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The Lion Hunters #2
A Coalition of Lions
After the death of virtually all of her family in the battle of Camlan, Goewin, Princess of Britain, daughter of the High King Artos, makes a desperate journey to African Aksum, to meet with Constantine, the British ambassador and her fiance. But Aksum is undergoing political turmoil, and Goewin's relationship with its ambassador to Britain makes her position more than precarious. Caught between two countries, with the power to transform or end lives, Goewin fights to find and claim her place in a world that has suddenly, irrevocably changed. . . .
210 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2003
15 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Wein
38 books3,171 followersTIME magazine has put Code Name Verity on its list of "100 Best YA books of All Time."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 4, 2013
I gave this book and The Winter Prince which comes before it four stars as they just were not five star reads for me - but the books together and my interest in reading the next ones are reaching toward a five star series. I can not really put my finger on just what draws me in to them as the writing is different than anything else I have read. The relationship between Medraut and his half brother Lleu is one burned into my brain and when a book does that, it's great writing. But that is the previous book, and this one begins six years after Medraut returned to England from Aksum Ethiopia which is when the previous book began.
A Coalition of Lions is told by Goewin, twin sister of Lleu, and begins after Artos' kingdom of Camlam is destroyed and the King is dead. From the book:
"Camlan shattered Medraut. He began the battle: he drew his sword to kill an adder at my father's heel, and the host mustered by Cynric of the West Saxons fell on our own soldiers at the flash of light on metal."
Lleu is dead and Medraut has disappeared after terrible injuries and presumed to have died. Goewin is Princess of Britain but a woman can not rule, so she makes the decision to go to Aksum where her bethrothed and her father's chosen heir Constantine holds a position of power. She goes to hand him the crown of Britain and to get him to return to ensure the safety of their people.
When Goewin gets to Ethiopia she finds that her brother Medraud has a six year old son who he never knew existed. The child has Medraud's snow white hair and is called Telemakos. The child will play a large part in the rest of the book and is wise beyond his years. I am not going to tell the story here but it is a tale of intrigue, discovery of things from the past, the relationship between Goewin and Constantine and between her and Priamos who traveled with her from Britain. Priamos is a prince in this country but only by blood and has been serving as an ambassador to Britain and as the Aksumite imperial translator. The ensuing story involving these people was one that started out a little slow for me, but at about 100 pages it turned into one I could not put down. That is nearly half of the book, but the story and characters were worth a bit of a slow start as I got deeper and deeper into this book - and series.
I found this a wonderful explanation of the name of the book. It is wound throughout the story:
"Male lions form lifelong allegiances. Not with their mates, but with one another. They may leave a pride, they may leave their lionesses and cubs, or a rival coalition may send them off. But an allied group of males stays together, and hunts together, and fights together. Coalition lions will defend their comrades to the death."
I have already bought the third book. These books are not easy to find, and I got this one on abe books as well as the third one, The Sunbird.
These books are a take on the Arthur legend with Medraut loosely representing Mordred, and I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end which show how much she studied the illusive often unwritten history of so many centuries ago. Good reads if you like history, good writing, the Arthur legend (but don't demand it always be the same), and really memorable characters.
A Coalition of Lions is told by Goewin, twin sister of Lleu, and begins after Artos' kingdom of Camlam is destroyed and the King is dead. From the book:
"Camlan shattered Medraut. He began the battle: he drew his sword to kill an adder at my father's heel, and the host mustered by Cynric of the West Saxons fell on our own soldiers at the flash of light on metal."
Lleu is dead and Medraut has disappeared after terrible injuries and presumed to have died. Goewin is Princess of Britain but a woman can not rule, so she makes the decision to go to Aksum where her bethrothed and her father's chosen heir Constantine holds a position of power. She goes to hand him the crown of Britain and to get him to return to ensure the safety of their people.
When Goewin gets to Ethiopia she finds that her brother Medraud has a six year old son who he never knew existed. The child has Medraud's snow white hair and is called Telemakos. The child will play a large part in the rest of the book and is wise beyond his years. I am not going to tell the story here but it is a tale of intrigue, discovery of things from the past, the relationship between Goewin and Constantine and between her and Priamos who traveled with her from Britain. Priamos is a prince in this country but only by blood and has been serving as an ambassador to Britain and as the Aksumite imperial translator. The ensuing story involving these people was one that started out a little slow for me, but at about 100 pages it turned into one I could not put down. That is nearly half of the book, but the story and characters were worth a bit of a slow start as I got deeper and deeper into this book - and series.
