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The Return of King Arthur #3
Tristan's Regret
The third and final book of The Return of King Arthur.
In the 5th century, Tristan and Isolde are at the mercy of the scheming Morgana Le Fay, who seeks to undermine King Arthur’s alliance with Cornwall. The consequences of their actions echo down the centuries and, in 2021, Arthur, Tristan and the Knights of the Round Table desperately hunt the last remaining followers of Malagant, an immortal ally of the dead sorceress. Will Arthur finally live up to his own legend, and can anything put an end to Tristan’s regret?
In the 5th century, Tristan and Isolde are at the mercy of the scheming Morgana Le Fay, who seeks to undermine King Arthur’s alliance with Cornwall. The consequences of their actions echo down the centuries and, in 2021, Arthur, Tristan and the Knights of the Round Table desperately hunt the last remaining followers of Malagant, an immortal ally of the dead sorceress. Will Arthur finally live up to his own legend, and can anything put an end to Tristan’s regret?
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2023
7 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 8, 2023
** I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I was absolutely delighted to read the third and final book in the trilogy: The Return of King Arthur - here are just some of my thoughts of the book and the trilogy as a whole.
Tristan's Regret
As with the previous books, the story presents itself in a duel timeline. It pulls in all the reader's knowledge from the previous books and ties things together.
Great use of tension and plot as characters make and react to discoveries along with the reader. (Chapter 25 had me actually gasp out loud - I did not see that coming. Woah - very intense)
I'm quite a picky reader when it comes to endings. I can feel quite discontented but I absolutely loved the ending for Tristan, Arthur and his knights. It finished in way that was quite emotional but with a hint that maybe things weren't really over.
The Trilogy
The overall theme is Arthurian legend coming in the modern day. And it really, really does work in this dual timeline structure.
I've not long completed the story and can honestly say that Sannox's portrayal of well loved and known characters from Arthurian Legend, will stay with me for a long time.
It was presented in a fast paced, punchy storyline that still gave the reader plenty to reflect and ponder on. I didn't feel that the story, or character development was lost in the pacing.
It's easy to settle in and read - the chapters flew by - in a story telling flare that's just a delight to read.
I think what was absolutely wonderful was that this story made me react, whether that was in a thought, a question or an emotion. And at the end of the day, isn't that what good story telling does?
If you enjoy the legends of King Arthur or just like a fast paced, action packed story then I would definitely recommend adding The Return of King Arthur trilogy to your tbr.
I was absolutely delighted to read the third and final book in the trilogy: The Return of King Arthur - here are just some of my thoughts of the book and the trilogy as a whole.
Tristan's Regret
As with the previous books, the story presents itself in a duel timeline. It pulls in all the reader's knowledge from the previous books and ties things together.
Great use of tension and plot as characters make and react to discoveries along with the reader. (Chapter 25 had me actually gasp out loud - I did not see that coming. Woah - very intense)
I'm quite a picky reader when it comes to endings. I can feel quite discontented but I absolutely loved the ending for Tristan, Arthur and his knights. It finished in way that was quite emotional but with a hint that maybe things weren't really over.
The Trilogy
The overall theme is Arthurian legend coming in the modern day. And it really, really does work in this dual timeline structure.
I've not long completed the story and can honestly say that Sannox's portrayal of well loved and known characters from Arthurian Legend, will stay with me for a long time.
It was presented in a fast paced, punchy storyline that still gave the reader plenty to reflect and ponder on. I didn't feel that the story, or character development was lost in the pacing.
It's easy to settle in and read - the chapters flew by - in a story telling flare that's just a delight to read.
I think what was absolutely wonderful was that this story made me react, whether that was in a thought, a question or an emotion. And at the end of the day, isn't that what good story telling does?
If you enjoy the legends of King Arthur or just like a fast paced, action packed story then I would definitely recommend adding The Return of King Arthur trilogy to your tbr.
April 8, 2023
‘“Some wounds never heal,” said Arthur. “Tristan’s regret will never fade.”’
With Tristan’s Regret, Jacob Sannox concludes his The Return of King Arthur trilogy. Although the book doesn’t get released until 1st June 2023 I received an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review. It’s impossible to review Tristan’s Regret without also commenting on the series as a whole. As a result, this review does contain significant spoilers for the previous two books – The Ravenmaster’s Revenge and Agravain’s Escape. If you haven’t already read those books I would encourage you to do so, rather than continuing with this review. Otherwise, please read on.
If you’ve got this far into the series you’ll already be familiar with what it offers. In Sannox’s unique version of the Arthurian legend, King Arthur and his knights of the round table have been made immortal through the magic of Merlin. Cast into an unageing sleep, these 5th Century warriors become the eternal defenders of England, revived when the country is in need. Thus, we have the exploits of the knights throughout key moments in history, combined with a modern-day story, which takes place between 2019-2021.
