Reviews

The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell

yasminfoster's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

meganformanek's review against another edition

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4.0

This has got to be one of my favourite Bernard Cornwell books.
It's rich in detail and well researched, lovingly written and full of environment that make you feel part of sixth century Britain.

At first, I found myself a little overwhelmed by the amount of location names and list of characters, but as I grew used to it, so too did my enjoyment of the tale increase.

I particularly loved the nuances and flawed character portrayal of some of history/fabled rulers and warriors. It makes sense, and it's entertaining to see that not everyone who was lauded was indeed worthy of it (looking at you Lancelot).
Highly recommended and looking forward to the next 2 instalments.

doctoraction's review against another edition

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4.0

Read this after a visit to Tintagel and being a fan of Merlin on the telly (no, really). Fascinating how Cornwell blends myth, literature and probable history to create a kind of historical fiction that I suspect is particular to the Arthurian setting. It does get a little thick regarding the different British factions' motives and numerous players, but that's probably me being a bit dim.

agsreads99's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

tylluan_u's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

melothree's review against another edition

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4.0

thought it was very interesting. will read the next one in the series but not right away.

twconroy's review against another edition

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adventurous dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

amcass's review against another edition

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adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25


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alwags's review against another edition

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5.0

Sometimes I find Bernard Cornwell’s books to be a tad formulaic. This one, a reconstruction of the Arthurian legend set during the period when he might have actually existed, busts all those preconceptions. It’s a story about the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves, and what better way to explore those ideas than with King Arthur? Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

amydillo's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful informative inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0