From School Library Journal
YA-This series, a vivid four-part retelling of the legend of King Arthur, portrays fifth-century Britain as a tapestry woven from richly multicultural strands. The Book of the Sword and The Book of the Spear (both Avon, 1999) revealed Merlin's secrets and described key episodes in the years of war that established Arthur as High King. Here, several enigmas are addressed, including his failed relationship with Guinevere and his problems with his evil sister (called here Morgause). Often lyrical, with frequent moments of startling beauty, Cauldron places the Old Religion at the center of the story, touching on questions of sexuality and spirituality inherent in the saga-and providing a plausible resolution to some of its mysteries. Fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon (Del Rey, 1985) can be steered directly to this book (the author acknowledges her debt to Bradley), though the earlier volumes also offer much to interest these readers. Others who are simply intrigued by the classic Arthurian legends, or who are fans of fantasy in general, can also enjoy Paxson's fresh take on the classic tale, but probably should be advised to read the volumes in order. Readers who find themselves confused by the spellings and usages (e.g., Alba for Scotland, Gualchmai for Gawain) can refer to helpful lists of people and places that conclude the book.Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Julian May, author of Blood Trillium
"Combines familiar legend and history with remarkable grace and style. She has brought a legend to life."

Marion Zimmer Bradley
"Diana Paxson does in one book what it took Wagner three operas to do, and she makes the characters genuinely human."

Book Description
The Romans came, conquered, and departed, leaving behind them a strange new religion called Christianity. The princes of Britannia have driven back the invading Saxons and dream of a return to bygone days, while others on the island invoke the magic of a time older still. For the revered ancient goddesses Eve on in the hearts and memories of the proud royal women of the old British tribes. And now, King Artor -- wounded in body and spirit -- proclaims that the sword and the spear must be put to rest, and summons his mother Igierne, Lady of the Lake, to use the powers of the Cauldron to heal a troubled, wartorn land. But old jealousies and new power struggles threaten disaster, as Artor's sister Morgause hides a deadly secretand a darker magic. It is Guendivar the queen who holds the key to their survival, if she can master her own power in time.For a darkness is emanating from high places -- and it threatens to devastate a realm.

About the Author
Diana L. Paxson is the award-winning author of The Lord of Horses, The Wolf and the Raven, The Dragons of the Rhine, The White Raven, and The Serpent's Tooth and co-author (with Adrienne Martine-Barnes) of Master of Earth and Water, The Shield Between the Worlds, and Sword of Fire and Shadow, the chronicles of Fionn mac Cumhal. She lives in Berkeley, California.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Romans came, conquered, and departed, leaving behind them a strange new religion called Christianity. The princes of Britannia have driven back the invading Saxons and dream of a return to bygone days, while others on the island invoke the magic of a time older still. For the revered ancient goddesses Eve on in the hearts and memories of the proud royal women of the old British tribes. And now, King Artor — wounded in body and spirit — proclaims that the sword and the spear must be put to rest, and summons his mother Igierne, Lady of the Lake, to use the powers of the Cauldron to heal a troubled, wartorn land. But old jealousies and new power struggles threaten disaster, as Artor's sister Morgause hides a deadly secretand a darker magic. It is Guendivar the queen who holds the key to their survival, if she can master her own power in time.

For a darkness is emanating from high places — and it threatens to devastate a realm.

FROM THE CRITICS

KLIATT

In this third book of The Hallowed Isle series, the focus is primarily on the women in Artor's Britannia. Igierne, Lady of the Lake and mother of King Artor, struggles with her feelings towards her dangerously ambitious daughter and her own advancing age. Morgause, sister of Artor and mother of Medraut (Artor's only son), vows to make Medraut Britannia's king. Even though she has no understanding of its vast power, Morgause also vows that she will control the mystical Cauldron that Igierne protects. Guendivar, a carefree young girl in touch with the fairy world, matures into a noble queen loved by the people of Britannia. Although chosen by Igierne to be King Artor's bride, Guendivar loves Artor and worries about their inability to give Britannia an heir. Paxson skillfully delves into the minds of the women in Artor's life to show readers their strengths, frustrations, yearnings, and fears. These strong characters will appeal to female readers of the series while scholars and Arthurian readers alike will be fascinated by the historical details. Appended to the novel are lists of people and places noting pronunciations as well as differentiating those characters that are mythical from those that are historical. Highly recommended for readers of the previous two volumes and a definite read for those who enjoy Arthurian lore. (The Hallowed Isle, Book 3) KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 1999, Avon/Eos, 180p, 21cm, 99-38405, $10.00. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Ginger Armstrong; Principal Lib. Assoc., Chesterfield Cty P.L., Chester, VA, July 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 4)

School Library Journal

YA-This series, a vivid four-part retelling of the legend of King Arthur, portrays fifth-century Britain as a tapestry woven from richly multicultural strands. The Book of the Sword and The Book of the Spear (both Avon, 1999) revealed Merlin's secrets and described key episodes in the years of war that established Arthur as High King. Here, several enigmas are addressed, including his failed relationship with Guinevere and his problems with his evil sister (called here Morgause). Often lyrical, with frequent moments of startling beauty, Cauldron places the Old Religion at the center of the story, touching on questions of sexuality and spirituality inherent in the saga-and providing a plausible resolution to some of its mysteries. Fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon (Del Rey, 1985) can be steered directly to this book (the author acknowledges her debt to Bradley), though the earlier volumes also offer much to interest these readers. Others who are simply intrigued by the classic Arthurian legends, or who are fans of fantasy in general, can also enjoy Paxson's fresh take on the classic tale, but probably should be advised to read the volumes in order. Readers who find themselves confused by the spellings and usages (e.g., Alba for Scotland, Gualchmai for Gawain) can refer to helpful lists of people and places that conclude the book.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

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