REXCALIBUR

REXCALIBUR
The Magic Returns
By Mitzi Kleidon
Xlibris Corporation - 2001
ISBN 0738858471 PB
Fantasy

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.com
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If you ever wondered what became of Camelot after the Battle of Camlann then this is the book for you, or rather the series, since Mitzi Kleidon plans to write a whole set of books telling how the descendents of Arthur and his knights fared. In this opening volume, men are hearing the call from all over and suddenly deciding to drop everything and hasten to Camelot. But when they get there, they are in for a disappointment, as this is not the glittering realm of good deeds that they expected, but a sad and sorry place. In order for it to be restored to its former glory, King Stefan and his eleven knights must find the elusive Orchid. But it isn't going to be easy, even with Lancelot's descendent, young Rexcalibur, on their side.

This is a delightful idea, and setting in Mallory's Mediaeval dreamworld - my own favorite (yes I know it is anachronistic) version - somehow makes it even better. If this book has a flaw, it is the repetition as first, the men have to undergo similar journeys to get to Camelot, and then they have to undergo another set of similar journeys to search for the Orchid. Making them all different, or having groups of knights traveling together would have made for a more interesting read.

Still, the author has managed to evoke the right ambience, doubtless through plenty of research. Even the language has the right ring to it, without going over the top. I look forward to reading the next book, Eternity's Hope, to see how the newly-restored Camelot is faring (watch out for this review soon) and all Arthurian aficionados will I am sure be wanting to dive in and read all about it.