Yet another spin on an Arthurian theme minus the magic. Nicely written just the same with an emphasis on darkness and light (evil and goodness, summer and winter) but doesn't come anywhere near Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon". I won't be reading the other volumes in the series. ( )

This whole book is like a case study on the fallout from two terrible parenting styles. One child beaten, sexually abused, and informed that no matter what good and loyal things he does, he will never be allowed to earn any mark of true approbation, even from the "good" parent. The other child spoiled, encouraged in his dictatorial arrogance, but restricted from exploring the world or his interests in any way that might shape him into a mature and compassionate man. The end result of which is a mélange of envy, carelessness, and schadenfreude worthy of the most aggravating Greek (or Shakespearean) tragedy. But! I did learn lots about how not to raise children...and discovered a retelling of Arthurian folklore that I don't want to toss on a roaring fire. Surprising, that. Considering. ( )

Medreud struggles to love and protect Arthur's legitimate heir

Medraut is the eldest son of Artos, but he will not inherit the High King’s title, lands, or power. For he is the illegitimate son of the king. And more than that, the result of incest. Medraut’s mother is Artos’ sister, Morgause. In this adaptation of the Arthurian legend Artos, or Arthur, has two more children. Twins, Lleu a son, and Geowin, a daughter. Much younger then Medraut, it is Lleu who will inherit everything. It is Lleu who receives all his father’s love while Medraut has to live under the cruelty and torture of Morgause.

My main reason behind reading this was Wein’s most recent book, [b:Code Name Verity|11925514|Code Name Verity|Elizabeth Wein|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1337034341s/11925514.jpg|16885788] which I loved. Unfortunately this series of books, The Lion Hunters seem to be out of print, so if you are interested in reading this you will have to look for some second-hand sellers. Although I did see mention of the possibility of some ebook publications in the future. Here is hoping, because while I didn’t love this one quite as much as Verity it is still a great read.

Told in the first person, by Medraut, and addressed to his mother, it took me a little while to get use to when he addressed her as you, but apart from that it was an engrossing read. Medraut is such a conflicted character, he often doesn’t know how he feels about his situation or his siblings, he has been so twisted by his years under Morgause. And there is a lot of darkness there, mostly hinted at, very little overt, but you still totally understand that Medraut has been badly damaged. And like many victims he is still very much under Morgause’s sway, he may hate her, but he will also obey her because he fears her. And he also does resent Lleu, afterall, the favoured son has everything that Medraut could possible want, and yet doesn’t seem to appreciate it. Lleu’s arrogance pushes at Medraut, provokes him, but is it enough to push Medraut over the edge?

This isn’t a book that everyone will enjoy, but I certainly appreciated its beauty, and will be reading on in the series. ( )

During my early teens, I went on a Arthurian literature kick which was jump started by Anne McCaffrey’s “Black Horses for the King,” and spurred onward by this novel, which was stowed away in a tiny corner of the children’s area known as the “JH” section. I read the original 1993 Atheneum version with the blue cover, and I have to say, though I am glad to see it republished, I liked the old cover much better.

In this lovely rendition of Arthurian legend, Arthur and Morgause’s son Mordred (here called Medraut) returns to Camlaan, arriving during a family crisis in which Arthur and Ginevra’s young son, Lleu, is deathly ill. Medraut, who has been trained as a physician, becomes Lleu’s doctor, though many of the household are understandably nervous about letting their king’s oldest, illegitimate son care for the heir. Medraut has a jealous, protective relationship with Lleu and his twin sister, Goewin, which plays out in fascinating ways throughout the novel, right up to the end. Wein captures snapshots of these episodes, including a riding accident and the aftermath, a visit from Morgause and her sons, and the performance of the yearly play.

This has long been the standard to which I held Arthurian literature, and I was saddened to find that not many young adult selections lived up to it, not even the sequels. Still, reading this novel introduced me to Arthurian literature, and other novels recommended by the author, and I highly recommend it. ( )