Bernard Cornwell has an uncanny knack for inventing memorable characters and sticking them smack dab into a time and era we thought we knew. In THE WINTER KING we're slogging through the Arthur legend- and slogging is the right word since 5th Century Britain is far from comfortable or civilized. As readers we have to slog awhile too just on the various names and places until we're able to get our footing and run with the plot.That said, it's a very good book; one that gives you a better mind's eye view of perhaps the reality of the time and place rather than the Disney singing bird image or 'gallant knight' approach we've grown up with.Give me Cornwell any day. Toss in a sturdy shield and sword while you're at it and join the rest of us a a shield wall. Not to worry. Even the worst battles you find in the pages will only leave you with a papercut from turning the pages a little too quickly.A great adventure for the cover price.