Books written by Jack Whyte
Jack Whyte: The Camulod Series
When I picked up this book, the back-cover blurb intrigued me. Post-Rome Britain? King Arthur? Being an avid history student, I chided myself that I had failed to make the connection between the fall of Rome and the legendary king myself. The 5th century with its background of collapse of civilization was a fascinating period in history, rife with potential plot. The story is about Excalibur and Arthur, but wow, what a different viewpoint. It never came to my mind, where did it come from, or who made it? Until recently everyone thought Arthur was related to Santa, and Excalibur as real as Batman's Belt.
After finishing the series, I confess I'm not at all sure Arthur WAS only a legend. Whyte pulls his facts together and spins a yarn, which is as much historical novel as historical fantasy. It damned well COULD have happened this way! Whyte's well-drawn characters move easily across the landscape of Roman Britain. While the author takes a few liberties with dialogue (to the point of having a Roman soldier describe his fellow warriors as "grunts") it makes a refreshing change to the pontificating characters you meet in similar tales. Whyte's Britons aren't earth-shakers. For the most, they're swept along by pre-Dark Ages events. Whyte's straightforward writing style and an obvious familiarity with his subject matter set this book apart. Lovers of history will devour The Camulod series. The fantasy fan will also find plenty of enjoyment in Publius' quest to make a great sword capable of carving a kingdom from the wreckage of Roman Britain.
Yes, this is probably not quite accurate enough to be classified as historical fiction. However, it is an appropriate approach that Whyte takes to create a fictional "possibility" of how the true story may have unfolded. Was he completely accurate in his historical data? Pretty close. Close enough to put the reader into the proper perspective to understand the significance of this story.
A first-rate read that will keep the bedside lamp alight until the small hours.
The Camulod Chronicles:
Click the cover art and check them out at Amazon.Com
Jack Whyte: Uther
While technically the seventh book in Jack Whyte's Camulod Chronicles, "Uther" is a separate novel based in the series' time frame. The first two books in the series were narrated by Publius Varrus, the remaining by Merlyn. "Uther" is a parallel novel to The Eagles Brood, the third book in the series, as told by Merlyn's cousin and King Arthur's father: Uther Pendragon.
I have mixed feeling about "Uther". I find Whyte's style enjoyable and this book did not disappoint in that regard.
Although the story is well written, it feels like a rehash of what happened before. I found myself drifting in the text waiting for something new to happen. It didn't and there were few surprises, since I already knew then ending. It does fill in some gaps from Merlyn's version but had the contents of this book been combined with that book I feel that the result would have been exceptional.
I have separated it from the series lineup as I found it a lesser novel but if you enjoyed the series as I have then read "Uther". The link below is for the hardback version. I would wait till the mass-market paperback is released or borrow it from your local library.
Uther:
Jack Whyte Hot Links
Jack Whyte - The offical Web Site
A Press Release from the Richmond Public Library
