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The Pendragon Cycle #0
Aurelia
Last witness of an elder time, handmaid of the age to come.
It was a time of the end of empire. The world was in turmoil. The Romans were abandoning Britain, leaving the remaining servants of empire to try to stem the tide of chaos. Aurelia was one such, the child of a Magistrate, and wife of a Legate. The entire world was changing around her. How could she raise her sons to thrive in such a world?
Everywhere, it seemed, the old, well-ordered realm she had been born into was passing away to be replaced by…what?
It was that question her sons, Aurelius and Uther -- with the help of Merlin -- were born to answer.
It was a time of the end of empire. The world was in turmoil. The Romans were abandoning Britain, leaving the remaining servants of empire to try to stem the tide of chaos. Aurelia was one such, the child of a Magistrate, and wife of a Legate. The entire world was changing around her. How could she raise her sons to thrive in such a world?
Everywhere, it seemed, the old, well-ordered realm she had been born into was passing away to be replaced by…what?
It was that question her sons, Aurelius and Uther -- with the help of Merlin -- were born to answer.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2025
39 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Stephen R. Lawhead
114Ìýbooks2,652ÌýfollowersStephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 7, 2025
Full video review:
Before we begin the review, please note that although ‘Aurelia� is technically listed as a Prequel to The Pendragon Cycle, it is absolutely not required reading. This book can be read on its own. However, you SHOULD read the Pendragon Cycle too! It’s excellent.
Aurelia serves as a semi-prequel to the larger Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead. Lawhead began this Arthurian retelling in the 80s and hasn’t written another book in the series since the late 90s.
The book is set in between books two and three of the main story and tells of Aurelia, her life and misadventures that eventually lead to her being the grandmother of King Arthur. We follow her as a very young girl all the way up to her as a woman and mother. It is set during the time in Englands history when Rome is leaving the island, and many smaller factions, rulers and warlords must fend for themselves and decide what Britain is to be in this new era.
In the same way, this novel is about Aurelia growing up and deciding who she will be during a time of great turmoil and upheaval. We follow her as she loses all that she has known, must fend for herself, escape from enemy Saxons, and even from fellow Britain’s who would take advantage of her or do her harm. Ultimately she must become a woman of strength, honor and virtue to raise the boys, Uther and Aurelias, who will become very important in Britains history going forward.
It is fascinating to see Lawhead, in the late stages of his career, revisit a series that was near the beginning of his writing. It’s fascinating to see which of his ideas, tropes and styles have changed and which have endured. One concept that Lawhead has always emphasized, even when it was against the trends of the 80’s is the role and impact of women on the Arthur story. He does not merely focus on kings and warlords and leaders, but also the mothers, wives and daughters who deeply influenced the story in their own way. Aurelia is very much in that tradition as well.
Ultimately one of the main themes of this story is the importance of personal righteous living over broad political change. We see by the end of the book that all the petty squabbles and arguments between these small lords or generals mean very little in the grand scheme of things. However, Aurelia living with virtue, kindness, self sacrifice and honor has laid the foundation for the King who can unite Britain. Her life lived well had a much greater impact on the world for good than whatever the latest dispute or conflict was. Obviously that’s a very timeless message that certainly applies to us today.
I will say this book is not a thriller. It doesn’t have a tightly woven plot. It’s told as a firsthand account, which is how it reads too. This may turn some readers off, but it’s a unique style that’s executed well.
Overall I loved this book and I hope it’s an introduction for many new people into the Pendragon books.
Before we begin the review, please note that although ‘Aurelia� is technically listed as a Prequel to The Pendragon Cycle, it is absolutely not required reading. This book can be read on its own. However, you SHOULD read the Pendragon Cycle too! It’s excellent.
Aurelia serves as a semi-prequel to the larger Pendragon Cycle by Stephen R. Lawhead. Lawhead began this Arthurian retelling in the 80s and hasn’t written another book in the series since the late 90s.
