Book Review | The Retreat to Avalon by @SeanPoage #bookreview #historicalfiction #Arthurian
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  • N. N. Light
    • Sep 30, 2019
    • 2 min read

Book Review | The Retreat to Avalon by @SeanPoage #bookreview #historicalfiction #Arthurian


Title: The Retreat to Avalon

Author: Sean Poage

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy

Book Blurb:

Frustrated with living in the shadow of the elder warriors, Gawain dreams of glory in a time of peace. After three generations of struggle against a flood of ruthless invaders, Britain has finally clawed its way back within reach of security and prosperity.

Across the sea, Rome is crumbling under barbarian attacks, internal corruption and civil war. Desperate for allies, Rome’s last great emperor looks to Britain and the rising fame of her High King, Arthur.

Events sweep Gawain along in a tide that takes him far from his home in Britain to a terrible war in Gaul. Intrigue and betrayal vie with loyalty and valour in an epic adventure at the last, bright flash of light before “The Dark Ages”.

The Retreat to Avalon is the exciting start of a new Historical Fiction trilogy exploring the origins of the Arthurian legends, anchored in the events of the end of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Middle Ages.

My Review:

Truth be told, I had the Roxy Music classic in my head almost as much as the classic King Arthur movie with Clive Owen. This book is brilliantly researched and provides a take on the Arthur legend unlike any I have ever seen or heard of before.

The book's beginnings remind me actually of the movie 'The Sands of Iwo Jima'. You get a really well written, in-depth look at the characters and develop deep feelings for many of them. Then the reader has his heart in his throat as he follows them off to war.

That the book seems to be about Gawain more so than any other character took a bit of getting used to, but I warmed to it quickly. It doesn't hurt that Gawain is one Arthurian knight who I am very familiar with (I simply pictured the actor Joel Edgerton in my mind the whole book).

The Retreat to Avalon sweeps a reader up and keeps the reader wanting to turn the next page. Gripping and exciting, a book that faithfully captures the life and times of the 'Dark Ages' as accurately as I have ever seen. Brilliant, a page turner, worth a read by every person who enjoys knights and the legend of King Arthur. If you are not a fan, read this book and you will be. I cannot wait for book two.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Buy it Now:

Free to read on Kindle Unlimited!

Universal Amazon: https://getbook.at/avalon

Author Biography:

Historical fiction author, Sean Poage, has had an exciting and varied life, as a laborer, soldier, police officer, investigator, computer geek and author. Travelling the world to see history up close is his passion. These days he works in the tech world, writes when he can, and spends the rest of the time with his family, which usually means chores and home improvement projects, with occasional time for a motorcycle ride, scuba dive, or a hike in the beautiful Maine outdoors.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: @SeanPoage

Instagram: seanpoageauthor

Reviewed by: Mr. N

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