Tristan’s Regret is structured around a more focussed dual timeline than the previous stories, switching between events at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall in the 5th Century and a deadly struggle between Arthur’s surviving knights and the followers of Malagant in 2021. The tone of these separate strands is distinct, so in the past it reads like a conventional fantasy novel, whilst the modern events are what you’d expect in a contemporary thriller. What I found surprising was how well these two distinct voices combined to make a cohesive whole. Dual timeline is tricky to pull off but what Sannox does here is dual genre – and it works!
Ravenmaster was a short book and in many ways it was more of a proof of concept that this form of novel could work. With the premise established, the follow-up, Agravain’s Escape, ended on a huge cliffhanger when Arthur’s love interest, Caitlyn, was kidnapped by Malagant’s followers. Tristan’s Regret picks up immediately on this action and, with Agravain’s death, the focus of the story moves to Tristan, Arthur’s most loyal knight. Modern events centre on Arthur and Tristan desperately trying to track down and save Caitlyn. This is woven together with events in the 5th Century, where Morgana casts a curse upon Tristan, the effects of which ripple down through the centuries, at a terrible cost.
Agravain’s Escape was really a tale about the doomed love between Agravain and the enchantress, Nimuë. I was expecting the same in this novel, since its origins are found in the legend of Tristan and Isolde and the forbidden love affair between them. However, in Tristan’s Regret, Sannox uses a more expanded cast of both existing and new characters, telling the tale from a wider set of perspectives. This gives this novel more depth and complexity than its predecessors. Standout characters for me were Tristan, Morgana, Isolde, Kayleigh and Caitlyn – all of them distinct and different, with their own priorities, opinions and motivations. This side of things was very well done.
I particularly enjoyed Caitlyn struggling to deal with the magical world she realises she’s unwittingly entered, and I thought her responses were very realistic. Arthur was a more difficult character to like – he’s been a remote figure throughout the whole series. I think this reflects his own personal dilemma as he wrestles with his relevance and role in the modern world, especially now he and his companions have begun to age, following Merlin’s death.
I don’t want to give away too much but the magical and fantasy elements were applied in interesting ways in the modern world. Charlie Merton deserves a mention as a brilliant character who takes the story in an unexpected direction. Sannox writes stories that have the capacity to surprise, where the stakes are always high. Tristan’s Regret really delivers on that score, with plenty of twists and turns in both storylines, which will keep you guessing right until the end. There were moments I never saw coming, and Sannox isn’t afraid to hurt his characters – this is a book where no one is safe.
So, what did I think of the whole thing? As a novel, Tristan’s Regret absolutely delivers in so many different ways. I enjoyed the engaging, traditional fantasy, exciting fast-paced modern thrills, believable characters with real depth and the excellent plotting. The conclusion didn’t have quite the same raw emotional impact there was at the end of Agravain’s Escape. Tristan’s Regret was more thoughtful and considered, though still affecting in its own way, with the harder task of wrapping up a whole series and providing a resolution for the entire cast. I thought Sannox did a masterful job on that front. The mark of a true storyteller is they leave you thinking about the novel and its ending long after you’ve closed the final pages. That was certainly the case here.
The Return of King Arthur really is an outstanding series. It’s short and easy to read but at the same time it has something to say, with plenty for the reader to think about as Sannox keeps them guessing. Sannox’s excellent writing will certainly appeal to fans of Arthurian myth and those who enjoy modern thrillers. I think he did the right thing finishing this on a high with Tristan’s Regret, leaving me satisfied but still wanting more. This is a superb tale, expertly weaving together legend, history, friendship and love. I’m the richer for reading The Return of King Arthur and I can’t recommend these books highly enough.
With Tristan’s Regret, Jacob Sannox concludes his The Return of King Arthur trilogy. Although the book doesn’t get released until 1st June 2023 I received an advance copy. This has in no way influenced my review. It’s impossible to review Tristan’s Regret without also commenting on the series as a whole. As a result, this review does contain significant spoilers for the previous two books – The Ravenmaster’s Revenge and Agravain’s Escape. If you haven’t already read those books I would encourage you to do so, rather than continuing with this review. Otherwise, please read on.
If you’ve got this far into the series you’ll already be familiar with what it offers. In Sannox’s unique version of the Arthurian legend, King Arthur and his knights of the round table have been made immortal through the magic of Merlin. Cast into an unageing sleep, these 5th Century warriors become the eternal defenders of England, revived when the country is in need. Thus, we have the exploits of the knights throughout key moments in history, combined with a modern-day story, which takes place between 2019-2021.
Tristan’s Regret is structured around a more focussed dual timeline than the previous stories, switching between events at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall in the 5th Century and a deadly struggle between Arthur’s surviving knights and the followers of Malagant in 2021. The tone of these separate strands is distinct, so in the past it reads like a conventional fantasy novel, whilst the modern events are what you’d expect in a contemporary thriller. What I found surprising was how well these two distinct voices combined to make a cohesive whole. Dual timeline is tricky to pull off but what Sannox does here is dual genre – and it works!
