Critics call new fantasy series regressive portrayal of Christian masculine power

The Pendragon Cycle, a fantasy series released by Horizon Books in March, has sparked controversy after critics accused it of promoting a white Christian male worldview. The books follow a young protagonist, Sir Rowan Pendragon, as he claims the throne of a mythical kingdom that mirrors Arthurian legend. Reviewers argue that the narrative frames white, Christian masculinity as the natural order and presents non‑white or non‑Christian characters as outsiders or villains.

The controversy comes amid a broader cultural debate over representation in popular media. In recent years, several fantasy and sci‑fi titles have faced backlash for under‑representing people of color and for portraying traditionally white, patriarchal heroes as the default protagonists. The Pendragon Cycle taps into that trend by foregrounding a white male hero who claims divine right to rule. The series has been embraced by some right‑wing online communities that see it as a cultural counter‑argument to progressive narratives that emphasize diversity and gender equality.

The books themselves are action‑packed, with sword‑and‑shield battles, quests for holy relics, and a central plot that pits Rowan against a corrupt sorcerer who threatens the