In "Enemy of God," the second book in Bernard Cornwell's "The Warlord Chronicles" series, readers are taken on a gripping journey through a reimagined Arthurian legend. The story is narrated by Derfel, a trusted warlord of Arthur, who provides a unique perspective on the events unfolding around him. The plot is filled with raw human emotion, unexpected betrayals, and intense battles as Arthur strives to unite Christian and pagan populations against the Saxons. Cornwell's writing style blends historical fiction and myth seamlessly, creating a captivating tale that delves into themes of war, friendship, love, and heroism.

Characters:

The characters are complex and multifaceted, with their motivations and morality explored in depth, diverging from classic portrayals.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is immersive and descriptive, weaving historical elements with personal viewpoints, enhancing the story's depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative unfolds with Arthur's strive for peace, the quest for a powerful cauldron, and the inevitable chaos that ensues, leading to personal and political conflicts.

Setting:

The setting is a gritty and tumultuous 5th century Britain, reflecting the conflict between paganism and emerging Christianity amidst a backdrop of war.

Pacing:

The pacing is a mix of fast-paced action and slower character-driven moments, which some readers find uneven.

This is the last day of the old year. The bracken on the hill has turned brown, the elms at the valley’s end have lost their leaves and the winter slaughter of our cattle has begun. Tonight is Samain ...

Notes:

The book is the sequel to The Winter King, continuing the story of Arthur and his quest for peace in Britain.

Merlin is searching for magical treasures, specifically the powerful Cauldron of Clyddno Eiddyn.

Derfel, the narrator, is a warrior and close ally of Arthur who struggles with love and duty.

The story showcases the tension between paganism and the rising influence of Christianity.

Key characters such as Guinevere and Lancelot are portrayed in unexpected ways, with Lancelot depicted as selfish and cowardly.

Arthur battles both Saxons and internal betrayals among his allies, including Lancelot's machinations.

The narrative explores the theme of dreams and how they are often shattered by reality.

The book features a gritty portrayal of life in 5th-century Britain, focusing on warfare and political intrigue.

Derfel's love interest, Ceinwyn, adds a personal stakes element to the larger conflicts.

The ending sets the stage for a climactic final book in the trilogy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, betrayal, and war, which may be intense for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, primarily centered around the characters Derfel and Ceinwyn, and the implications of Guinevere's relationships.

From The Publisher:

With The Winter King, the first volume of his magnificent Warlord Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell established himself as the storyteller who could reinvent the legend of King Arthur for our time.

Now with Enemy of God, Cornwell's magical re-creation continues. Having defeated the last holdouts of civil war in southern Britain, Arthur has secured Mordred's throne. But he must still face raging conflicts between the old ways and the new, as well as foes more powerful and more dangerous-because they pose as friends.

Brilliantly written and peopled with the familiar faces of legend along with new ones, Enemy of God is an immensely powerful continuation of a modern classic.

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About the Author:

Bernard Cornwell, who was born in Britain, is the author of numerous international bestsellers, including the Sharpe series. He lives with his wife in Cape Cod.

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Enemy of God

Bernard Cornwell

Book 2 in the series:The Warlord Chronicles