The book is set in between books two and three of the main story and tells of Aurelia, her life and misadventures that eventually lead to her being the grandmother of King Arthur. We follow her as a very young girl all the way up to her as a woman and mother. It is set during the time in Englands history when Rome is leaving the island, and many smaller factions, rulers and warlords must fend for themselves and decide what Britain is to be in this new era.
In the same way, this novel is about Aurelia growing up and deciding who she will be during a time of great turmoil and upheaval. We follow her as she loses all that she has known, must fend for herself, escape from enemy Saxons, and even from fellow Britain’s who would take advantage of her or do her harm. Ultimately she must become a woman of strength, honor and virtue to raise the boys, Uther and Aurelias, who will become very important in Britains history going forward.
It is fascinating to see Lawhead, in the late stages of his career, revisit a series that was near the beginning of his writing. It’s fascinating to see which of his ideas, tropes and styles have changed and which have endured. One concept that Lawhead has always emphasized, even when it was against the trends of the 80’s is the role and impact of women on the Arthur story. He does not merely focus on kings and warlords and leaders, but also the mothers, wives and daughters who deeply influenced the story in their own way. Aurelia is very much in that tradition as well.
Ultimately one of the main themes of this story is the importance of personal righteous living over broad political change. We see by the end of the book that all the petty squabbles and arguments between these small lords or generals mean very little in the grand scheme of things. However, Aurelia living with virtue, kindness, self sacrifice and honor has laid the foundation for the King who can unite Britain. Her life lived well had a much greater impact on the world for good than whatever the latest dispute or conflict was. Obviously that’s a very timeless message that certainly applies to us today.
I will say this book is not a thriller. It doesn’t have a tightly woven plot. It’s told as a firsthand account, which is how it reads too. This may turn some readers off, but it’s a unique style that’s executed well.
Overall I loved this book and I hope it’s an introduction for many new people into the Pendragon books.
April 10, 2025
New one. Got the Kindle version. The cover says "now a streaming TV series" coming on DailyWire+ 2025. The Pendragon Cycle, A Prequel. Published before it in the series were Taliesin (1987), Merlin (1988), Arthur (1989), Pendragon (1994), Grail! (1997) and Avalon (1999) which I read all those a long time ago. This author has been one of my favorites since the 1980's and I have read I think 32 of his adult books which as far as know is all of them plus one of his son's books. I enjoyed reading this one very much as well and I would say it is one of his best. Not sure if I will go back and re-read the books that follow in the series but I might. I'm not sure exactly when I started reading those since I didn't note the dates in my reading log when I read them until my log hit the 15th book and that was 8/23/1993. At least three of those books read before that were in the Pendragon Cycle series plus the Dragon King series and Empyrion series. Anyway this is the 519th book I have read and logged.
January 19, 2025
4.3 stars of 5
I love the Pendragon Cycle series. I devoured it over the summer after learning it was going to be a show. Compared to the rest of the cycle books, "Aurelia" is interesting since it is essentially a revision of the information we received in "Merlin" about the origins of Aurelius and Uther. This book revises who their mothers were, and their father, and how they were raised. In "Merlin" they are eventually sent to live and be raised by Hoel, who's son makes only a small appearance in Aurelia". Also, I'd say this is not the best of the series though still enjoyable.
That being said, overall I really enjoyed this story. One of Lawhead's strengths, in my opinion, is his ability to change the tone and diction of a story to fit the narrator and/or lead character. This is no different. "Aurelia" feels like you are sitting and listening to a woman made grand by her life and experiences. I did not want to put this down. I also enjoyed how Lawhead wrote a disabled character. Largely deaf, this does not hold Aurelia back and she is never portrayed as incapable or a victim of life. Instead, she develops (as we'd hope any young person would) into a strong, capable, and wise adult. He did a good job with Aurelia's character development as well. There were some bits that felt a bit less thought out, such as the ending of the story of Ursa, though Lawhead sort of addresses this through Merlin. Overall this is still an enjoyable addition to the series.
