The Story of King Arthur

How does award winning author Siân Lewis do it? Once again she has breathed new life into familiar elements whilst also providing an insight into Britain, Wales and Camelot and the actions of knights and other inhabitants of this fascinating ancient world – widening and deepening the scope of previous children's versions. Merlin's Dream, The Sword in the Stone, The Quest for the Holy Grail and The Journey to Avalon are here of course, along with Excalibur, Guinevere, Merlin, Morgana and Launcelot. So also are the stories of Arthur's birth in The Dragon's Son,the chivalric Sir Launcelot at the Chapel of Doom and shocking Treachery at Camelot.



Betrayals, battles, demon women and questing knights, love matches, rivalry, political intrigue, castles moved and physical transformations by magic make this a page turner which pops with energy and vitality worthy of soap operas, a spectacular fantasy series which is respectfully grounded in the traditional tales.



The book is written in a clear and seemingly effortless style which moves the story and dialogue along in a natural way and yet echoes the formality of nobles and court when necessary. The poetic text is rich in awareness of nature and the environment and includes sensitive observation of human behaviour which is worthy of the most subtle novelist; all the senses come into play so that the reader is immersed in the surroundings and what is happening.



Graham Howells' intensely coloured graphics capture action, emotion and mood and some of the illustrations are truly scary! The inclusion of illustrated maps roots the stories, and a labelled assembly of the Round Table makes the individuals real. The illustrator's exciting vision of this Wales is enriched by Celtic symbolism and convincing recreations of castles, tournaments, cauldrons and ships, whilst the featured characters sport striking armour, weapons, jewellery, tattoos and hairdos. His soldier-magician-prophet Merlin and the closing scene, where lyrical text and graphics marry, are truly memorable.



Both boys and girls in Wales and beyond will love to read this thrilling text and relish the imaginative illustrations as the stories unfold. Adults who think they have heard it all before will find much more than they expected. It's a gem which readers everywhere should experience. ~Lorna Herbert Egan @ www.gwales.com