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Giles Kristian
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Lancelot: The bestselling Arthurian epic Kindle Edition

by Giles Kristian (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 2,900 ratings

________________

Conn Iggulden called it 'a masterpiece' while The Times hailed it 'a gorgeous, rich retelling of the Arthurian tale' . . .
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In Britain, Rome's legions are but a distant memory.

And Uther Pendragon is dying.

Enemies stalk the land.

Into this uncertain world a boy is cast - an outsider, plagued by memories of those he's lost.

Under the watchful eye of Merlin, the boy begins his journey to manhood. He meets another outcast, Guinevere - wild, proud and beautiful. And he is dazzled by Arthur - a warrior who carries the hopes of the people like a flaming torch in the dark.

But these are treacherous times, and the fate of Britain rests on a sword's edge. This young man becomes a lord of war: loved, hated, admired and feared. He is a man forsaken but not forgotten.

He is Lancelot.
________________

Set in a 5th century Britain besieged by invading bands of Saxons and Franks, Irish and Picts, Giles Kristian's epic novel tells - in Lancelot's own words - the story of the most revered yet reviled of all Arthur's knights, the warrior who fought at his lord's side - yet stole his wife. It's is the story of one of the great figures of British myth and legend - a story ready to be re-imagined for our times.

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  1. Print length
    502 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Transworld Digital
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 31, 2018
  6. File size
    8.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Family history (he is half Norwegian) inspired GILES KRISTIAN to write his first historical novels: the acclaimed and bestselling Raven Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin's Wolves. A long-held fascination with the English Civil War then led him to chartt the fortunes of a family divided by that brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury before co-writing Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. He returned to the world of the Vikings with the acclaimed God of Vengeance (a Times Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire and Wings of the Storm. Giles lives in Leicestershire.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B074W592D4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Transworld Digital
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 502 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1473543027
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,900 ratings

About the author

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Giles Kristian

Giles Kristian

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Giles Kristian's first historical novels were the acclaimed and bestselling RAVEN Viking trilogy – Blood Eye, Sons of Thunder and Odin’s Wolves. For his next series, he drew on a long-held fascination with the English Civil War to chart the fortunes of a family divided by this brutal conflict in The Bleeding Land and Brothers’ Fury. Giles also co-wrote Wilbur Smith’s No.1 bestseller, Golden Lion. In God of Vengeance (a TIMES Book of the Year), Winter’s Fire, and the Historical Writers’ Association Gold Crown shortlisted Wings of the Storm, he returned to the world of the Vikings to tell the story of Sigurd and his celebrated fictional fellowship. Lancelot was published to great acclaim and hit The Times bestseller charts at No. 3. It was also a Sunday Times bestseller. He followed Lancelot with Camelot, and his new novel, a thriller called Where Blood Runs Cold, was The Times’ Thriller of the Month. To find out more about Giles: www.gileskristian.com

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,900 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this Arthurian epic to be a compelling read with beautifully written prose. The book offers a fresh take on the Arthurian legends, with one customer noting how it breathes new life into the myth. They appreciate the emotional depth, with one review mentioning it brought them to tears multiple times. The character development receives praise, with one review highlighting the complex portrayal of Lancelot, and customers find the pacing highly engaging.

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14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one describing it as an immersive experience.

"...and his reimagining of Lancelot and Guinevere is one of the most compelling I’ve read...." Read more

"...If you are looking for a good read, I would recommend it, but be aware some things seem to be hurriedly tied up at the end of the story...." Read more

"...It is one of the top ten best reads I've ever encountered, and I'll be looking for more Giles Kristian books to grace my shelves...." Read more

"...An immersive read. Well worth it." Read more

11 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's original take on Arthurian legends, with one customer noting its profound emotional narrative and another highlighting its engaging action throughout.

"...Kristian’s battle scenes are intense, his portrayal of Arthur is excellent, and his reimagining of Lancelot and Guinevere is one of the most..." Read more

"It was definitely a very fresh take on the Arthurian Tales, though I wish there was perhaps a little more detail or some storylines seen through..." Read more

"...Order it and indulge. It's excellent literature and an adventure from beginning to end." Read more

"...Tremendous use of language/imagery, a humanization of the legends and story that is better than good...." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, noting its beautiful prose and great authorship, with one customer highlighting its tremendous use of language and imagery.

