Helpful Score: 10
If you love romances with a fantasy twist, this is the story for you! The time of Arthur has passed and Camelot has fallen to Morgen le Fey. There is a king of Camelot, who wields the twin sword of Excalibur with relish. Our heroine is a pleasure to get to know and her true magic comes from the heart.
Get a cup of hot tea, and curl up with this wonderful book.
Get a cup of hot tea, and curl up with this wonderful book.
Patricia A. (armstrongpaw1) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 101 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
First book in the Lords of Avalon series. Kerrigan is the king of Camelot and assassin for the queen, Morgen. He has become the most powerful and feared man in the world and has long ceased to be human. Seren is a spirited peasant, apprenticed to a weaver and dreams of entering the guild and owning her own life. Their world's collide and their lives are forever changed...but will Kerrigan find a spark of compassion in his heart or will Seren's life be forfit in exchange for Kerrigan's dreams of complete power over the worlds of Camelot and Avalon and the world of men. This a new twist on the Arthurian legend and one that will draw you into a world of magic which you will not want to leave.
Helpful Score: 7
Camelot has fallen into darkness ruled by Morgan le Fey and Kerrigan. This romantic fantasy kept me reading straight through in one reading. I especially liked the feisty heroine that tamed the fearsome King of Camelot.
I'm ready to start on the next book!
I'm ready to start on the next book!
Helpful Score: 5
Great story from one of my favorite authors. Many laugh out loud moments.
Helpful Score: 4
Well...SIIIGH..I hate to give this one up, but it would be unfair not to share this book with others..if only for the gorgeous hunk on the cover..lol. This is the first Lords of Avalon book I've read, and I am definitely on the lookout for others. It is the most interesting story of Kerrigan(mmmmmm) and his feisty captive Seren. At first you may not really even like Kerrigan, but you will find yourself, shortly, falling in love with him! A VERY EXCELLENT READ!
Helpful Score: 3
Sword of Darkness was OK. Seren was wholesomely good, but, thankfully, I didn't find her annoying. I actually really liked her. She had a spine and stood up for what she believed in. Kerrigan was supposed to be the Big Bad, but he wasn't. We were told he did all of these horrible things, had no compassion, blah, blah,blah, but he was a big softy where Seren was concerned and it was a bit disappointing. The plot was decent, but the story dragged in places. I kept me interested enough to want to read the next books though.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the story of Kerrigan, the champion of all things evil, another flip side to the King author myth. Part of the Lords of Avalon series where Morgan Lefay found an abused boy just as he discovers the evil sword Caliburn and creates an evil version of Camelot. Until hundreds of years later, a young weaving apprentice crosses his path and tries to reach what is left of his heart. Seren is young and spirited and once she is bearing Kerrigan's child the two of them challenge Morgan Lefay and all the evil she controls to keep the baby protected. Incrediblely well written, a cross between fantasy and romance.
Connie P. (Activegram149) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 809 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Love this series. Laughs plus fey interference.
Nanyana R. (gypsybookworm) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I started off Loving this book....it was so dark and mysterious and it kicked off right from the beginning with excitement and twists. I believe it is obviously a personal preference but I thought it strange MacGregor mention something about CDs and DVDs a few chapters in. I don't like timed pieces that are so beautifully written mixed with time travel. For me it just takes away from my true escape 'in a land far far away' kind of thing... It was only a little so I moved on, but then it was like after they made love the tone of the book completely changed! All of the sudden the dialogue went from eloquence of the middle ages to a Buffy the Vampire slayer book-hokey. I don't mind humor, don't get me wrong, but just the whole tone and vibe just changed, and as I said before I am not a fan of time travel from old England to modern day NYC with Starbucks. So I actually just got turned off with the story and couldn't finish. I HATE that! If you don't mind such, then I'm sure you'll enjoy but I just enjoy a different kind of story, or at least not one that goes from mysterious lands of the Fey to modern day NYC, and where all of the sudden one of the characters start speaking like Joey Buttafuoco. It was disappointing. I almost ordered the second book cuz it started off so awesome, but now I will dig and do more research to see if it has the same stuff.
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say? I've read all of the Lords of Avalon books 3 times.
Katherine M. (TheSmartKat34) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Can you love a series? Can you believe that this place could be real? Can you enjoy a book that shows you that the women can be alittle thick, and not so goddess looking, and the men a little scared up? YES!!!
You want to meet these people, want to help them when they are in trouble. To beg for their release, and to stay up way past your time just to see if they will make it through it! I know I have spent the past 5 days doing just that!
I love that the writer didn't make this a romance book. It's about the action, the getting through the tortures, seeing if they can work together to it, and whether they will like each other in the end. The sex is kept to a very bare minimum and it is very light even if you do find it.
You can love a book, and the series that they go into.