I found this a wonderful explanation of the name of the book. It is wound throughout the story:
"Male lions form lifelong allegiances. Not with their mates, but with one another. They may leave a pride, they may leave their lionesses and cubs, or a rival coalition may send them off. But an allied group of males stays together, and hunts together, and fights together. Coalition lions will defend their comrades to the death."
I have already bought the third book. These books are not easy to find, and I got this one on abe books as well as the third one, The Sunbird.
These books are a take on the Arthur legend with Medraut loosely representing Mordred, and I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end which show how much she studied the illusive often unwritten history of so many centuries ago. Good reads if you like history, good writing, the Arthur legend (but don't demand it always be the same), and really memorable characters.
March 24, 2019
Still in a slump, so here's another half-review.
Goewin, Princess of Britain, fled the political mess the ending of the previous book caused, and went to Ethiopia to meet the ambassador she's betrothed to and hopefully resolve the issue of succession. Of course, she soon finds herself entangled in political intrigue.
This book is completely different from The Winter Prince - different protagonist, different setting, different story. I think this is why I have waited so long to continue the series. I'm wary of changes, especially huge ones like this, and I remember I got to like Medraut quite a bit.
For all my reluctance, it's a smooth, easy read. I'm not in a particularly analytical mood - I picked it because of that - so all I'm going to say is that it was alright, that it's a good slump-breaker, and a series worth reading. There was not much that would make me go wow (except ), but nothing that'd bother me either.
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Recommended to: fans of Arthurian stories, those looking for books set in Africa, anyone who wants an easy read
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Goewin, Princess of Britain, fled the political mess the ending of the previous book caused, and went to Ethiopia to meet the ambassador she's betrothed to and hopefully resolve the issue of succession. Of course, she soon finds herself entangled in political intrigue.
This book is completely different from The Winter Prince - different protagonist, different setting, different story. I think this is why I have waited so long to continue the series. I'm wary of changes, especially huge ones like this, and I remember I got to like Medraut quite a bit.
For all my reluctance, it's a smooth, easy read. I'm not in a particularly analytical mood - I picked it because of that - so all I'm going to say is that it was alright, that it's a good slump-breaker, and a series worth reading. There was not much that would make me go wow (except ), but nothing that'd bother me either.
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Recommended to: fans of Arthurian stories, those looking for books set in Africa, anyone who wants an easy read
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
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March 23, 2025This is my second Wein book. Once again, I feel a bit unmoored. Did I like it? Was it good? Still figuring it out, but I couldn’t put it down and I absolutely inhaled the 6th century Ethiopian setting.
November 16, 2011
If you haven't read Elizabeth Wein, get thee to a library or a bookstore and pick up her books! The writing is PAINFULLY good in every way. Some people complain that they are too advanced for middle school readers and they may be right, depending on the reader. These are complex and intense stories filled with carefully plotted intrigue, suspenseful action, and deeply satisfying dialogue. GAH. The dialogue alone makes these worth reading, but everything else is there too. In addition, the writing is concise and without waste and the pacing is just right.
A Coalition of Lions is the second book in the Lion Hunter's series and tells the story of Goewin, Medraut's sister, and Princess of Britain, as she travels to Ethiopia as an ambassador and bride to be to Constantine, the Viceroy of Aksum. But things don't go strictly as planned for anyone involved and the tale that unfolds is, like I said, intense. Among all the interesting and well-developed characters Goewin meets is eleven year-old Telemakos, son of Medraut, a member of the royal household, and a boy with great courage and a specific skill set. Though this story centers on Goewin, we learn enough about Telemakos to be delighted when he turns out to be the main character for the remainder of the series.
One caveat. Give yourself some time to digest and process The Winter Prince, the amazing first book in the Lion Hunter's series, before moving on to A Coalition of Lions. Your heart might not be able to take it right away.
Also, this is not my favorite of the series, but it's still oh-so-worthy.