Ravenmaster was a short book and in many ways it was more of a proof of concept that this form of novel could work. With the premise established, the follow-up, Agravain’s Escape, ended on a huge cliffhanger when Arthur’s love interest, Caitlyn, was kidnapped by Malagant’s followers. Tristan’s Regret picks up immediately on this action and, with Agravain’s death, the focus of the story moves to Tristan, Arthur’s most loyal knight. Modern events centre on Arthur and Tristan desperately trying to track down and save Caitlyn. This is woven together with events in the 5th Century, where Morgana casts a curse upon Tristan, the effects of which ripple down through the centuries, at a terrible cost.
Agravain’s Escape was really a tale about the doomed love between Agravain and the enchantress, Nimuë. I was expecting the same in this novel, since its origins are found in the legend of Tristan and Isolde and the forbidden love affair between them. However, in Tristan’s Regret, Sannox uses a more expanded cast of both existing and new characters, telling the tale from a wider set of perspectives. This gives this novel more depth and complexity than its predecessors. Standout characters for me were Tristan, Morgana, Isolde, Kayleigh and Caitlyn – all of them distinct and different, with their own priorities, opinions and motivations. This side of things was very well done.
I particularly enjoyed Caitlyn struggling to deal with the magical world she realises she’s unwittingly entered, and I thought her responses were very realistic. Arthur was a more difficult character to like – he’s been a remote figure throughout the whole series. I think this reflects his own personal dilemma as he wrestles with his relevance and role in the modern world, especially now he and his companions have begun to age, following Merlin’s death.
I don’t want to give away too much but the magical and fantasy elements were applied in interesting ways in the modern world. Charlie Merton deserves a mention as a brilliant character who takes the story in an unexpected direction. Sannox writes stories that have the capacity to surprise, where the stakes are always high. Tristan’s Regret really delivers on that score, with plenty of twists and turns in both storylines, which will keep you guessing right until the end. There were moments I never saw coming, and Sannox isn’t afraid to hurt his characters – this is a book where no one is safe.
So, what did I think of the whole thing? As a novel, Tristan’s Regret absolutely delivers in so many different ways. I enjoyed the engaging, traditional fantasy, exciting fast-paced modern thrills, believable characters with real depth and the excellent plotting. The conclusion didn’t have quite the same raw emotional impact there was at the end of Agravain’s Escape. Tristan’s Regret was more thoughtful and considered, though still affecting in its own way, with the harder task of wrapping up a whole series and providing a resolution for the entire cast. I thought Sannox did a masterful job on that front. The mark of a true storyteller is they leave you thinking about the novel and its ending long after you’ve closed the final pages. That was certainly the case here.
The Return of King Arthur really is an outstanding series. It’s short and easy to read but at the same time it has something to say, with plenty for the reader to think about as Sannox keeps them guessing. Sannox’s excellent writing will certainly appeal to fans of Arthurian myth and those who enjoy modern thrillers. I think he did the right thing finishing this on a high with Tristan’s Regret, leaving me satisfied but still wanting more. This is a superb tale, expertly weaving together legend, history, friendship and love. I’m the richer for reading The Return of King Arthur and I can’t recommend these books highly enough.
May 25, 2023
A fantastic modern version of the King Arthur story. Jacob has come up with a vision of Arthur and his knights coming to aid the British isles in its darkest hours.
Going backwards and forwards in time to create great character building of the main characters really brings them alive in the storytelling.
Full of emotions, twists and turns to keep us all guessing throughout all the books in this series.
Highly recommended to all of you who read fantasy, especially Arthur fans.
Going backwards and forwards in time to create great character building of the main characters really brings them alive in the storytelling.
Full of emotions, twists and turns to keep us all guessing throughout all the books in this series.
Highly recommended to all of you who read fantasy, especially Arthur fans.
May 6, 2023
Tristan’s Regret: The Return of King Arthur (book 3 of 3)
First off, I received a free ARC, for an honest review. Here it is.
I loved the book, and hated it. I love the idea of taken a wonderous magical element of history and re-imagining it. Taking the elements of fanciful, by-gone time and placing them in a the here, and now. Tristan’s Regret is the third, and final book, in the series The Return of King Arthur. That, is why I hated it. It’s the last book. No more, unless Mr. Sannox starts a new series, which I hope he does.
In case you missed the previous books in this trilogy, they are The Ravenmaster’s Revenge (bk 1) and Agravain's Escape (bk 2).
As other’s have mentioned, Sannox, has taken the King Arthur of old, along with many of his knights, and brought them forward through time, with the help of Merlin’s magic. Giving them modern equipment, knowledge, and attitudes that blend smoothly with swords, principals, and the chivalry of another age .
