"
Forge, Sep 2003, 24.95, 448 pp.
ISBN: 031286440X
Merlin and Hal Woczniak keep young Arthur Blessing safe as he moves closer to regaining his Pendragon powers though the lad is a media sensation. Hal, better known as Galahad, happens to also loves Arthur's aunt Emily. The rest of the old team of Knights of the Round Table belongs to a motorcycle gang.
When Arthur drinks from a spring containing the Holy Grail, he gains the ability to heal people. However, the spring is part of the home of Gwen Ranier, his beloved Guinevere, who must die if Arthur is to succeed. With other problems and the obstacles posed by enemies and lunatics in his way, Arthur's return as the once and future king seems less likely with every passing moment.
The third entry in this modern Arthurian saga is a strong tale that ties up much from the previous novels (see THE FOREVER KING and THE BROKEN SWORD). However, new fans would be better off perusing the former novels to obtain the full flavor of this charming tale. The cast remains strong making Arthur and his cohorts believable in the twenty-first century and turning a fast-paced and action-packed story line into a great time.
Harriet Klausner
"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Molly Cochran Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20%
Tone of book
- suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- King Arthur
Coming of age
Yes
Youngster becomes
- guardian of justice
Romance
Yes
Romance plotlets:
- two lovers coping with tough mission
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
Age:
- long lived adults
How sensitive is this character?
- middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- very athletic
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Female
Age:
- long-lived adults
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
- hard edged
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- very athletic
Setting
Earth setting:
- current (early 21st century)
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- no torture/death
How much dialogue?
- significantly more dialog than descript