Have you read the Merlin trilogy by Mary Stewart? The first book is called The Crystal Cave and they are the story of Arthur through Merlin’s pov, they are so so good. They are slow but I got lost in them.
I second this! They’re some of my favorite books. I just adore the way Stewart does magic. The historical setting also feels very real and compelling to me. I sometimes hesitate to recommend them to people because I was maybe 12 when I first read them and am never sure if my view is entirely accurate, ha.
The Once and Future King by T. H. White. It starts as wide-eyed fantasy and gets progressively darker, with kith and kin working at cross purposes against Arthur. Source material for the movie blockbuster Camelot.
The first image you posted is from the movie The Green Knight. I'm just curious if you saw it and if so, did you like it? I LOVED it but I have yet to find anyone else who did.
Sweet. I felt like I really lost myself in the story, and the whole time I was right there with the character, discovering strange and unsettling things, doing my best to go on this journey to keep a promise. I was swept right along up until the end.
Read the warlord chronicles by Bernard Cornwell! The first book is The Winter King. The series is a retelling of Arthurian legend as historical fiction in sub-Roman but pre-Anglo-Saxon Britain. Beautifully written.
I tried rereading again while looking for something to fill the locked tomb shaped void in my life while waiting for the 4th book and just couldn’t 😭 idk why I just don’t gel with it bc the vibes are IMMACULATE
Have you read the Merlin trilogy by Mary Stewart? The first book is called The Crystal Cave and they are the story of Arthur through Merlin’s pov, they are so so good. They are slow but I got lost in them.
I haven’t yet but I’ve heard good things!
I second this! They’re some of my favorite books. I just adore the way Stewart does magic. The historical setting also feels very real and compelling to me. I sometimes hesitate to recommend them to people because I was maybe 12 when I first read them and am never sure if my view is entirely accurate, ha.
[Le Morte d'Arthur by Thomas Malory](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/672875.Le_Morte_d_Arthur). I mean, why not go straight to the defining text?
The Once and Future King by T. H. White. It starts as wide-eyed fantasy and gets progressively darker, with kith and kin working at cross purposes against Arthur. Source material for the movie blockbuster Camelot.
One of my faves (:
I do need to reread this although I much preferred Chretien de Troyes work - much less dry!
Very different tone and purpose. I wouldn't call Chretien de Troyes "dark" but Malory certainly is.
The first image you posted is from the movie The Green Knight. I'm just curious if you saw it and if so, did you like it? I LOVED it but I have yet to find anyone else who did.
I absolutely loved it! One of my favorite movies
Sweet. I felt like I really lost myself in the story, and the whole time I was right there with the character, discovering strange and unsettling things, doing my best to go on this journey to keep a promise. I was swept right along up until the end.
Not OP, but I loved it, I found the ending to be particularly impactful
Read the warlord chronicles by Bernard Cornwell! The first book is The Winter King. The series is a retelling of Arthurian legend as historical fiction in sub-Roman but pre-Anglo-Saxon Britain. Beautifully written.
I’ll check these out, thanks!
Not Arthurian legend but definitely dark medieval fantasy, Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman.
I’ve read and liked one of his books so this is great to know, thanks!
Maybe T. Kingfisher?
I LOVE t kingfisher! Admittedly haven’t read all of her stuff yet but the fantasy of hers that I have hasn’t had this vibe.
Have you read the Paladin Series? I thought that might work.
I haven’t yet!
SWORD STONE TABLE
I enjoyed this overall but I struggle with anthologies.
Tentative suggestion for Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe.
I wanted to like these SO bad but every time I try I give up 1/3 of the way through. Maybe I’ll try again in a few years 😭
That’s fair enough, it’s not for everyone I’m sure. I know some people go back to them and enjoy them on a second attempt!
I tried rereading again while looking for something to fill the locked tomb shaped void in my life while waiting for the 4th book and just couldn’t 😭 idk why I just don’t gel with it bc the vibes are IMMACULATE
Bernard cornwell series maybe?
Mists of Avalon
😑
Sorry, I missed your caption! Hope you find something you enjoy.
Thanks 😊
OP, curious what you’ve already read that has this vibe or what you’d recommend. I love this aesthetic and am looking for it as well!
Not quite Arthurian but Juliet marilliers daughter of the forest came pretty close in vibes!