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Prince of Dreams: A Tale of Tristan and Essylte
It is a generation after the fall of Camelot. The legendary figures of Britain’s brief but shining renaissance—Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere—are gone but not forgotten. Their memories live on in song and story. But Arthur’s dream of a united Britain is fading fast. The hard-won alliance of independent kingdoms is fracturing. Sensing weakness, defeated enemies are returning.
Such is the world of Tristan, Prince of Lyonesse. Born with the soul of a poet and the heart of a warrior, Tristan has been pushed aside by his uncle, Markion, who is determined to succeed King Constantine. Because he shares Markion’s dream of restoring the faded glory of Camelot, Tristan supports his Uncle’s claims to the High King’s throne, against the better judgment of his friends.
Markion dispatches Tristan as his trusted agent to fetch his new bride, the daughter of King Percival. As soon as Tristan sets his eyes on the beautiful Essylte, and Essylte sees the handsome Tristan, a fateful love blooms between the two young people, a love that knows no law but its own fierce and imperious demands. Now, torn between duty and desire, Tristan and Essylte will risk everything—their lives, their souls, Britain itself—to be together. . . .
This powerful tale of love, betrayal, and redemption has echoed down the ages. Acclaimed author Nancy McKenzie brings it stunningly to life for a new generation.
Such is the world of Tristan, Prince of Lyonesse. Born with the soul of a poet and the heart of a warrior, Tristan has been pushed aside by his uncle, Markion, who is determined to succeed King Constantine. Because he shares Markion’s dream of restoring the faded glory of Camelot, Tristan supports his Uncle’s claims to the High King’s throne, against the better judgment of his friends.
Markion dispatches Tristan as his trusted agent to fetch his new bride, the daughter of King Percival. As soon as Tristan sets his eyes on the beautiful Essylte, and Essylte sees the handsome Tristan, a fateful love blooms between the two young people, a love that knows no law but its own fierce and imperious demands. Now, torn between duty and desire, Tristan and Essylte will risk everything—their lives, their souls, Britain itself—to be together. . . .
This powerful tale of love, betrayal, and redemption has echoed down the ages. Acclaimed author Nancy McKenzie brings it stunningly to life for a new generation.
416 pages, Paperback
First published December 30, 2003
3 people are currently reading
553 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McKenzie
20 books86 followersNancy McKenzie is the author of several novels based on Arthurian tales. Guinevere’s Gift is her first novel for young adults. She lives in Danbury, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 8, 2021
I had previously read Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince and found them thrilling epic masterpieces and wanted to get hold of this book for along time.
This retelling of the tale of the star crossed lover Tristan and Iseult does not disappoint.
It traces how Tristan, the Prince of Lyonesse is sent by his uncle Markion, a usurper for the crown of Cornwall that should be Tristans, to fetch his bride Iseult, Princess of Gwynedd Iseult rejects the suitor favoured by her mother the boorish and brutal Palomides who Tristan duels with and is wounded by, bt manages to kill. Tristan and Iseult they fall madly in love with each other,after Iseult and her half sister Branwen nursed him back to health, in the way of Romeo and Juliet, and Heathcliff and Cathy in Wuthering Heights.
A curse by Iseult's evil sorceress mother and troublemaking by the villainous first advisor to Markion, Segward, b ring the tragedy closer to being fulfilled , but again and again they saved by Segward's golden hearted beautiful wife Esme, and Iseult's half sister Branwen.
Ends quite tragically but is redeemed by Elen, the daughter of Galahad (star of Grail Princes and Dandrane). who is rescued from her rapist and vile giant captor by Tristan
Sad and engaging, captures both the time and the legend expertly
The best chronicler of Arthurian tales, alongside Mary Stewart with her Merlin series.
Merged review:
I had previously read Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince and found them thrilling epic masterpieces and wanted to get hold of this book for along time.
This retelling of the tale of the star crossed lover Tristan and Iseult does not disappoint.
It traces how Tristan, the Prince of Lyonesse is sent by his uncle Markion, a usurper for the crown of Cornwall that should be Tristans, to fetch his bride Iseult, Princess of Gwynedd Iseult rejects the suitor favoured by her mother the boorish and brutal Palomides who Tristan duels with and is wounded by, bt manages to kill. Tristan and Iseult they fall madly in love with each other,after Iseult and her half sister Branwen nursed him back to health, in the way of Romeo and Juliet, and Heathcliff and Cathy in Wuthering Heights.
