Uther's Destiny

"A GREAT ARTHURIAN ADVENTURE (Amazon review) -

""The Saxons keep on coming like an evil plague. They bring nothing but blood, fire, and death. Something must be done to stop them. Uther Pendragon, the newly crowned King of the Britons, is determined to end the Saxons' ambitions and send them back to where they came from. His every desire is to see the Kingdom at peace. But then he meets Ygerne and everything changes. War takes second place to lust. Uther will have what he desires regardless of the cost to himself, his nobles, and to his nation. Merlyn is reminded of a prophecy about a boy who will become King. Sensing an opportunity he gives Uther what he wants and the Kingdom of Britannia what it needs. But Merlyn has many enemies and they will stop at nothing to make sure the prophecy never comes true. I have read Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain many times. Uther's Destiny (A Light in the Dark Ages Book 3) by Tim Walker is a refreshing retelling of the story of Uther and the boy who would be King. Uther Pendragon is one of those characters who you are not to sure you should like that much. He is a self-centred King, who always gets what he wants. I thought Mr Walker portrayed him beautifully. Uther is a very flawed character but that makes him all the more believable. Merlyn, who is also pivotal to this story, manipulates events in order for the prophesy to come true. He, like Uther, is not the most likeable of characters. But then, he wasn't in the stories of old either. I thought the depiction of the Saxons was wonderful. It was great to have the perspective of both sides of the story. This really gave the story depth and kept the pace fast and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed Uther's Destiny (A Light in the Dark Ages Book 3), and if you enjoy Arthurian fiction then this should definitely be on your 'to read' list!" " HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (Amazon review) - 

""I absolutely loved Uther’s Destiny. I have neglected studying this time in History but I am, of course, familiar with the Legend of King Arthur. The author has created a work of near perfection to me. The plot flows so well even across the bumpy violent episodes. The violence is not gratuitous but to be expected in a plot of life in that time. The glossary of place names and the author’s acknowledgements/notes are very useful. This is Book Three of a series and reads well as a standalone. I look forward to reading more from this author. "" AN ENJOYABLE READ (Amazon review) -

""I have read the previous Light in Dark Ages books and loved them so knew what I was getting into with this one and assumed I would love this one as well. I was not disappointed as it flows really well and is historical without being preachy. The story follows Uther as he gathers an army to fight his old enemy, the Saxons, and Tim has made the adventure very enjoyable. The book works well as a standalone as the author's previous books are all set at different times so you don't need to have read them first. "" COMPELLING AND ENGAGING (Amazon review) -

""Read Light in the Darkness not having read previous books. I needn’t have worried. Tim’s style pulls you in and makes a complex story compelling and engaging. "" FAST-PACED AND EXCITING (Amazon review) -

""This is my first read by Tim Walker, but it won’t be my last. I felt I was back in Game of Thrones territory as I was gripped from the start. It had it all for me – battles, good guys, bad guys, and all getting what they deserved. This was a fast-paced and exciting read .. my only complaint is that it ended too soon! "" A GREAT FAST-PACED HISTORICAL JOURNEY (Amazon review) -

""This is not my usual reading matter but I was given a proof copy to read by the author and thoroughly enjoyed being transported to 5th century Britannia. Walker is artful in creating the great set piece. His opening descriptions of the triumphant Uther Pendragon arriving home after battle leap from the page; the reader hears the crowd cheering and booing whilst rose petals fly and fall. Throughout the book Walker has a lightness of touch that paints detailed pictures, placing the reader in every scene, and their senses are filled by the noise, smells, and atmosphere of the period.Walker’s characters are full bodied and easy to love or hate: Uther’s arrogance and sense of entitlement; Ygerne’s love for Gorlois and fear of Uther; Merlyn’s difficult relationship with his powers of prophecy; as well as the tug-of-war between the new Christian faith and old druidical practises. Walker keeps a strong hold on his huge cast of characters, with military tactics and battles being waged with the reader knowing exactly who everyone is and which side they are on the whole time. Walker's writing flows well throughout and no loose ends are left unaddressed as the tension ramps up towards the denouement. The book ends as it began with a crowd gathering to greet a king. It is a scene full of energy and characters, and Walker handles both expertly. I thoroughly enjoyed this journey outside my comfort zone and recommend it to all."" "