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Ruins of Camelot
As the kingdom of Camelot descends into complacency, an ambitiously sadistic madman known as Merodach advances his rogue armies, recruiting by the sword and threatening revolt. Eighteen-year-old Princess Gabriella is the only one who understands the severity of the threat, but she is powerless to convince her father or her brave commoner husband, Darrick.
With defeat all but certain, Gabriella sets out on a final, desperate quest. Her plan: to confront and defeat the madman, Merodach, before his armies can destroy everything she loves. Alone and on foot, she must cross the haunted magical wasteland known as the Tempest Barrens, where she is beset by mutant beasts, capricious magical creatures, and even the walking dead.
In the end, wounded and hopeless, Gabriella finally confronts her nemesis and learns his final, horrible secret: He is not alone, and the forces he has allied with are far more powerful than anyone could have imagined.
With defeat all but certain, Gabriella sets out on a final, desperate quest. Her plan: to confront and defeat the madman, Merodach, before his armies can destroy everything she loves. Alone and on foot, she must cross the haunted magical wasteland known as the Tempest Barrens, where she is beset by mutant beasts, capricious magical creatures, and even the walking dead.
In the end, wounded and hopeless, Gabriella finally confronts her nemesis and learns his final, horrible secret: He is not alone, and the forces he has allied with are far more powerful than anyone could have imagined.
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First published November 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 31, 2013
To be honest, I felt kind of obligated to read this book. I recently discovered the James Potter series and quickly became hooked/obsessed/enthralled/bestdiscoveryever/yougetthepoint. But those books are free!!!! (I'm sure I'm not alone in saying they would gladly pay the same price as one of JK's books, but fan fiction is fan fiction). So to show my support for Lippert, and to make sure these JP books keep coming, I told myself, reading his original works is the least I could do for someone that took something I thought was over and breathed new life into it.
So I zapped Ruins of Camelot to my kindle....
....and just like his other books, I couldn't put it down. I've never read anything regarding Camelot, and now think that I've been missing out! What a great story! Adventure, heartbreak, struggle, and of course, magic. I loved the insertion of fairy tale and Potterverse pieces. The female protagonist is passionate, impulsive, and maddening at the same time....which is what every 18 year old girl is supposed to be!
I am so glad Lippert's literary "magic" (ha ha) isn't exclusive to his JP series, but is evident in his other works as well.
So I zapped Ruins of Camelot to my kindle....
....and just like his other books, I couldn't put it down. I've never read anything regarding Camelot, and now think that I've been missing out! What a great story! Adventure, heartbreak, struggle, and of course, magic. I loved the insertion of fairy tale and Potterverse pieces. The female protagonist is passionate, impulsive, and maddening at the same time....which is what every 18 year old girl is supposed to be!
I am so glad Lippert's literary "magic" (ha ha) isn't exclusive to his JP series, but is evident in his other works as well.
November 21, 2012
Ruins of Camelot gets a 3 from me, as it's just not quite in the league of Lippert's other books. It's a good solid tale, but the whimsicality of the James Potter books just isn't present and I feel this is an important aspect of Lippert's style.
I enjoyed Ruins of Camelot as a book in its own right. It has decent characters, a solid and intriguing premise, and it motors along well enough, but there's just a spark of fun that's missing. It takes itself very seriously, and occasionally lays it on a little too thick, but it is generally worthwhile.
Another important consideration is that buying this book is an opportunity to both thank the author for the books he can't charge money for, and to see what his work is like when not grounded in someone else's mythos. In that respect I can't help but recommend you buy it and read it. You may find it excellent, many have, but something about it just didn't completely satisfy me.
I enjoyed Ruins of Camelot as a book in its own right. It has decent characters, a solid and intriguing premise, and it motors along well enough, but there's just a spark of fun that's missing. It takes itself very seriously, and occasionally lays it on a little too thick, but it is generally worthwhile.
Another important consideration is that buying this book is an opportunity to both thank the author for the books he can't charge money for, and to see what his work is like when not grounded in someone else's mythos. In that respect I can't help but recommend you buy it and read it. You may find it excellent, many have, but something about it just didn't completely satisfy me.
