The Pendragon Cycle is a series of fantasy books based on the Arthurian legend and are written by Stephen Lawhead. The Cycle was originally a trilogy but after Arthur's rather abrupt ending, and the existence of many unexplored stories and plotlines, Lawhead decided to expand on his trilogy by writing two prequels. Avalon is not considered to be a true member of the Cycle, but rather a "related semi-sequel" to it.