Bookish Sundays: Pendragon Cycle

Title: Pendragon Cycle (Five novel series)

Author: Stephen R. Lawhead

Category: Fiction, Christian, Historical

Synopsis of Taliesin [Book one, c/o Barnes & Noble]: "An enchanting tale of love and loss, glory and grandeur, set in the twilight of Rome's power -- where the Celtic chieftains of Britain battle to save their land from an onrushing darkness. In this modern classic, Stephen Lawhead presents a majestic retelling of western literature's most compelling epic. A Druid Prince -- Singer at the Dawn of the Age. His song would kindle a vision that would burn forever. Taliesin, oracle of melody. His singing bore the haunting beauty of another world . . . and the spark of a kingdom yet to come. Charis, Lady of the Lake -- Driven by the cataclysm that destroyed her home -- the scented groves of the Isle of Apples, the coliseums of the bull dancers of Atlantis -- she encountered an uncertain future in a barbarous land . . . and the bard who would capture her untamed heart. Their love would bridge two worlds. And like golden threads, their lives would knit the fabric of a timeless legend; that of Merlin the prophet . . . and Arthur the king.

The foundling Taliesin's special qualities changed the lives of those around him and brought great fortune to his small Celtic settlement in war and peace. Then he met an exiled princess of Atlantis, and in the course of triumph and tradegy they were blessed with a son who would change the destiny of Britain, a boy called Merlin."

c/o Google

Okay, so it sounds a tad like a love story.  And maybe it could be considered one, but I think I always ignored that portion of the novels.  I'm absolutely in love with most historical novels, especially those dealing with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  What draws me to this series more than others is the progression of the story: you don't necessarily start with Arthur and how he grows up and becomes such an amazing leader.  It goes back further than that, explaining how Britain ended up in such a dark and dangerous time, following Merlin from a boy and showing how he influences the situation surrounding Arthur, and shows the introduction of Christianity into a world ruled by Druids.  It is not a series of happiness, but it does show success and triumph.  Who can resist a novel such as that?!  Lawhead is a fantastic Christian author, and definitely draws the reader into a fantastic world that you don't want to leave.  To top it off, add on Avalon: The Return of King Arthur, the ultimate conclusion to the story.  Taking place in modern day Great Britain, it is a tad more unbelievable than the previous novels, but just as amazing.