August 10, 2012
After reading the James Potter series, and The Girl on the dock, I was interested to read Ruins of Camelot as a different vein of writing. I enjoyed the weaving of Arthurian legend that we all know, with fresh and unique ideas. I felt that Gabriella was a strong character, and enjoyed how she developed throughout the book. I didn't expect it to end in the way it did, but that's the pull of a good book!
September 13, 2013
I have followed Mr Lippert since he arrived on the internet several years ago with fan fiction. His work has always been a cut above the rest and time has only improved his writing.
This book boasts of a strong protagonist, an intriguing plotline and fantastic writing. It kept me hooked until the last page and still wanting more. A fantastic author and one to watch in the future
This book boasts of a strong protagonist, an intriguing plotline and fantastic writing. It kept me hooked until the last page and still wanting more. A fantastic author and one to watch in the future
June 14, 2016
Well the world of Camelot is alive again and G. Norman Lippert has outdone himself again.
Loved the book as you can tell by the rating. Characters were well developed and the 2 Wizards were Fantastic. That's all you get out of me on that.
Gabriella is the character who this story was about. Heroine, Softy, Determined. All rolled into one. Completly different than some of his other books, but it came across great.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."
Loved the book as you can tell by the rating. Characters were well developed and the 2 Wizards were Fantastic. That's all you get out of me on that.
Gabriella is the character who this story was about. Heroine, Softy, Determined. All rolled into one. Completly different than some of his other books, but it came across great.
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com."
December 4, 2011
I became familiar with Mr. Lippert's work through his fanfiction. After reading his fascinating book, Girl on the Dock. I eagerly awaited Ruins of Camelot and was certainly not disappointed. He has once again created a strong female protagonist, a highly believable fantasy world, and a fully fleshed out and terrifying villain. The book was worth the wait, and I am already looking forward to his next offering. I highly recommend this book.
January 22, 2012
I have never posted before but want to get the word out there about what a great author he is.
I have read The James Potter Series The Girl on the Dock Ruins of Camelot. I enjoy his writings so much. I am hoping he does release the fourth book of the Potter series The Morrigan Web. Keep writing and I will keep reading !!
I have read The James Potter Series The Girl on the Dock Ruins of Camelot. I enjoy his writings so much. I am hoping he does release the fourth book of the Potter series The Morrigan Web. Keep writing and I will keep reading !!
November 18, 2014
G. Norman Lippert is a great writer. I came across his James Potter series and after reading those fantastic stories, I bought this one. He doesn't make any money off the James Potter books. I encourage you to purchase this one. You won't be disappointed!
November 4, 2016
What a ride! A great adventure story, especially for young girls. I, myself, am 57 and still loved it. I really liked the way he tied the story into The James Potter series. I would suggest reading his short story Merlin's Gift first, but, if you choose not to you will still enjoy this book.
September 4, 2012
I'm not really a fan of the journey-fraught-with-peril type stories, but I thought this book had a solid beginning and a decent ending. For me, the middle was just okay.
February 29, 2020
You won't find a lot of rainbows and unicorns in this tale. This is a dark fantasy; some parts are deeply disturbing. The ending, however, is oddly satisfying .
