Pendragons Banner (The Pendragons Banner Trilogy Book 2)

The writing, storyline and characters were superb. So when this one started off a little awkwardly, I was upset. The narrative was clunky, the dialogue a little stilted - it just seemed to be missing that magic that captivated me in the first book. Fortunately, that feeling Rating: Fortunately, that feeling only lasted about thirty pages and then the author hit her stride and the book took off from there. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar, who overcame so much to be together, are having a difficult time of it.

They've spent three years leading his army all over the country, squashing small rebellions, forging alliances and reminding the people of Britain that Arthur is their supreme king. But Gwen longs for a home of her own, a safe haven in which to raise her family, and a husband who is as devoted to them as he is to ruling the country.

Gwen's unhappiness and Arthur's unwillingness to compromise cause a rift to grow between them and a terrible tragedy ultimately separates them. Both of these characters undergo growth and transformation, but particularly Arthur, and I came to care about him so much more through the course of this book. Arthur is a man who can put his emotions aside when it comes to making ruthless decisions about war and leading a kingdom, but at his heart he is very much still like that lost little boy he was when we first met him.

That theme comes to the forefront of this story as he is forced to face Morgause, his father's mistress who abused Arthur as a boy, and who, in her new position of power, is determined to make him suffer as a man. And Arthur still has his evil ex-wife, Winifred to deal with as well, along with several plotting warlords who refuse to accept him as their rightful king. Now more than ever, he needs the one person he has always loved and trusted. But can they overcome their differences, the hurt they've caused each other, the fears and misgivings, to love again and unite in the face of their enemies?

This book zips along at a breakneck pace; there are some gripping battle scenes, tender love scenes, death, sadness, tears and laughter all culminating in a very satisfying ending that had me turning the last page and sighing, "Wow! Jun 30, Judywork added it. I have now finished reading all three books and can honestly say that I am just as impressed with the ending as I was with the beginning of it!

In the series, Helen presents her version of many of the different stories connected with the legend. The only parts she omitted in her version were Lancelot and Merlin. She omitted these characters for a good reason! Helen chose to focus on the fragments of history and legend that made a more historical connection to events during that time period. Rather than present the mythology and symbolism of Merlin and magic or Lancelot and knights on white horses, she instead had us follow Arthur on a journey to Gaul, to parts of ancient France where the Romans were fighting a losing battle against the Franks at the time.

There in a place called Avignon, he faced betrayal and failure, along with inner demons to haunt him and cause him to not want to return to his home in Britain. While Helen insists that she is no historian, I was thoroughly impressed with her attention to historical details and those tiny fragments of documented evidence. As the series went on, I found myself immersed in those small details and spent considerable time switching from the story google those little references. Now, for some that might not be considered a plus to the story telling, but for me, it was an awesome adventure into both the story and the actual historical theories about that time period!

When I chose her series, it was for the references to actual history and she did not let me down. Her way of weaving much of that history together made a great deal of sense to me. I especially like the turn she took in weaving Cerdic the Saxon into the story. That was the part I was most interested in from the beginning anyway! Jul 26, Amanda rated it really liked it Shelves: For a woman who was quick to anger, why was she so passive about Arthur and the many women he bedded? Only once does she let Arthur know that she knows what he was doing in the middle of the night when he left their bed to go and lay in another.

One would think, what with Gwen being the Queen and all, that she would have a just as intricate spy network as her husband. It is apparent that the other women in the story, Morgeuse and Winifred, both maintain their own networks seeing as how both know exactly what is going on behind Arthur's closed doors.

As far as i could tell, the book made no mention of Gwen ever hearing about Arthur's involvement with the teen who plunged to her death and thus far, she knows nothing of Arthur bedding the teenage Lady of the Lake. Yet Morgeuse and Winifred knew of both. I hate to think that a part of Gwen's character falls under 'ignorance is bliss' because it seems far too naive for a woman of Gwen's age and struggles. All of that aside, I cried when Amr died. My mothering mind was already screaming at Arthur to pay more attention to all of the boys and I hated to see my fears come to the page.

Subsequently, I found myself steeling against the loss of the other boys throughout the story, much like that of Gwen and Arthur. They both adopt a 'what's done is done' mentality, and i felt that so too does the reader. This is not to say that I was 'okay' with Gwen allowing her eldest boy to ride out to battle.

I honestly thought that Arthur would be angry with Gwen, berate her for allowing the boy outside of the gates and to ride to war, especially since the Pendragon future was resting on such young shoulders. However, this was not the case and I was glad that Arthur maintained his temper for once and healed through the loss alongside his wife. Oct 12, Kristi Books and Needlepoint rated it it was amazing.