In accordance with some legends, King Arthur and his knights would return when the people of Britain needed a hero. The stories give us examples of this, as does Tristan’s Regret. Such as our primary hero Tristan’s actions in WWII England, when he and the others were needed.
Sannox has taken his ideas and twisted them into a tale of two times. The first takes place in the past, the 5th century, with events that fill in the backstory of the characters, and the effects they have on the modern, which is where the second tale takes place. It’s a blend of fantasy and contemporary thriller. One chapter of the past, one chapter of the modern. Back and forth. Some might think this bothersome and awkward, but Sannox does a nice job of blending them together, giving the story a good flow. He makes it make sense.
For those wondering: A hero, in the past, has a curse placed upon him, and as the story revolves to the modern day, we see the effects it’s had on him over the years. Brilliant.
This next is a bit of a reach on my part though -Another knight of the round table, There is a private security company, Hektor Security, that assists the King and his knights. Could this be Sir Hector, the foster father of King Arthur? Blending of the old and the new. Where the kindly knight once looked after a young, then unknown king, and then still protecting the future king. It was stated the King Arthur had given leave for his knights to continue their lives on their own. Possibly. Very clever if so.
Now, imagine a brave knight of the round table. Sir Agravain. Having to endure toils and troubles over the years. His actions, his intent, called into question. In the end, we learn how the mighty have fallen. Without giving too much away, we see how he was used, manipulated, wronged over the years by both heroes, and villains'. I’m sure it’s just me, but I thought it was sad, and made me a bit sappy; but, it was very well done. If Sannox was trying to achieve an emotional moment, it kicked that out of the stadium. This part, made me dislike our a primary hero just a bit. And that, is what this third novel is about. Actions taken in the 5th century by Morgana Le Fey, King Arthur, Merlin, Nimue, Gareth, Lucan, Agravain.....Tristan, etc and their consequences now. How the heroes' must deal with those consequences. That’s it. This novel ties everything together. Even the ending is life, from death.
At this point, I’m sure someone is still wondering what is this book about, trust me, there’s always a few. Nothing wrong with that. It is a wonderful fantasy story, rich with characters from history and myth in the 5th century. It’s also a modern day thriller of Arthur and the knights of the fellowship tracking down, and catching the followers of Malagant; but, for me it was more of a story of relationships. I absolutely loved how Sannox wove the interactions of characters together. Tristan and King Mark, Tristan and Isolde, Arthur and Gareth, Arthur and Caitlyn, Morgana and King Mark, Morgana and Treave, and many more. We see the characters interact, evolve. Some that I like to begin with, I didn’t like as much at the end. Some I disliked, grew on me. That’s character development, to me.The story was a nice wrap up of the trilogy. Giving reason as to why some things happened before in the earlier books, and why routine things from the past, had a much bigger impact upon the future, as time went by.If your on the fence, I can safely tell you to take a chance on this book.
-Will
First off, I received a free ARC, for an honest review. Here it is.
I loved the book, and hated it. I love the idea of taken a wonderous magical element of history and re-imagining it. Taking the elements of fanciful, by-gone time and placing them in a the here, and now. Tristan’s Regret is the third, and final book, in the series The Return of King Arthur. That, is why I hated it. It’s the last book. No more, unless Mr. Sannox starts a new series, which I hope he does.
In case you missed the previous books in this trilogy, they are The Ravenmaster’s Revenge (bk 1) and Agravain's Escape (bk 2).
As other’s have mentioned, Sannox, has taken the King Arthur of old, along with many of his knights, and brought them forward through time, with the help of Merlin’s magic. Giving them modern equipment, knowledge, and attitudes that blend smoothly with swords, principals, and the chivalry of another age .
In accordance with some legends, King Arthur and his knights would return when the people of Britain needed a hero. The stories give us examples of this, as does Tristan’s Regret. Such as our primary hero Tristan’s actions in WWII England, when he and the others were needed.
Sannox has taken his ideas and twisted them into a tale of two times. The first takes place in the past, the 5th century, with events that fill in the backstory of the characters, and the effects they have on the modern, which is where the second tale takes place. It’s a blend of fantasy and contemporary thriller. One chapter of the past, one chapter of the modern. Back and forth. Some might think this bothersome and awkward, but Sannox does a nice job of blending them together, giving the story a good flow. He makes it make sense.
For those wondering: A hero, in the past, has a curse placed upon him, and as the story revolves to the modern day, we see the effects it’s had on him over the years. Brilliant.
This next is a bit of a reach on my part though -Another knight of the round table, There is a private security company, Hektor Security, that assists the King and his knights. Could this be Sir Hector, the foster father of King Arthur? Blending of the old and the new. Where the kindly knight once looked after a young, then unknown king, and then still protecting the future king. It was stated the King Arthur had given leave for his knights to continue their lives on their own. Possibly. Very clever if so.