A curse by Iseult's evil sorceress mother and troublemaking by the villainous first advisor to Markion, Segward, b ring the tragedy closer to being fulfilled , but again and again they saved by Segward's golden hearted beautiful wife Esme, and Iseult's half sister Branwen.
Ends quite tragically but is redeemed by Elen, the daughter of Galahad (star of Grail Princes and Dandrane). who is rescued from her rapist and vile giant captor by Tristan
Sad and engaging, captures both the time and the legend expertly
The best chronicler of Arthurian tales, alongside Mary Stewart with her Merlin series.
This retelling of the tale of the star crossed lover Tristan and Iseult does not disappoint.
It traces how Tristan, the Prince of Lyonesse is sent by his uncle Markion, a usurper for the crown of Cornwall that should be Tristans, to fetch his bride Iseult, Princess of Gwynedd Iseult rejects the suitor favoured by her mother the boorish and brutal Palomides who Tristan duels with and is wounded by, bt manages to kill. Tristan and Iseult they fall madly in love with each other,after Iseult and her half sister Branwen nursed him back to health, in the way of Romeo and Juliet, and Heathcliff and Cathy in Wuthering Heights.
A curse by Iseult's evil sorceress mother and troublemaking by the villainous first advisor to Markion, Segward, b ring the tragedy closer to being fulfilled , but again and again they saved by Segward's golden hearted beautiful wife Esme, and Iseult's half sister Branwen.
Ends quite tragically but is redeemed by Elen, the daughter of Galahad (star of Grail Princes and Dandrane). who is rescued from her rapist and vile giant captor by Tristan
Sad and engaging, captures both the time and the legend expertly
The best chronicler of Arthurian tales, alongside Mary Stewart with her Merlin series.
Merged review:
I had previously read Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince and found them thrilling epic masterpieces and wanted to get hold of this book for along time.
This retelling of the tale of the star crossed lover Tristan and Iseult does not disappoint.
It traces how Tristan, the Prince of Lyonesse is sent by his uncle Markion, a usurper for the crown of Cornwall that should be Tristans, to fetch his bride Iseult, Princess of Gwynedd Iseult rejects the suitor favoured by her mother the boorish and brutal Palomides who Tristan duels with and is wounded by, bt manages to kill. Tristan and Iseult they fall madly in love with each other,after Iseult and her half sister Branwen nursed him back to health, in the way of Romeo and Juliet, and Heathcliff and Cathy in Wuthering Heights.
A curse by Iseult's evil sorceress mother and troublemaking by the villainous first advisor to Markion, Segward, b ring the tragedy closer to being fulfilled , but again and again they saved by Segward's golden hearted beautiful wife Esme, and Iseult's half sister Branwen.
Ends quite tragically but is redeemed by Elen, the daughter of Galahad (star of Grail Princes and Dandrane). who is rescued from her rapist and vile giant captor by Tristan
Sad and engaging, captures both the time and the legend expertly
The best chronicler of Arthurian tales, alongside Mary Stewart with her Merlin series.
April 21, 2011
This retelling of the age old Tristan and Isolde tragic love story was beautifully done as only Nancy McKenzie can do. Although it is not listed as a trilogy or series, this book does follow Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince even though in this telling it is about 25 years after Arthur's death. This legend/story has it's origins in the 12th century so has been altered and changed through poetry, opera, books, and movies. The premise remains the same of the Knight Tristan who is nephew to King Markion being sent to bring back the future Queen to be Mark's bride and falling in love with her. Their love is often said to be the result of a potion in some stories and in others this is left out. The result is the same in all stories of a couple passionately in love who can not be together without betraying Tristan's uncle and completely unable to stay apart.