Once again, Helen Hollick gives us a wonderful addition to King Arthur's story. Arthur started in The Kingmaking as a teenager - not even knowing that he was the heir to the throne. In Pendragon's Banner, he is not only King, but husband and father - and battling to do justice to all those roles. Arthur has married Gwenhwyfar and with their children they have traveled, eventually settling at Caer Cadan.

The traveling and Arthur's "wandering" have taken a toll on his and Gwenhwyfar's marriage. Add to the fact that Gwenhwyfar was also very intelligent and was somewhat a warrior herself - coming from a long line of warriors - there was bound to be conflict between the two. Even though they were estranged, they manage to come back together. Arthur is also battling his first wife, Winifred, and Morgause who has cursed his children if Arthur should ever come after her. This book covers about 6 years but it does not lack for political struggles, battles, infidelity, romance. This is historical fiction without all the fantasy - a King Arthur we can believe might really have lived.

I enjoyed this second installment of Pendragon's Banner as much as I did the first - but I found it hard to try to sum up. Most of this information is new to me, as I was never a big fan of the King Arthur stories. I am, however, a big fan of Helen Hollick's books and am looking forward to the re-release of the third book in this series next year. Oct 29, Gaby rated it really liked it Shelves: I thoroughly enjoyed Helen Hollick's retelling of this early part of King Arthur's life. Unlike the medieval Arthur who seemed focused on the crusades and the older King who would hold festivals and jousts, the Arthur that we meet in Pendragon's Banner is a young king occupied with winning battles - much of the book is devoted to wresting control of his territory and keeping the land from invaders.

Hollick's Arthur is deep into the work of creating his kingdom. He does not yet have his own castl I thoroughly enjoyed Helen Hollick's retelling of this early part of King Arthur's life. He does not yet have his own castle, his Camelot and his round table is just a glimmer of a thought. He must still go through a great deal before establishing himself as the King Arthur of legend, but we can see from the man that he is in Pendragon's Banner the king that he will become.

It is easy to care for Arthur, his loyal and skilled Artoriani and his loyal wife Gwenhywyfar. When they face the cunning and treachery of Arthur's longtime enemy Morgause, it make for a gripping tale and a satisfying read.

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Hollick weaves in bits of the Arthurian legend, details of the man that hint at his life and legend as king. Plus, Hollick's fight scenes are gripping and well done - and as enjoyable as those found in a good Bernard Cornwell tale. Sourcebooks Landmark September , pages. Review copy provided by the publisher.

Aug 19, Elaine Cougler rated it it was amazing. Following after Hollick's The Kingmaking, Pendragon's Banner does not disappoint; in fact, it surges gloriously ahead like the magnificent stallions of Arthur's Artoriani. In the first book of this trilogy Arthur won his Gwenhwyfar and his crown as King, but both came at a cost in this second volume.

Hollick's sense of story and her daunting historical knowledge make for much drama and suspense. She has taken liberties with the characters of Arthur and his queen but in doing so has created real, Following after Hollick's The Kingmaking, Pendragon's Banner does not disappoint; in fact, it surges gloriously ahead like the magnificent stallions of Arthur's Artoriani. She has taken liberties with the characters of Arthur and his queen but in doing so has created real, believable people, a couple the reader really believes to be factual.

And, flawed though they are, I fell under their spell. I wept for both when their sons died, when they battled each other--two strong characters--for understanding, and I loved their courage, especially Gwenhwyfar's as she led thirty Artoriani against the she-wolf, Morgause. Now I look to read Shadow of the King, the third in this amazing trilogy. I actually liked this volume better than the trilogy opener. I appreciated the realism of this novel. I absolutely believed the relationship between Arthur and Gwen.

I had my heart pounding through battles and loved the fact that it was sometimes luck that saved the day. I loved a flawed hero and the cunning of the women. Nobody was too good to be true. But lastly I had my heart broken by deaths that, each time, was unexpected and added so much dimension to the story. This author excels at many I actually liked this volume better than the trilogy opener. This author excels at many things but I believe it is the human elemnt that she has mastered. This trilogy may test your ideas of King Arthur but it is so worth the experiance. Now comes my dilemma I really should wait Aug 07, Cindy rated it it was amazing Shelves: I absolutely loved this book, just as I did the first in the trilogy!

