RECOMMENDED READING

MERLIN'S WOOD by Robert Holdstock
     This is an astonishingly good book by the author of Lavondyss and
Mythago Wood.  It takes somewhat the same approach, but moves the action
to Brittany and looks at the lingering effects of the relationship
between Merlin and Vivian on a family which lives next to what remains
of Broceliande.  It continues Holdstock's fascination with magical
woodlands and figures of archetypal myth.  Holdstock isn't for everyone.
Characterization is definitely not his strong point, but when it comes
to mythologizing he is unexcelled.

LAST CALL by Tim Powers
     Probably the most unusual reformulation of Arthurian legend I've
read.  Last Call is a whimsical yet somewhat alienated updating of 
a variety of Arthurian motifs into the setting of contemporary Las
Vegas.  Powers use of Arthurian themes is much more subtle and creative
than it was in Drawing of the Dark and this is less of a traditional
fantasy tale and more of a character study of how certain themes of
virtue and heroism would play out with modern characters and a modern
setting.  I can't recommend this book too strongly.  Powers is probably
one of the best writers, regardless of genre, writing in the English
language today.

More to come...