Books Like...

In "The Shining Company" by Rosemary Sutcliff, readers are transported to 600 AD Britain, at the dawn of the Dark Ages, where the Roman presence is a distant memory. The story follows Prosper, a young protagonist, who forms a close bond with his bondservant Conn and a young lady, amidst the encroaching Saxon invaders. As the trio navigates through challenges and trials, they prepare for the ultimate battle against the Sea Wolves, with the hope of driving the invaders back into the sea. The book weaves together elements of history, culture, and warfare, capturing the essence of Dark Age Britons and their Saxon foes in a compelling narrative style that immerses readers in a world of honor, friendship, and warrior fidelity.

Rosemary Sutcliff's writing style shines in "The Shining Company," as she expertly blends history with fiction, creating a vivid and engaging story that resonates with readers of all ages. Through her descriptive narrative and deep human understanding, Sutcliff brings to life the Middle Ages, honoring values of honor and fidelity while evoking emotions that leave a lasting impact on readers, making this book a timeless tale of courage and camaraderie.

'King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table' by Roger Lancelyn Green is a retelling of the King Arthur stories for children. The tales follow many years in the course of the Kingdom of Logres from Merlin's creation of the round table to the downfall of the kingdom due to the relationship between Launcelot and Guinevere, which is dealt with very appropriately for child readers. The epilogue leaves the reader wondering if King Arthur is truly dead or not and whether, one day, Logres will return. Sometimes the stories are a little graphic, but for the most part, this is a great collection of stories.

THIS BOOK IS ABOUT A YOUNG MAN WHO CAME TO THE CITY AND WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO COULD PULL A SWORD OUT OF AN ANVIL. HE THEN WAS PROCLAIMED KING AND HE HAD KNIGHTS WHO WERE THE GREATEST IN THE LAND THAT SAT AT HIS COURT. MANY SEARCHED FOR THE HOLY GRAIL AND MANY FAILED. BUT ONE MAN THAT HAD PROVED HE WAS A WORTHY KNIGHT WAS GIVEN KNIGHTHOOD BY KING ARTHUR, HAD SEARCHED AND WAS THE ONLY ONE WORTHY TO GUARD THE HOLY GRAIL. IN THE END, KING ARTHUR'S KINGDOM IS DESTROYED AND EVENTUALLY IS NEVER MORE, AND THAT WAS THE END OF KING ARTHUR'S REIGN.

Half Sick of Shadows is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend, focusing on the character of Elaine Shallot, an Oracle with the power of Sight. The story explores Elaine's attempts at manipulating the future, her deep connections with her friends, and the complex dynamics within the Arthurian world. The narrative is presented through a mix of past, present, and future timelines, providing a unique perspective on the well-known characters of Arthur, Guinevere, Morgana, and Lancelot. Laura Sebastian weaves a tale that reshapes the Arthurian legend while delving into themes of destiny, friendship, and the consequences of one's choices.

"Lancelot" by Giles Kristian is a bold and imaginative retelling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Lancelot, the warrior who betrayed his King and best friend, Arthur. The story delves into Lancelot's early years, his relationships with Arthur and Guinevere, and the events that led to Britain's downfall. The writing style is described as passionate, gripping, and emotional, with a focus on character development and humanizing the legendary figures.

The plot of the book revolves around Lancelot's internal struggles, his loyalty to Arthur, and his forbidden love for Guinevere. The narrative is praised for its depiction of love, friendship, honor, and loss, as well as its exploration of the complexities of the characters. is set in fifth-century Britain, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Arthurian world, with vivid battle scenes and emotional depth.

Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Sutcliff is a realistic account of King Arthur's life, devoid of magic and myths, focusing on the politics of tribal infighting and Saxon depredations in post-Roman Britain. The narrative follows Artos as a Roman British leader fighting against Saxon invaders, showcasing battles, soldiers camping, alliances, and betrayals in a realpolitik version of Arthur's story. The book provides a detailed and historical perspective on Arthur's life, loves, and politics, making it a unique and engaging retelling of the Arthurian legend.

