Warriors of Camlann

Warriors of Camlann by N.M. Browne Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2003, 399 pp., $16.95 Friendship/King Arthur ISBN: 1-58234-817-0

N.M. Browne's sequel to Warriors ofAlavna is a wonderfully inventive twist to the classic story of King Arthur.

Hoping to get home after a thrilling trip into A.D. 75 Britain, the two lead characters, 16-year-old Dan and Ursula, find themselves now only a little bit further in time; the people they had fought beside are ancient history, and their previous exploits in battle are all cultural legend. The two slowly begin to make connections between those around them and the characters of the well-known Arthurian legend. Between the confusion and the brewing battle, the characters are also struggling with changes within themselves. Once a great battle hero, Dan is now unable to fight, and Ursula has become the war hero. On top of conflicting envy and jealousy within each character, the two suddenly realize their affection for one another runs deeper than a simple friendship, but neither is prepared to face those feelings.

Even picking this story up without having read the prequel, it is instantly engrossing. The language is mature without being overwhelming. Browne doesn't shy away from great detail and military terms with her battle scenes, and there isn't a single moment in the novel that seems she is simplifying the story for a young adult audience. This is a great read for anyone familiar with the legends of King Arthur, but it is also a good start to spark interest in the legend for others.

Megan Kearney

Mesa, AZ

Copyright Assembly on Literature for Adolescents -- National Council of Teachers of English Winter 2004
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