found the level of reading great. it is exciting, fun and easy to read, making it perfect for YA, but also still a great read for adults, especially with the connection to our legends.

This book brings out youth, spunk, excitement and an imaginative world for all who read it. I highly recommend giving it a go, especially if you are fans of Harry Potter, and the likes.
1148113
The historical novel, KATHERINE, by Anya Seton is one of the best I've ever read. She writes so her characters are strong and believable, she does sound, solid research, and it was my first introduction to Blessed Julian of Norwich, an anchoress of renown in that day.  Her writing gave me a much clearer picture of the history and politics of the time, and I was disappointed when I finally had to put the book down.

As a result of this novel, I find myself looking for anything by Anya Seton that I
can find.  It was a sobering tale in some ways but a delightful reading experience.
3817892
Robin Maxwell brings new insight into the disappearance of the two Princes (Edward and Richard of York)from the Tower of London.  Most people (led by Shakespeare's play) believe Richard III to be responsible for the disappearance and deaths of the two boys.  Robin Maxwell explores this subject in detail and with a lyrical prose that captures the reader immediately.  The story is framed and told years later by Nell and Bessie to Bessie's son, Henry VIII (Bessie is Queen Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Henry VII).  Nell and Bessie are wonderfully drawn characters that add color and texture to this tale.  As with other Maxwell books (such as The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn), this story humanizes and breathes life into historical figures that the average reader either knows not at all or knows only based on how history has drawn them.  I consumed this entire book in one delicious bite.
2498369
From many years of research on this topic and about her own ancestors, Alther weaves a historical (fictional) narrative that includes several of the various theories about the history and origin of the Melungeons.

The first section of the book proceeds like a good historical novel, including various separate tales that are linked together later. As the reader gets toward the middle section of the book, it becomes a real 'page-turner' drawing you into the intricate details and personalities of the animated characters. Alther keeps you wondering what will happen next and how the previous details and allusions will fit into the later story.

I re-read the companion non-fiction title by Alther, "Kinfolks," after reading 'Washed in the Blood'; they are great collateral reading. Both books sent me on research errands to find out more information about certain Indian tribes, state legislation, and details that she refers to in the latter portion of the book.

I scan and read thousands of books per year in my vocation as a bookseller; truly this is one of the best books that I have read in a very long time. Highly recommended and a great appetizer for the other series of books on Melungeons also published by Mercer University Press.
620478
Since most readers already know the Camelot story in one fashion or another (both a romance and tragedy), in lieu of a plot summary, I will simply state that Cynthia Breeding's CAMELOT'S DESTINY is faithful to the literary and historical tradition in the most minute details and yet her romance adds psychological details and a carefully recrafting of the details in a new context.  Her fictional imagination adds insights merely hinted in the original texts.  The Grail Quest, only a hint here in CAMELOT'S DESTINY, finally makes sense within the context of the whole Arthurian story thanks to Cynthia Breeding.  If a medieval enthusiast ever wonders what the modern genre of medieval historical romance could add to the medieval literary tradition, CAMELOT'S DESTINY would be a superb example of the importance of historical romance today and the effect it might have on renewing and interest in both historical romance and medieval literature.

