Steve Lawhead - Grail

Pros: Another tale from Lawhead's Arthurian lore
Cons: A bit too long and uninteresting at times

Arthur, High King of Britain, suffers from a grave wound that doesn’t seem to be getting any better, almost to the point of being fatal. Even his faithful advisor Merlin seems to be at a lost. Only Avallach, Merlin’s grandfather and known as the ...

Pros: Exciting, well-written, innovative
Cons: A little long, ties up a little too neatly

I have read many different versions of Arthurian legend, and this set of books (beginning with Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur and Pendragon) have been thoroughly engaging and well-written.

As an Arthurian buff, in many adaptations (especially on the screen), I really hate the deviation from the original "facts" of the tale. Lawhead does a great job of incorporating the existing myth, but putting a new spin on it. These books read like a historical account, and at times, you find yourself thinking that THIS is the real account of what happened, sometimes forgetting that it is fantasy at all.

This final chapter of the saga was very exciting, beginning after the battle of Camlaan, Arthur's near-fatal wounding, and the beginning of the Summer Realm. It is told in first person narrative by Gwalchavad (Galahad, in more common language) and recounts the gain and loss and gain again of the Holy Grail. It gives a new take on the betrayal of Lancelot (named Llenlleawg in this adaptation) and the schemes of Morgian / Morgaws.

I would certainly recommend this read for those interested in Arthurian legend, but I would highly suggest reading the previous books first.