This addition to the Matter of Britain is an omnibus volume of the first two (of four) novels in Diana L. Paxson's Hallowed Isle series. The first novel begins in the chaos of early fifth century Britain: the Roman legions have left, and the Romano-British aristocracy, along with various Picts and Scotti, and a few assorted Teutonic tribes, are circling the power vacuum like vultures. The heart of the matter is, of course, Arthur (or Artor, as he is known here). Paxson surrounds Artor with all the usual suspects--Cei, Merlin, Betiver and so on--and sends him down the by-now standard path to his destiny. Her Once and Future King is smart and likeable, has equally good sword and people skills, and loves to infuse his followers with his own personal vision of peace, unity, and civility for all. Where Paxson departs from the usual fare is in her consideration of the Saxons (and Angles and Jutes and Frisians, etc.) as people with their own goals and beliefs and lives, rather than as stock barbarians who exist only to destroy what is left of Roman civilization.

The sword and spear of the novel titles are totemic objects of the Romano-Britains (in particular Artor), and the Teutonic Myrgings (in the person of Oesc) respectively: humming with fantasical properties and mystical significance. Paxson uses them to full effect. There are battles (of will, of weapons, of religion), prophecies, and lots of intriguing historical tidbits. The author has obviously done her homework, and equally obviously relishes immersing her characters, and readers, in the dirt and poverty and epic heroism of a still not well-understood age. --Luc Duplessis


From School Library Journal
YA-Part two of a four-part Arthurian saga that focuses on the diverse and conflicting cultural groups occupying fifth-century Britain, this volume tells the story of Oesc, a Saxon warrior whose magical spear opposes Arthur's famous sword. Those who enjoyed the first book will not want to miss this continuation of Paxson's highly original version of the great legend.Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.



"An accomplished writer... I look forward to reading any of Diana Paxson's work."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Saga

The Arthurian saga is one of the most enduring legends of Western civilization—a stirring tale of destiny, duty, faith, and majesty that has been told and retold by some of the greatest storytellers of all time. In her sweeping and magnificent multi-volume work The Hallowed Isle acclaimed author Diana L. Paxson brilliantly reinvents the classic myth—by reimagining the great king, his life and legacy from the unique perspectives of four distinct tribal cultures that shaped Britain in the violent days of the sixth century.

The Book of the Spear

A Saxon of royal blood, Oesc has fled the drowned, doomed country to which he is heir in order to claim rich lands in Britannia. Though sworn to the spirits of his new home, he tryly serves an older god...and a darker sorcery: the power of the Spear. But the Spear's magic is opposed by that of the Sword of Rome, a weapon now wielded by young King Artor, and before him by Artor's father Uthir. In Uthir's hand, the blade slew Oesc's own father, and now vengeance burns fiercely in Oesc's heart—a lust for revenge that could destroy a greatness before it fully flowers.

Destiny lies in the clashing of magic steel. The hope of all Britain rests in the hands of the warrior sons. The Saga

The Arthurian saga is one of the most enduring legends of Western civilization—a stirring tale of destiny, duty, faith, and majesty that has been told and retold by some of the greatest storytellers of all time. In her sweeping and magnificent multi-volume work The Hallowed Isle acclaimed author Diana L. Paxson brilliantly reinvents the classic myth—by reimagining the great king, his life and legacy fromthe unique perspectives of four distinct tribal cultures that shaped Britain in the violent days of the sixth century.

The Book of the Spear

A Saxon of royal blood, Oesc has fled the drowned, doomed country to which he is heir in order to claim rich lands in Britannia. Though sworn to the spirits of his new home, he tryly serves an older god...and a darker sorcery: the power of the Spear. But the Spear's magic is opposed by that of the Sword of Rome, a weapon now wielded by young King Artor, and before him by Artor's father Uthir. In Uthir's hand, the blade slew Oesc's own father, and now vengeance burns fiercely in Oesc's heart—a lust for revenge that could destroy a greatness before it fully flowers.

Destiny lies in the clashing of magic steel. The hope of all Britain rests in the hands of the warrior sons.

Author Biography:

Diana L. Paxson is the award-winning author of The Lord of Horses, The Wolf and the Raven, The Dragons of the Rhine, The White Raven, and The Serpents Tooth, and coauthor (with Adrienne Martine-Barnes) of Master of Earth and Water, The Shield Between the Worlds, and Sword of Fire and Shadow, the chronicles of Fionn mac Cumhal. She lives in Berkeley, California.

FROM THE CRITICS

School Library Journal

YA-Part two of a four-part Arthurian saga that focuses on the diverse and conflicting cultural groups occupying fifth-century Britain, this volume tells the story of Oesc, a Saxon warrior whose magical spear opposes Arthur's famous sword. Those who enjoyed the first book will not want to miss this continuation of Paxson's highly original version of the great legend.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

Jonathan Fesmire - SF Site