The Silver Hand: Book Two in The Song of Albion Trilogy

What a pleasant surprise this novel was! I was already hooked on this trilogy from the first novel and knew I would be getting another fantastic book to read, but I wasn't expecting the narrative switch that occurred. The story is again told in first person, but instead of following the same character as in the first novel, the author switches to another principle character. Initially, I was skeptical about this as I have read many novels that incorporate this change or a dual narrative which ends up ruining the story for me. However, Lawhead's decision to switch was not only prudent, but by the novel's end served to be brilliantly done. The change enhanced the novel immensely and created a different perspective that made the narrative far richer. I was not sure I could enjoy this series more, but this novel won me over. I will warn, this novel incorporates a bit more violence than the first novel, but this is not senseless violence and serves to illustrate the price of war as well as deepend the emotional journey for each of the characters.

Writing style is incredibly important to works of fiction; too many wordy expositions, or difficult language use can ruin immersion extremely quickly. As a result, when I come across an author who uses exposition to advance plot, skips the storyline ahead rapidly (years fade away without warning), and has an all-together pretentious use of the English language, I typically throw their books away without hesitation.Stephen R. Lawhead is an exception to that rule. The world that Lawhead builds is so expansive, imaginative, unique, and captivating that it propels the reader along in spite of his pretentious writing style. I found myself captivated by the story enough to overlook the way it was being told, and struggled through the book enough to enjoy it in spite of itself.Unlike the predecessor, this novel is told from the view of Tegid. And unlike the whiny, useless, sniveling excuse of a secondary character he was in The Paradise War , Tegid finds himself helping Llew lead his ragtag band of adventurers into rebellion and the establishment of a new kingdom. However, true to Lawhead's shortcomings, Tegid continues to speak in prophecy, riddles, and expository "songs" that leave the reader suddenly wondering how they ended up at Sunday Mass with grandma again. Tegid is just not a character that I find relateable, but as the Chief Bard of the land, maybe that speaks more to my predisposition against the keepers of folklore and religious teachings than the development of Tegid himself.What I can say with relative authority is that Tegid is seen as a much stronger and likeable character than he was in the first novel, and he actually exists for some reason other than to get on the readers' nerves and whine about every decision his charges make. Unfortunately, Llew seems to take on the role of apathetic supporting actor, and I found myself wondering why he existed at all, if not to be drug kicking and screaming into the fulfillment of some prophecy I skimmed over during a five page expositional essay.All of the complaints aside, I do have to reaffirm my enjoyment of Lawhead's Albion world. It's large and the conflicts seem real and relatable. I only wish the author could get out of his story's way.

I loved the first of this series. It speaks to that part of me that is enraptured by Celtic lore, the people, places, even what they wore and how they may have conducted themselves in many situations. Lawhead has done quite a bit of research here and as with everything I have read of his thus far, he is clearly dedicated and passionate about this subject. The Silver Hand is quite a bit darker but no less exciting than the Paradise War, which is still my favorite of the trilogy. This book gives a different perspective on the coming and goings of the characters and surroundings in Albion, and I appreciated that Lawhead switched it up because it suited this story perfectly. Over all, I think this was a fascinating and interesting read, as was book 1.

This series (the Song of Albion trilogy) is the best trilogy written hands down by anyone, ever. I read it again every year or so because it is so wonderful. The characters live in my mind. Book two is from the perspective of our friend the bard, Tegid. It takes a little bit to switch gears after the first book to get used to the voice of Tegid. But you love him so. He characters are rich, deep, and full of life. Stephen Lawhead has never been better than he was during this series.

After finishing the first book, The Paradise War, I immediately downloaded this, the second book in the Song of Albion trilogy. I wasn't disappointed. After the narration from Lewis's viewpoint in The Paradise War, it was, at first, a bit jarring to find this book is narrated by Tegid, his druid companion. Once I'd read a chapter or two, I'd adapted and actually found it to be enjoyable. The 2nd viewpoint gave me more understanding of the world of Albion and developed Tegin more than would have been possible from Lewis's eyes. Also, seeing Lewis from Tegin's vantage reveals more about him than Lewis's view alone. There are many well-developed side characters. The story flows nicely, especially as it's the middle book in a trilogy. I highly recommend this book (and the others in the trilogy). I'm looking forward to finishing the series with The Endless Knot.

If you are a fan of subtle allegory, if C. S. Lewis' writing resonates with you, then you will probably enjoy this writer. This is the second book of the The Song of Albion Trilogy. An unfolding prophecy in an alternate, medieval reality where dreams, honor and kingship reign, culminates as two men from our modern era battle each other. One, selfish and grasping for an elusive power that can not be stolen, the other, trying to return them both to their correct stations in our world.The underlying themes of sovereignty and kingship, femininity and masculinity in their true shapes, honor, modesty all pervade this story making it a rich delight to read.

If you like Tolkien - or any other fantasy/fiction for that matter - you will defeinately love this triumverate.This second volume is equally as gripping and well told as the first volume. The only difference is the perspective of the story. Tegid takes over the narration - which is a bit of a jolt and takes 2 or 3 chapters to get used to - but it never really detracts from the ongoing story.Without giving away too much it is almost impossible to say too much about the book. Suffice it to say that Mr Lawhead reaches more heights of excellence in his writing. Things follow on in an ordered fashion with the odd surprise to keep you on your toes.All in all the urge to start on the next one long before you finish this one is almost overwhelming. This is a good thing(!)Brilliant stuff . . . :o)

Having never been one for science fiction, I came upon this series in a YHA hostel in Scotland, read it as I was bored, and found I could not put it down. Finished the book in three days (parts 1 and 2), then on arriving home, searched them all out and now have my own copies, which have already been read several times now. Poetic, lyrical, descriptive and engaging. I actually consider it to be better even than Tolkien.

This is a book I can always reread, they are so good.

read the whole of the Albion series in a weekend...Lawhead always writes a good yarn

First Kindle book. Great to read on tablet. Just as good a historical/fantasy story as it was 20 years ago.

my xmas reread sorted...... great set of books...

This is a very good series of books by an author who really knows how to make the most of plot and characters.

I really enjoyed the 1st book in the series and ordered the other 2 but found the series increasingly formulaic and indeed didn't manage to finish the last book.

Well packaged and in very good condition, Was a gift for a friend and was part of the set i bought for them

Always a good yarn with Stephen.

classic Stephen lawhead

Great, timely and good condition.

Arrived on time and as expected.

I've already read the trilogy in French and now in English and so love that story, can't wait to read more of Stephen R. Lawhead

ich bin sehr zufrieden, es war ein Geschenk für meinen Mann und das bestellte Buch kam rechtzeitig an.Vielen Dank dafür