There are quite a few editing oversights in the Kindle text: Page 79, as the tips of the armies' pikes / as the tips of the ARMY'S pikes (only one army) ; 105, as if the idea had just stricken him / as if the idea had just STRUCK him ; 125, she was soon reduced to a careful cantor along wandering paths / she was soon reduced to a careful CANTER along wandering paths (canter = horse's gait, cantor = singer in a synagogue) ; 126, and snuffled as she let out it / and snuffled as she let IT OUT ;
Page 127, filled only a small gather of stones / filled WITH only a small gather of stones ; 131, the histories claimed, leftover from the days / the histories claimed, LEFT OVER from the days ; 132, It lasted awhile, maybe even decades / It lasted A WHILE, maybe even decades ; 137, She removed her flask from her pack and drunk from it sparingly / She removed her flask from her pack and DRANK from it sparingly (simple past tense of DRINK) ;
Page 193, that there never was such person / that there never was such A person ; 199, in a nearby strand of bushes / in a nearby STAND of bushes ; 209, Something had stricken it / Something had STRUCK it ; 215, Gabriella sucked in a lungful of it involuntarily and wretched / Gabriella sucked in a lungful of it involuntarily and RETCHED ; 222, Voices rabbled behind her / Voices BABBLED behind her ;
Page 223, He was trying to provoke her of course / He was trying to provoke HER, of course ; 252, forearm blared with pain / forearm BLAZED with pain (blare = loud noise) ; 256, you would seek to kill he who had destroyed / you would seek to kill HIM who had destroyed ; 276, on the amazon best-sellers / on the Amazon best-sellers (capitalize) ; 276, lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife / lives in St. Louis, MISSOURI, with his wife (needs comma) .
There are quite a few editing oversights in the Kindle text: Page 79, as the tips of the armies' pikes / as the tips of the ARMY'S pikes (only one army) ; 105, as if the idea had just stricken him / as if the idea had just STRUCK him ; 125, she was soon reduced to a careful cantor along wandering paths / she was soon reduced to a careful CANTER along wandering paths (canter = horse's gait, cantor = singer in a synagogue) ; 126, and snuffled as she let out it / and snuffled as she let IT OUT ;
Page 127, filled only a small gather of stones / filled WITH only a small gather of stones ; 131, the histories claimed, leftover from the days / the histories claimed, LEFT OVER from the days ; 132, It lasted awhile, maybe even decades / It lasted A WHILE, maybe even decades ; 137, She removed her flask from her pack and drunk from it sparingly / She removed her flask from her pack and DRANK from it sparingly (simple past tense of DRINK) ;
Page 193, that there never was such person / that there never was such A person ; 199, in a nearby strand of bushes / in a nearby STAND of bushes ; 209, Something had stricken it / Something had STRUCK it ; 215, Gabriella sucked in a lungful of it involuntarily and wretched / Gabriella sucked in a lungful of it involuntarily and RETCHED ; 222, Voices rabbled behind her / Voices BABBLED behind her ;
Page 223, He was trying to provoke her of course / He was trying to provoke HER, of course ; 252, forearm blared with pain / forearm BLAZED with pain (blare = loud noise) ; 256, you would seek to kill he who had destroyed / you would seek to kill HIM who had destroyed ; 276, on the amazon best-sellers / on the Amazon best-sellers (capitalize) ; 276, lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife / lives in St. Louis, MISSOURI, with his wife (needs comma) .
February 12, 2018
** Review of Audio Format **
Gabriella Rocks
Gabriella grows up a princess with a father but only a nursemaid for a mother. She has a core group of friends who go through school with her and help her forget she's destined to one day rule the kingdom. She lives under the shadow of Merodach, who starts as a whisper and slowly builds an army to challenge Camelot. By the time Gariella's father is ready to believe Merodach is a threat, it's too late. But Gabriella is not ready to give up or give in. She knows that she alone understands what must be done to save the world from an evil, sinister man.
This was an interesting take on the King Arthur legend. It is later than Arthur himself, after his descendants have lost the wizards and forgotten what King Arthur fought for. It was light but entertaining with cameo's from some interesting characters from other stories who help Gabriella on her way to destroy Merodach. This is YA and appropriate for all ages as it keeps the relationships pretty clean. There is one description of Gabriella's wedding night that doesn't go into too much detail.
The narration by Jus Sargent was good. He captured the tone of the story well and delivered the dialogue with finesse. I listened on 1.5 speed and it was perfect.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
Gabriella Rocks
Gabriella grows up a princess with a father but only a nursemaid for a mother. She has a core group of friends who go through school with her and help her forget she's destined to one day rule the kingdom. She lives under the shadow of Merodach, who starts as a whisper and slowly builds an army to challenge Camelot. By the time Gariella's father is ready to believe Merodach is a threat, it's too late. But Gabriella is not ready to give up or give in. She knows that she alone understands what must be done to save the world from an evil, sinister man.
