Attanasio's The Dragon and the Unicorn began with the Dawn of Time. This equally ambitious and magical epic begins with the Dawn of History.

The demon Lailoken, Merlin to humankind, has groomed Pendragon's son, the eagle of Thor, to lead the doomed Celts against the Saxon, Pict, and Angle conquerors. In defeat will Arthor find his victory, and Camelot its triumph. Their light will shine across the ages, a beacon to humankind.

But Merlin is shocked to discover that his Eagle is a vicious, callow youth whose only joy is killing. With his Roman sword "Short-Life," Arthor will bathe Tintagel in blood, unless another sword offers itself to his gore-slick hand. A sword that must be pulled from the star-stone at Creation's radiant heart...

Amazon.com Review
Merlinus has fostered the future king of Britain with Kyner, a Celtic chieftain, protected by obscurity from the jealous hatred of the sorceress Morgeu. As Arthor [sic] grows to manhood, though, he becomes a twisted creature, loving violence and hating himself. What kind of king will he be? A chance journey leading to woodland encounters shapes his character and settles his destiny.

Arthor's story is a single thread in a vast, complex web of gods, demons, angels, a sorceress, a unicorn, a carpenter with a wish, a dragon, Saxons, an impoverished Aquitanian lady with a secret weapon, battle-hardened Celtic chieftains and treacherous Roman nobles, knights, warring religions, and fairies. A. A. Attanasio's metaphysics, marvels, and magic will keep your interest and suspense high.