As the book begins we have jumped back at least 10 years to the Orkney Islands and the small-holding where Mordred, Arthur’s illegitimate incestuous son is being raised in secret. As reward for their care the couple have the 10-year-old ripped from their home and they murdered that same night. The witch Queen Morgause had repaired to this remote Orkney stronghold after the death of her husband Lot--interesting symbolism there--with her three sons with number four still in her womb. Life in this palace is languid and unstructured but the restraints are definitely there. For Mordred integrating himself into this filial hierarchy is no mean feat. This tale is narrated by a third party.
Book 3 of the trilogy is the better of the lot but book 4 is by far the easiest read. About a quarter of the way through Book 4 the summons to Camelot which comes near the end of Book 3 catches up with the storyline here. Morgause’ sons remain intemperate and undisciplined to their doom. Mordred’s fate haunts both he and Arthur. If the results were not so deadly one could term these plot twists a comedy of errors.
Book 3 of the trilogy is the better of the lot but book 4 is by far the easiest read. About a quarter of the way through Book 4 the summons to Camelot which comes near the end of Book 3 catches up with the storyline here. Morgause’ sons remain intemperate and undisciplined to their doom. Mordred’s fate haunts both he and Arthur. If the results were not so deadly one could term these plot twists a comedy of errors.
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