I love Merlin's description of Aurelia as it seems to also sum up the reason for this story, and so many others. He says she is "one of those specially endowed to receive the virtue of the past, maintain it, and pass it on to those who would have need of its saving grace in the turbulent years to come".
Spice = none
Language= Some, the most of the series I believe.
I love the Pendragon Cycle series. I devoured it over the summer after learning it was going to be a show. Compared to the rest of the cycle books, "Aurelia" is interesting since it is essentially a revision of the information we received in "Merlin" about the origins of Aurelius and Uther. This book revises who their mothers were, and their father, and how they were raised. In "Merlin" they are eventually sent to live and be raised by Hoel, who's son makes only a small appearance in Aurelia". Also, I'd say this is not the best of the series though still enjoyable.
That being said, overall I really enjoyed this story. One of Lawhead's strengths, in my opinion, is his ability to change the tone and diction of a story to fit the narrator and/or lead character. This is no different. "Aurelia" feels like you are sitting and listening to a woman made grand by her life and experiences. I did not want to put this down. I also enjoyed how Lawhead wrote a disabled character. Largely deaf, this does not hold Aurelia back and she is never portrayed as incapable or a victim of life. Instead, she develops (as we'd hope any young person would) into a strong, capable, and wise adult. He did a good job with Aurelia's character development as well. There were some bits that felt a bit less thought out, such as the ending of the story of Ursa, though Lawhead sort of addresses this through Merlin. Overall this is still an enjoyable addition to the series.
I love Merlin's description of Aurelia as it seems to also sum up the reason for this story, and so many others. He says she is "one of those specially endowed to receive the virtue of the past, maintain it, and pass it on to those who would have need of its saving grace in the turbulent years to come".
Spice = none
Language= Some, the most of the series I believe.
March 17, 2025
I have enjoyed almost all of Lawhead’s books, and the Pendragon cycle is probably at the top of that list. Sadly, it has been too many years since my last run through any but Avalon, and so I wasn’t able to place this book as well as I should have into the chronology. As a result, it didn’t resonate with me as well as it might otherwise have. I would still very strongly recommend it for any fan of the author or series.
I do have a slight gripe: while the book is advertised as a "prequal" it takes place well after Taliesin and (I think) in late Merlin/early Arthur chronology. I think it would be more accurately placed as book 2.5-3.1, not #0.
I do have a slight gripe: while the book is advertised as a "prequal" it takes place well after Taliesin and (I think) in late Merlin/early Arthur chronology. I think it would be more accurately placed as book 2.5-3.1, not #0.
March 28, 2025
This book was a 4/5 story but because the main protagonist was a female that was a strong spiritual survivor from pre-medival European history I'm giving it a 4.5/5!
February 26, 2025
ALMOST SPOILER-FREE Synopsis: The mother of Aurelius and Uther tells Merlin her life story.
REVIEW WITH SPOILERS! As Stephen R. Lawhead is my favorite living author, I couldn't wait to start this "prequel" to the Pendragon Cycle. But that description is misleading, as is the "Pendragon Cycle #0" notation, for "Aurelia" doesn't cross into the series timeline until readers reach part three of "Merlin," the second book in the original trilogy. That leads to the second (and far greater) disappointment, for I loved that third part of "Merlin," which explains how Aurelius and Uther, the sons of High King Constantine, seek revenge on usurper Vortegirn. Merlin (who assumes the role of kingmaker) supports the duo because Aurelius has a rightful claim to the crown and Uther, a skilled warrior, adores his older brother. Even more, Merlin believes the charismatic and intelligent Aurelius has a great chance of becoming a benevolent High King who can unite the people, free the land of barbarian invaders, and bring peace to Britain. But "Aurelia" quickly dispels this, asserting Aurelius and Uther are not royal sons of Constantine. Indeed, they have no royal blood at all, according to Aurelia, their mother. Even worse for fans of "Merlin" and the original Pendragon Cycle, Merlin expresses little shock at Aurelia's statement � which puts his ethics in question as readers tackle part three of his namesake book and see how the perceived royal heritage of Aurelius and Uther plays a huge role in how Merlin and the Brittons respond to the young men (and their future son). For me, the only redeeming element of "Aurelia" was the history it provided of British society during part two of "Merlin," when grief and madness consumed the future kingmaker for an unknown time period. Lawhead uses that "gap" in “Merlin� to advance Britain's culture to the era preceding Arthur. But even then, the tale Aurelia shares may trouble longtime Pendragon Cycle readers by suggesting a Roman presence and culture remained prominent in the island kingdom and Armorica long after the books "Taliesin" and "Merlin" suggested its end.
