Joel Rosenberg "Paladins"`

I had never heard of Joel and picked this up on the off chance at a second hand book store.  I just looked him up, to find he passed away a month ago after writing approximately twenty novels.

The basic premise is actually quite cool.  Imagine a parallel universe where the divergent point is Arthurian England. Imagine an England several centuries later still where Morgana La Fey is still at large and in charge with the heir of Mordred on the throne.

The story uses this magnificent idea as a a backdrop as it follows the adventures of a group of knights in the Mediterranean who have stumbled upon a powerful weapon, in the shape of a ensouled sword, discovered by a fisherman who died for his efforts upon touching the cursed blade.

The story in the beginning and the middle is excellent.  Some interesting characters are introduced as the story unfolds and the craftsmanship of the writing is also very good.  I think however it falls down a little at the end, perhaps for want of a bit more time and editing.  Overall though it was an intriguing and engaging read and I will search out more of this fellows work.  Enjoy it if you get a chance.