Where next?

[silmarien]

Hi there, I'm new to Stephen Lawhead (and to the forum) and i was wondering where i should go next in terms what which bokk to read.
so far i've read the Pendragon Cycle, The Song of Albion series and Hood.

I've ordered Empryon and Dream Thief, but what would people here suggest i read next.

oh i should mention that i haven't read Avalon as yet? should i read that as i have the impression that it's connected to the Pendragon books, am i right in thinking that??

[Tegid]

Hi, silmarien, and welcome to you!

Yes, you should read Avalon. It can stand alone apart from the Pendragon cycle, but it has sufficient connections so that it means more when read after the cycle. (The list of Lawhead's fiction in the front of Scarlet actually groups Avalon with the other five books as part of the cycle.) It is a very enjoyable and easily-read book that you will want to put on your list very soon.

And sooner or later you will have to read the Dragon King trilogy (another easy read), Byzantium (in one place, Lawhead suggested that it, along with Merlin, might be his own favorite), the Celtic Crusades, and Patrick. After that, you'll then be like the rest of us, waiting and waiting and waiting for the next release.

[dinadan]

My personal preference is Avalon as the opening of the Pendragon cycle--but then, I often work backwards

Over time, I've considered that Byzantium is Lawhead's most complete novel. It may not be my favorite novel (The Silver Hand has that distinction), but it is certainly, in my opinion, his best novel. I recommend it highly.

[CynanMachae]

Well I think everyone here knows I would say Patrick, but to be honest I really don't think it's essential to read any of them before others, as long as you start with the first in a trilogy/series.

Patrick or The Dragon King Trilogy would be my suggestions.

[Dred]

Welcome to the forum.

I would suggest reading something by our dear Mr. Lawhead.

Beyond that I think you can find about anything of his to be a good place to continue your reading. All of his books have merit of one kind or another. Jump in and tackle a series or book and share your thoughts on what you've read. A fresh eye is always welcomed.

[silmarien]

I'm actually finding it pretty hard to get hold of Mr Lawhead in Chelmsford. Scarlet is there in hardback but I'm a bit funny with those, I like my book series to match and since I've got Hood in large(ish) paperback, I'm waiting for Scarlet to come out in the same format.

Also I've not been able to find Byzantium or Avalon in either bookshop in town. All rather irritating to be honest. And I'm not getting any more in e-book format as it's just not the same as a 'real' book.

I'll need to wait til Empryion and Dream Thief arrive through the post before I have any more to read.

[Child of Immanuel]

Could you try an interlibrary loan?

[Tegid]

silmarien, if you have the UK (Atom) paperback of Hood, the edition with the hooded archer on the cover, then the matching paperback of Scarlet is available. (It costs more than the hardback, though.) See the first post of the Scarlet thread for ordering information.

But if your Hood paperback is the Nelson/Westbow edition with the arrow piercing through the canvas, and you're wanting the noose cover, then, yes, you will need to wait till the middle of next year to add that paperback to your collection. In that case, [brown]Child of Immanuel[/brown]'s suggestion is very practical for the meantime.

[silmarien]

Hi Tegrid, I have the UK version of Hood, and I had a look on amazon (uk) for Scarlet, which i found.. ta muchness for the tip.

Dream Thief and Empyrion arrived this morning so I'll be getting on to those next once i've finished reading The Druid King by Norman Spinrad (it's about the Gaulish King Vercingetorix)

As to the library idea it's a good one however I've only just moved from Glasgow to Chelmsford so I've not joined it as yet... but I think I shall now.. Ta Child of Emmanuel