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Perilous Times

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Perilous Times

By: Thomas D. Lee
Narrated by: Damian Lynch
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About this listen

ONE OF THE TIMES' BEST AUDIOBOOKS FOR SUMMER 2023

IN PERILOUS TIMES LIKE THESE, THE REALM DOESN'T JUST NEED A HERO.

IT NEEDS A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR.

Sir Kay and his fellow knights awake from their mythical slumber whenever Britain has need of them; they fought at Agincourt and at the Somme. But in these perilous modern times, the realm is more divided than ever, a dragon has been seen for the first time in centuries, and Kay is not the only ancient and terrible thing to come crawling up out of the ground . . .

Perilous Times is a fiercely entertaining contemporary take on the myths of Camelot, which asks: what happens when the Knights of the Round Table return to fix the problems of the modern world?

This debut is perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Jodi Taylor and Ben Aaronovitch.

AN INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

©2023 Thomas D. Lee (P)2023 Hachette Audio UK Action & Adventure Fantasy Humorous Fiction Arthurian Comedy

Critic reviews

'This audacious, original debut is angry as well as entertaining, and an exciting new take on the Matter of Britain' Guardian

'Like Good Omens with Arthurian knights. I've never read a book that treads so happily the ground between making you think, and making you laugh out loud' Beth Underdown

'Lee's first novel has deservedly rocketed into the bestseller list thanks to grassroots enthusiasm. If you like Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, you'll enjoy Perilous Times, especially since Damian Lynch's engaged and spirited narration does it proud. Wryly witty, it's an utterly original take on Arthurian myth' The Times, audiobook review
All stars
Most relevant
What a find! The characters are engaging, fallible, heroes who are brilliantly brought to life by the narrator as well as by Merlin.

The story is uplifting but also agonisingly sad. Thought provoking.

Please write more books.

Great characters, thought provoking plot

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Such a funny but dark imagining of dystopian Arthurian Britain. Going off to eat some carbon neutral venison now.

Loved it

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The author’s style and voice is unique and entertaining.

Mostly likeable characters, however, I can’t sympathise with terrorists, environmental or otherwise. Kay and Lancelot are the most entertaining chapters

I read fantasy for escapism so this one isn’t for me, but the writing is incredible for a debut novel and the voice actor was brilliant.

Good writing - a bit preachy

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Loved this story. Feel like I’ve been smashed in the face by a friend wielding a copy of The Guardian while putting a warm fluffy blanket round my shoulders. So much of the background story echoing my own thoughts if the world carries on the path it is currently. The privatisation and outsourcing of public resources struck a cord in a funny yet slightly chilling way. But it’s all overlayed with wonderful characters, Terry Pratchett/Douglas Adam’s style humour and please for the love of all that us holy can we get a sequel with Gary as Squirrel again. Narration by Damian Lynch was always going to be excellent. Story fell short of the full 5 stars for me but purely a personal preference for more fantasy elements but I still highly recommend it, it’s brilliant. Small caveat, right wing leaning folks will hate it.

Future and past collide when hippies, knights and dragons try to save the world. *Audiobook review

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Really enjoyable story that mixes are Arthurian legend with modern day issues all the characters are really fun and relatable and the magic system is quite unique. And the message whilst extremely unsubtle is very important I think and I hope it gets more people thinking about the environment. Definitely worth a read
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Very enjoyable story with a good moral

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