This is book one, book two is about another bad boy and stands as his own tale of torture, and fighting to survive.
You want to meet these people, want to help them when they are in trouble. To beg for their release, and to stay up way past your time just to see if they will make it through it! I know I have spent the past 5 days doing just that!
I love that the writer didn't make this a romance book. It's about the action, the getting through the tortures, seeing if they can work together to it, and whether they will like each other in the end. The sex is kept to a very bare minimum and it is very light even if you do find it.
You can love a book, and the series that they go into.
This is book one, book two is about another bad boy and stands as his own tale of torture, and fighting to survive.
Stephanie C W. (stephanie13w) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 300 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
It was ok ~ seemed to drag a bit & I just felt - get on with it already! I prefer her DH books which are amazing!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved the storyline - a mix of Arthur's tales, his knights, his magic, and a little time-travel and humor thrown in. MacGregor definitely has a good knowledge of Arthurian legend without bragging, and this makes the story come quite naturally. The characters are memorable and unique. More than a little sex, yes -- but her story can take it, because it's got substance. Worth spending the credit.
Helpful Score: 1
An unusual entry into the romance genre, but a very engrossing story.
Helpful Score: 1
Part fantasy, part historical, this romance relies on the story of King Arthur, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table. It is the first in the Lords of Avalon series by Kinley MacGregor.
Chassity S. (stanchassity) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this one...love the fact is revolves around King Arthur and the Round Table.
Hope R. (BookLovingMamma) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Terrific characters, quick plot, danger and excitement around every turn. A fun read!
Helpful Score: 1
I LOVE this series and I can't wait for the next book. Very fast read and likable characters.
This book is not as strong as her other series. It is the first book in her Lords of Avalon books. It didn't hold together very well. I found it lacking in passion and tension. However, it does set up the series very well. The second one is DEFINITELY worth checking out.
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book. Read it in one day!
I really enjoyed this book. I love anything to do with Arthurian legend, and this book puts a spin on Arthurian times. It was orginal, funny and HOT sexy romantic scenes.
I really enjoyed this book.
great story made me go out and buy the second in the series
very good
very good
Hayley M. (Zachaustlily) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 227 more book reviews
I don't usually go for the King Arthur stories but I quite enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the next.
I really loved this book! I couldn't put it down.
Irene L H. (NonExistence) -
These books are written by Sherrilyn Kenyon. ww.sherrilynkenyon.com/series.php?id=11
The exhilarating story line contains a dark "villain" who has to choose between the redemption of love and the power of evil both very enticing. Same general plot theme ho, hum. Though the characters were well written and you come to like them all [Blaise the Mandrake] and with employing humor to enhance an overall dark plot works well.
I read the book and enjoyed it but I will not be reading any of the other in the series. Same Old, Same Old.
The exhilarating story line contains a dark "villain" who has to choose between the redemption of love and the power of evil both very enticing. Same general plot theme ho, hum. Though the characters were well written and you come to like them all [Blaise the Mandrake] and with employing humor to enhance an overall dark plot works well.
I read the book and enjoyed it but I will not be reading any of the other in the series. Same Old, Same Old.
LOVED IT! I was pleasantly to read the introduction and learn that this is a pen name for Sherrilyn Kenyon; having loved her "Dark Hunter" series, I had great hopes for this book. I was not disappointed.
This series is more of a historical romance with time travel thrown in. It is set after the time of King Arthur but is told from the aspect of Morgan (Mordred's mother, who "set" Arthur up). Barely into the book I was hooked, as I saw the first of Kenyon's humor emerge, plus, who doesn't like a sexy, dark knight?!?! It has steamy, yet romantic sex scenes per her norm, but they didn't consume the book. I experienced a full range of emotions while reading this: I laughed, I cried, I gasped and sighed... I could not put this book down, figuring leftovers or cereal would displace my planned dinner. In fact, I did read this from start to finish in about 5 hours. The best 5 hours I have spent with a book in a long time!
Hope you enjoy it as well!
This series is more of a historical romance with time travel thrown in. It is set after the time of King Arthur but is told from the aspect of Morgan (Mordred's mother, who "set" Arthur up). Barely into the book I was hooked, as I saw the first of Kenyon's humor emerge, plus, who doesn't like a sexy, dark knight?!?! It has steamy, yet romantic sex scenes per her norm, but they didn't consume the book. I experienced a full range of emotions while reading this: I laughed, I cried, I gasped and sighed... I could not put this book down, figuring leftovers or cereal would displace my planned dinner. In fact, I did read this from start to finish in about 5 hours. The best 5 hours I have spent with a book in a long time!
Hope you enjoy it as well!
Diana C. (princessdiana34691) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 361 more book reviews
interesting read. good twist on the Camelot and King Arthur story....
