Last time, Arthur won an unlikely victory and united the British kingdoms. This frees him to turn his attention east, to the Saxon threat. With smart maneuvering, he can turn the rival Saxon kings—Aelle and Cerdic—against each other and keep them at bay. But there are others with schemes of their own . . .
Merlin has returned and is focused on recovering the Treasures of Britain, convinced that they hold the key to bringing the aid of the British gods. But his quest takes him into dangerous territory held by the Irish, and may be his undoing . . .
Ultimately, Arthur wants only three things: a united Britain, defeated Saxons, and a just kingdom. But as he is to learn, the schemes and selfishness of others will make such things difficult. And as his half-brother Mordred comes of age to take the throne, it is clear that the golden age is coming to an end. For betrayal is in the air . . . and enemies abound.
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Book two is much in the same vein as book one; see that review for what Cornwell is trying to do with this series. I enjoyed the story (though slow at first, the last one hundred pages picked up remarkably) and most of the characters (Lancelot and Guinevere continue to disappoint).
I was disheartened by the way Christians were portrayed (and all religions, honestly). I suspect there is truth to Cornwell's depiction, but across the board, it is sad to see how many view(ed) religion as a way to manipulate God into granting them power or wishes. (In some cases, the characters thought they could effectively command the gods through certain actions or relics.)
Another thing that struck me: Arthur is similar to Dostoevsky's The Idiot: a good man in an evil world. The tale is tragic but sobering.
Rating: A-
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