REVIEW WITH SPOILERS! As Stephen R. Lawhead is my favorite living author, I couldn't wait to start this "prequel" to the Pendragon Cycle. But that description is misleading, as is the "Pendragon Cycle #0" notation, for "Aurelia" doesn't cross into the series timeline until readers reach part three of "Merlin," the second book in the original trilogy. That leads to the second (and far greater) disappointment, for I loved that third part of "Merlin," which explains how Aurelius and Uther, the sons of High King Constantine, seek revenge on usurper Vortegirn. Merlin (who assumes the role of kingmaker) supports the duo because Aurelius has a rightful claim to the crown and Uther, a skilled warrior, adores his older brother. Even more, Merlin believes the charismatic and intelligent Aurelius has a great chance of becoming a benevolent High King who can unite the people, free the land of barbarian invaders, and bring peace to Britain. But "Aurelia" quickly dispels this, asserting Aurelius and Uther are not royal sons of Constantine. Indeed, they have no royal blood at all, according to Aurelia, their mother. Even worse for fans of "Merlin" and the original Pendragon Cycle, Merlin expresses little shock at Aurelia's statement � which puts his ethics in question as readers tackle part three of his namesake book and see how the perceived royal heritage of Aurelius and Uther plays a huge role in how Merlin and the Brittons respond to the young men (and their future son). For me, the only redeeming element of "Aurelia" was the history it provided of British society during part two of "Merlin," when grief and madness consumed the future kingmaker for an unknown time period. Lawhead uses that "gap" in “Merlin� to advance Britain's culture to the era preceding Arthur. But even then, the tale Aurelia shares may trouble longtime Pendragon Cycle readers by suggesting a Roman presence and culture remained prominent in the island kingdom and Armorica long after the books "Taliesin" and "Merlin" suggested its end.
January 29, 2025
Full disclosure- Lawhead is a personal favorite of mine. Which is to say i am invested.
Here he returns to what is probably his most beloved and famous series, the Pendragon Cycle, giving us a prequel to the first of the bunch, Taliesin
As prequels tend to be, Aurelia tends towards simple and concise. Structurally speaking, its built around a conversation between an aged Aurelia and Merlin, sitting on the cusp of Taliesins dramatic beginnings. As such it has the flavor of a good old fashioned tale, akin to sitting with Grandma as she remembers the times past. There is no complicated subtext and subplots, no filler. It's about how Aurelia and the people in her life go from point A to point B, and how the world around her becomes what it is when we first entered this world in Taliesin. Which is exactly what I would both expect and want from such an addition. Prequels will never be fully necessary, they are simply nice, welcome additions that add a little bit more context to what is an otherwise grandiose and sprawling tale. Short and sweet, entertaining and fun, featuring a well balanced narrative approach. I appreciate as well that it is a prequel rather than a next book in the series, in this way jts a stand alone that, if you are like me and read the series eons ago, doesn't require rereading and refamiliarizing ones self with the entire thing (not that this would be a bad thing). It's also a great stepping stone and introduction for those who have never engaged the series.
