Dark Age: (Dark Age Book 2)

Dark Age is every bit as grim as Pendragon, the first book in the series. It starts straight after the events of the previous book, so if you haven’t read that, do yourself a favour and start there. The story probably makes sense without it, but why miss out on a thrilling book?This is more of a dark historical approach to the Arthurian legends than another high fantasy version: the fantastic elements are mostly a matter of mushrooms, mysticism and a magical world view, not showy magic. The historical elements are well researched and never dry.As the main characters have already been introduced and the cataclysm which drives the story is fully underway, Dark Age slams right into action. Apart from the more forceful opening, it is pretty much the same book as Pendragon; in a sense, it is more Act 2 of a long story than a new installment in the series.The plot is still intriguing and well set up, and a number of things foreshadowed in Pendragon play out nicely. I also like how the Corvus scenes read very differently, even though they are written almost the same.

This fascinating book by James Wilde is the 2nd volume of the "Dark Age" series, and a fantastic continuation about the crumbling of Roman Britain, and where various British (Barbarian) tribes fight for supremacy of Britannia, while also heading towards the Dark Ages.Story-telling is of a wonderful quality, the characters are all coming splendidly to life, whether they are real or fictional people, in this tale of bloodshed and glory, and the historical atmosphere of these bloody hard times comes perfectly off the pages.As far as possible the book is historically very sound from whatever is known of that period of history, see the Author's Note at the end of the book, and the rest is put magnificently into perspective to give this book the real feel of a true legend of the highest calibre.This tale starts off in the year AD 367 until AD 373, the final chapter, the book is divided into three parts, and its very much a fast-paced action-packed kind of story, which keeps you spellbound from start to finish.Part 1 is mainly about Lucanus, the Wolf, and Pendragon, which means Head of the Dragon, who's heading south with his charges to escape the Barbarians of the far North, with close to him his fellow Arcani or Grim Wolf, Mato, the wood-priest or Druid, Myrrdin, and the rescued brothers Apullius and Morirex.Part 2 is particularly acting out in Londinium, where Lucanus will meet betrayal, danger and murder from opposition close at hand from an usurper who goes by the name of Corvus, who's accompanied by his imaginary friend Pavo and his mother Gaia, who's carrying her son's baby, while Lucanus is also finally reunited with his woman, Catia, who's pregnant from his child, and fellow Grim Wolves, Bellicus, Solinus and Comitinus.What will follow in part 3 is an exciting, dangerous and adventurous trek by Lucanus, the Pendragon, Catia, their son Weylyn who's with Myrrdin the wood-priest as a precaution to keep the babe out of danger, the Grim Wolves and all his followers to escape the slaughter that is raging throughout the land between the Romans, under Theodosius the Elder, and the barbarian tribes, while they are heading towards their haven called Avalon and the rebuilding of what will become the mythical legendary impregnable fortress of Tintagel.Fully recommended, for this is a great tale about the Dark Age, and I look very much forward to the next instalment, because for me this is for certain: "A Very Eventful Fascinating Follow-Up"!

This is a direct sequel to Pendragon which needs to be read first. Lucanus has lost his love and is fleeing to Londinium being pursued by barbarians and the Attacotti. There is much strife and fighting and close calls all the way. As expected from James Wilde there is great attention to historical detail and a fast pace. The old pagan beliefs and mystical elements to this story give it a quality other historical fiction of this era lacks and help ground the story. People believed so strongly in the old gods and the different interpretations of stories and beliefs has not changed over the centuries. The Pendragon legend is always exciting and intriguing, is there more truth here interwoven? There are some unexpected events throughout and possibly my favourite being the arrival of the Lord of the Greenwood. The ending is a surprise which is always a good thing. The tale is far from told and left ready for the next instalment. I love all things based on old legends, this is grim in places but keeps at its core the individual characters and their emotions. Always interesting reading a story you think you know and then to have a new twist discovered.

I've read loads of books with the legend of king Arthur at its heart, from the honor and chivalry of French middle ages, to Arthur being a roman soldier, left behind when Rome pulled out of Britain, and been entranced by them all, but never really thought of what came before, Arthurs family had always seemed to me to be a footnote in the greater tale. James Wilde, has beyond doubt in my mind, has brought to life a believable tale, blending fiction and historical fact, of the time before Arthurs legend began.

As the barbarian horde breach Hadrian's Wall, Lucanas realises they are overwhelmed and gathers as many as he can to begin making his way to London where he thinks they will be safe. But London holds its own dangers and soon they are moving on towards the west and Cornwall. Lucanas, Catia and their son Weylen eventually establish a community in Tintagel. But not all dangers are external, as Lucanas is about to discover. Dark Age is filled with battles, heroes and betrayal and ends in a way that leaves questions that can only be answered by reading the third and final instalment.

As in Hereward the story line is fantastic, the places along the way are true to life. I have visited many of these places and feel the same, that is there is a great deal of magic to them only James Wilde puts it much better than I ever could.As with Hereward it is always a good story when you can relate to the areas it made it an excellent read for me.If you don't come from the area or the UK get a map it makes it even more realistic.