By Lev Grossman

Young Callum arrives at Camelot after the death of Arthur, when the only knights who survived and returned are the minor ones. The oddballs. Joined by Merlin’s former apprentice (who buried him under a mountain) they try to figure out who will be the new king. Opposing them are the various kings, lords, and chieftains, Morgan le Fay, and the reemergence of various local deities. And God, well, God has seemed to disappear.

What follows is a deconstruction of the Arthurian legend, as an Arthurian story. Adventures happen (or don’t). Will Britain get a new king? Or dissolve back into war?

Grossman brings the same strengths (and weaknesses) that made Magicians a fun and frustrating read to King Arthur. I enjoyed it.

688 pages

4.25/5