This book had several more battles for the title of Supreme King, but Author triumphs in all. By the end of the book, his uncle Ambrosius Merlin has finally decided to become Author's ally. Even his enemy Amlawdd decides to join with Arthur in the fight against Heuill after Gwenhwyfar persuades him through tickery. Two former women in Arthur's life, Winifred his former wife and Morgause his father's mistress are constant I absolutely loved this book, just as I did the first in the trilogy!

Two former women in Arthur's life, Winifred his former wife and Morgause his father's mistress are constantly trying to undermine Arthur in order to help obtain his throne. It was so sad to see that all three of Arthur and Gwenhyfar's sons were dead by the end of this book. Even though the deaths were accidental, Morgause's curse to see his children dead did, in fact, become reality.

I can't wait to read the third and final book! Helen Hollick's version of Arthur and Gwynhwyfar is by far the most realistic I've ever read. Beautifully written and intense, Helen takes the reader into Dark Age Britain where Arthur must fight the factions trying to depose him. Sometimes his faults get the better of him, but he is maturing and learning to channel his powerful temper into a useful tool to keep his throne. The narrative and dialogue have a "Pendragon's Banner" will definitely go on my list of all-time favorite Arthurian novels.

The narrative and dialogue have a smooth pitch that are not stilted at all. The only criticism I have is that occasionally a term that's a little too modern sounding slips in. Also, in this edition by Sourcebooks, some of the dates in the chapter headings were out of sync and some additional copyediting would have been good. Highly recommended for anyone who loves historical fiction and especially Arthurian stories.

The second book in the trilogy picks up Arthur's story a few years from the first one and tells of his bid to become King. There's lots of set backs along the way and lots of enemies trying to make sure that he doesn't succeed, but with his well trained cavalry, he can usually dominate them all. Like the first book, Hollick provides a plausible, real-life story that could have inspired so many of our myths and legends. Arthur, here, is fallible.

He makes mistakes, he sleeps with a lot of women, h The second book in the trilogy picks up Arthur's story a few years from the first one and tells of his bid to become King. He makes mistakes, he sleeps with a lot of women, he makes trouble for himself and for his friends, family and allies. There are lots of sad moments too. Usually, the middle book of a trilogy is the weaker volume, but not here.

This was as fast-paced, action packed and brilliantly written as the first. Well worth the reading. Second in a trilogy telling the King Arthur story without magical or supernatural elements. After the political and military struggles of The Kingmaking, Arthur is now Pendragon and High King of Britain, and married to his beloved wife, the feisty Gwenhwyfar. But his first wife Winifred wants her son Cerdic named heir, his uncle Ambrosius yearns for a return to the Roman Empire, numerous chieftains fancy themselves as High King, and far in the north the evil queen Morgause plots his downfall.

Ar Second in a trilogy telling the King Arthur story without magical or supernatural elements. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar face political storm and personal tragedy that threaten to destroy their marriage. Dec 05, Leila rated it it was amazing. This second book follows on from "The Kingmaking" It does not disappoint!

Another brilliant and down to earth novel which had me once more completely immersed in the continuing story. The characters are very realistic. Arthur, now in his early twenties, fights to hold onto his Kingship. His strength of character is tried and tested and in his personal life, the tensions between the main characters are complex. His two enemies, his bitter ex wife Winifred and Morgause who is "Queen of the North" This second book follows on from "The Kingmaking" It does not disappoint!

His two enemies, his bitter ex wife Winifred and Morgause who is "Queen of the North" are his biggest threats. Vivid and realistic writing from Helen Hollick once more. Nov 09, Laurie rated it it was amazing. Why can't someone edit this book???????? Why is it that every hundred pages or so, there is a heading at the beginning of a chapter that says "April " when just a few pages ago we were in !!

No, the author has not taken us on a flashback. The editors of this book just saw April at the beginning of THREE chapters so far and didn't even think to check if April was right. That said, I do enjoy this book and all the Pendragon's banner books. I just can't believe these e Why can't someone edit this book???????? I just can't believe these errors made it into the second print. Mar 19, Claire Hall rated it liked it.

This second entry to the series is stronger than the first. It's more focused and less rambling, and it deals unflinchingly with the mass of challenges and hurts that we as humans gather over the course of years -- adding to that the inherently greater difficulty of living back in the fifth century. Arthur and Gwenhwyfar again come alive here, older and maybe wiser and still needing each other desperately.

The events of this book are heart-wrenching, even up to the final pages, and Hollick stays This second entry to the series is stronger than the first. The events of this book are heart-wrenching, even up to the final pages, and Hollick stays admirably true to the humanity of her characters throughout. Apr 19, Debbi rated it liked it. I enjoyed the book, but not as much as the first one.

