RIPPLES IN THE CHALICE: A TALE OF AVALON VOLUME II.
By Adam
Copeland.
Sir Patrick
Gawain is about to meet his end at the point of a sword. That is until his
Apparition appears before him and reminds him that he cannot give up. Patrick
is forced to revisit a choice he once made – a choice that led to everything he
has experienced and everything he has suffered thus far. The peace of his trip
home may be short-lived.
King Henry
Salian has been tutored for this since childhood, focused always on his goal by
his elders. But his father, the emperor, is responsible for terrible acts, and
it is time for Henry to stand up for what he knows is right. The fight to unite
Christianity under one pope and one emperor is on, and Patrick finds himself in
the middle of events once again.
The opening of
this book is a hugely impressive prologue which locates the reader straight
into the heart of this story’s focus. It does not hold back on action or tone
and demonstrates great confidence in storytelling. On the whole, this second
Avalon tale exhibits tighter control in the writing than its predecessor and
demonstrates the author’s growth.
While the
elements of the first book are firmly visible and its favourite characters
still in the forefront, there is a greater level of immediate menace in the
story and a darker and more visibly violent feel overall, which sits well among
modern fantasy. For the more traditional readers among us, don’t fear, there is
a welcome ending after all the hardship. Another enjoyable read for those who
want a story routed in historical fantasy with a little bit of real life,
romance and myth in for good measure.
Elloise Hopkins.
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