The Spark

The Spark by David Drake, 337 pages


In an introduction, Drake briefly gives some background about the book. His inspiration comes from stories about King Arthur. You can definitely see it the further you get into this book. He refers to it as adventure science fiction but I would add that is also fantasy.

At the beginning of the novel, Pal is arriving at Dun Add (Camelot) with his dog Buck (he can see through his dog's eyes to help him travel and when in battle). Pal wants to become a Champion (Knight of the Round Table) but is turned away because his equipment isn't good enough.

He heads to his rural home but beforehand he is befriended by a Maker named Guntram (Merlin). Guntram helps him upgrade his equipment. He returns to Dun Add and becomes a Champion. He is not a fan of the politics of court so he goes on a series of adventures and along the way uncovers some of his family history. He just wants to make the world a better place.

The book wraps up with a twist on the Lancelot and Guinevere scandal but in this book Lancelot is away and not there to protect Guinevere when an allegation is made against her. Pal steps in to act as her Champion based on the circumstances and his belief in honor.

I liked this book but I didn't love it so I can't say I would recommend it to others. One of the reasons that I found it lacking is that there wasn't sufficient world building. It is not part of a series so I had no hope of getting more details in another book.