Nancy McKenzie has spun some different twists on the story placing it a generation after Arthur and retaining some of the same characters that are in the previous book, Grail Prince. What makes this book special? After reading the three books, I have found this author has an ability, not only to bring characters to life, but to allow the reader to see clear into their souls. I fell in love with Tristan on the first page of this book. There was pouring down rain, tired soldiers moving through the mud with their captain sitting on his horse with his hands raised to the sky, "as if to embrace the storm, the black night, the soaking wet, and to gather them to himself. Through the din of the downpour they heard his cry." This warrior leading his men home from a successful battle is 16 years old and in the word of a companion, "Sings like an angel and wields a sword like the very devil. Born between the stars, as we say in Lyonesse." Thus we are introduced to Tristan who indeed lives a life between the stars of a bard who sings and plays the harp, who loves life and finds joy in wind, rain, and the sea, and then he is a warrior of noble birth who has a legitimate claim to the crown of Britain. Tristan does not aspire to be anything other than what he is and has no ambition to be a king in spite of all who want him to seek this as his destiny.
This author has added a character who plays a major part in the story, and that is Branwen, Essylte's half sister although this link is unknown to anyone other than their father (and the reader) until late in the book. Branwen is Essylte's handmaiden and childhood friend. Prophecy and sorcery play a part in the story as we watch the wild uncontrollable passion and love between Tristan and Essylte and their very painful struggle to keep it a secret from her husband, High King of Britain, and the rest of the world.
At times I wanted to just tell them to "get over it" and my heart broke for him. But after all, this is a tale of tragedy no matter who writes it. Branwen is a wonderful character and far more complex than at first meets the eye. The way she is woven through the story is masterfully done right up to the climax of her part in the story of these two lovers.
I loved the way Galahad, who was the Grail Prince from the former book is brought into the story with his wonderful wife and his son and daughter. All through the book I wondered what had happened to him because his dear friend from his youth is Essylte's father. It was fitting to find out in this book the real and beautiful ending to the previous story.
So what did I not like about this book to give it four stars instead of five as I did the previous two? I think some of it is the subject since it is so frustrating to have characters you care so much about throwing their lives away on a love that can not be. The reading did get a little tedious at times in the middle of the book although it quickly changed tempo in the last third or so. For anyone who loves this legend, this is a really beautiful telling of it and by far my favorite portrayal of Tristan himself.
Nancy McKenzie has spun some different twists on the story placing it a generation after Arthur and retaining some of the same characters that are in the previous book, Grail Prince. What makes this book special? After reading the three books, I have found this author has an ability, not only to bring characters to life, but to allow the reader to see clear into their souls. I fell in love with Tristan on the first page of this book. There was pouring down rain, tired soldiers moving through the mud with their captain sitting on his horse with his hands raised to the sky, "as if to embrace the storm, the black night, the soaking wet, and to gather them to himself. Through the din of the downpour they heard his cry." This warrior leading his men home from a successful battle is 16 years old and in the word of a companion, "Sings like an angel and wields a sword like the very devil. Born between the stars, as we say in Lyonesse." Thus we are introduced to Tristan who indeed lives a life between the stars of a bard who sings and plays the harp, who loves life and finds joy in wind, rain, and the sea, and then he is a warrior of noble birth who has a legitimate claim to the crown of Britain. Tristan does not aspire to be anything other than what he is and has no ambition to be a king in spite of all who want him to seek this as his destiny.
This author has added a character who plays a major part in the story, and that is Branwen, Essylte's half sister although this link is unknown to anyone other than their father (and the reader) until late in the book. Branwen is Essylte's handmaiden and childhood friend. Prophecy and sorcery play a part in the story as we watch the wild uncontrollable passion and love between Tristan and Essylte and their very painful struggle to keep it a secret from her husband, High King of Britain, and the rest of the world.
At times I wanted to just tell them to "get over it" and my heart broke for him. But after all, this is a tale of tragedy no matter who writes it. Branwen is a wonderful character and far more complex than at first meets the eye. The way she is woven through the story is masterfully done right up to the climax of her part in the story of these two lovers.
I loved the way Galahad, who was the Grail Prince from the former book is brought into the story with his wonderful wife and his son and daughter. All through the book I wondered what had happened to him because his dear friend from his youth is Essylte's father. It was fitting to find out in this book the real and beautiful ending to the previous story.