"...The prose is beautifully written though. I really enjoyed the author's handling of words and I like the fact that Lancelot has to struggle for most..." Read more

"...Kristian is a phenomenal writer...." Read more

"...This novel was original in its conception, literary in its execution, and so moving in its impact that I will be hearing its echoes in my mind and..." Read more

"...Tremendous use of language/imagery, a humanization of the legends and story that is better than good...." Read more

8 customers mention "Emotional content"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with one customer noting it brings them to tears multiple times, while another appreciates its fresh take on the tragic love story between Lancelot and Guinevere.

"...If you’re looking for an immersive, emotional, and action-packed take on Lancelot’s story, this is a must-read." Read more

"...This man's suffering spirit, the injustice which is never overturned, the courage, honor, and yet human frailty--are all treated with dignity,..." Read more

"...finished and I am , in turns, devastated, full of awe, and that delicious melancholy of the fleeting quality of life and the enduring quality of love..." Read more

"...While the novel has its fair share of action, at its heart, it is a love story exploring Lancelot's love for Guinevere and his love and loyalty to..." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review highlighting the uniquely intimate portrayal of the legendary warrior, while another notes how Lancelot is portrayed with sensitivity and depth.

"...Lancelot’s perspective, this novel offers a uniquely intimate portrayal of the legendary warrior and a fresh take on his tragic love story with..." Read more

"...The narrative is profoundly emotional, and the relationships between the characters, particularly between Lancelot and Guinevere, are handled with..." Read more

"...The book is full of old tale characters and motifs dispersed like Easter Eggs in new and interesting colors. Several parts hit you right in the feels." Read more

"Good story. Good characters. Good language." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book highly engaging, with one customer describing it as immersive and full of awe.

"...If you’re looking for an immersive, emotional, and action-packed take on Lancelot’s story, this is a must-read." Read more

"...I have just finished and I am , in turns, devastated, full of awe, and that delicious melancholy of the fleeting quality of life and the enduring..." Read more

"Really enjoyed this. The second half of the book was highly engaging and the ending is just gorgeous. Well worth the read for any Arthurian fan." Read more

where have you been lancelot?
5 out of 5 stars
where have you been lancelot?
This book gave me EVERYTHING I wanted from it! This book fills the void the world has in the Arthurian legend, this book tells the story of a sweet young Lancelot. We learn of his hopes and his dreams, his desires and his regrets. The writing is so similar to Bernard Cornwell’s the Last Kingdom (which I devoured), and the character introductions are so unique and are called upon throughout the rest of the tale, they are REALLY well done! We meet Lancelot as a young boy and see his sort of lonely life but for his animal friends. And then one day everything is stripped from him, and we watch him rise and start on his journey. Lancelot and Guinevere’s love story is timeless and tragic, and the author's rich retelling heightens the stakes, will all of Britain be lost for their love? “But this young prince has his mother's fearsome beauty” Would I reread? Yes, absolutely, I am tracking down book two RIGHT NOW. (This book can also work as a standalone, but I’m here for more so 👋🏻) Would I recommend? YES, to everyone, to anyone who enjoyed The Last Kingdom TV series, to anyone who loved Game of Thrones for the swords, to anyone who looks for books with forbidden love.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joseph Finley
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Take on Lancelot!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    After reading “Arthur” by Giles Kristian, I immediately picked up “Lancelot,” and it did not disappoint. Told from Lancelot’s perspective, this novel offers a uniquely intimate portrayal of the legendary warrior and a fresh take on his tragic love story with Guinevere. The first half follows Lancelot’s youth, from his escape from treachery in Armorica to his fostering under Nimue, the Lady of the Lake. His fateful bond with Guinevere begins when he rescues her from drowning—an act that, according to Merlin, angers the gods. Kristian’s battle scenes are intense, his portrayal of Arthur is excellent, and his reimagining of Lancelot and Guinevere is one of the most compelling I’ve read. Fans of Arthurian legend will love this, especially those who enjoyed Bernard Cornwell’s “Warlord Chronicles.” If you’re looking for an immersive, emotional, and action-packed take on Lancelot’s story, this is a must-read.
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  • Shaut
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty Good
    Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    It was definitely a very fresh take on the Arthurian Tales, though I wish there was perhaps a little more detail or some storylines seen through instead of an afterthought at the end.
    I felt the story could have gone much, much deeper, but I still immensely enjoyed reading it. If you are looking for a good read, I would recommend it, but be aware some things seem to be hurriedly tied up at the end of the story. The prose is beautifully written though. I really enjoyed the author's handling of words and I like the fact that Lancelot has to struggle for most of the book. Nothing is quite handed to him, which is enjoyable.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • The Journalist
    5.0 out of 5 stars At long last... LANCELOT!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    It's hard to know how to begin. Breathtaking? Poignant, bloody, intense, tragic, touching... I could go on and on.

