Reviews

Future dystopian Arthurian fantasy appears to be a thing at the moment as this is the second I have read this month (after Salt in the Wounds)! Not that I am complaining as this strangely seems to be an excellent combination. Perilous Times adds climate disaster and satire to the mix, with an almost Pythonesque absurdist take in places. Often I find these more politically focused ones can get a bit preachy but this one tempers it with just enough humour and is frankly brilliant.

In this universe, Arthurs famous Knights of the Round table have been put into magical slumber to awaken whenever there is a dire threat to England. What could be a more dire threat than uncontrolled climate change? The focus is on two of the knights, Kay and Lancelot. Those familiar with the myth should be familiar with these two knights at least and the story certainly follows in their established roles. Add into this mix feminist eco-terrorists and a fascist squirrel and you certainly get an interesting mix of characters! Oh, and Arthur is a bit of a knob.

There is a serious message behind everything here, but it is so well livened with the humour and action. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

zebrakat's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This was not what I expected at all. It wasn’t a retelling but a completely new story set in the future with some King Arthur characters. It was humorous and fun.
My only real issue is that the dog died. Why would you let the dragon kill the dog?

christy_lauren's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I thoroughly loved this book! I have never been a big fantasy book consumer but as of late I have been devouring fantasy books like they’re going out of fashion! This one was exciting, exhilarating and most of all different. I felt as if every time I picked it up my body was transported into the novel, it truly was magical and I am so glad I am getting the fantasy book bug that my sweet friend soph has :)

j2teapot's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Excellent book, surprisingly funny and a strong plot. Quite different to other climate change fiction books I've read. I loved the main characters and found myself tensing as they reached their goals. Particularly enjoyed the different takes on Authurian history and characters. All in all, an enjoyable ride with a clear message. I would have enjoyed a little more ending, it finishes a little abruptly for me. Even just a chapter to round off the characters stories would have been nice

charlotl's review against another edition

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I have a lot of climate anxiety and I found this pushed quite a few of my buttons.

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