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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.