In the book 'Absolution by Murder', readers are introduced to Sister Fidelma, an advocate of the Brehon Court in seventh century Ireland. The story unfolds during a meeting of senior church officials to determine the supremacy between the Irish and Roman church doctrines. When the Abbess of Kildare is murdered, Sister Fidelma, along with Brother Eadulf, is tasked with investigating the crime. As they navigate through political and religious intrigue, the duo must unravel the mystery behind the murder while facing obstacles and uncovering truths about the society and customs of ancient Ireland.

The plot of 'Absolution by Murder' is intricately developed, featuring well-drawn characters and authentic actions. The book provides readers with a glimpse into the advanced society of seventh century Ireland, showcasing the roles and rights of women, the complexities of church history, and the detailed descriptions of customs and laws. The narrative is a blend of historical mystery and cultural exploration, offering a mix of suspenseful events, engaging dialogues, and a satisfying resolution that delves into the nuances of the time period.

Bernard Cornwell's 'The Archer's Tale' is the first installment in 'The Grail Quest' series, following the journey of Thomas of Hookton, an English archer, during the 100 Years War. After witnessing the destruction of his village and the theft of a sacred relic, Thomas embarks on a quest for vengeance and discovery. The book vividly portrays medieval life, battles, and the personal growth of the main character, set against a backdrop of historical accuracy and detailed descriptions of warfare.

The plot unfolds with Thomas evolving from a simple archer to a key player in the English army, engaging in battles in France and ultimately leading to the epic Battle of Crecy. Bernard Cornwell's writing style immerses readers in the brutal realities of war, skillfully blending fiction with historical events, creating a compelling narrative that captures the essence of the 14th century and the life of an archer during that tumultuous period.

"The Evening and the Morning" by Ken Follett is a prequel to his popular novel "The Pillars of the Earth" and is set in England during the Middle Ages, specifically in the year 997 AD. The story follows the lives of three main characters - Edgar, a gifted boatbuilder's son who faces tragedy due to Viking raids, Ragna of Normandy who struggles with her marriage to a British earl, and Brother Aldred, a monk with aspirations of creating a renowned center for education. The novel is described as a completely modern historical fiction with explicit sex, a mix of sweet romance and villainy, and strong, competent female characters, vividly portraying medieval society and ordinary life details.

Follett's storytelling in "The Evening and the Morning" is hailed as masterful, engaging readers with a mix of Vikings, power-hungry family members, slaves, and monks. is praised for its rich historical details, intense plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the ability to transport readers into the setting with vivid descriptions that appeal to the senses. The writing style is noted for its ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and emotions of each character, making it an immersive reading experience.

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike is a historical fiction novel set in 6th century Wales, focusing on the life of Langoureth, a twin sister of Lailoken who is later known as Merlin. The story delves into Langoureth's journey as she navigates between the Old Ways and the rise of Christianity, her marriage to a Christian High King's son, and her forbidden love for another man. The plot familiarizes readers with the conflict between ancient beliefs and the changing world, while immersing them in the richly painted landscape of Scotland during this tumultuous time. The narrative, told predominantly from Langstureth's perspective, captures the essence of court intrigues, romance, and the inevitable clash of cultures.

"The Winter King" by Bernard Cornwell is a reimagining of the Arthurian legend set in Dark Ages Britain. The story is narrated through the eyes of Derfel Cadarn, a warrior who fought alongside Arthur. The book explores themes of duty, courage, and the struggle between Britain's ancient paganism and the rise of Christianity. Cornwell weaves a tale of battles, political intrigue, and the clash of different spiritual forces, providing a fresh perspective on familiar characters like Arthur, Lancelot, and Merlin.

The writing style in "The Winter King" is described as engaging, with lush descriptions of landscapes and battle scenes that immerse the reader in the story. Cornwell's historical fiction writing is praised for its believability and attention to detail, making the reader feel like a voyeur witnessing the destinies of the characters unfold. The book offers a different take on the Arthurian legend, stripping away mythical elements to focus on the gritty reality of Dark Ages Britain.