The Orphan Country, Book one
The Orphan Country is the first book in a trilogy set in ‘Dark Ages’ Britain, that unsettled period after the departure of the last Roman legions. As the securities of Roman rule recede, the Celtic tribes start to reassemble and new leaders emerge. Meanwhile, others watch these developments with interest: the Scotti/Gaels in the west and the Germanic tribes in the east. Some seek lands to settle; others simply desire plunder. But all pose serious threats.
Smith has created an exciting storyline from this background. There is a large cast of believable characters, and Smith imagines the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the time. A list of characters would have been helpful, although there is a glossary of ancient place names. Amidst this mayhem, one leader emerges – King Arthur – but not the king of chivalric legend. This Arthur is a young and uncertain princeling with a clear mission to create a unified Britian, strong against its enemies. However, he contends not only with external threats but with shifting loyalties amongst his commanders.
Although creating a sense of ‘authentic’ period history, Smith also utilises local legends. The Druid, Merlyn, is a key confidante of Arthur, although distrusted by the other Britons. Otherworldly experiences occur on ancient sites such as Wayland’s Smithy where Excalibur is forged. Landscape becomes a key aspect of cultural identity. The build-up to the Battle of Mount Badon is very suspenseful. There is lots of detail on battle strategy – all superbly imagined – but I also enjoyed the way that Smith shows the evolving political changes as British and Saxon communities start to work together.
In all, this is a beautifully written imagining of a period lost in the hazes of time. It has a smattering of historical veracity and a sprinkling of mythology and is overall a very enjoyable read.
