how to start a good trilogy ... - Rated 
in style, with good rounded characters, although Arthur could have been more king-like, despite his protestations at not wanting to be king, it made for an enjoyable read. My reservations are listed in the other reviews of the other two books, reinforced by the last one which was unbearably sad at the end, the only time one of Mr Cornwell's books has managed to move me in any way. The others, especially the Grail series, left me cold.
Another winner from Mr Cornwell - Rated 
After reading the first few prequels in the Sharpe series and being thoroughly impressed I decided to give The Winter King a go. I thouroughly enjoyed Mr Cornwells previous work but I have to say this was in a class of its own. Very well written, well rounded characters including the minor ones and a new spin on the Arthurian legend that took me completely (but not unpleasantly) by surprise. I can't wait to get into the 2 sequels and complete the trilogy. In my opinion a book that MUST be read. Highly recommended even if historical fiction isn't your thing but you enjoy a well written and engaging story.
Stiring stuff, it will make your life better - Rated
I have just finished reading this excellent trilogy and, although I am not usually led to writing reviews, I could not leave this one without a recommendation in the hope I can get at least one more person to read it.
Don't go expecting Knights in gleaming armour mounted on their trusty steed, vanquishing evil in the search for the holy grail. You will be disappointed. You will not however be disappointed by what you do recieve: a ripping yarn of epic proportions. Great heroes, better villains. Love, betrayal, intrigue and blood and thunder with a splash of magic.
You have a fan Mr Cornwell, carry on the good work!
One of My Favourite Books - Rated
The Warlord Trilogy is absolutely fantastic.
It has everything: love, politics, friendship, bravery, adventure, magic and, of course, war. All the books are fantastically written and are really easy reads, and the stories will stay with you for a long time. Months after my first (and only at the moment, but there will be more!) read I still find my mind wandering to Britain in the Dark Ages, particularly I when I was in the Southern Shires and seeing for myself the rolling hills that the armies would have marched across.
If you like adventures, these are the books for you. You will not be disappointed.
The TRUE Arthur - Rated
Bernard Cornwell at his absolute best. Although so little evidence of Arthur remains, this trilogy just feels right. Anyone who has ever gritted their teeth through various historically tragic versions of Britain's most famous hero tale will breathe a sigh of contentment whilst reading these books.
Written in the first person (something that endears them to my wife, who enjoys biographies) 'The Winter King', 'Enemy of God' and 'Excaliber' chart the rise and fall of Arthur and the Britons through the eyes of Derfel, a Saxon-born warrior who grows up to be a Warlord sworn to his British Lord's service. Although pure fiction, great trouble has been taken to transport the reader into 6th Century Britain, with all the characteristic detail we expect from Mr Cornwell. Religion, war, relationships, travel, flora and fauna, life in all it's myriad facets - all are portrayed with utter authenticity. Bernard Cornwell has turned his back on all the frippery and corny images surrounding the Arthurian tales and has gone back to basics, relying on the oldest and simplest sources for his events and characters (with such crowd pleasers as Merlin, Galahad and Lancelot included - as Bernard Cornwell said, he felt that it just wasn't right without them!). The result is a masterpiece of writing that will appeal to a variety of tastes - it's not all blood and fighting (although there is a good deal of it).
These are a stunning collection of books that need to be bought and read together. They will stay with you always and have you dipping back into them like favourite recipes. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Come on friends, join the shieldwall!
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