The Crimson Chalice by Victor Canning

I know i should be writing some fantastic short stories for you to loose yourself in, but my head is pounding away and i just can't clear it enough to create. I do hope you find some solace in these short reviews, i have found reading the only bearable activity at the moment. My mother knows i'm an absolute sucker for Arthurian legend and stumbled across this wonderful book and posted it snail mail for my pleasure. I am sad to say that although i have heard of Victor Canning, until yesterday i had never the pleasure of reading his works. This is a seriously good book. Set in 450AD during the Saxon's arrival in Britain and the demise of the Roman rule we follow a wealthy young Roman girl, a well educated British slave and several well trained animals. With a little bit of religion and Celtic magic they travel across Brittan avoiding the murderous Saxons, Devious Pirates and a few treacherous clans men, bringing into the world the beginning of Aurturo Pen dragon, and his protector Merlin. Really one of the most interesting Adventures i've ever read. In this book i can see the foundations for so many of the modern (and not so modern) Magical adventures that have been put to paper. I would recommend this book as a must read to all those who love mystic Fables like "The Deltora Quest" or those fabulous "Dragon Master" novels i'm yet to read but hearing good things about. Even if your not into the whole Magic set, this book gives a remarkable look at those early times in Brittan before car's and freeways or roads for that mater, indeed even before decent shoes for walking. It's an easy read with no wishy washy language and some simple but well worded characters, and real true to life sweaty uncomfortable awkward and impoverished undertakings. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 16 (some smutty bits) as a literary must.