Antal Szerb's first novel is a gently satirical blend of gothic and romantic genres, crossed with a murder mystery to produce a fast-moving and often hilarious. . "The Pendragon Legend" by Antal Szerb is an uneven gothic story set in Wales after World War One. Invited to the family seat--Pendragon Castle in North Wales--Batky receives a mysterious phone call warning him not to go; but he does and finds himself in a. Antal Szerb's first. The author's first novel, originally published in , set in a castle in North Wales, host to all the conventions required of isolated castles of Wales. Antal Szerb's first novel The Pendragon Legend (), set in Wales is a gently satirical blend of gothic and romantic genres, crossed with the murder. The Pendragon Legend by Antal Szerb, translated by Len Rix / ISBN / page paperback from Pushkin Press (I read this 15 years and always. A mystical element is diffused through an. Invited to the family seat, Pendragon Castle in North Wales, Batky receives a mysterious phone-call warning him not to go. It includes the usual spooky castle, mysterious characters. The book is a philosophical thriller/comedy/murder-mystery/ghost story set first in London and then in Wales.