In the second of the trilogy, it seemed to me that Gwen and Arthur spent too much time quarreling and being jealous of something. There wasn't as much good story in this one. However, I will read the last one, because I have to know how it all turns out. There are some good things in this installment: It's not that its a bad book, jus I enjoyed the book, but not as much as the first one. It's not that its a bad book, just that it wasn't as good as the first one, or some of her other books.

Aug 24, Kwauditor rated it it was ok. I thought I would never finish this book. Something about it made it just drag on and on. I liked the first book, but this second book seemed to lack something. Not sure if I will read the third book of the trilogy. I think I will change genre for a couple books and then give it a try. Dec 10, Phiona Macrae rated it it was amazing. Helen Hollick's tale of the man who became a king who became a legend is unlike any other.

She does not waste precious space with fantasy and myth. There is no need when the history is so much richer. This is a real story of a real man. His most grisly trespasses. His all too human faults.

Pendragon's Banner by Helen Hollick

But most of all his strength of character that has endured for centuries. C - June 4 4 May 02, Desperately wanting a pony of my own, but not being able to afford one, I invented an imaginary pony instead, writing stories about our adventures together at every spare opportunity. In the seventies I turned to science fiction - this was the age of Dr. Who, Star Trek and Star Wars. I still have an unfinished adventure about a bit of a rogue who travelled space with his family, making an honest ish living and getting into all sorts of scrapes.

Perhaps one day I might finish it. I had wanted to become a journalist when leaving secondary school, but my careers advice was not helpful. Instead, I worked in a Chingford library where I stayed for 13 years although I was not very happy there - I did not realise it, but I wanted to write. The one advantage of the library, however, was the access to books, and it was there that I came across the Roman historical novels of Rosemary Sutcliff, the Arthurian trilogy by Mary Stewart, and the historian Geoffrey Ashe.

Hardback Editions

Customers who bought this item also bought. Page 1 of 1 Start over Page 1 of 1. Book Two of the Pendragon's Banner Trilogy. Shadow of the King: Book Three of the Pendragon's Banner Trilogy. I Am the Chosen King. Sometimes, a desperate kingdom is in need of one great woman. Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly In this first volume of what promises to be a monumental historical trilogy, rookie British author Hollick depicts Arthur's rise from A. The story combines private emotions and public statecraft as marriages, alliances and enemies are made and unmade to suit the politics of the era.

Hollick mixes elements from fifth-century history, myth, early romances, contemporary fantasy and other novels about Arthur, adding her own inventions for good measure. The treatment of Gwenhwyfar and her love for Arthur depicted here as star-crossed even without Lancelot's help is especially vivid. Though the novel contains no supernatural aspects, with its exotic setting, passionate characters and epic battles and intrigue, it still should appeal to the fantasy fans to whom most Arthurian adventures are addressed. The language, too, is influenced by genre fantasy, especially in its dramatic descriptions and reliance on archaisms; but this big-hearted novel's historical speculations alone should make it of interest to the non-fantasy reader as well.

Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc. As the rightful son of Uthr Pendragon, Arthur dreams of uniting the warring kings of Britain. Gwenhwyfar's hope, as the only daughter of Cuncedda, the Lion Lord of Gwynedd, is to join Arthur's cause. Hollick's first novel re-creates the uneasy political climate of fifth-century Britain, a land suffering under the rule of the tyrant Vortigern. Stripped of its medieval trappings, the story of Arthur's rise loses none of its legendary power. Most libraries will want to add this well-researched, skillfully constructed trilogy opener to their collections.

See all Editorial Reviews. Product details File Size: Sourcebooks Landmark March 1, Publication Date: March 1, Sold by: Is this feature helpful? Thank you for your feedback. Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review.

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Read reviews that mention helen hollick historical fiction king arthur pendragon banner dark ages banner trilogy uthr pendragon sharon kay kay penman highly recommended arthurian legend fifth century arthur and gwenhwyfar good read forward to reading highly recommend still young looking forward highly enjoyable read this book. Showing of 89 reviews. Top Reviews Most recent Top Reviews. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. I have always been drawn to all things Arthurian. Helen Hollick's take on King Authur in "The Kingmaking," the first book in the "Pendragon's Banner Trilogy," is most unusual and I was immediately drawn into her story and was amazed at how believable her characters and narrative are.

This is extraordinary "historical" fiction rather than fantasy. Hollick follows in the footsteps of her mentor, Sharon Kay Penman, to whom she dedicates the book. The author's Arthur is no mythical monarch of yore, but a flesh and blood, complex man. He is a courageous, young warrior king, at times cunning and ruthless, who wenches, drinks, adores his lovely Gwenhwyfar and tries to stomach his miserable marriage to another woman.