So what did I not like about this book to give it four stars instead of five as I did the previous two? I think some of it is the subject since it is so frustrating to have characters you care so much about throwing their lives away on a love that can not be. The reading did get a little tedious at times in the middle of the book although it quickly changed tempo in the last third or so. For anyone who loves this legend, this is a really beautiful telling of it and by far my favorite portrayal of Tristan himself.
April 13, 2024
Cannot say enough for this book, or any by this author, really. Amazing world-building, wonderful story-telling, and beautiful job executing a stunning, engrossing, vibrant fiction based off a legend. I'll say it with my whole chest that everyone should try to read this one or Grail Prince.
March 13, 2011
This book felt really tedious to me, mostly because of the way the characters were portrayed. For about the first half, I thought that Mark wasn't such a bad dude, and didn't deserve what his wife and nephew were doing to him. Everyone kept saying how rough he was, etc, but every time we saw him in scenes without Tristan, he really didn't do anything bad. When he thought he had proof that his wife was faithful, we even saw him cry tears of joy/relief into his beard!
Meanwhile, Essylte was kind of a brat, and Tristan was just too sappy and obsessed with her... I kind of couldn't take either of them. They just couldn't keep their hands off each other, no matter how inappropriate the timing or circumstance, and it was frustrating to watch this happen over and over. Yes, they were desperately in love, and yes, they were forced to be apart and it was unfair, but come on! They were so stupid about it, and they caused so many other people to get hurt.
So I was annoyed right off the bat, but I kept reading because I wanted to see what Branwen would do. However, I felt the resolution to her story was a bit of a letdown. We didn't even hear what happened to her until 2 years later, as a third-hand account. I also hoped that Percival would make himself useful, but then he turned out to be another disappointment, not doing anything to protect his daughter or grandchildren when things got really nasty.
Then at the end, suddenly Mark turned into an insane rape-monster or whatever, and I found I was even more annoyed. It almost felt like the author realized "oh, hey-- I did demonstrate how he was a really bad guy, right? And how he totally deserved being cheated on and lied to about his children, and about who he was actually sleeping with all these years? Hm, maybe not-- well now's a good time! Look-- he's a heartless rapist! There!" I mean, sure, at that point he's definitely the villain, but it felt forced and random to me, because he didn't seem to be written as evil before.
I almost allowed an extra star for the reappearance of Galahad and Dandrane. In the previous book, I was cheered up by the reappearance of Arthur (from the first book), and the same trick worked on me again here, but with Galahad and his family. They were great. Everyone else, not so much. Oh, except Dinadan and his wife, and Pernam-- they were all awesome, too. But in general, I found the whole enterprise to be pretty unpleasant.
Meanwhile, Essylte was kind of a brat, and Tristan was just too sappy and obsessed with her... I kind of couldn't take either of them. They just couldn't keep their hands off each other, no matter how inappropriate the timing or circumstance, and it was frustrating to watch this happen over and over. Yes, they were desperately in love, and yes, they were forced to be apart and it was unfair, but come on! They were so stupid about it, and they caused so many other people to get hurt.
So I was annoyed right off the bat, but I kept reading because I wanted to see what Branwen would do. However, I felt the resolution to her story was a bit of a letdown. We didn't even hear what happened to her until 2 years later, as a third-hand account. I also hoped that Percival would make himself useful, but then he turned out to be another disappointment, not doing anything to protect his daughter or grandchildren when things got really nasty.
Then at the end, suddenly Mark turned into an insane rape-monster or whatever, and I found I was even more annoyed. It almost felt like the author realized "oh, hey-- I did demonstrate how he was a really bad guy, right? And how he totally deserved being cheated on and lied to about his children, and about who he was actually sleeping with all these years? Hm, maybe not-- well now's a good time! Look-- he's a heartless rapist! There!" I mean, sure, at that point he's definitely the villain, but it felt forced and random to me, because he didn't seem to be written as evil before.