This was an interesting take on the King Arthur legend. It is later than Arthur himself, after his descendants have lost the wizards and forgotten what King Arthur fought for. It was light but entertaining with cameo's from some interesting characters from other stories who help Gabriella on her way to destroy Merodach. This is YA and appropriate for all ages as it keeps the relationships pretty clean. There is one description of Gabriella's wedding night that doesn't go into too much detail.
The narration by Jus Sargent was good. He captured the tone of the story well and delivered the dialogue with finesse. I listened on 1.5 speed and it was perfect.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2017
Camelot- Fantasy or history?
I really enjoyed this book. It plays heavily on imagination and yet there is truth woven into mystery. A young woman follows her heart to accomplish what she knows is her destiny. Even knowing she will likely die, she follows her destiny against insurmountable odds, seeking to save those she loves and avenge those that died. Help comes in unexpected ways as she bravely makes her way towards unspeakable evil. And would a story of ancient warriors be without witches and wizards, dragons and sorcerers. Good vs. Evil, Dark vs. Light. The magic of Camelot lives on!
I really enjoyed this book. It plays heavily on imagination and yet there is truth woven into mystery. A young woman follows her heart to accomplish what she knows is her destiny. Even knowing she will likely die, she follows her destiny against insurmountable odds, seeking to save those she loves and avenge those that died. Help comes in unexpected ways as she bravely makes her way towards unspeakable evil. And would a story of ancient warriors be without witches and wizards, dragons and sorcerers. Good vs. Evil, Dark vs. Light. The magic of Camelot lives on!
June 25, 2020
Good story
You can tell this was one of his first works as it is a little less organized than his later works. The over all storyline is great but the insertion of vampires and werewolves was a little distracting as they felt underdeveloped. It was a good night reading however and I'm always happy to support Lippert
You can tell this was one of his first works as it is a little less organized than his later works. The over all storyline is great but the insertion of vampires and werewolves was a little distracting as they felt underdeveloped. It was a good night reading however and I'm always happy to support Lippert
February 10, 2024
How awesome was that!
I usually don't like Camelot stories. They're heavy and political and convoluted and boring. But not this one. It was a true fantasy tale of love and lots and revenge and reward. Dragon and familiars and wizards and true love. A great story. Well worth the read.
I usually don't like Camelot stories. They're heavy and political and convoluted and boring. But not this one. It was a true fantasy tale of love and lots and revenge and reward. Dragon and familiars and wizards and true love. A great story. Well worth the read.
September 20, 2019
Simply put.....it's a true, epic fantasy at its finest. A definite must-read, and easily one of the best books Lippert has written.
April 11, 2021
Finally read this one and G. Norman Lippert don't disappoint while creating a fantasy world. Enjoyable!
April 17, 2025
Hard to feel engaged in the story
September 13, 2016
I'm sad to say that this book tested my patience.
The reason that I purchased this up was because I wanted to support the author after I downloaded all his James Potter books, and I know that he isn't allowed to profit off of those because of copyright laws, so I picked up this one to compensate.
Unfortunately, this book fell in to the same rut that James Potter and the Vault of Destinies did... There is just WAY too much going on. While reading I found moments of clarity, and I was impressed, but they were pretty few and far between. I just don't understand how, or why, he jams so much stuff into his books! It makes things confusing and cluttered and rushed!
Besides it being cluttered with events and action and whatever else he could think of, my only other complaint is how the main character is capable of ANYTHING. No struggles to overcome, nothing.
"Oh, I just gave birth a few days ago? Let me adventure through a magical wasteland to murder the brute that is destroying my kingdom. No worries."
"Walking dead/vampire soldiers? It's cool, I'll just run really super fast and jump out of trees and kill some."
"Super tired? Let me just hitch a ride on this dragon."
"I'm a Princess, and I've been living my entire life in luxury? Don't worry! I can walk miles a day and survive off the land and break bones and be totally cool and unfazed by it all."
STOP WITH THE HEROINES THAT CAN DO IT ALL! I get it, but seriously?! Be REALISTIC with this shit!