One last note. Appreciated as well Lawhead writing a story with a strong female protagonist. If I had one small critique it would be the fact that making Aurelia hard of hearing, for as much as it adds a specific character quirk (I myself am three quarters deaf, so I know what that is like), does force the prose to become a bit repetitive on that front at times, if in efforts to keep it consistent. But that's a nitpick with a character who's infused with grit, resilience and strength all the same.
Would I have preferred a fresh, brand new series? Always. But this more than satisfies the long wait for new material
Here he returns to what is probably his most beloved and famous series, the Pendragon Cycle, giving us a prequel to the first of the bunch, Taliesin
As prequels tend to be, Aurelia tends towards simple and concise. Structurally speaking, its built around a conversation between an aged Aurelia and Merlin, sitting on the cusp of Taliesins dramatic beginnings. As such it has the flavor of a good old fashioned tale, akin to sitting with Grandma as she remembers the times past. There is no complicated subtext and subplots, no filler. It's about how Aurelia and the people in her life go from point A to point B, and how the world around her becomes what it is when we first entered this world in Taliesin. Which is exactly what I would both expect and want from such an addition. Prequels will never be fully necessary, they are simply nice, welcome additions that add a little bit more context to what is an otherwise grandiose and sprawling tale. Short and sweet, entertaining and fun, featuring a well balanced narrative approach. I appreciate as well that it is a prequel rather than a next book in the series, in this way jts a stand alone that, if you are like me and read the series eons ago, doesn't require rereading and refamiliarizing ones self with the entire thing (not that this would be a bad thing). It's also a great stepping stone and introduction for those who have never engaged the series.
One last note. Appreciated as well Lawhead writing a story with a strong female protagonist. If I had one small critique it would be the fact that making Aurelia hard of hearing, for as much as it adds a specific character quirk (I myself am three quarters deaf, so I know what that is like), does force the prose to become a bit repetitive on that front at times, if in efforts to keep it consistent. But that's a nitpick with a character who's infused with grit, resilience and strength all the same.
Would I have preferred a fresh, brand new series? Always. But this more than satisfies the long wait for new material
January 25, 2025
A great return to the Pendragon Cycle
Stephen Lawhead returns to his classic Pendragon Cycle with a prequel about Uther's mother Aurelia. The reader follows Aurelia through various trials and tribulations as she makes her way in the declining roman presence in Britain. This novel is a wonderful reminder that no matter our struggles God is always with us and guides our steps. This is one novel that will stir your soul and inspire you. Thank you Stephen for this amazing return to the Pendragon Cycle!
Stephen Lawhead returns to his classic Pendragon Cycle with a prequel about Uther's mother Aurelia. The reader follows Aurelia through various trials and tribulations as she makes her way in the declining roman presence in Britain. This novel is a wonderful reminder that no matter our struggles God is always with us and guides our steps. This is one novel that will stir your soul and inspire you. Thank you Stephen for this amazing return to the Pendragon Cycle!
February 23, 2025
The main storyline already fully established, this return to the Pendragon Cycle gets to focus on a character, rather than just trying to cover yet another piece of Arthurian legend. And it does so exceedingly well. It thus takes its place alongside Taliesin and Merlin as one of my three favorite books of the series
March 14, 2025
I had been awhile since I had visited the Pendragon Cycle, and this novel made me wish for more. I definitely was pulled into the drama and forgot that I was reading a piece of fiction. The other parts of the Cycle are fantastic, but for some reason this one seemed to have a quicker pace and I finished long before I wanted to, and then wanted more.
January 11, 2025
Not Lawhead's best work. This book seemed rushed and to some degree disjointed. It failed to draw me in or give me an attachment to the characters that other books in the Pendragon Cycle have done over the last 30 years or so...Honestly, I don't know that this story needed to be told at all.
March 22, 2025
A glorious return to a beloved series. Bravo, Lawhead!
April 6, 2025
A wonderful tale of love and remembrance.
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