I bought your books last summer (2011) at the Herstmonceaux Medival Festival and after moving from Stockholm, Sweden to Hastings, East Sussex in November 2011, I finally managed to read your wonderfully written books.
I have been interested in Arthur, Merlin and the whole Camelot saga during my adult life and I must say that your books are the best I ever read.
I was a bit shocked when I started reading the books as they were very dark but soon got into it but then got into a panic when I read the last of the trilogy and had only around 50 pages left to read.
I did not want the book to end!
Thank you for giving me and hopefully many others a reading experience to remember!
Paul L - email
I have now read all three of your books and they were enthralling.
I find it difficult to get into fiction books but these were a joy to read. Thank goodness I had bought all 3 as once I had finished one I picked up the next one straight away. The books are wonderful, rich, deep, exciting.
The only thing is my other half has been only half since she purchased the books from you at Herstmonceux…Big problem now – I have finished them and feel at a loss. Please put me out of my misery and tell me that you have already written the next one and that it’s at the printer and I can have a copy by next week…
Hester B - email
Saw you at Tewkesbury Medieval Festival where you very kindly gave me an excerpt to read. Well, I didn't get a chance to read it at the festival, but once I had I promptly ordered and read all three in quick succession.
Very engaging and what a great character Arthur was (though at first he seemed a bit cold and remote, though the reasons for that soon became evident).
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed them
and that I sincerely hope you are writing a fourth (and fifth and sixth!) novel.
Heather B - email
I purchased the trilogy from you at the Lanark Festival this past summer.
Well. What can I say. The books stayed bundled up in brown paper through back to school preparations for my two boys, re-entry into the world of homework, etc. etc. Finally, last week, I picked the books up off of my dresser (where they had lain for over a month) and tore open the wrappings. Suffice it to say, my children have eaten mostly prepared foods for the last week as I only occasionally resurfaced for short visits from my journeys in Middangeard.
Your trilogy, as many other folks on your review board have said better, was truly wonderful and utterly absorbing. You have created that often rare literary feat of “can’t stop, don’t want it to end.” Perhaps it was brave, perhaps it was stupid, but THANK YOU for stepping out and stepping up to realize the full potential of this great tale. Only one thing is nagging at me, what is the young girl’s name?
Cathy C - email
Met and chatted with you at Colchester earlier this year and bought the trilogy for holiday reading. What a read! Once started - it was every waking moment - grab another page, another chapter.
Hopefully you are working on another project, I wait with bated breath.
Utterly mindblowing!! Keep up the good work.
John H - email
I bought your triology at the Eastbourne Medieval Pageant.
As promised I am just writing to let you know what I thought of them.
I enjoyed them and wished they were a bit longer The twists of character names was very good and I appreciated how you used the original legend in a different context i.e. the Holy Grail/ the eastern city right down to throwing the sword into the river.
Thank you for the story and hope that you will be writing more in the future.
George G - email
I purchased the Shadow Lands trilogy from Simon at a summer medieval bash in rural Cheshire last summer.
Sadly they languished at the bottom of a drawer until a few short weeks ago.
On rediscovering them, I immediately embarked on a marathon, non stop, hell raising journey through an ancient Britain set in a distant dark and sinister future.
A great lover of all things Arthurian, I'm not easy to please when it comes to new tales of the legendary celtic monarch. Indeed, I have always believed John Boorman's 1981 epic 'Excalibur' was beyond equal. Not so. In Shadow Lands, Simon Lister's pen has made the infamous sword mightier than ever before. There's no shiny suited knights here. Nor are there any pouting damsels in distress. Indeed Arthur himself is reinvented as a dark, seemingly cold hearted butcher who's raison d'etre is simply to preserve Britain's existence, whatever the cost. The action is fast, furious and at times difficult to keep pace with.
There's lots of back stabbing, bucketfuls of treachery and even a few moments of tenderness thrown in.
A terrific read.
One note of caution - the concluding pages leave more than a few loose ends tantalizingly undone.
Fear not. I have it on good authority that volume 4 will reveal all.
Hollywood, you'd better start digging deep.
With a cast of thousands this one's going to cost you!
John P - (email)
It has taken me a long time to write this, mainly because I just couldn’t put into words how much I have enjoyed the trilogy. I have now read the books eight times and have bought second copies as I need a beach copy!
I have a very impressive collection of over 250 novels based on the legend from the traditional, to science fiction, right up to the modern day and I love them all but some more than others. Finding me something new is a constant challenge for my husband. So I was blown away when he gave me the trilogy for my Christmas present. I could not put it down and read them all from cover to cover in one sitting . . . . WOW .
It is everything you want in an Arthurian book. The story is breathtaking! It is so clever and speeds along, taking the reader on a roller coaster ride. It is utterly absorbing, and I didn’t want it to end. The characters are amazing, you live and breathe with them and are heart broken when you loose any one of them.
It is a true story of friendship, love, loyalty and bravery, that makes you want to be there and be one of them.
What can I say about Arthur, it is his destiny to be the warlord and stand against the tide, thank you for making him so real, a true a warrior, leader and hero!
