The 3rd installment of the Leader of Battles series is as good as its predecessors. The previous volumes have focused on male figures testing themselves in the treacherous world of post-Roman Britain and while Arthur himself continues to play a vital role in the saga this one shifts a great deal of the focus to the feminine characters, especially the new High Queen Gwyhwyfar. This welcome exploration of a new perspective in no way impairs the advancement of the overarching story arc, but rather enhances it. This book is rich in period detail but never bogs down in it. Battles play out excitingly and believably and often enough to satisfy any adventure-lover. There are plenty of political power-plays to keep readers engaged in the treacherous struggle for unity annd power. The Arthurian saga is given a fresh and satisfying new take in this series and I'm looking forward to the next volume! historical-fiction-arthurian1 Alison Bahmüller30 1 follower

This novel is another good and exciting read by David Pilling. It has an original plot and very original main characters - this Gwenhwyfar is not at all the traditional Gwenhwyfar/Guinevere as we know her on the silver screen. The minor characters are also interesting and not the usual ones. The story never gets dull for a moment - there are exciting battles, intrigues, betrayals and also a few surprises. It is well told and kept me riveted throughout.1 Mv229 3

I won’t go over the synopsis since the publisher does a good job. This book focuses mostly on Gwenhwyfar. She is a tall, strong-willed, clever woman who cares about her people. Although she marries Artorius for the promise of protection, she makes the perfect match for him. She does not take a backseat when things get tough.

This is the third book I’ve read/listened to by this author. I have already listened to Leader of Battles Book 1, Soldier of Fortune Book 1, and would love to listen to Leader of Battles Book 2 to fill in the gaps. I’d to try listening to anything else he’s written.

This is the third book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Paul Jenkins) and I would definitely listen to another. I think he is a wonderful narrator. He gives every character a distinct voice including the women- they are well done. Listening is hearing a story told or watching it happen, not listening to a story being read.

There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review
ElissaAuthor 36 books105

Not Quite Camelot

This is NOT your standard telling of the King Arthur legends nor is this the Guinevere of romance, but a sturdy medieval princess unused to frequent bathing, a tall, plain woman of 16 when we meet her. From the title we learn that this is the third in a series, although clearly the events herein tell their own story. Disguised in what I'd guess to be their Welsh variants, I recognized most of the character names found in the various accounts of the times, but the battles and events don't quite coincide with the musical version. We are treated instead to a strong and robust description that, especially as narrated by Paul Jenkins, pulls us into history and its sights, sounds, and smells--an exciting and real-feeling re-creation. Be sure to listen to the afterword where author David Pilling explains his research and the origins of the events he recreates. Imaginative!
Paul Morgan5

More wanted

Top read i realy enjoyed it.one of the better authurian tales to read.i found myself transported hundreds of years into the past and couldnt put the book down untill i had finnished it. Aritra28

d the book. Characters developed well, though I was expecting more of Gwenhyfar than was delivered during the book. Events in the book give rise to strong emotions, which speaks for the writer's style. I'm happy with the read, though a bit disappointed in the character of Gwenhyfar herself!

Would recommend. Bill K59 1 follower

Great stories

I am enjoying reading a story of Arthur that is so different from others I have read.

Basing these books on Welsh stories and legends, rather than , British and French sources, is fascinating. I have and will continue to recommend these great tales to my friends and anyone interested in historical fiction. Jerry Mercer390 6

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