It's so hard to say goodbye but it was also so nice to see everyone one last time... ( )

A variety of thinks:
1. Shelved as YA rather than children's because Morris does not pull his punches here, well done sir, this is a tragedy and tragedy supposed to be nasty and hard to read, and the tragedy of Arthur is particularly hard (for me, at least, I find the end of the story heart-rending no matter how much I know it's coming).
2. Somewhat to my embarrassment, I cannot figure out when this is supposed to be set; there are references to the Seljuk Turks, who are at the height of their power in the twelfth century, iirc, and the previous book had a long subplot dedicated to the Byzantine Empire (sadly without actual, you know, Byzantine politics, which were AWESOME), but the long-standing theme of chivalric poetry's influence points (imo) to a thirteenth-century setting. And let's not even get into the actualfax historical Arthuriana.
3. Oh god stop jumping around, I understand the impulse to break your readers' hearts by sending Gawain and Terence to different places, but holy hell, your organization sucks. At least mention Dinadin sometime before the last chapter, because I seriously forgot about him.
4. I don't understand why Mordred is such a good general or from whom he is raising the forces of the White Horsemen. Give me some damn worldbuilding.
5. Life was better when Terence was a squire and the world was full of shenanigans and Lancelot was comic relief and we actually got to go to the Other World sometimes. ( )

It would be better if the author had stopped the series while he was ahead. To achieve his ending he has to allow a lot of carnage while at the same time being hopeful. This really trivializes the carnage. And one realizes that Lancelot was never allowed to develop as a character during the course of the few previous books. ( )

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been so hesitant to finish a book. I took me longer than it should have to get through this because I didn’t want it to be over. I wanted to savor this, the tenth and last book in Gerald Morris’ Squire’s Tales series, for as long as possible. I have loved these books dearly since I started reading them ten years ago and to see the series come to an end is bittersweet.

With every book in the series, Morris has reinterpreted a classic story of Arthurian legend, building his own version of Camelot populated with characters both new and familiar but all lovingly, brilliantly real. The Legend of the King is told through alternate viewpoints, bringing together characters from all of the other nine books. Everybody’s back for one last hurrah, although if you know anything about Arthurian legend, you know it can never really end in happily ever after, which, if I’m honest, is partly why I took my time finishing it. I didn’t want to say goodbye. Mordred’s attack on Camelot comes into full swing in this book, as he and Morgause stir dissent among the court and try to divide the Round Table. Like every volume of the series, it is exciting and action-packed, but also thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt. And it ends in the best way possible: with hope.

Full review here: http://aftran.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/the-legend-of-the-king-by-gerald-morris/ ( )

This is the final installment of the Squire's Tale series. Morris takes us on this adventure with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as they battle to save Camelot from Arthur's son and enemy Mordred. This story takes place when honor, friendship and loyalty are not just words but a way of life. The knights battle not only Mordred but also their own inner demons. This adventure is well worth the read. It's full of humor, heartbreak, and heroism. This is the first book I read by Gerald Morris, but it won't be the last. I am adding the whole squire series to my TBR pile. I am kicking myself for not discovering this series sooner. For me this is definitely a "to read". I would happily recommend it to anyone. It will be available on Sept. 2010. ( )