Arthur is the son of a Romano-British nobleman, Uthr, and, like his father, he follows the "old religion," the soldiers' god, "Mithras. Many of Arthur's problems eventually stem from the vying for power between the Church and the old ways. The novel takes place in an island country situated off the North West coast of Europe - now called Great Britain - during the 5th century. It was inhabited by the Celtic people known as the Britons and a collection of various Germanic peoples, the Anglis, Jutes, and Saxons. This was a time of great upheaval and change.

The native tribes, never really unified except for one brief moment in time under Queen Boudicca. Vortigern and Uthr Pendragon, both great war leaders, are rivals for the position of supreme ruler of Britain.

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The Saxon warlord Hengest and his followers are Vortigern's paid allies. Cunedda, Lord of the Votodini, is an independent power in Gwynedd, Wales, and inclined to side with Uthr, and later Arthur, against Vortigern. Cunedda eventually loses his lands north of Hadrian's Wall and is exiled to the mountains of Gwynedd. Uthr the Pendragon, flees the country. The victor, Vortigern, declares himself King of Britain and, to keep his throne, hires vast numbers of hated Saxon mercenaries and takes a Saxon wife, Rowena, the daughter Hengst.

Uthr eventually returns to his country and in Londinium he meets the beautiful Ygrainne, wife of Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall.

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He instantly falls in love with her and is determined to have her for his own. Gorlois, aware of what is happening between his wife and Uthr, leaves with Ygrainne for his castle in Cornwall. Uthr then invades Gorlois' lands and beds Ygrainne, getting her with child - Arthur. Gorlois was killed in the fighting and Uthr marries Ygrainne, which, supposedly , makes Arthur his legitimate son.

Uthr also has an evil mistress, Morgause, Ygrainne's younger sister, who plays a big part in the two later books. Authur, thought to be a bastard son of a serving girl, was treated badly as a child by both his secret mother, Ygrainne, and Morgause who loathed the boy.

He was shunned and tormented by all, children and adults alike. The only person who treated him decently was Uthr, who fostered the boy out to his brother Ectha. Uthr kept the secret of Authur's birth, as did Ygrainne and Ectha, because they were fearful of Vortigern's malice toward the child, who, as Uthr's heir, posed a serious threat to the man's power. Arthur has the position of a serving boy to Uthr. He has always looked up to his lord and dreams of becoming a leader of men and a great warrior himself.

In Gwynedd, a rebellion is planned between Uthr, Cunedda, and their allies in order to bring down the tyrant king Vortigern. The war party departs, leaving Arthur behind with Cunedda's young sons and only daughter, Gwenhwyfar. During this time Arthur and Gwenhwyfar forge a strong bond of friendship Their harmony and peaceful days terminate abruptly when the war party returns, defeated, with the news that Uthr is dead. The troops, grieving and demoralized, think that all is lost when Cunneda announces that, "There is another Pendragon - still young, I grant, we need to wait for him to come of age.

I give you the Pendragon - Arthur! I provide background material here in order to give a picture of the times, setting and circumstances of "The Kingmaking.

Let it suffice to say that in order for Arthur to learn the skills of a warrior and keep the peace, he must pledge his sword to the powerful and victorious warlord, his enemy Vortigern. To cement Arthur's loyalty, Vortigern dictates that Arthur must marry his daughter - the scheming, materialistic Winifred. The unhappy youth agrees. But what of the newly born love between Arthur and Gwenhwyfar? The drama and tension between characters and events is intense. We begin to know the young Arthur as he grows from adolescence into a young man and capable warrior.

The years encompassed in these pages will test his strength and determination. And this is also a love story. Helen Hollick brings her multi-layered, complex characters to life on the page.

I especially enjoyed her depiction of the feisty, independent Gwenhwyfar - who is somewhat of a warrior in her own right. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase.

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I wish you could give half stars here,as I rate this at four and a half stars. The writing is masterful. You truly feel for a while as if you have stepped through a portal in time and been transported back to the fifth century. It is because of this that I don't give this five stars. Don't get me wrong, this is powerful stuff but many times just too brutal and vivid for someone like myself who has a very powerful imagination and doesn't really need the blood and violence painted quite so clearly.

If ever you truly need to know what fifth century battle was like, or how lovely and wild the countryside was or how filthy and base cities and other lodgings were then It was also a bit long. I like long books but I think pages could have been pared down just a little by eliminating just a bit of the blood and guts. Still I highly recommend this book and applaud the author for her incredible talent.