Now, imagine a brave knight of the round table. Sir Agravain. Having to endure toils and troubles over the years. His actions, his intent, called into question. In the end, we learn how the mighty have fallen. Without giving too much away, we see how he was used, manipulated, wronged over the years by both heroes, and villains'. I’m sure it’s just me, but I thought it was sad, and made me a bit sappy; but, it was very well done. If Sannox was trying to achieve an emotional moment, it kicked that out of the stadium. This part, made me dislike our a primary hero just a bit. And that, is what this third novel is about. Actions taken in the 5th century by Morgana Le Fey, King Arthur, Merlin, Nimue, Gareth, Lucan, Agravain.....Tristan, etc and their consequences now. How the heroes' must deal with those consequences. That’s it. This novel ties everything together. Even the ending is life, from death.
At this point, I’m sure someone is still wondering what is this book about, trust me, there’s always a few. Nothing wrong with that. It is a wonderful fantasy story, rich with characters from history and myth in the 5th century. It’s also a modern day thriller of Arthur and the knights of the fellowship tracking down, and catching the followers of Malagant; but, for me it was more of a story of relationships. I absolutely loved how Sannox wove the interactions of characters together. Tristan and King Mark, Tristan and Isolde, Arthur and Gareth, Arthur and Caitlyn, Morgana and King Mark, Morgana and Treave, and many more. We see the characters interact, evolve. Some that I like to begin with, I didn’t like as much at the end. Some I disliked, grew on me. That’s character development, to me.The story was a nice wrap up of the trilogy. Giving reason as to why some things happened before in the earlier books, and why routine things from the past, had a much bigger impact upon the future, as time went by.If your on the fence, I can safely tell you to take a chance on this book.
-Will
Read
April 21, 2023Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of the book from the author and I do not rate books by authors I have a personal relationship with.
In a way, Tristan's Regret is predictable. As in, completely unpredictable. I don't really know the Arthurian legends, apart from the basics – so, there will be Tristan and Isolde, and King Arthur has his knights, and also they now have guns and mobile phones. And… sadly… this is a trilogy and Tristan's Regret rudely happens to be the third book. (Luckily, the author left a rather interesting open ending, or a possibility of one…)
Something I particularly liked about all three books – actually, my reviews of books 1 and 2 apply to 3, as well – is the jumping all over the timelines. Both because it's done really well (sometimes I get confused by books with a dual timeline, this one has ALL the timelines and I am never confused) and because characters that are dead in 2021 get introduced to the others in the, say, late 5th century. This gives Sannox ALL the possibilities, and he uses them. Some of the dead characters still exert influence fifteen centuries later. Some die on page, making me blub uncontrollably. The Return of King Arthur, as a series, is a lot like being on a rollercoaster, but you're blindfolded, and also there are knights. (This is a good thing.)
The one thing that bugged me was naming a character Kayleigh, despite one of the knights being named Kay. My memory is a sieve. It's not that they're difficult to tell apart, I just wish Kayleigh's name didn't start with, well, Kay. BUT – Caitlyn does a rather great returning act and damn, do I love her! (Do not piss off a doctor, whether you're a King or not. It's a lesson I will keep in mind forever.)
If you are just discovering the series, I suggest you grab the omnibus. If you enjoy the first book, you'll want the second and the third anyway (see my previous reviews). It's weird to say "it's more of the same" when I actually mean "it's more of you will NEVER guess what happens next," but that's what it is. Never a dull moment. All the plot twists.
And… I have to quote this… “Lord knows we’ve all had our hearts broken at one time or another, but let’s not turn this into a tale for the ages, eh?” No, Lucan. Never going to happen!
(very quietly) here's to a fourth book and Bjørn's Victory feels like a very good Arthurian title to me…
In a way, Tristan's Regret is predictable. As in, completely unpredictable. I don't really know the Arthurian legends, apart from the basics – so, there will be Tristan and Isolde, and King Arthur has his knights, and also they now have guns and mobile phones. And… sadly… this is a trilogy and Tristan's Regret rudely happens to be the third book. (Luckily, the author left a rather interesting open ending, or a possibility of one…)
Something I particularly liked about all three books – actually, my reviews of books 1 and 2 apply to 3, as well – is the jumping all over the timelines. Both because it's done really well (sometimes I get confused by books with a dual timeline, this one has ALL the timelines and I am never confused) and because characters that are dead in 2021 get introduced to the others in the, say, late 5th century. This gives Sannox ALL the possibilities, and he uses them. Some of the dead characters still exert influence fifteen centuries later. Some die on page, making me blub uncontrollably. The Return of King Arthur, as a series, is a lot like being on a rollercoaster, but you're blindfolded, and also there are knights. (This is a good thing.)