The reason that I purchased this up was because I wanted to support the author after I downloaded all his James Potter books, and I know that he isn't allowed to profit off of those because of copyright laws, so I picked up this one to compensate.
Unfortunately, this book fell in to the same rut that James Potter and the Vault of Destinies did... There is just WAY too much going on. While reading I found moments of clarity, and I was impressed, but they were pretty few and far between. I just don't understand how, or why, he jams so much stuff into his books! It makes things confusing and cluttered and rushed!
Besides it being cluttered with events and action and whatever else he could think of, my only other complaint is how the main character is capable of ANYTHING. No struggles to overcome, nothing.
"Oh, I just gave birth a few days ago? Let me adventure through a magical wasteland to murder the brute that is destroying my kingdom. No worries."
"Walking dead/vampire soldiers? It's cool, I'll just run really super fast and jump out of trees and kill some."
"Super tired? Let me just hitch a ride on this dragon."
"I'm a Princess, and I've been living my entire life in luxury? Don't worry! I can walk miles a day and survive off the land and break bones and be totally cool and unfazed by it all."
STOP WITH THE HEROINES THAT CAN DO IT ALL! I get it, but seriously?! Be REALISTIC with this shit!
July 11, 2016
This was such an entertaining and engaging read and definitely makes me want to read more by this author.
The summary says enough about the plot that I'm not going to add anything in case I spoil something, so all I'll say is that it's a fast paced, intense, magic filled, adventurous read. I loved how it was being told from 2 separate generations and how they collide. It was really well written and described and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters were all well written and developed but my favourite was Gabriella. She was such a great role model. She was brave, loyal, impulsive but also kick ass and not afraid to do what is right.
In all, this is a really great read. It has everything a good book should and I look forward to more from this author.
Jus Sargeant did a good job with the narration. There was enough different tones for each character that I had no problem following who was talking.
*I received this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
The summary says enough about the plot that I'm not going to add anything in case I spoil something, so all I'll say is that it's a fast paced, intense, magic filled, adventurous read. I loved how it was being told from 2 separate generations and how they collide. It was really well written and described and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The characters were all well written and developed but my favourite was Gabriella. She was such a great role model. She was brave, loyal, impulsive but also kick ass and not afraid to do what is right.
In all, this is a really great read. It has everything a good book should and I look forward to more from this author.
Jus Sargeant did a good job with the narration. There was enough different tones for each character that I had no problem following who was talking.
*I received this for review. This in no way affected my thoughts.*
May 7, 2013
Ruins of Camelot is a good story with a female protagonist. I enjoyed the story, but found that there were parts I wished were more detailed. It gets a 3 from me because I felt that the characters were not developed as well as I would have liked.
If you liked the James Potter series and are looking for a similar fantasy book, I highly recommend this one. There are some aspects better done in the James Potter books than in Ruins of Camelot, but it was very good and I hope to see more books from G. Norman Lippert in the future.
If you liked the James Potter series and are looking for a similar fantasy book, I highly recommend this one. There are some aspects better done in the James Potter books than in Ruins of Camelot, but it was very good and I hope to see more books from G. Norman Lippert in the future.
June 26, 2013
I am a big King Aurthur fan and I love stories that are placed in this time. This story is about two men who are traveling the country side and come across the famed Camelot Castle. It is in ruins. The two men talk about the story of the last Queen in flashbacks. This is a story that I was unable to put down. The last part is one that will make you smile. Going back and forth in time with a story is always a bit tricky but I loved the story and the fortitude of this girl. I also love how much she loved her husband and what she did for him. The candles that are lit for each one and are snuffed out when they die was something I had read in other books, but that she could relight it and talk to him when she needed him the most was a precious moment in the book. I am hoping to read more from this author.
December 27, 2016
Honestly I just found it a bit dull, I didn't really feel the connection with any of the characters and it felt less like a story than a series of events, there was a fairly heavy reliance on magic as a plot device to explain why things happened.
