From School Library Journal
YA-This volume concludes Paxson's series on the "Matter of Britain." The previous volumes focused on Merlin's life and his origins in prehistory; the Roman influences underlying Arthur's values; the role played by the Saxons; and the variety of spiritual traditions seeking to prevail in determining the fate of Britain. Book Four begins in A.D. 502 when peace has been established and Camalot rules, but Arthur soon leaves on a seemingly hopeless quest to bring peace to Gallia. In the years of his absence, Guendivar grows in stature and becomes a true queen; Morgause finally finds peace as a priestess of Avalon; Medraut, Arthur's troubled son, attempts to usurp the throne; and the kingdom is once again torn by strife. Ultimately the land itself ("the stone") asserts its power to guide the key figures through these cataclysmic events. Though it is the end of one age, spiritual and cultural traditions have been set in motion that will continue to guide Britain's destiny in the years to come. Paxson's vivid retellings of the familiar story bring out the depth of its mythical and magical qualities and should please fans of Gillian Bradshaw, Marion Zimmer Bradley, and other writers who mix historical fiction with fantasy.Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

After years of conflict, Britannia finally knows peace and Artor reigns from his throne at Camalot. But discontent rumbles through the kingdom. A new generation longs for the glory their fathers knew. Medraut, the son conceived by deceit, lusts for Artor's crown — and his queen. Dreams of an empire draw the king to Gallia to battle again, leaving the sovereignty of the isle in Guendivar's hands. As Artor's painful absence grows longer, the land cries out for its champion — and even the queen doubts his return. With the rise of revolt home to a country in turmoil. Only he can heal the land and reclaim the kingdom — or else the hallowed isle will be ripped asunder once again.

A darkness born and bred for revenge shadows the nation. But one hope shines — the Defender of Britannia.After years of conflict, Britannia finally knows peace and Artor reigns from his throne at Camalot. But discontent rumbles through the kingdom. A new generation longs for the glory their fathers knew. Medraut, the son conceived by deceit, lusts for Artor's crown — and his queen. Dreams of an empire draw the king to Gallia to battle again, leaving the sovereignty of the isle in Guendivar's hands. As Artor's painful absence grows longer, the land cries out for its champion — and even the queen doubts his return. With the rise of revolt home to a country in turmoil. Only he can heal the land and reclaim the kingdom — or else the hallowed isle will be ripped asunder once again.

A darkness born and bred for revenge shadows the nation. But one hope shines — the Defender of Britannia.

SYNOPSIS

After years of conflict, Britannia finally knows peace and Artor reigns from his throne at Camalot. But discontent rumbles through the kingdom. A new generation longs for the glory their fathers knew. Medraut, the son conceived by deceit, lusts for Artor's crown—and his queen. Dreams of an empire draw the king to Gallia to battle again, leaving the sovereignty of the isle in Guendivar's hands. As Artor's painful absence grows longer, the land cries out for its champion—and even the queen doubts his return. With the rise of revolt home to a country in turmoil. Only he can heal the land and reclaim the kingdom—or else the hallowed isle will be ripped asunder once again.

A darkness born and bred for revenge shadows the nation. But one hope shines—the Defender of Britannia.

FROM THE CRITICS

KLIATT

The final title in The Hallowed Isle series returns the reader once again to Artor's Britannia. Medraut, now free from his mother's control, arrives at Camalot ready to serve his father, King Artor. In an effort to extend the empire, Artor allows Medraut to join him and several warriors on a journey to Gallia as Guendivar is placed in charge of Camalot. Conflicted by the presence of his illegitimate son, Artor wavers between paternal love and abject hate for Medraut. On the way to Gallia, Artor sends Medraut to live with the Saxons in order to keep his son safe from soldiers who discover his true identity. Dangerously manipulative and yearning for acceptance that he cannot obtain from his father, Medraut eventually seeks to gain the throne for himself. While living with the Saxons, Medraut obtains some powerful allies and when freed, Medraut feels ready to take the throne and seduce the queen. While Guendivar becomes closer in spirit with Artor as she reads his letters from afar, she becomes physically attracted to Medraut as he tries to claim her. Artor, with the help of an elderly Merlin, must save Guendivar, Camalot, and Britannia from Medraut's clutches in an exciting final battle. With realistic characters and a mixture of history and legend, Paxson provides readers with a well-crafted version of King Artor's rise and fall that will appeal to serious students of Arthurian lore. The well-executed ending is thought provoking and provides a worthy conclusion to this fantasy series. Highly recommended for readers of the previous titles and for all readers of Arthurian legends. (The Hallowed Isle, Book 4) KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advancedstudents, and adults. 2000, Avon/Eos, 192p, 21cm, 99-39528, $11.00. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Ginger Armstrong; Principal Lib. Assoc., Chesterfield Cty P.L., Chester, VA, July 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 4)

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