Book Review: Avalon: The Return of King Arthur

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Avalon: The Return of King Arthur     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Stephen R. Lawhead
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   King Arthur
Series: Pendragon Cycle # 6
Avon Eos, Sep 1999, $25.00, 448 pp.

A drunken King Edward IX commits suicide. Throughout England the cry is to end the farce that the crown has become due to the Royals continually scandalizing the country as they have for the past few decades. Prime Minister Thomas Waring pushes Magna Carta II that would abolish the monarchy. Not so surprisingly, he has plenty of supporters. However, former military officer Captain James Arthur Stuart learns from the mysterious Embries that he is the rightful heir to the throne. However, James does not want the crown. Embries awakens depressed memories within James that persuades the Scotsman that he is Arthur returning as prophesied to bring back morality and values to Britain.

Accompanied by his mysterious adviser and other loyal followers, James battles the twenty-first century enemies of the people: the multi-headed media and the corrupt political parties. He leads the fight against the modern day foes of honesty and compassion for all. However, James and his loyal followers also have a return engagement with an ancient evil that plans to finish the job this time.

AVALON: THE RETURN OF KING ARTHUR is a wonderful modern day allegory that centers on the return of King Arthur to fight the malice and malaise that grips Britain. The tale will remind legend fans of DC Comics Camelot 3000. The exciting story line brings forth the chivalrous notions of the Round Table to combat with official cynicism, violent prejudice, and popular apathy. Readers will root for the Arthurian characters to win the victory. Patrons of Camelot will immensely enjoy this novel and want to read Stephen R. Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner