The Bright Sword

In "The Bright Sword," Lev Grossman offers a contemporary reimagining of the Arthurian legend, set in a post-Arthurian Camelot where young knight Collum arrives too late to claim his place at the Round Table. With King Arthur recently fallen and few heroes remaining, the story revolves around the misfit knights, including the Saracen Sir Palomides and the jester Sir Dagonet, as they join forces with Nimue, Merlin’s former apprentice, to reclaim Excalibur and restore balance to a shattered world. Rich with themes of imperfection and resilience, this epic tale weaves together duels, magic, and the quest to understand Arthur's tragic legacy.