Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet books in order

The Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet by Lavie Tidhar reimagines Arthurian legend and English folklore through a gritty, revisionist lens.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 By Force Alone 2020 Lavie Tidhar Buy
2 The Hood 2021 Lavie Tidhar Buy

The Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet by Lavie Tidhar takes the most beloved myths of English culture and tears them apart. By Force Alone (2020) presents King Arthur not as a noble king but as a violent gangster clawing his way to power in the chaos of post-Roman Britain. The book is equal parts historical fiction, fantasy, and crime novel.

The Hood (2021) applies the same treatment to the Robin Hood legend, stripping away the romanticism to reveal something far darker and more complicated. The quartet’s title signals its intent: these books are the anti-matter versions of the cozy, patriotic myths that make up the Matter of Britain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet series?

There are two books in the Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet series, published between 2020 and 2021.

What is the first book in the Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet series?

The first book in the Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet series is By Force Alone, published in 2020.

How does the Anti-Matter of Britain Quartet reinterpret Arthurian legend?

By Force Alone (2020) strips the romance from the King Arthur story, presenting Arthur as a ruthless warlord in a brutal, historically grounded version of post-Roman Britain. The Hood (2021) does similar work with the Robin Hood legend, treating the outlaw as a dangerous figure rather than a noble hero.

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