The Future King: The Waking World

The Arthurian legend has been retold so many ways over the past hundreds of years it is hard to see how the story can be presented in a new incarnation. However, Tom Huddleston’s new book is astonishingly unique, showing the concept of ‘the once and future king’ in an entirely new light.

In what appears to be feudal Britain, young Aran lives in a homestead ruled over by his father, the Law. They live predominantly underground to escape the harshness of the winter and Aran lives constantly in his older brother’s shadow.  It is a dangerous time, and after the Marauders attack the assembled homesteads Aran find himself a new tutor in the mysterious Peregrine. It gradually emerges is that this novel is not historical, but post apocalyptic; Aran and all his people are all that remain of the human race, and its earlier glories are forgotten. Peregrine however, like his more famous twin Merlin, has seen more years than his face suggests as he waits for the Future King. He believes Aran may be his last chance. But as the Marauders close in, Aran, Peregrine and Aran’s friends Cass and Mohanna have to work out a way to save their people and secure Aran in his place, as prophesied.

This is a fascinating, delicately layered novel, with the truth about Aran’s world being gradually revealed as the story progresses, explaining Aran’s true heritage and Peregrine’s purpose. The strength of the novel is in Aran and Peregrine’s bond, which is believable and touching. Well known Arthurian characters are shown in new guises, and the story retains the idea of ‘just rule’ whilst still  creating its own tale. This is a new series well worth reading.