I didn't know what to expect from this book, it's was my first time reading Kinley MacGregor. This book turned out to be one of those books you can't put down I read it late into the evening and finished it the next day. Kerrigan is a great charactor, I loved watching him evolve thoughout the story (don't want to give to much away) and Seren (again without giving anything away) was a great heroine, she true to herself, strong and funny.
Ms. MacGregor or should I say Ms. Kenyon really know how to weave a great story around strong charactors, she keeps the story moving with action, fantasy and wonderful secondary charactors. Give this book a try if your on the fence, you won't reget it! I've already ordered the second in the series and I hope it's as fabulous as the first.
Ms. MacGregor or should I say Ms. Kenyon really know how to weave a great story around strong charactors, she keeps the story moving with action, fantasy and wonderful secondary charactors. Give this book a try if your on the fence, you won't reget it! I've already ordered the second in the series and I hope it's as fabulous as the first.
i really liked this book. excellent author!!!
Summary: A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful-and feared-man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human. A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing fate, she will meet her destiny. Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne. For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of themâ¦or death.
So, I haven't decided if I only liked this book a little bit, or if the 17 hours of straight readingâ¦with 8 more to go has hindered my ability to actually enjoy anything I read at this point. Oh well, I am going with it. I think this book was just ok, I finished it, which is more than I can say about the last pseudo-Arthurian legend book I have read lately (see Lucan) , so that is a step up. I liked how strong Seren is in this book, just doing what needed to be done when it needed to be done. I did not like how Kerrigan was all over the âI'm to evil for my shirtâ role, it got pretty boring a little ways in. We know he had a crappy life and allâ¦we got that, but he just would not let it go. Anyway, I like how Macgregor kept it closhish to the legends and added her own twist enough so that it didn't resemble an insane babble of nothingness. As I said, it was just ok. Sorry if this review or my last offends anyoneâ¦I apparently get grumpy when tired, lol. Enjoy!
For more information or for purchasing visit Sherrilyn Kenyon's webpage.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-sword-of-darkness-by-kinley.html
So, I haven't decided if I only liked this book a little bit, or if the 17 hours of straight readingâ¦with 8 more to go has hindered my ability to actually enjoy anything I read at this point. Oh well, I am going with it. I think this book was just ok, I finished it, which is more than I can say about the last pseudo-Arthurian legend book I have read lately (see Lucan) , so that is a step up. I liked how strong Seren is in this book, just doing what needed to be done when it needed to be done. I did not like how Kerrigan was all over the âI'm to evil for my shirtâ role, it got pretty boring a little ways in. We know he had a crappy life and allâ¦we got that, but he just would not let it go. Anyway, I like how Macgregor kept it closhish to the legends and added her own twist enough so that it didn't resemble an insane babble of nothingness. As I said, it was just ok. Sorry if this review or my last offends anyoneâ¦I apparently get grumpy when tired, lol. Enjoy!
For more information or for purchasing visit Sherrilyn Kenyon's webpage.
Also posted: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2009/10/book-review-sword-of-darkness-by-kinley.html
So good I couldn't put it down! It seems there aren't any bad Kenyon/Macgregor books...
Mollie G. (amethystlover) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
Awesome. Can't wait for another of the Lords of Avalon!
The first in a new series by Kinley MacGregor (aka Sherrilyn Kenyon). A twist on the Camelot tale, the story revolves around Kerrigan, King of a different kind of Camelot and the woman who might bring his soul out of the darkness and into the light.
LIKED IT
Really enjoyed this book.
great book
Patricia C. (lucky888lady) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 72 more book reviews
was only able to get through half the book. the dark side of camelot.
Interesting story with the evil character changing into the hero.
This book was so good I bought it in hardcover for my keep shelf. Cannot with to see what somes next in the series
Jennifer O. (bookloverjenni) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 57 more book reviews
Good but not great.
GREAT - can't wait to read the next one. This is her new series that combines the legends of Camelot with fantasy, romance and other-worldliness . . .
Another homerun for Sherri! First in the Lords of Avalon series.
Didn't want it to end! Of course that's usually the case with one of Ms. MacGregor's novels. I can't say much except for superb and that I can't wait for the next one!
O0hhhh! What can I say??!! Loved it :)
great book!!!!
I hope there are more in the series.
Rachel H. (scrapbooker) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 147 more book reviews
Quick read, moves along fast.
Intense Romance. Really great!
Maria P. (BklynMom) - , reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 541 more book reviews
Good vs evil set in post Arthurian England. Story focuses on what might have happened to the magic of the Round Table and it's players well after Arthur died.
Probably the best Kinley MacGregor novel. Her characters are as colorful as ever and I like that there was more than the usual 'single' comic relief type of character. Her bantering is humorous, and the plot pulls you in from the very beginning. This is an excellent start to a new series and very refreshing to read after having read several of her more established series'.
kerrigan wants to claim king arthur's round table but to do that he barter or kill seren but she has no fear of him or his tactis so now he has to rethink hiscunning
For countless centuries, Kerrigan lived alone in shadows. NOw Seren's courage has forced him into the light that wil bring either salvation to both of them or death.
The new king of CAmelot wears no shining armor: Arthur and his knights have fallen and a new king rules.
In the darkest forest...
A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful - and feared - man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
In the heart of London...
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreames of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
Their worlds are forever changed...
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them...or death.
In the darkest forest...
A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful - and feared - man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
In the heart of London...
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreames of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
Their worlds are forever changed...
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them...or death.
NOTE: This is a bookclub edition in hardcover. Start of Kinley MacGregor's new Lords of Avalon series.
Great read. Loved it.
I had a hard time getting into this series.
Loved this book!
KATHERINE W. (wylchild) reviewed Sword of Darkness (Lords of Avalon, Bk 1) on + 115 more book reviews
As always, Kinley MacGregor tells a terrific story when she REtells the story of Camelot and the Lords of Avalon. That would be the story of King Arthur that everyone's heard. Only this time, she puts a spin on the tale by having the 13 magical objects of the round table turn up in odd places and with even odder people...peasants, knights, gods, goddesses, and demons.
In this case, Camelot has been captured by the evil Morgen (Arthur's sister) and the good guys have retreated to Avalon. The sword of darkness belongs to a (thought to be) evil knight (Kerrigan) from Morgen's realm. His task is to bring back the mother (Seren) of a very powerful, but yet-to-be-born, child to Morgen, who wants to control the woman's babe. What Kerrigan or Seren do not know is that Seren is decended from a penmerlin which makes her a Merlin (powerful magical advisor). Kerrigan is also a Merlin, though Seren doesn't know this either.
Unfortunately for Morgen, Kerrigan finds that he really isn't as evil as he's always thought when Seren brings out his good side causing him to fall in love with her and father her child...who, because of its parents combined powers, is to be the future penmerlin (extremely powerful wizard) that Morgen wants to control.
In this case, Camelot has been captured by the evil Morgen (Arthur's sister) and the good guys have retreated to Avalon. The sword of darkness belongs to a (thought to be) evil knight (Kerrigan) from Morgen's realm. His task is to bring back the mother (Seren) of a very powerful, but yet-to-be-born, child to Morgen, who wants to control the woman's babe. What Kerrigan or Seren do not know is that Seren is decended from a penmerlin which makes her a Merlin (powerful magical advisor). Kerrigan is also a Merlin, though Seren doesn't know this either.
Unfortunately for Morgen, Kerrigan finds that he really isn't as evil as he's always thought when Seren brings out his good side causing him to fall in love with her and father her child...who, because of its parents combined powers, is to be the future penmerlin (extremely powerful wizard) that Morgen wants to control.
Excellent Book. Excellent start to what I hope is a great series of books.
A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful--and feared--man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them...or death.
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them...or death.
This a a Lord of Avalon book.
In the darkest forest a scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful and feared man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
In the heart of london a spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate she will meet her destiny.
In the darkest forest a scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful and feared man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
In the heart of london a spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate she will meet her destiny.
The new King of Camelot wears no shining armor: Arthur and his knights have fallen and a new King rules...In the darkest forest... A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful-and feared-man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human. IN THE HEART OF LONDON... A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.. THEIR WORLDS ARE FOREVER CHANGED.. Kerrigan's goal is simple:barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a King who harbors any sort of compassio loses his throne.. For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them.. or death
IN THE DARKEST FOREST.....
A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful-and feared-man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
IN THE HEART OF LONDON.....
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
THEIR WORLDS ARE FOREVER CHANGED....
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them..or death.
A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful-and feared-man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human.
IN THE HEART OF LONDON.....
A spirited peasant mired in drudgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny.
THEIR WORLDS ARE FOREVER CHANGED....
Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's Round Table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him. More than that, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him. In his nether realm, kindness is weakness and a king who harbors any sort of compassion loses his throne.
For countless centuries, Kerrigan has lived alone in the shadows. Now Seren's courage has forced him into the light that will bring either salvation to both of them..or death.
from the back cover: A scared, forsaken youth has become the most powerful and feard man in the world. Ruthless and unrestrained, Kerrigan has long ceased to be human. A spirited peaseant mired in drugdgery, Seren dreams of becoming her own woman, but never expects that by fleeing her fate, she will meet her destiny. Kerrigan's goal is simple: barter or kill Seren to claim Arthur's round table. Yet she is the one person who holds no fear of him.. More than thant, her nobility sparks something foreign inside him...
