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King Authur Mad Merlin Lancelot Du Lethe La Morte D'Avalon by J. Robert King $25.85 / Tor Books / 2003 The Arthurian legend has inspired countless retellings, but few that add anything new to the tale. J. Robert King's Arthurian trilogy offers a fresh version, introducing odd but logical twists to the familiar tale. In Mad Merlin, the great wizard is an engaging lunatic, a fallen god trying to reclaim his memories and his relevance. Young Arthur is full of promise, a ruler already showing signs of greatness. King's portrayal of the charismatic young warrior leaves no doubt why men loved and followed Arthur, and why his story is still told. However, tragedy begins to unfold in Lancelot du Lethe, as Lancelot and Guenevere discover their fey roots and their ancient bonds, leaving an increasingly unsympathetic Arthur out in the cold. Finally, Le Morte d'Avalon portrays Morgan le Fay as Merlin's mirror image-a mortal woman who ascends to something like godhood. Familiar Celtic mythologies, Christian themes, and other older faiths are revisited, but not in the revisionist style made popular by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This is not a story of culture clash between religions or peoples, but rather a surprising synthesis of humankind's various spiritual paths. King's vision is that of a philosopher seeking truth through the turning lens of a kaleidoscope; themes of faith and madness constantly fragment and reform into unexpected patterns. Beautifully written, entertaining, and thought-provoking, this trilogy is a worthy addition to a serious reader's collection of Arthurian literature and lore. --Eliane Cunningham

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