Orion and King Arthur

Nearly two decades after the original five Orion books were published, Bova resurrects Orion, the time-traveling pawn of the godlike Creators. Orion’s patron Creator, Aten, deposits him in post-Roman Britain, where he becomes squire to a young King Arthur. As Orion insinuates himself into Arthur’s life and legend, he subtly influences the future ruler toward greatness, despite Aten’s insistence that Arthur die early in his career. Orion’s only ally is Anya, the Creator with whom he’s fallen in love. Caught in the machinations of gods, Orion must risk his life for the fate of civilization. Originally created as an audiobook, this historical adventure includes several redundant sections that feel awkward in print, but it’s still a rip-roaring good story that draws from a more grounded version of the Arthurian mythos to good effect. Agent: Eleanor Wood, Spectrum Literary Agency. (July)