I also wasn't really a fan of a few of the literary devices used- I feel like 'story within a story' is overused and I very rarely find that it adds anything to the novel and I didn't like it here- it didn't feel like there was any point in having Thomas and Yazim's story and I just felt in added an extra layer between me and the characters making it harder to connect. I also really dislike flash forward prologues, for me they take a lot of the tension out of the book because I already know what's going to happen and I didn't think that the ruins of camelot was improved by having it in, seriously skip the prologue.
I also wasn't really a fan of a few of the literary devices used- I feel like 'story within a story' is overused and I very rarely find that it adds anything to the novel and I didn't like it here- it didn't feel like there was any point in having Thomas and Yazim's story and I just felt in added an extra layer between me and the characters making it harder to connect. I also really dislike flash forward prologues, for me they take a lot of the tension out of the book because I already know what's going to happen and I didn't think that the ruins of camelot was improved by having it in, seriously skip the prologue.
December 7, 2014
Like many readers, I bought this book because I enjoyed the author's James Potter fan fiction so much. This is his own original work and well worth the modest price. I hope he writes many more!
The heroine is awesome and royal but altogether human as well. The imagery is excellent, the creativity intriguing. The author's use of a familiar legend to jump start this work is fascinating without overpowering the new threads of this original work. As expected, some history, some magic, some mystical creatures, and all manner of interesting and dangerous adventures await the reader.
I recommend this book with pleasure to anyone interested in the fantasy genre and anxiously await the sequel.
The heroine is awesome and royal but altogether human as well. The imagery is excellent, the creativity intriguing. The author's use of a familiar legend to jump start this work is fascinating without overpowering the new threads of this original work. As expected, some history, some magic, some mystical creatures, and all manner of interesting and dangerous adventures await the reader.
I recommend this book with pleasure to anyone interested in the fantasy genre and anxiously await the sequel.
March 4, 2014
The Ruins of Camelot is an adventurous read for anyone who is a fan of King Arthur, or even Harry Potter. This novel is completely stand alone, but ties in with Lippert's James Potter series. Merlin, as you know, served King Arthur; but, this novel takes place years later, following the last descendant of Arthur. Princess Gabriella is following her path of destiny, but even more importantly (To her, at least) the path of vengeance for her lost loved ones. This is supposed to be the first in a series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where future installments take us.
July 2, 2016
This is a good fantasy story with a strong Princess, Gabriella, and is a quick and engaging read for fans of King Arthur and that time period.
Even though this book is the first in this series, it could read as a stand alone book.
I'm intrigued about book two.
One thing that I did not like, the Prologue, it gave away too much.
Jus Sargean did a good job with the narration of the different character voices.
Note:
"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."
December 24, 2011
I just finished this book and enjoyed it all the way through. This novel keeps the reader engaged, it is definitely not just another fantasy novel. I loved the main character Gabriella because she's a great female leader and is determined to do what is right. I felt like i was taking a twisting, turning adventure with her, but thought I knew how it was going to end and then the end left me speechless :O read this book it is really entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more from Lippert!
December 23, 2012
Ruins of Camelot is a great, roller coaster tale blending King Arthur with Harry Potter. The story is solid but there were too many times that something astounding saved Gabriella. This was an interesting world to be immersed in but more groundwork in streamlining the events would have made it a five star volume. It's always good to see a strong female character proactively try and save her world!
March 10, 2013
I enjoyed this, much in the same way you might enjoy a robust coffee with a dessert after a good meal. It's a fit tale, but doesn't stand without the strengths of other works. Here Slippery shares more of his background work that leads into James Potter and The Girl on the Dock. There were parts that seemed rushed and a reliance on surprise saves in one too many perilous situations.
Even then, I find myself appreciating the absurdity of it and yet wanting to still know more.
Even then, I find myself appreciating the absurdity of it and yet wanting to still know more.
December 6, 2011
What an amazing story! G. Norman Lippert did a wonderful job of creating a story within and story in Ruins of Camelot. A strong female character, Gabriella, sets out to do what is right, not what is easy. I absolutely enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend it. I only have one question...where can I find a dragon like that?!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews