Perilous Times

Future dystopian Arthurian fantasy appears to be a thing at the moment as this is the second I have read this month (after Salt in the Wounds)! Not that I am complaining as this strangely seems to be an excellent combination. Perilous Times adds climate disaster and satire to the mix, with an almost Pythonesque absurdist take in places. Often I find these more politically focused ones can get a bit preachy but this one tempers it with just enough humour and is frankly brilliant.

In this universe, Arthurs famous Knights of the Round table have been put into magical slumber to awaken whenever there is a dire threat to England. What could be a more dire threat than uncontrolled climate change? The focus is on two of the knights, Kay and Lancelot. Those familiar with the myth should be familiar with these two knights at least and the story certainly follows in their established roles. Add into this mix feminist eco-terrorists and a fascist squirrel and you certainly get an interesting mix of characters! Oh, and Arthur is a bit of a knob.

There is a serious message behind everything here, but it is so well livened with the humour and action. A thoroughly enjoyable read!