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good read, not just to another Arthurian fan. Its get better with every read and I can honestly say I can get to the last page and turn straight to page one and start again and I can assure you it loses nothing in the rereading.
PS. I am a member of “The Fellowship of The Knights of The Round Table Of King Arthur” and have submitted my top ten Arthurian novels to the News Letter, with a review of Shadow Lands my favourite Arthurian read ever!
Michelle G - (email)
I purchased the shadow lands trilogy books from you at Herstmonceux medieval festival in the
summer and i'm ashamed to say i've only just starting reading them.
I am a avid book reader and i guess get through a book every 10 days or so.
From all the books i have read yours have truly been the best.
I'm on the last book Haven and what a journey i've been on.
You have so drawn me in and along with arthur and his war band.
I'm half way through the Haven and i can not put the book down but i also don't want the story to conclude lol.
Thank you for the pleasure and joy you have given me.
Chris S - (email)
I bought your books in the medieval festival in Herstmonceux this year. Took me a while to start them, but as soon as I did I was hooked. I think the story line is really interesting.
The enemies and characters in general are very well described, and you have managed to create a
very unique and (a bit strange) character in Arthur.
He's a character easy to both love and hate.
When it comes to the feeling of the books I got a bit disturbed. It's so dark and often depressive. I got the same feeling from reading The Farseer Trilogy of Robin Hobb.
Death, suffering and denied love... But I guess it comes down to making an impression and that you did.
I also thought the books got better and better, so I'm looking forward to next book.
Paers J - (email)
Hello just wanted to tell you that I purchased your books at Hastings, I was the Anglo Saxon lady. I felt so daft because I told you how I'd only buy your books if they didn't have the tablet weaving cards I was looking for. Thank God they didn't! ... So as a 25 year old mother to a two and a half year old, (I should imagine not your intended audience) I want to say how fantastic these books have been. I'll admit that I was gripped by the ending and felt rather devestated that I had read them all. A sign of great books is when I go away feeling emotional, which for me means your characters felt very real!
Thank you very much, I hope to look forward to a fourth.
Sabina R - (email)
I purchased the trilogy recently at Kelmarsh Hall. I was passing your stand and overheard you discussing the books with another possible customer.
I stopped to listen, as I love the legends of Arthur - a bit of escapism I suppose, and decided to
take a chance on them.
The first thing that struck me, even before starting to read Shadow Lands, was the quality of the paper on which they were printed. A nice change from the usual paperbacks.
Getting on to the story, I was hooked from the very first page. Exciting, absorbing, a thoroughly good read, and written in such a way that the reader is almost fighting alongside the characters.
I have never been so concerned about the fate of fictional characters before.
One last question - how will we all know when the next book is ready for us to continue with this extraordinary tale?
Judy - (email)
We met at the Kelmarsh Festival of History and I bought Book I - Shadow Lands. Loved the book and have just finished it. Especially like the way you've woven in new themes like the Cithol and their underground cities and the 24 hours of light in the summer and 24 hours of darkness in winter and the Causeway across the channel. I'd now like to buy Books 2 and 3 but at the Festival of History you mentioned that you'd sign them if I ordered them
so here I am.
Thanks and hope you are well and selling plenty of these excellent books !
Colin – (email)
I purchased the autographed Arthurian Triology from you at the Colchester medievil fair this year...
Very good read ...
I have been spreading the word about the books and friends agree that they are a great read.
Brilliant, unexpected ending to the Haven.
Were hoping that there will be more...
Ken C - (email)
I would just like to say i enjoyed the trilogy. I read all three one after the other.
I cannot wait for the next books. I got them from the oyster fayre.
Jamie - (email)
Quick Question (from the other half)
She loved the three Shadowlands books and wants to know
if there is are any plans to write / publish any more in
the series ??
Richard - (email)
I’m from the States and purchased your books in Tewkesbury at the Medieval Faire in July. My husband convinced me to purchase them, because to be honest, I couldn’t really get excited about a futuristic Arthur series. I wouldn’t count myself an expert on Arthur and I don’t read Arthurian literature exclusively, but I have read many and wasn’t sure I was up to another, especially with a futuristic twist! Anyway, I did purchase the trilogy and carted them all around England, Scotland, Wales, and back to the States—on planes, trains, buses, 8 different hotels rooms, etc. By the time we got back, I was seriously questioning what I had been thinking! And, all for an unknown author with a crazy plot and premise, who wasn’t even reviewed on Amazon’s US site!
After unpacking and catching up on work and home, I decided to try and plod through the first one. That was 2 days ago and I have only stopped reading when I have absolutely had to! I am just beginning Haven and dread for it to end, since I know you leave us hanging and the fourth book isn’t completed yet! I love the series! You should be so proud of the accomplishment!
Stephanie C - (email)
I met you at the Colchester fayre and said I had read the Warlord trilogy by Bernard Cornwell and I must say well done on your efforts! This is a really captivating trilogy and when I got down to reading them I would have a book finished in 4 days! My question is - will you be adding any more to this story? These were a really good read and I thoroughly enjoyed them, thanks for the new vision to this story, you managed to keep the legend alive!