A Coalition of Lions is the second book in the Lion Hunter's series and tells the story of Goewin, Medraut's sister, and Princess of Britain, as she travels to Ethiopia as an ambassador and bride to be to Constantine, the Viceroy of Aksum. But things don't go strictly as planned for anyone involved and the tale that unfolds is, like I said, intense. Among all the interesting and well-developed characters Goewin meets is eleven year-old Telemakos, son of Medraut, a member of the royal household, and a boy with great courage and a specific skill set. Though this story centers on Goewin, we learn enough about Telemakos to be delighted when he turns out to be the main character for the remainder of the series.
One caveat. Give yourself some time to digest and process The Winter Prince, the amazing first book in the Lion Hunter's series, before moving on to A Coalition of Lions. Your heart might not be able to take it right away.
Also, this is not my favorite of the series, but it's still oh-so-worthy.
January 26, 2015
Sequel to The Winter Prince, though focusing on a different protagonist. The first-person voice is beautiful and gripping, but without the tension and darkness that make The Winter Prince unique.
I was nervous after the first few pages, where most of the characters from the previous book are killed off, but
and if I hadn't known that going in, I wouldn't have continued.
Unusually, this is a book without a villain- there are antagonists, but as the title intimates, they are not defeated but rather brought into alignment with the protagonists via compromise. There are no irredeemable or even wicked characters, but rather people with differing flaws and agendas struggling to get their way and believing themselves in the right. Goewin, the main character, even identifies with and at times parallels the villain of the first book.
The setting is also worth noting- ancient Ethiopia, where the British Goewin flees from her war-torn country, in a neat reversal.
Many tropes from the first book repeat- fraught sibling relationships, the problem of lesser royalty, accepting you won't rule, physical abuse and punishment, defiance, the rulers mishandling relationships but then redeeming themselves, a hunt on which loyalties are tested and forged. The plot and setting, however, are quite different.
You have to love a YA book where the main motif is the Song of Songs, and the female protagonist is described as "terrible as an army with banners."
I was nervous after the first few pages, where most of the characters from the previous book are killed off, but
and if I hadn't known that going in, I wouldn't have continued.
Unusually, this is a book without a villain- there are antagonists, but as the title intimates, they are not defeated but rather brought into alignment with the protagonists via compromise. There are no irredeemable or even wicked characters, but rather people with differing flaws and agendas struggling to get their way and believing themselves in the right. Goewin, the main character, even identifies with and at times parallels the villain of the first book.
The setting is also worth noting- ancient Ethiopia, where the British Goewin flees from her war-torn country, in a neat reversal.
Many tropes from the first book repeat- fraught sibling relationships, the problem of lesser royalty, accepting you won't rule, physical abuse and punishment, defiance, the rulers mishandling relationships but then redeeming themselves, a hunt on which loyalties are tested and forged. The plot and setting, however, are quite different.
You have to love a YA book where the main motif is the Song of Songs, and the female protagonist is described as "terrible as an army with banners."
October 3, 2017
I was warned this one won't be as good as the first and the third books, but it's still good - complex, touching, beautifully crafted. Book 3 is on its way already.
October 19, 2022
I think this would have been a 4 (it's pretty dense) except that it made me cry harder than any book ever has before. so there's that
May 3, 2016
Fabulous historical fiction. Aurthurian legend meets ancient Ethiopian history. Intrigue, danger, tears, romance. What's not to love? Don't be put off by the cover or the unfamiliar names and locations. Fall into the exquisitely-written narrative and fall deeply in love with this series. I love this as much as the first time I read it back in 2010.
September 14, 2016
I'm continuing to enjoy Wein's prose and the way she tells a story. The characters were well done, but I enjoy her style of writing more than anything. There is a certain....space...left in between parts. It reminds me of the negative space in art (and how that is just as important and part of the picture as the subject). Hope that makes sense.
Looking forward to reading more of her work.
Looking forward to reading more of her work.
June 24, 2009
This story continues with the tale of small Telemakos, though it's from the point of view of Goewin, whose father (the king of Britain) has died, and she is sent off to be married. The book is so strong when she and Telemakos meet.
September 7, 2018
This book was fantastic! I love Goewin and I liked that this book focused on her. It is written with the same care and artistry as the first book. It is historically accurate (or as much as it can be) and is an intriguing story that held me fascinated till the end. (3/23/2016)
Updated REVIEW 4/28/2018
I re-read this for the first time and it struck me as bearing many similarities to The Black Panther movie that recently came out. Probably because of this book's setting, Aksum, an ancient Ethiopian kingdom. The story is rich in historical details and nuances.