Cynthia Breeding incorporates the later literary romance tradition in the true medieval sense of roman arthurien (which translates as Arthurian romance), and adds back into the Arthur story the chronicle tradition and historical and tone of the histories written closer to the actual events. Even better, Cynthia Breeding adds her own fictional imagination to the great Arthur story, allowing fans to see the love, romance, and jealousies that threatened this great king and his realm.  By adding the story of the women, the pagan tradition to the Christian one and the details of the personal lives of the Camelot and Avalon world, Arthurian lovers see the real tensions and romance underlying the political world of knights and kings.  Cynthia Breeding expands upon the details of the friendship between Arthur and Lancelot, as well as their rivalry, which are there but never fully explicated in the medieval texts.  We see Gwenhwyfar as a person and woman beyond her role as queen and the literary courtly traditions surrounding her.  The author brings together the whole world of Vivien, Nimue and Avalon in a way that enlightens some of the tensions and loyalties at Camelot. The psychological portraits of Medraut (known as Mordred in some medieval tales) and Galahad add true insights into some of the events surrounding Camelot. For one of the first times, we see maybe a bit of the psychological reasons behind his madness within that motivates him to destroy Camelot. Readers will love Galahad here thanks to Cynthia Breeding. In the Old French grail quest version, Galahad is the perfect spiritual knight but so grating on the nerves. Here he is also spiritual but his relationship to his father adds a giving quality to his Christian calling rather than the sanctimonious preachy perfect beyond human way the Old French cleric wrote him.

Don't expect an idealized Hollywood version of Camelot here.  Although these versions are fun to read as well, Cynthia Breeding relies on the actual medieval historical and literary records. Camelot is a world teetering on the brink of darkness and destruction as the Saxon invasion nears. Nevertheless, among this darkness and internal pain within the characters, there is a happy ending that actual feels more whole and encompassing than a simplistic ending could ever be.  Can those forced to love through duty somehow find a love of the heart?  Here Cynthia Breeding adds that special twist that only modern day historical romance can give back to the medieval tradition, as hearts find wholeness.  While remaining faithful to the modern romance genre conventions, Cynthia Breeding still finds a special twist for the ending to the delight of medieval enthusiasts!  CAMELOT'S DESTINY is a welcome addition to the Arthurian canon, one that tells the story of tension and love at Camelot from the point of view of not just king, knights and queen but of men and women.
4458505
I enjoyed this read.  The year 1119 AD, and Afton is a villein born to the estate of Lord Perceval of Margate. She is beautiful (of course) and young Calhoun of Margate falls for her at the young age of 9 or 10.  She is subsequently given to the Lord and Lady Percival as a companion for their daughter in replacement for a dead ewe owed to the Lord in tribute.  The tale follows these star crossed lovers as he becomes a Knight and travels to the crusades. It's full of great descriptions and well researched history.  The romantic interludes are tame with a lot left to the imagination.  That's fine with me.  This book was an offering through my Kindle Subscription.
1808905
Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" is one of my favorite versions of the Arthurian legend. I first read the novel in the early 1990s, right after its publication. I reread it recently and was surprised at how much I enjoyed this extraordinary novel the second time around. I turned the pages more slowly and took more time to savor Ms. Bradley's excellent narrative and fresh version of the legendary saga of the rise and fall of Camelot. Her take on the classic characters gives them new depth and dimension. She tells her tale from a feminine perspective, and while the King and knights of Camelot dwell on war, battles and keeping their golden city and realm safe, along with focusing on chivalric honor, the women have different priorities and concerns.

The tale is told from the points of view of the much maligned Morgaine, (Morgana Le Fey), Priestess of Avalon and Gwenhwyfar, (Gwynivere), Christian princess and future queen of Camelot. Although most of the events of the traditional Arthurian legend are presented here, it is extremely interesting how the tale, told by men, changes when viewed through the eyes and experiences of a woman. This is also the important story of the political and religious conflict between the new Christianity and the "old ways" of goddess worship. Believers of each religion seek to control the throne, but ultimately Christianity ascends to be the organized religion of the land. Since Morgaine is a Druid High Priestess, it would explain why she received such a bad rap in Christian civilization. The reader also views other famous female characters from a different vantage point, including Igraine, Morgaine's and Arthur's mother,
Ms. Bradley follows Morgaine from childhood to Priestess in her home on the Isle of Avalon, the center of Druidism and goddess worship since the Roman occupation forced the religion underground, where it remained long after the Roman departure. Mists surround this mystical isle, protecting it and its inhabitants from all who do not have the psychic powers to penetrate the barrier. Morgaine has dedicated her life to preserving her ancient religion and tries to defend it against the growing numbers of her countrymen and the Camelot royalty who exchange the old ways for Christianity. She is also a very powerful person and struggles against the stereotypes which expect her to adhere to more traditional "feminine," (dependent), behavior and roles.
Bradley also follows the lovely Gwenhwyfar from the innocence of her girlhood to her rise as King Arthur's Christian Queen. She deeply fears Druid magic and her terror causes her to miscarry a long awaited baby. King Arthur's acquiescence to his wife's pleas to turn his back on the old ways and adopt Christianity is the beginning of the cataclysmic fall of his reign.
This is a most unique novel and Ms. Bradley's innovative fantasy version of Camelot, Britain during the Dark Ages, and the profound changes which took place in the land and among the people during this period had me riveted until I completed the last page. If you are open to a different take on a classic tale, then I highly recommend this wonderful novel.
JANA
2969368
The King Arthur Conspiracy reads, in one sense, like a literary detective novel, in another like a Shakespearean tragedy. I became intrigued with all things Arthurian as a university undergraduate some twenty years hence and have been preoccupied with it ever since. Meticulous attention to detail and world-class research weave this version of the historical Arthur into the most viable interpretation I have had the pleasure to read.

Simon Andrew Stirling is a superb researcher and a gifted writer. Anybody even mildly interested in the Arthurian saga or British history will NEED to read this book. I haven't been this taken away by a historical accounting in many, many years. Tragic and triumphant at once, this is one of those rare books that I will read time and again in order to savor the full complexity.

Be warned: this work will stir some controversy, as the early Christian Church is implicated in Arthur's downfall and the subsequent fabricating of Arthurian history to protect and promote its own agenda.

Bravo!
2015304
This book takes a different approach to the legend of King Arthur. Most notable is the absence of Lancelot. Saying this however, the book is still an interesting and enjoyable read. Lawhead weaves some of the legend into his tale of Arthur, with the sword in the stone as well as the Round Table. I particularly enjoyed the way he divided the book into three parts, each narrated by a different individual. In this way, the different stages of Arthur's life are better portrayed. The main reason that I didn't give this book 5 stars is the fact that this is more a work of fantasy than an attempt to place the Arthurian legend in British history. This is just my opinion, however and should not prevent anyone interested in Arthur from picking up this book. Most enjoyable!
4051427
Unfortunately I began reading this set of Plantagenet novels our of order, but finally got to Book 1. (The 5th of the 6-book series was my first.)  It recounts the amazing story of one man, William Marshall,  who successively served 4 Plantagenet kings and this book is as much his story as it is about those early kings.  I had already read a serious and extremely well-done history of William Marshall, and this book, while it adds conversation and other details, follows the historical record closely.  It makes no attempt to sugar-coat or gloss over the oftentimes barbarous and downright cruel actions of those in power - by our standards at least.  It also is the struggle of a dynasty to bring together the divergent segments that existed in England during that era.  Interestingly enough, you quickly realize that without the Williams Marshalls and others whose vision was a united prosperous populace and therefore country, the England we came to know may not have come about.  Those early Plantagenets  - Henry, his son Henry, Richard II and John (of Magna Carta fame) make vastly good reading, but their ability as rulers left much to be desired.  All in all, this was a great read and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
1522286
Just an excellent, factual story of Camelot.  I learned a lot of personal things that I had no idea of.  The book also has a section at the end that goes chapter by chapter siting the resources for the data in each chapter.

It was an easy read...  I liked how each chapter encompassed the 3 main characters...  There would be a page and a half of what Kennedy was doing, then a section on what Jackie was doing and finally a section of what Oswald was doing... Can't explain in writing how it was laid out but it was done so well.

I am NOT a book reader...  I get bored and skip around and never finish a book.  I read Killing Kennedy from the first word to the very last... and didn't skip a single word!