The one thing that bugged me was naming a character Kayleigh, despite one of the knights being named Kay. My memory is a sieve. It's not that they're difficult to tell apart, I just wish Kayleigh's name didn't start with, well, Kay. BUT – Caitlyn does a rather great returning act and damn, do I love her! (Do not piss off a doctor, whether you're a King or not. It's a lesson I will keep in mind forever.)
If you are just discovering the series, I suggest you grab the omnibus. If you enjoy the first book, you'll want the second and the third anyway (see my previous reviews). It's weird to say "it's more of the same" when I actually mean "it's more of you will NEVER guess what happens next," but that's what it is. Never a dull moment. All the plot twists.
And… I have to quote this… “Lord knows we’ve all had our hearts broken at one time or another, but let’s not turn this into a tale for the ages, eh?” No, Lucan. Never going to happen!
(very quietly) here's to a fourth book and Bjørn's Victory feels like a very good Arthurian title to me…
May 21, 2023
About six months ago, I had the novels of Jacob Sannox on my TBR list. The recommendations came through all the discussions that my fellow lovers of reading and I had in various groups online and on social media, especially the Fantasy Faction Group Page and the SPFBO Page (Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off) run by author Mark Lawrence (of The Broken Empire fame). As of a couple weeks ago, after finishing Tristan’s Regret: The Return of King Arthur, I have now read ALL of his novels. After my first taste of Sannox’s writing, I seriously could not get enough. His prose is immediately engaging; his stories are wonderful; his take on the King Arthur legend and the tales of his knights are just splendid and unique. I read Jacob’s novels ahead of the Abercrombie, Lawrence, and Kristoff novels I had on deck, among hundreds of others. Why you may ask? I guess the first answer that I can give you is overall quality. Second? Sheer readability. Third: a well-maintained and well-researched story. I could certainly go on and on, but for the sake of brevity, I will tell you this: Jacob Sannox is, simply put, a stellar writer.
Now, I’d like to get Tristan’s Regret: The Return of King Arthur. Now, while it is not absolutely necessary, I highly recommend reading the first two books in the Return of King Arthur trilogy: The Ravenmaster’s Revenge (an SPFBO 2019 Semifinalist!) and Agravain’s Escape. Those are well worth your time too. Tristan’s Regret finishes the stories started there. And what a whopper of a tale it is. To avoid spoilers, I will simply say that they involve a return of King Arthur and his knights (and other characters from the Arthurian legends) to modern times. Tristan’s Regret utilizes the story of Tristan and Isolde as the framework for the novel and it’s thematic elements. You may recognize the many different sources that Sannox pulls from other literature, but you will also see how he cleverly makes them his own.
I also really enjoy how Sannox structures his narrative and points of view. He uses a past/present storytelling technique where each of the moments from the past directly inform present-day events. Some people do not care for this. I think it works splendidly for what Sannox wants to accomplish. Also, we get to see multiple points of view that include Arthur and his knights, as well as several key players, which only adds to the fullness of emotional perspective. But it’s not a cast of characters where you lose the trail of the narrative with the POV changes. Perhaps that is because of how intimate a portrait Sannox creates in his descriptions.
If you are a fan of the stories of King Arthur and his knights, do yourself a favor and either pick up the first book, or if you are already on this knight’s journey, grab a copy of Tristan’s Regret. The final payoff, while bittersweet, had me both emotionally a wreck but extraordinarily hopeful at the same time.
Finally, I want to tell you how important it is to support our self-published authors. They work so very hard to get out a quality product with little funds. And this novel is a superbly written and edited product. I also would like to tell you to check out Jacob’s other novels: Dark Oak and Age of the Dryad, the first two books in a trilogy that he is finishing as we speak. Dark Oak was a semifinalist in the 2018 SPFBO that I mentioned above.
Thank you for reading my review and happy reading!
Now, I’d like to get Tristan’s Regret: The Return of King Arthur. Now, while it is not absolutely necessary, I highly recommend reading the first two books in the Return of King Arthur trilogy: The Ravenmaster’s Revenge (an SPFBO 2019 Semifinalist!) and Agravain’s Escape. Those are well worth your time too. Tristan’s Regret finishes the stories started there. And what a whopper of a tale it is. To avoid spoilers, I will simply say that they involve a return of King Arthur and his knights (and other characters from the Arthurian legends) to modern times. Tristan’s Regret utilizes the story of Tristan and Isolde as the framework for the novel and it’s thematic elements. You may recognize the many different sources that Sannox pulls from other literature, but you will also see how he cleverly makes them his own.
I also really enjoy how Sannox structures his narrative and points of view. He uses a past/present storytelling technique where each of the moments from the past directly inform present-day events. Some people do not care for this. I think it works splendidly for what Sannox wants to accomplish. Also, we get to see multiple points of view that include Arthur and his knights, as well as several key players, which only adds to the fullness of emotional perspective. But it’s not a cast of characters where you lose the trail of the narrative with the POV changes. Perhaps that is because of how intimate a portrait Sannox creates in his descriptions.
