A review by davinareads
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

What if the unsung nobodies of Arthurian legend stepped into the spotlight? That’s the question The Bright Sword sets out to answer, delivering an adventure filled with daring quests, rich backstories, and a fresh take on a familiar world.

Right off the bat, I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity in this book. When I picture King Arthur’s time, it doesn’t exactly bring to mind a cast of characters as varied as this one. It was refreshing to see representation that felt thoughtful and purposeful, adding new dimensions to the story.

The structure of the narrative was another highlight for me. At its core, this is a straightforward adventure — one main storyline pulls you along, but the way the characters’ backstories are woven in keeps things lively and layered. It’s one of those books where you get to feel deeply connected to the cast, whether they’re center stage or playing a smaller role. Fans of King Arthur lore are in for a treat, as The Bright Sword pays homage to its roots while carving out a story all its own.

That said, the ending felt dragged out. It seemed unsure how to wrap things up, which made the conclusion feel drawn out. And while the multiple backstories were mostly a strength, a few felt unnecessary and didn’t really add to the overall experience.

Despite these minor things, this was a fast-paced, fun, and adventurous read that I’d recommend to anyone who loves tales of knights, quests, and discovering greatness in unexpected places. If you’re ready for a fresh take on Arthurian legend, The Bright Sword won’t disappoint.