The prequel to this book, "The Winter Prince," is a spin off of the Arthurian legends and myths. It is extremely dark and twisted, albeit well-written. Because of this I almost stopped there and didn't continue with the series. However, please please do not stop with the first book. The "Lion Hunters" series really gains its stride in this second book and has become one of my favorite series of all times. The politics, intrigue, and depth to the characters is superb.
The story centers around Medraut's half-sister Goewin. She has finesse, to say the least. She is passionate, intelligent and relentless. The plot is essentially that Goewin is engaged to this man named Constantine, whom she decidedly does not get along with. Their ideals, decisions, and way of ruling clash. As a woman, she is given little respect and has to fight to be taken seriously. Despite this, Goewin is resourceful and clever. When confronted with obstacles she manages to find a way or make one -whatever the case may be.
Pros:
Strong characters.
Goewin is a force to be reckoned with.
Her friend Priamos is gentle and intense.
Then there is the incorrigible Telemekos, Goewin's nephew. Only 5 years old yet he is quick, smart and brazen.
The antagonists in this story can't really be called antagonists. It is too complex for that. The man who caused the civil war and strife between Aksum and Hymar is an compassionate man with different ideals.
Constantine, who is aggravating and frustrating, and almost made me rip out my hair is actually acting in the best interest of his country. He is arrogant, but so is Goewin. He is stubborn, but so is she. He is acting in the best interest of his people, she is acting in the best interest of hers. The tension that builds up is deliciously complex and I appreciated that the antagonists ultimately were also portrayed as protagonists in their own way.
Excellent writing.
Plot
Cons:
Review by the: honestavocado.wordpress.com.
Updated REVIEW 4/28/2018
I re-read this for the first time and it struck me as bearing many similarities to The Black Panther movie that recently came out. Probably because of this book's setting, Aksum, an ancient Ethiopian kingdom. The story is rich in historical details and nuances.
The prequel to this book, "The Winter Prince," is a spin off of the Arthurian legends and myths. It is extremely dark and twisted, albeit well-written. Because of this I almost stopped there and didn't continue with the series. However, please please do not stop with the first book. The "Lion Hunters" series really gains its stride in this second book and has become one of my favorite series of all times. The politics, intrigue, and depth to the characters is superb.
The story centers around Medraut's half-sister Goewin. She has finesse, to say the least. She is passionate, intelligent and relentless. The plot is essentially that Goewin is engaged to this man named Constantine, whom she decidedly does not get along with. Their ideals, decisions, and way of ruling clash. As a woman, she is given little respect and has to fight to be taken seriously. Despite this, Goewin is resourceful and clever. When confronted with obstacles she manages to find a way or make one -whatever the case may be.
Pros:
Strong characters.
Goewin is a force to be reckoned with.
Her friend Priamos is gentle and intense.
Then there is the incorrigible Telemekos, Goewin's nephew. Only 5 years old yet he is quick, smart and brazen.
The antagonists in this story can't really be called antagonists. It is too complex for that. The man who caused the civil war and strife between Aksum and Hymar is an compassionate man with different ideals.
Constantine, who is aggravating and frustrating, and almost made me rip out my hair is actually acting in the best interest of his country. He is arrogant, but so is Goewin. He is stubborn, but so is she. He is acting in the best interest of his people, she is acting in the best interest of hers. The tension that builds up is deliciously complex and I appreciated that the antagonists ultimately were also portrayed as protagonists in their own way.
Excellent writing.
A mark of a good book is there will be parts that don't make sense to me. Not because it isn't well written, but only because the writing is too subtle and complex for me to catch the meaning the first time around. I find that there are still pieces to this story that I'm left puzzling over and ruminating on. Quotes that reverberate through my thoughts. That is the sign of a good story if I ever saw one.
Plot
This story has plot. If you keep reading the series (which I highly recommend) it only gets better.
The romance also was quite subtle and well done. Priamos and Goewin are not mushy and irritating to read about which is often the case. Instead they have a very deep and profound friendship that is the base of their love. When you read the story you get to see how close they are as friends first, then it slowly grows into an attachment that is much stronger and deeper.
Cons:
The story is very dry. There is little to no humour. Which suits the story quite well, but I always appreciate a little more wit to spice things up.