Dan T - (email)
Picked up the trilogy ( signed ~ great ! ) at the Colchester Oyster Fayre last month, got a good photo too! Wow what a great read, got totally lost from reality and felt I was living the adventure .
Whatever you do with your life do not stop writing !
Kind of hoping you may go on to the next era of history ie what happens next ? smashing great exiting, will give it a month then have to read it again, highly recomend it .
Dawn B - (email)
Bought the trilogy from you at Cosmeston Lakes Medieval Village last month.
What a read!!! Awesome!!!
Brilliantly written. The story flows from one page effortlessly to the next, it is gripping, the characters come to life and you really feel the highs and lows as you read about their lives.
I would highly recommend these books to anyone with the slightest interest in this topic. To be honest i already have to a fair few so hopefully they've bought them too!!!
I would put these books on a par with bernard cornwell, con iggulden et al.
i'm so glad you put pen to paper. Thank you.
You stated you were writing your fourth book at the time. Please keep me on your list to let me know when it's published.
Thanks, a new fan :0)
Stuart U - (email)
A family member went to a reenactment fair and found your stall, from there they purchased your trilogy (which you signed, thank you) and gifted it to me at Christmas. Now I opened the gift and thought 'Oh god here we go again'. They had seen your books and decided that was the sort of thing I was into. Not quite!!!. Well I started reading the books a couple of weeks ago, which I am sorry to say was a token gesture because they were a gift.
Well the first book I thought, macho crap!! but something kept me reading, I think a connection with the characters. I found myself picking up the second book and read very quickly and then suddenly I was at the end of the third book. Mouth open all agog and wanting to know the future story.
I loved your books. The characters were amazing and real, I followed each character and was gutted whenever one died - the twists were a joy and the ending left me astounded. So much for me and my macho crap.
Looking forward to another episode, please write one!
Thank you for such an entertaining 2 weeks.
Allie - (email)
Bought your 3 books last year at the Medieval festival in Lanark.
Took me a while to get to them but have just finished them and have to say they where great!
Each book got better and better, what i really liked about them was that they weren't the usual "i know whats gonna happen next" book, which sadly most are these days!
...Surley there will be a fourth book?...Anyway, well done on a great series!
Franny A - (email)
I got the copies of your books at the Colchester Medieval Fare and just wanted to say
what a fantastic read.
I love the whole Arthurian story, and loved your whole angle on this amazing tale.
Great books can't wait to read more from you!
Mark G – (email)
I have just finished reading the Shadow Lands trilogy - may I say I absolutely loved them, I couldn't put the books down. I look forward to reading any future books you write with anticipation, thank you for a
most enjoyable experience.
Rory D – (email)
I purchased your books at the March medieval fair. I was hooked from the very first page,
and just can't put them down.
Best books I have read in years, thanks.
Sue P – (email)
...I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of them. The writing was easy to read it was descriptive and
very powerful. You felt the characters were personal friends and really wanted them to succeed. I also loved the fact that most of the places like whitehorse hill, and the haven are all places I know very well so was able to imagine them without modern civilisation and how they would have looked to Arthur and his team.
Thanks for a great read and I look forward to your 4th book.
Lesley M – (email)
I can't believe that I have actually finished all three of the trilogy -
what am I going to read next?
A really first class tale and very beleivable stuff, excellent,
looking forward to some more of your work.
Look out Cornwell!!
Don J – (email)
I bought a set of your trilogy at the Festival of History and could not put them down.
I found the characters wholly believable and was quickly drawn in as the story unfolded.
The only disappointment throughout was knowing that there were only 3 of your books available to read and would request that you put me on your mailing list to advise me when you complete the sequel (I hope!).
Tony K – (email)
I recently purchased The Shadow Lands Trilogy from you at
The Festival Of History (Kelmarsh Hall).
I have just finished them and wanted to say how much I enjoyed them.
So much so that I read the last two in 3 days!
I loved the darkness of the books but found that the personal lives of the characters really shone through... I understand through your website that there will be a follow up to the books. I can't wait for this and would love to know when it is for sale.
Celine G – (email)
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your books.
I was on holiday for a week, & totally immersed myself in the trilogy.
What an adventure, it would surely make a great Movie trilogy.
Peter R – (email)
I finished reading the trilogy within a week of receiving them, I am in agony waiting for a fourth book! and wish you had not told me so! Your writing skill is amazing and the books flow beautifully, I can but dream that this (these) great piece(s) of "Arthurian magic"can be made into a film!
Diane W – (email)
...I'm glad I bought all three, because I couldn't put them down until I'd read them all. I have read a large number of books on Arthur, both fiction and so-called factual, but found your trilogy a real treat! How you managed to write such an engrossing story without losing the original legend thread I found brilliant!
I can't wait for the follow up book(s) - a trilogy perhaps?
David R – (email)
ive jus finised readin de last ov ur books
i fort dey were GREAT!!!
cnt w8 4 da nxt 1
if its as gd as de last 3 den dey wil b awsome!!!
Ben J – (email)