If you are a fan of the stories of King Arthur and his knights, do yourself a favor and either pick up the first book, or if you are already on this knight’s journey, grab a copy of Tristan’s Regret. The final payoff, while bittersweet, had me both emotionally a wreck but extraordinarily hopeful at the same time.
Finally, I want to tell you how important it is to support our self-published authors. They work so very hard to get out a quality product with little funds. And this novel is a superbly written and edited product. I also would like to tell you to check out Jacob’s other novels: Dark Oak and Age of the Dryad, the first two books in a trilogy that he is finishing as we speak. Dark Oak was a semifinalist in the 2018 SPFBO that I mentioned above.
Thank you for reading my review and happy reading!
April 13, 2023
Wow, what a fantastic conclusion to a brilliant creative and beautifully put-together trilogy of the Arthurian legend. Jacob Sannox's final book in his Return Of King Arthur series, Tristan's Regret has it all, it's action-packed, fast-paced, full of twists and surprises that keeps you guessing through out from start to finish. The worldbuilding and writing are exquisite and give you a new view outlook at well loved legendary characters. I have always loved books of Arthur, Merlin, and his knights of the round table. This series was quite different, jumping back and forth between decades and centuries, mixing magic with historical events. Just an out and out wonderful tale that I couldn’t get enough of. In this final book. Old foes have resurfaced after a millennium, with old scores to settle, but loved ones and family members have been targeted of the brotherhood. With the loss of so many knights over the last couple of years, Arthur and his remaining gun toting brothers must rally and save those who have been taken and put an end once for all, but at what cost. With curses bound, loyalties will be tested and honour questioned. It is a perfect ending to a truly amazing series. If you love King Arthur, I very highly recommend, and if you haven't checked out Jacob Sannox's books yet, I reckon you should remedy that now. I'm looking forward to what he brings us next....😁💙💥🗡
May 30, 2023
A fantastic conclusion to an excellent series – the best of the three. Set in the modern day with regular flashbacks to the times of the round-table, the story weaves historical fantasy with contemporary thriller. Sannox weaves his own ideas into Arthurian legend, bringing through themes of love, betrayal, self-reflection and, of course, regret, in a way I don’t recall seeing before in a novel.
Sannox brings so many characters to life here, including one unassuming character in particular who has a wonderfully enjoyable inner voice. I ended up rooting for so many of them, and the fact that I finished it into the early hours of the morning should speak for the exhillarating conclusion.
I do recommend you read the other books in the series first (as does the author himself). They are also well-worthy of a read, but this final part of the trilogy tops the lot. Do check out his Dark Oak series too to explore a world entirely of Sannox’s own making.
Sannox brings so many characters to life here, including one unassuming character in particular who has a wonderfully enjoyable inner voice. I ended up rooting for so many of them, and the fact that I finished it into the early hours of the morning should speak for the exhillarating conclusion.
I do recommend you read the other books in the series first (as does the author himself). They are also well-worthy of a read, but this final part of the trilogy tops the lot. Do check out his Dark Oak series too to explore a world entirely of Sannox’s own making.
May 30, 2023
I was gifted an ARC copy of this book and after reading, I have to in all honestly start this review by saying that Mr. Sannox checked all the boxes with this final journey into his King Arthur Trilogy.
As the final installment of the trilogy, my anxiety was running high as to how the end to the series would come. From the beginning, and as in Tristan’s two predecessors - The Ravenmaster’s Revenge and Agravain’s Escape - the detail given each character pulls you in…you have to know more! The writing is flawless and leaves no gaps or questions. The flow of the pages is like silk. It is hard not to give away details or the ending (which is literary genius!), but this much I can without guilt say: Jacob Sannox did King Arthur’s legacy justice.
To end, this is a book that you will want to absorb every word of and savor. This is the retelling befitting a King!
As the final installment of the trilogy, my anxiety was running high as to how the end to the series would come. From the beginning, and as in Tristan’s two predecessors - The Ravenmaster’s Revenge and Agravain’s Escape - the detail given each character pulls you in…you have to know more! The writing is flawless and leaves no gaps or questions. The flow of the pages is like silk. It is hard not to give away details or the ending (which is literary genius!), but this much I can without guilt say: Jacob Sannox did King Arthur’s legacy justice.
To end, this is a book that you will want to absorb every word of and savor. This is the retelling befitting a King!
October 21, 2023
Sorry, but this was a painful miserable slog, but the best of three
I am truly sorry I read this trilogy hoping to see something magical in a modern retelling of an urban Arthur. The constant switching of time periods was distracting and tiresome. I did get glimpses into characters that I didn't particularly care for and Arthur was simply a melancholy presence offering little but self loathing.