I almost allowed an extra star for the reappearance of Galahad and Dandrane. In the previous book, I was cheered up by the reappearance of Arthur (from the first book), and the same trick worked on me again here, but with Galahad and his family. They were great. Everyone else, not so much. Oh, except Dinadan and his wife, and Pernam-- they were all awesome, too. But in general, I found the whole enterprise to be pretty unpleasant.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2010
This was my first Tristan and Essylte novel. Other than seeing the recent movie I admit I didn't really know the legend. I enjoyed the fact that I had read the Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince before this because the stories do intertwine but I don't think it is necessary to read them first. I never got as attached though to the main characters in this book as I did with McKenzie's other novels. At times Essylte was pretty annoying and stupid, but I liked Tristan. I also liked most all the lesser characters, Perman, Esme and Elen. Some parts of the book seem as if McKenzie was rushed to finish the novel because I think she could have developed the plot a little bit more. Overall though, I enjoyed it. My favorite part I think was when they escaped to live in the woods for a period of time. I like the way McKenzie talks about religion in this book and how Tristan and Essylte have christian and pagan experiences. I honestly felt bad for Markion at first because he was deceived so many times, but torwards the end of the book I didn't feel bad for him at all. I enjoyed the romance in this story and I was constantly waiting for Tristan and Essylte to get caught so that kept me reading. Mckenzie did a great job and I hope she puts out another novel about the lives of the children.
August 15, 2008
I do love Arthurian legend in just about any incarnation. I still haven't found one that compares to The Mists of Avalon, and likely never will. But I enjoy trying to find one nonetheless.
This book was all right. Certainly not bad, but not the best I've ever read. I found the characters to be a little flat, frankly. There wasn't really enough of a new spin on anything to make it really stand out. The heroes were all heroic and damaged, as usual. The women were all gorgeous and noble, as usual. The only ones I found more than usually interesting were Esmeree, and she only had a marginal role, and Parnam, and neither were developed much. Otherwise, I found Tristan and Essylte themselves to be whiny, emo children for the most part. They both did grow up a bit by the end of the book, but not by much.
Similarly, the setting wasn't very highly developed. I found myself wanting more description of the places and people, the clothes, the food, everything. There was enough to go by, but not enough to satisfy.
Although this wasn't one of my favorite books, I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys Arthurian legend.
This book was all right. Certainly not bad, but not the best I've ever read. I found the characters to be a little flat, frankly. There wasn't really enough of a new spin on anything to make it really stand out. The heroes were all heroic and damaged, as usual. The women were all gorgeous and noble, as usual. The only ones I found more than usually interesting were Esmeree, and she only had a marginal role, and Parnam, and neither were developed much. Otherwise, I found Tristan and Essylte themselves to be whiny, emo children for the most part. They both did grow up a bit by the end of the book, but not by much.
Similarly, the setting wasn't very highly developed. I found myself wanting more description of the places and people, the clothes, the food, everything. There was enough to go by, but not enough to satisfy.
Although this wasn't one of my favorite books, I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys Arthurian legend.
January 8, 2012
The book started out okay, but it seems like McKenzie felt the need to squeeze every detail of every version of the legend into one book. It was too long, especially if you're familiar with the story. We all know how it has to end.
May 12, 2011
So far I really like this book. McKenzie is very good at making the characters seem like they are real people. I have read two of her other books, Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince. I really enjoyed reading both of these books and I hope she has more books I can dig into.
November 15, 2013
I was so disappointed in this book. I loved Queen of Camelot and Grail Prince, but I just couldn't connect with the characters in this book the same way. I didn't like them and I didn't like their story.
Read
October 3, 2008still reading it.
May 11, 2008
tragic. almost not worth the read. it's tragic without the balance of beauty.
April 7, 2009
This book is a really interesting take on the Tristan and Isolde legend. It's got it all:drama, romance, war, a science fiction twist.
January 13, 2010
Queen of Camelot is Nancy McKenzie's jewel, but I really enjoyed this as well.
September 22, 2017
Not as magical as McKenzie's other works, but certainly worth reading to sort of round out following the characters from the Queen of Camelot series.
Read
March 9, 2013This book was really good. I enjoyed the story of Tristan and Isolde. At times it was confusing to remember who each of the characters was.
April 3, 2013
My rating had nothing to do with the author's writing. I love her work. It was the story itself.
March 20, 2015
Traditional telling of the Tristan and Isolde story.
Did Not Finish
October 2, 2018DNF'd: 30+ pgs
June 1-8/08
June 1-8/08
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