    As a lover of all things Arthurian, I had wanted to acquire this book for over a year. For some reason, it's not available in Kindle version, but that was my ONLY disappointment. Purchasing a print copy was worth the wait in its arrival, as this book was everything I'd hoped it would be and more.

    Kristian is a phenomenal writer. His prose comes straight from the heart (for the romantic and touching parts) or from his gut (the battle scenes and violence of 5th century Britain!). I cannot even begin to describe how this book kept me enthralled. It is one of the top ten best reads I've ever encountered, and I'll be looking for more Giles Kristian books to grace my shelves. The final two pages are now tear-stained, and I'm not an emotional person. It is RARE when I cry while reading.

    And Kristian is correct in his author's notes. The character of Lancelot has always been overshadowed by the grandeur of Arthur himself, Guinevere, or Merlin. Well, suffice it to say that Lancelot was always my favorite character in the legends, and now is elevated even higher in my book. This man's suffering spirit, the injustice which is never overturned, the courage, honor, and yet human frailty--are all treated with dignity, resolve, and tenderness. This book BREATHES--sometimes quietly and sometimes in gasps as the story evolves. Readers are drawn into Lancelot's character from the start to the finish, and I was breathless at every turn and nuance.

    If you have not read this book, RUN to Amazon. Order it and indulge. It's excellent literature and an adventure from beginning to end.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Maureen D. Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A story that is hard to put down and difficult to leave in the end. An immersive read. Well worth it.
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  • Sandra Lee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I do not have the words to praise this book enough. I have just finished and I am , in turns, devastated, full of awe, and that delicious melancholy of the fleeting quality of life and the enduring quality of love. This novel was original in its conception, literary in its execution, and so moving in its impact that I will be hearing its echoes in my mind and my spirit for a long time to come. It has become my new standard of comparison for what a truly great work of Historical(or mythological) fiction can be.
    Giles, you have surpassed your own professed teachers.
    Thank you
    One person found this helpful
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  • msculati
    4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding reworking of Aurthurian Legend--Outstanding
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The 1st 1/3rd (perhaps more) of the book is a slog....drawn out, a bit boring--please get on with it I found myself thinking more than once (The reason the book is 4* not 5). Then--then we finally get to Tintagel. At this point the book takes a turn and becomes one of the best. Tremendous use of language/imagery, a humanization of the legends and story that is better than good.
    I have read almost everything Bernard Cornwell has written and far too often authors, that should not be, are compared to him. This book is on par with the best of Mr. Cornwell's Uther series.
    I almost quit reading this book--so glad I did not. Highly recommended--highly
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Grant Boatman
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good but I think it’s lacking something
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is the post-Roman, medieval era but the writer doesn’t often paint a picture of surroundings, landscapes, or names he mentions in the book. Paint us a visual picture in words for the time period! I’m reading and I think the same things: where are we? Night, day, forest, woods, plains? Small town, hills, village, castle? What does this or that guy look like?
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • jorge marco
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantástico
    Reviewed in Spain on September 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Muy buen libro, con intriga, pasiones, luchas y demás aventura. La única que pega el envío, Correos me lo entrego como si el propio libro hubiese también ido a las guerras que relata. Como consecuencia tiene una esquina muy doblada.
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  • Rashid Raza
    5.0 out of 5 stars Flat out brilliant.
    Reviewed in India on July 16, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The swords and magic, the love and loss, the unconquerable hero and unsurmountable odds. I'm all out of hyperbole, but I still haven't done this story justice.
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  • Andreas
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping tale
    Reviewed in Germany on July 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A very nice written book giving a new perspective on the arthurian myth. But beware. The overall tone is a sad one, that love and happy endings are never secure but Lancelot never gives up. A land and a hero never loosing a battle but aware that they will loose their wars. A must read.
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  • Brendan Zornig
    5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular
    Reviewed in Australia on August 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It is no secret that I am a fan of Giles Kristian’s work, having devoured his Raven and Sigurd sagas like a warrior in the feasting hall. It was with these excellent stories in mind that I picked up Giles’ version of the Arthurian legend, told from the perspective of Lancelot. What I can now say is that Lancelot took the expectations I have developed of Giles’ work to the next level. As Conn Iggulden’s quote on the cover suggests, this is a masterpiece.
    A large part of this story is set during Lancelot’s youth, beginning with his tragic separation from his own family, following his journey as he is taken in by the mysterious Lady Nimue and eventually trained as a warrior. During this time, key events take place that set the scene for the rest of the story, ultimately underpinning the tragic love triangle that will form the main storyline. These events include, of course, the introduction of the character Guinevere, which occurs much earlier in Lancelot’s lifetime than in the traditional telling of the Arthurian legend. What forms is a beautiful relationship between the youthful Lancelot and Guinevere, which even from the start is discouraged by those around them. Lancelot’s time on the island of Karrek Loos yn Koos also sees the introduction of several other characters, including some of his greatest friends and enemies. These characters include the likes of Pelleas, Bors, Melwas, and of course, Merlin. I particularly enjoyed the character of Merlin and his “journeys” as various beasts. These were included throughout the book as interludes introducing various plot points – and I must say, the voice of Merlin in the audiobook version is perfect!
    It is not until halfway through the book that the fabled character of Arthur makes his first appearance. Merlin understands the key role Arthur and Lancelot will play in each other’s lives, and in the future of Britain itself, and soon enough Lancelot finds himself fulfilling his traditional role as Arthur’s champion. Within a few chapters, the two have formed an unmatched brotherhood, and are respected, feared and celebrated throughout the land. That is, until the re-appearance of Guinevere brings their worlds crashing down.
    I will not share the details of what transpires, for that would be to rob the reader of a gripping tale best told by Giles. I will, however, mention that I enjoyed the way in which Lancelot and Guinevere’s love is portrayed, in contrast to the blatant treachery of the traditional telling. From the start, Lancelot has been a character impossible not to fall in love with as a reader, and I found myself seeing the treachery brought against him, understanding his predicament, and despising those who placed him in it. This development also brings about the worst traits of Arthur, who is just as much a victim to the same treachery as Lancelot and Guinevere, and tragically the three are torn apart.
    The closing chapters of this book brought the story forward several years, where Lancelot has become a hermit and a father. The brief role his son Galahad plays serves not only as an insight into how Lancelot’s life continued in the absence of his soulmate Guinevere, but also as a glimpse into the future, a hope that there might be something for Lancelot in this world after all, and a desperation to see his story continue. But this tale is a tragedy, after all.
    I could not possibly finish a review of Lancelot without making mention of the beautiful language in which it is written. Giles writes in a prose that is almost poetic, packed with all the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of fifth century Britain. The world is constructed well, with a gritty brutality that one would expect in post-Roman Britain, with the Saxons bearing down upon the land like a pack of famished wolves.
    In summary, this was a spectacular read, and one that I truly hope becomes a “modern classic”, for that’s what it is in my eyes. It is a tale of friendship, love and honour, made tragic by hatred, mistrust and treachery. It is an emotional rollercoaster with a heartbreaking ending that is so well told that I feel like I have personally undergone some great loss along with the characters. This is a book I thoroughly enjoyed, that I savoured every word of, and will honestly be recommending to everyone I know.
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  • BTVP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Straight to the pantheon of Arthurian legends
    Reviewed in Japan on July 20, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    After reading the Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell, I never thought I would be able to enjoy another tale of the Arthurian mythology, the said trilogy being such an amazing work. And yet! Lancelot by Giles Kristian is at least as thrilling if not more than its counterpart and what it lacks (compared to Cornwell's) in violence and battle scenes, it makes up in the depth of the main characters.
    As far as I am concerned, Kristian did two miracles with Lancelot.
    One: he made me deeply sympathize with a character that all other takes on the myth made me despise
    And two: he manages to keep the reader interested in the story of a character throughout a big part of his childhood.

    Thank you sir, and please, give us some more.
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