Lancelot Review
Author: Giles Kristian
Rating: 10/10 Masterpiece
What’s it about? 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.
“I might as well be plunging a blade into my own chest, and yet I must give voice to the quiet torments of the years.”
After the absolutely superb descent into hell that is Giles Kristian's novella, Hellmouth. It was suggested that I "exorcise the demons," left over from that hellish nightmare with another work of his, Lancelot. So here I am, ready to be cleansed. For I had no idea what a deep and unforgettable journey awaited me. Sometimes, certain authors and books just click with me in a way that reminds me of why I enjoy this medium so much. Lancelot, by Giles Kristian is one of those books, and a masterpiece. It’s my first masterpiece rating and is an example of when storytelling, character work, and writing all come together perfectly.
“For dawn brings light to the mind as well as the world, and can vanquish the devils and spirits which seek to confuse and deceive and would see us lost in the dark.”
I was coming into Lancelot as a novice having little knowledge of the Arthurian legendary tale and the many ways it has been interpreted. I was hoping this ignorance would give a unique and untainted perspective of the book, as I have nothing to compare it to. Kristians storytelling is stellar. We begin Lancelot’s story when he is 8 years old. The story weaves through his entire life that feels balanced and has a natural progression. The book may start off quick right out of the gate, but it slows to a steady pace. To me it was perfect, because even in the quietest moments of the book, Kristian's articulate storytelling had me enraptured. He’s so skilled at gauging the tempo of the narrative. Just when you feel like something is about to overstay its welcome, the author throws some new twist or plot device into the mix. You might be in the same setting for a while, but the plot always pushes forward and never stalls. However, it is important to note that this isn’t a book with quick payouts. In time, you are rewarded for every moment you spend within this story. Kristian shows such skilled restraint and patience in his storytelling. He clearly wants Lancelot’s early years to be just as captivating as his later ones. I’m thrilled to say that he succeeds on every level. You are rewarded by taking in Lancelot’s life as a child and growing with him over the years. Themes within the book are constantly changing and shifting, as themes within our own lives often do. What starts out as a revenge tale quickly moves to love, loss and honor. The beautiful thing about it all, is that it's wonderfully told throughout. The author managed to tell this coming-of-age story without any of those familiar tropes. He always had me guessing as to what will happen next. Just when I thought things were going in a certain direction, a sweeping gale would come to throw me in the opposite heading. The story can go from a heartfelt and touching moment, to insults, boasting, and fighting within a few sentences. Kristians skillful range allows for it all to be seamless and natural within the story. He had me chuckling with a smirk on my face on one page, only to break my heart welling with tears on the next. Furthermore, the battles are a fantastic combination of tactical, visceral, and elegant. I also loved the fact that the historical figures and plot points don’t take a backseat. The author leans into them to create an alternative history that feels real. This realism of a time long past is conveyed through respect for the dead that’s been earned in blood. I am no historian, but I appreciate the time that Kristian has taken to research history and bring us something that pays homage to a legend with a new and fresh fantastical spin.
“It was as though I had been holding my breath in the years since I had last seen her, and now, when I should have been breathing in the very sight of her, there was no air.”
The story is told entirely through Lancelot’s point of view. This was a fantastic choice as it brings out his every thought and inner desire. I became so attached to Lancelot within the first couple of chapters. Lancelot is an underdog. He is tough, with nerves of steel and a heart of gold. He plays hard, trains hard, fights hard, and loves hard. With his tender heart often on his sleeve, and his affinity for animals, I found his character relatable. Kristians impeccable writing provided one of the deepest and thought provoking characters I have ever read. Lancelot is an engaging character. His tragedy and broken nature make you feel for him through every struggle and every loss. He is consistently swept up in events that are above him and out of his control. The author expertly conveys a feeling of weight on his shoulders throughout the story. Lancelot personifies determination of will and he’s an easy person to root for. Additionally, a large portion of the book is cemented into one small location. This normally would be where the story would slow to a halt. Instead, with Kristians extraordinary storytelling, this allowed him to really hone in on the characters and tell a very personal and intimate story. I became so enamored and attached to Lancelot and Guinevere through this time period. You feel the passion and love between these characters. This affection and devotion ups the stakes of everything throughout Lancelot’s tale. It had me grinding my teeth in suspense throughout my time with these two. Merlin, on the other hand, is dark and unknown. Kristian purposefully strings you along with Merlin, figuring him out is always just out of reach. I loved that the author doesn’t reveal his hand too soon and keeps things close to the chest with this character. This is not the fun-loving Disney character version. This Merlin is an asshole. The interpretation worked on so many levels. Starting with his characterization that's dark and shrouded in mystery. He fits perfectly into the harsh world that the author has established. This choice brought a level of intrigue that led to the "just one more chapter," dilemma several times throughout the book. Overall, I took something away from every character within Lancelot. Even the side characters are filled with life and brought something new and interesting to the table. Pelleas, Benesek, and Bors just to name a few, are some of the best and well-written side characters I’ve encountered. Character work is just one of the many facets to this book where you are heavily rewarded for your investment.
“High above me the clouds raced on as before, charging past the moon, which shimmered through my tears.”
There is something different about Giles Kristian’s writing that I absolutely love. To me, his writing is poetic. He has a beautiful way of piecing his prose together. It's like a work of art. This writing style had me constantly pushing forward in awe of what I would read next. This read and review took such a long time due to the fact that I had taken so many notes and highlights throughout. I literally had found enough amazing quotes for the entire review within the first few chapters. For example, this is an average line of the author describing an ordinary blacksmith upon entering a town…”There was a smithy from which a black serpent coiled smokily upwards until vanquished by the sea’s breath.” Stunning, in my opinion. Kristian pulled me into each scene and set the mood perfectly. When each chapter came to a close, I could still smell the peat smoke, and hear the clamoring of hooves. It didn’t matter where he took me next, I kept something with me when my time was through. There were times I went back to re-read several pages because of how beautifully they were written. I have never done that before when reading a book. Yes, I've gone back to take notes or highlight a passage. But to re-read almost entire chapters just for admiration? This is when it hit me that Kristian's writing is something extremely special. I've seen the word lyrical used often when referring to his works. That couldn't be more accurate of a description. The way the author was able to tell this story really made me feel like I had been right there with these characters throughout all these years. And when I picked up the book for the last time, I didn’t want it to end.
“Corpses littering hillsides like pale stones. Wolves prowling in the wake of our army like gulls flocking behind a fishing skiff. Of crows and ravens sidling and hopping amongst the wreckage, all black wings and bickering and greed-glossed eyes as they feasted upon the dead.”
Going into Lancelot my expectations were tempered. I figured it would be a good re-telling of an age-old tale. What I didn’t expect was a masterpiece that continued to astonish me with every turn of the page. This book doesn’t do just one thing perfectly and lean into it for the remainder. Lancelot fires on all cylinders creating a complex and thought provoking narrative that had me enthralled from start to finish. I had no idea the profound impact Lancelot would have on me. A perfectly told epic narrative, with deep and emotional characters led to an amazing novel. However, Kristian's masterful and poetic writing placed it into a league of its own and carried Lancelot to my first ever Masterpiece. I highly recommend Lancelot by Giles Kristian, who has solidified himself as one of my favorite writers.