The characters while extremely well-portrayed felt a little cold and constructed. I think this is because there wasn't a lot of humor or scenes with them living day-to-day. Compared to The Queen's Thief series especially, where even in the midst of the drama Eugenides would still complain about the pain of getting his arm chopped off much the way you or I would. Then there would be a scene or two with Eddis and Eugenides bickering like cousins do. Scenes like that made the characters feel more relatable. The only character who felt relatable here was Telemekos. His savvy little personality kept the story from being overly serious or tedious.
Review by the: honestavocado.wordpress.com.
November 19, 2010
This series is keeping me wanting to read more so far, but I'm exremely disappointed with the lack of romance... While this book has a bit of a love triangle going on, nothing is resolved by the end of the book and I had hoped that Constantine and Goewin might get together, despite everything, because their relationship is just so much more interesting than Priamos and Goewin's relationship... Maybe that's because Priamos and Goewin have been friends for ages from the start of the book while Constantine and Goewin just meet in this book and we have their whole relationship played out for us. I think that over time Constantine could become JUST Goewin's cup of tea - maybe the convenient death of Priamos might help things along. He just was annoying and boring. I hope he improves if he's to be part of the rest of the series...
Also, I got a bit confused as to what was supposed to be happening partway through the novel when everything kind of came to a stalemate with Constantine not coming home and everyone else just milling about aimlessly. Luckily along came the Queen of Queens to tell Goewin she actually loved Priamos and she should go for him. That kick-started Goewin into action nicely. Yet she still wasn't able to resolve her ruddy romance... She did, however, fix everything politically so that Constantine could go home and be king, which was her original aim in coming - she just made it so she didn't have to marry him to make him king - clever girl.
Over all a good novel but a bit political and NOT ENOUGH ROMANCE!
Also, I got a bit confused as to what was supposed to be happening partway through the novel when everything kind of came to a stalemate with Constantine not coming home and everyone else just milling about aimlessly. Luckily along came the Queen of Queens to tell Goewin she actually loved Priamos and she should go for him. That kick-started Goewin into action nicely. Yet she still wasn't able to resolve her ruddy romance... She did, however, fix everything politically so that Constantine could go home and be king, which was her original aim in coming - she just made it so she didn't have to marry him to make him king - clever girl.
Over all a good novel but a bit political and NOT ENOUGH ROMANCE!
February 12, 2011
A Coalition of Lions is quite different to The Winter Prince. The narration is straight first person, by Goewin, and it's set after the fall of Artos' kingdom. This one explores the role of women in this world better, and is quite empowering to Goewin, which was nice. The decision to include a non-canonical daughter for Arthur is quite a bold one, as is following her after her father's death, and her attempts to do her best for Britain as though she were its queen.
That, and Medraut's continued loyalty to Artos and Lleu -- the fact that it is not his treachery, only an accident, that brought about the tragedy at the end of Arthur's reign -- is a pretty bold move. I don't really believe in this version of the Arthurian myth, but it's a breath of fresh air, a nice change.
Like the first book, A Coalition of Lions is very easy to read, and it's not as dark. There is a bit of darkness and torture -- Medraut would surely have somewhat in common with the brothers who are the coalition of lions -- but it isn't as internal to the story as in The Winter Prince.
That, and Medraut's continued loyalty to Artos and Lleu -- the fact that it is not his treachery, only an accident, that brought about the tragedy at the end of Arthur's reign -- is a pretty bold move. I don't really believe in this version of the Arthurian myth, but it's a breath of fresh air, a nice change.
Like the first book, A Coalition of Lions is very easy to read, and it's not as dark. There is a bit of darkness and torture -- Medraut would surely have somewhat in common with the brothers who are the coalition of lions -- but it isn't as internal to the story as in The Winter Prince.
August 12, 2011
Despite my doubts when reading the synopsis, my determination to read everything by Elizabeth Wein ever still stands. Maybe "A Coalition of Lions" wasn't as gloriously dazzling as "The Winter Prince," but it wasn't as dark, either. Just enough hints of terrible things to keep things interesting, and I'm not one to complain about an extra dose of political tension. But the excellent psychological portraits and eloquent writing remain.
While TWP had me wondering, "What's the deal with Aksum?," ACoL raised the question of why it was necessary, apart from continuity, to relate the story to Arthurian legend at all. But since what I love most about Wein's writing is its vividness, making any historical background leap to life as characters display the struggles and nobility of the human soul, well, since she does that--I'm happy for her to do whatever she wants.
