The Bright Sword

by Lev Grossman
The Bright Sword cover
Good Books rating 4.09
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Bookshop
Format • £19.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 462
  • Added: 2025-09-12
  • Updated: 2025-09-13
  • ISBN: 9781804951637
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-07-16
  • Formats: 51
  • Reviews: 4

Lev Grossman's The Bright Sword is a major Arthurian epic of the new millennium that centers on imperfect men and women striving to restore a broken land. When the gifted young knight Collum arrives at Camelot to join the Round Table, he finds the king has died and only a handful of unlikely knights remain, including the Saracen Knight and Arthur’s fool. Together with Nimue, Merlin’s former apprentice, they face a world where God has abandoned Britain and ancient magical forces led by Morgan le Fay are rising. This novel blends lyrical prose with a richly imagined world that honors Arthurian tradition while offering something entirely new. It explores the mysteries behind King Arthur’s fall and the fractured legacy of his family, weaving a tale of magic, war, and redemption. Praised by George R. R. Martin and others, The Bright Sword is a compelling story about loyalty, legend, and the fight to reclaim a lost kingdom.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2025-04-18
engaging 4.00

This review highlights the novel's unique blend of Arthurian legend with modern language and humor, praising its gritty tone and lively banter throughout the quests.

The review appreciates how Lev Grossman combines traditional Arthurian tales with a fresh, modern twist, infusing the story with gallows humor and a gritty atmosphere. The lively banter among characters and the quest-driven narrative keep the story engaging, offering a mix that feels both classic and contemporary in its storytelling style.

Quick quotes

    An interesting mix of Arthurian tales, modern language, gallows humor, and grit.

    A book with a ton of banter, quests, and ...

    Lev Grossman's The Bright Sword is a fresh take on the classic legend.

Deedireads · 2024-11-30
heartfelt 4.10

The book is described as a heartfelt Arthurian retelling that resonates with contemporary themes and diverse characters, seen as a love letter to a new generation.

This review warmly embraces the novel's modern sensibility, highlighting its inclusion of diverse characters such as gay, trans, and abused individuals, which brings a fresh and inclusive perspective to the Arthurian legend. The reviewer views the story as a passionate homage that connects with today's readers by addressing relevant social issues within a fantasy framework, making it both relatable and meaningful.

Quick quotes

    An Arthurian retelling that feels like a love letter to our generation.

    Filled with the misfits — gay, trans, abused, ...

    A heartfelt and inclusive take on classic legend.

JeroenThoughts · 2024-11-04
thoughtful 4.00

The novel is enjoyed for its savoring of chapters and the integration of modern issues within the Arthurian setting without detracting from the story's appeal.

The reviewer appreciates the pacing and detailed enjoyment of the book, noting how Grossman skillfully weaves contemporary themes into the classic Arthurian framework. Despite the presence of modern issues, these aspects are seamlessly integrated, enhancing rather than distracting from the narrative. The reviewer's positive experience suggests that the novel succeeds in marrying traditional fantasy with relevant social commentary, making it a rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this novel, savouring the chapters.

    Modern issues are strongly present in the text, but I had no problems with that.

    Grossman skillfully integrates contemporary themes without detracting from the story.

Transfer Orbit · 2024-07-15
thrilling 4.25

The novel is praised for its thrilling and astonishing reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend, exploring themes of power and uncertainty with depth and excitement.

This review commends Lev Grossman for his thrilling and fresh approach to the Arthurian mythos, focusing on the complex nature of power and the transitions faced by the characters. The story is seen as both exciting and thoughtful, capturing the tension and uncertainty that permeate the narrative, making it a compelling read for fans of fantasy and legend alike.

Quick quotes

    An astonishing, thrilling take on Arthurian legend.

    Explores the nature of power, transitions, and uncertainty.

    A fresh and exciting reinterpretation of a classic tale.

Appears in Lists