I am truly sorry I read this trilogy hoping to see something magical in a modern retelling of an urban Arthur. The constant switching of time periods was distracting and tiresome. I did get glimpses into characters that I didn't particularly care for and Arthur was simply a melancholy presence offering little but self loathing.
April 24, 2024
Tristan meets Isolde,well he does more than that and is banished only to join King Arthurs men.Morgana plays a big part in the chaos reigning down. Nigel Peever is the fantastic narrator who mesmerizes us with his telling. I loved it! I was given this book free for an honest review.
June 29, 2023
Tristan s regret is great
Truly a fitting end to this trilogy, both in this world and beyond. The end of the book surprised me. I was sorry it was at an end
Truly a fitting end to this trilogy, both in this world and beyond. The end of the book surprised me. I was sorry it was at an end
July 17, 2023
Absolutely fantastic book I listened to this book via audio book.
Excellent job done by both author and narrator.
I would recommend this book.
Excellent job done by both author and narrator.
I would recommend this book.
February 14, 2024
Wonderful read!!!
I really wish there was a book 4, 5,6 and beyond. Loved this take on the story of King Arthur and his Knights. Please bring more!!!😊
I really wish there was a book 4, 5,6 and beyond. Loved this take on the story of King Arthur and his Knights. Please bring more!!!😊
March 30, 2024
Link to my YouTube review of Books 2 & 3/Overview of THE RETURN OF KING ARTHUR series on my channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoTUi...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoTUi...
sff-ok-bx
February 18, 2025Bx,Rok
April 12, 2024
**With release day looming, I wanted to write up my review of Tristan's Regret (Book 3 of The Return of King Arthur Series). I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.**
Once again, Sannox has left me wanting more! Not because his book is lacking a conclusion but because it was so darn good.
This third instalment of the Arthurian tale is grit and magic tightly woven upon the hilt of Excalibur.
Sannox picks up where he left off in book two and continues to take us for an exhillerating ride in Arthur's present day with his challenges and mission to retrieve the love of his present life. Interwoven with this modern thriller, we have visits to the 5th Century, Arthur's, and of course his Knight, Tristan's previous time upon Briton's soil. The return to the past expands upon the relationships between the characters of the book, drawing us deeper and causing me to be so invested in their lives that I simply must have more!
The history and myth really come to life as the story unfolds. Sannox doesn't just draw upon the tales we have heard of Arthur and his knights. He embellishes, twists, and grows them - making them his own.
Tristan's Regret is a brilliant conclusion to the Return of King Arthur Trilogy, and if you haven't read The Ravenmaster's Revenge and Agravains Escape you really should! The imagery and history, combined with the depth of character and tales told, had me hooked.
Once again, Sannox has left me wanting more! Not because his book is lacking a conclusion but because it was so darn good.
This third instalment of the Arthurian tale is grit and magic tightly woven upon the hilt of Excalibur.
Sannox picks up where he left off in book two and continues to take us for an exhillerating ride in Arthur's present day with his challenges and mission to retrieve the love of his present life. Interwoven with this modern thriller, we have visits to the 5th Century, Arthur's, and of course his Knight, Tristan's previous time upon Briton's soil. The return to the past expands upon the relationships between the characters of the book, drawing us deeper and causing me to be so invested in their lives that I simply must have more!
The history and myth really come to life as the story unfolds. Sannox doesn't just draw upon the tales we have heard of Arthur and his knights. He embellishes, twists, and grows them - making them his own.
Tristan's Regret is a brilliant conclusion to the Return of King Arthur Trilogy, and if you haven't read The Ravenmaster's Revenge and Agravains Escape you really should! The imagery and history, combined with the depth of character and tales told, had me hooked.
June 6, 2023
Triston went to Ireland to escort Isolde, back to marry King Mark but Morgana put a curse on Tristan.
He tried not to betray his uncle the king for the feelings he had toward Isolde but the curse that Morgana put on him did what she planned. From what him and Isolda did the king banished him from the realm and he ended up going to seek King Arthur. The Curse stayed with him in the past and the present and it was quite surprising how the curse was lifted. He felt like his devotion was to everyone else and that he had no control of his own life. Now that Arthur and the knights are gone, he tries to make the best of the life he has left. If you know the story of Tristan and Islode you will greatly enjoy this book. A great series ending.
He tried not to betray his uncle the king for the feelings he had toward Isolde but the curse that Morgana put on him did what she planned. From what him and Isolda did the king banished him from the realm and he ended up going to seek King Arthur. The Curse stayed with him in the past and the present and it was quite surprising how the curse was lifted. He felt like his devotion was to everyone else and that he had no control of his own life. Now that Arthur and the knights are gone, he tries to make the best of the life he has left. If you know the story of Tristan and Islode you will greatly enjoy this book. A great series ending.
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