While TWP had me wondering, "What's the deal with Aksum?," ACoL raised the question of why it was necessary, apart from continuity, to relate the story to Arthurian legend at all. But since what I love most about Wein's writing is its vividness, making any historical background leap to life as characters display the struggles and nobility of the human soul, well, since she does that--I'm happy for her to do whatever she wants.
November 13, 2010
The survivors of the end of the reign of King Arthur take refuge at the court of the Ethiopian emperor (the author has been to Ethiopia and it shows); lions, clever youngsters (Telemakos reminds me of Megan Whelan Turner’s Eugenides in younger years); a long-time mute survivor of the last battle for Arthur's reign, Goewin as British ambassador trying to manoeuvre politics to do what’s best for her country; finding love in unexpected places; political sacrifices and honour upheld;
January 13, 2016
Well, Elizabeth Wein is a genius and everyone should read her. Wonderful second installment in the Lion Hunters Cycle.
She writes people who are real, lovable, fallible, ambitious. And she does her homework and research, too. I particularly love that she doesn't write like white Europe was the only thing going on at the time when honestly, it was pretty backward during the Dark Ages.
Anyway. Read Wein. Great for fans of Megan Whalen Turner desperately looking for something similar.
She writes people who are real, lovable, fallible, ambitious. And she does her homework and research, too. I particularly love that she doesn't write like white Europe was the only thing going on at the time when honestly, it was pretty backward during the Dark Ages.
Anyway. Read Wein. Great for fans of Megan Whalen Turner desperately looking for something similar.
August 30, 2018
I admit I was a bit upset until page 132, when my favorite character from The Winter Prince showed up and I literally breathed a huge sigh of relief. Absolutely incredible.
March 28, 2016
I never expected to fall in love with this series so much. Everything about it. GAH. Elizabeth Wein you are a WITCH and how do you do it every time!?!? Medraut...I have no words. And Telemakos...guys, just....go read this.
February 27, 2020
Like The Winter Prince, A Coalition of Lions has left me confused...but in a good way? I enjoyed reading it, but I can’t quite say it’s a good book?
What I Liked:
-The setting--Moving the series from 6th century Britain and the court of Artos to 6th century Ethiopia and the court of the Aksumite emperor Caleb is certainly off the beaten path. Once again, Wein is excellent at adding just the right amount of detail to flesh out the world without over explaining. Yet her author’s note does reveal a certain amount of creative license taken, which (I must admit) rather dampened my enthusiasm.
-Telemakos-- Let’s be honest: Telemakos is the real main character here. He’s fleshed-out and believable, and the moments between him and his father… *sniff* From my understanding, he will be our mc for the rest of the series, a change which should improve the next books immensely.
What I Didn’t Like:
-Goewin-- Our poor Goewin seems to be suffering from something I’ll call the Catelyn-syndrome. Like Catelyn Stark from Game of Thrones, she serves mostly as a pair of eyes to tell us the reader what she’s observing. She doesn’t really belong in Aksum--she doesn’t really impact the plot and she’s little changed by her experience. She’s just there to observe, report, and get angry at various times. It seems that Wein was really interested in the story of Medraut and Telemakos, and Goewin ends up being a background character in her own story, which is a shame.
-Priamos and Constantine--I don’t dislike them per se, but they could have been so much more developed, Constantine in particular. They fill prescribed roles and never go much beyond that.
Overall: A bit of an awkward transition, but I think the next three will be better?
What I Liked:
-The setting--Moving the series from 6th century Britain and the court of Artos to 6th century Ethiopia and the court of the Aksumite emperor Caleb is certainly off the beaten path. Once again, Wein is excellent at adding just the right amount of detail to flesh out the world without over explaining. Yet her author’s note does reveal a certain amount of creative license taken, which (I must admit) rather dampened my enthusiasm.
-Telemakos-- Let’s be honest: Telemakos is the real main character here. He’s fleshed-out and believable, and the moments between him and his father… *sniff* From my understanding, he will be our mc for the rest of the series, a change which should improve the next books immensely.
What I Didn’t Like:
-Goewin-- Our poor Goewin seems to be suffering from something I’ll call the Catelyn-syndrome. Like Catelyn Stark from Game of Thrones, she serves mostly as a pair of eyes to tell us the reader what she’s observing. She doesn’t really belong in Aksum--she doesn’t really impact the plot and she’s little changed by her experience. She’s just there to observe, report, and get angry at various times. It seems that Wein was really interested in the story of Medraut and Telemakos, and Goewin ends up being a background character in her own story, which is a shame.
-Priamos and Constantine--I don’t dislike them per se, but they could have been so much more developed, Constantine in particular. They fill prescribed roles and never go much beyond that.
Overall: A bit of an awkward transition, but I think the next three will be better?
July 4, 2019
An easier read than book 1, but not as gripping. I felt a little disconnected from the story, maybe because of the time skip? I've read and seen dozens of versions of the battle of Camlann so it shouldn't matter that this retelling only tells of its aftermath, but it still reduces the impact it has on the reader. It kind of creates a wedge between us and the characters, who were profoundly affected by it.
Thinking about what to write in this review, I've still managed to talk myself into giving it 4 out of 5 stars instead of the 3 I had planned when I closed the book. Despite the wedge I mentionned, Goewin, Candake, Priamus, Constantine were really easy to love and I enjoyed the subtle ambivalence of the characters. There's also the setting, which is pretty unusual and seems to be well researched. The novel and the afterword both made me want to learn more about the Aksum society.
Thinking about what to write in this review, I've still managed to talk myself into giving it 4 out of 5 stars instead of the 3 I had planned when I closed the book. Despite the wedge I mentionned, Goewin, Candake, Priamus, Constantine were really easy to love and I enjoyed the subtle ambivalence of the characters. There's also the setting, which is pretty unusual and seems to be well researched. The novel and the afterword both made me want to learn more about the Aksum society.
March 21, 2020
Confusingly, this book, set in Ethiopia, is the sequel to one set in Arthurian Britain. I don't know if I would have been more or less confused had I read The Winter Prince first. It would have helped this Kindle-reader had the list of characters come at the beginning instead of at the end. The plot is based on the assumption that Britain and Ethiopia (Aksum) had exchanged ambassadors and translators, from their respective royal families, who became important people in the countries where they were posted, and embroiled in local conflicts. Some fascinating details of an escape through underground passages and a visit to a cliff-fop monastery, which reminded me of my own visit to Aksum. By half way through, I was beginning to enjoy the book.
December 27, 2020
This is a book about Goewin arriving in Aksum, Ethiopia, after the leadership of Britain is under question with . It's a lot more political; the pivotal journey is her visiting . There's a repeated lion motif - brothers act as lions, but she finds a space as the lioness, mistress of the pride ().
It's a very light, readable book - quite enjoyable.
It's a very light, readable book - quite enjoyable.
April 24, 2020
Princess Goewin, daughter of Artos, High King of Britain, journeys to Africa after her family is massacred to join Constantine, her cousin and intended husband, the British ambassador to Aksum. She finds the country in political turmoil, and allies herself with Telemachos, son of her illegitimate half-brother Modred.
July 5, 2017
Very interesting Authorian side-story. Apparently I came in the middle of things, as this is the second of a trilogy, but each seems to stand on its own. I liked the main character -- authentic to her time, yet fully realized and capable.
March 8, 2022
Almost five stars. Everything you’d expect from Wein, except the heart-wrenching, although parts of it are there. I loved the twists and the ending. I look forward to Book Three and am happy Wein returned to this land in another day and time with Black Dove, White Raven.
August 1, 2017
I liked this one a bit less than the winter prince. It was so heavy on the politics it seemed I couldn't develop much empathy for the characters. But still, so very good.
April 11, 2019
7/10
Very different direction for an “Arthurian legend” story, taking place in Africa. An easy read, no complaints but not all that gripping or memorable. Good enough that I will continue the series.
Very different direction for an “Arthurian legend” story, taking place in Africa. An easy read, no complaints but not all that gripping or memorable. Good enough that I will continue the series.
May 24, 2024
Lackluster compared to The Winter Prince. There was none of the emotional intensity of that book, which I was hoping for in the sequel.
March 10, 2025
A really surprising and dynamic novel, with a real twist at the beginning. Absolutely grabbed my attention right through, and I loved the focus on Goewin.
July 28, 2025
Continues to be a good tale.
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