Seventeen year old Lady Guinevere holds the crown to a ancient kingdom. Without brothers to ascend the throne, marriage to her will assure any man the right to rule.
Arthur Pendragon has won his power through battle. His legions have elected him their king and protector but he seeks to legitimize his claim to High King through marrying Guinevere.
Lancelot, a valliant knight with a broken past, is driven by his desire to protect those in need. He’s joined Arthur’s forces because he believes in Arthur’s dream of peace for a war-torn country.
But Lancelot possesses something that Arthur can never win…Guinevere’s heart.
QUEEN’S HONOR is told from the point of view of a young Guinevere as she is caught between the responsibility of her crown and the desires of her heart. This fantasy romance is imbued with celtic lore and magic, as Guinvere discovers she holds an ancient power--a power of the old ones, the Druids. But without any one to guide her to develop her power, she finds herself caught in a web of the ambitions of those more powerful than her. Queen's Honor puts a fresh spin on an age-old tale of love and honor.
Betrothal is a novella (about ½ the length of a novel). Queen’s Honor will be told in episodic books meant to be read in a few hours each. What’s an episodic book? It’s formatted like your favorite television show or a miniseries where an overall story is broken down into smaller, self-contained stories. Each novella is a story by itself, yet the continuing characters will return for new stories that tie to an overall story-line. For those who don’t have time for longer books, this is a great shorter read, while those who love longer books will get the benefit of more episodes and a deepening story through multiple episodes.
Mande Matthews is the author of the ShadowLight Saga. Her debut novel is "Bonded" - book one of the ya epic fantasy trilogy. A free prequel to the ShadowLight Saga, entitled "The LightKeepers" is now available for free at most online retailers.
While attending a performing arts college for writing and arranging, Mande discovered Joseph Cambell's Masks of God series. Her desire to understand humanity through myth and legend mingled with her love of fantasy fiction, birthing her life-long quest to create original new worlds for readers.
A hermit at heart, Mande recedes into the realms of imagination where she occasionally surfaces to face the real world aided by her minions: a husband who plays the dog drum (the belly of their border collie), and a menagerie of furred, feathered and mostly magical friends.
There’s more information and character development in this book’s blurb than there is in the actual book itself, and the blurb almost seems longer. I was surprised by how short this book is, having not read said blurb first, and got none of the character detail/characterisation that is mentioned in it while reading. I can accept the insta-love, as it’s often used in Guinevere/Lancelot romances (though not quite to this degree, I suppose the whole mysterious knight in a helmet thing was for the benefit of the reader, even though we all know it was going to be Lancelot anyway), but the actions and attitude of Guinevere and what she gets away with (in the middle of a siege!) just felt unrealistic. The legend of King Arthur has been squashed to arrive at Guinevere’s romantic dilemma, though admittedly if I had read the blurb first I would have been more prepared for that and for this being a novella. I’m sure the length of this read is perfect for some, and others may love this particular interpretation of the Arthurian legends, but for me, it’s not enough. Were this a prequel to a meatier novel, I would probably read the next book in the series, but with the second book apparently being almost as short as the first, I think I’ll give it a miss.
The author did an astounding job on historical-accuracy when it comes to wardrobe and dialogue.
This is a historical-fantasy. Quick paced with heart-fluttering romance, lovable characters, and great world-building. A magical tale I’d love to live!
This was a truly adorable story with a magical twist on Arthur, Guinevere, and the rest of the popular King Arthur legends we have grown up loving. Guinevere discovers she inherits her mother’s Druid powers. She’s brave, independent, stubborn but all around lovable. This is a true Romantic Adventure, and I cannot wait to read what’s left in the series!
Thoroughly enjoyed the first installment in this series. The author's description of the Arthur/ Guinevere/Lancelot love story had me feverishly swiping the pages, only to be extremely disappointed when it was over. Quickly downloaded the second installment and cannot wait to carry on with their tale. Even though it's a very familiar story, the author's description of Guinevere's struggle made it all "new" for me, as though you could actually feel her turmoil whenever Lancelot was near. My only request of the author... Write the installments faster!!!!
I have always loved the story of Lancelot and Guinevere but this was a very unique take on the story that I enjoyed immensely. So much so that I can't wait to read the second installment. And dare I say I may have just found myself another favorite author to add to my ever-growing list. Mande Matthews did a superb job of engaging her readers with characters you can easily connect with and she drew you into the world of Camelaird with vivid details of every scene. I could picture myself right there in the midst of Kings and Queens :D
The play on the Camelot legend with Arthur and Guinevere was pretty well done, though this was an extremely quick read (read in about 2-3 hours). I enjoyed the author's depictions of the world, but otherwise this read had a very accelerated plot that rose up and then vanished in the blink of an eye. I would give this 2.75 stars.
What fabulous writing! All I know is that I was swept away and that it ended too soon. Getting the second book NOW. Be sure not to pass by this gem of a book. So happy I just stumbled upon it.
This was so frustrating to be so short. How in the world do even you destroy a beloved legend in less than 200 pages?
King Arthur is one of my favorite stories ever and his character was totally massacred here. He was presented as arrogant, rude, and pervy. I personally don’t understand the point of that. The whole reason the love triangle is interesting (at least to me) is because every character involved was honorable and likable, not whatever this was.
Even Guinevere was TSTL by sneaking out of Arthur’s camp during a battle to attempt to talk some sense into the obviously crazy king who laid siege to her father’s castle because his proposal was rejected. Ok...huh? No, honey. That’s not how this works. Please stop trying to come across as strong and capable when you’re clearly just a naive idiot.
Then she has the gall to be offended that her hand was technically already promised to Arthur for his help taking care of King Wreck-It-Ralph. She’s a princess in the 6th century. Arranged marriage for the sake of peace and power exchange WAS THE NAME OF THE GAME.
I’m just so sad. I wanted this to be so much better.
Guinevere is at the age where she must marry. But she will not get a choice in this, no matter how much she just wants to be left alone. A prince has come to call on her but he has brought his armies with him. Her options are to marry him or watch her country fall to ruin. That is until the brave Prince Arthur and his Knight Lancelot come to their aid with their soldiers. Now Guinevere must choose between the Prince who will uphold the old practices of her country if she chooses him, or the newer ruling styles of Prince Arthur. Will Guinevere choose the one who saved her, the one who will maintain her countries old practices, or will her heart end up belonging to someone else entirely?
A new insight into Guinevere instead of told from King Arthur's perspective. From this point of view more of her choices that she makes later on in life that we all know the age old story of make sense. So far the decisions made in the story closely resemble those that we know from our stories that have been told and retold. I hope you enjoy this little story just as I have.
The story was alright until it got to the women saying that they loved someone they literally just met and exchanged maybe five sentences with. I also could not get interested in it when she basically started comparing herself to a potato and her cousin as the epic beauty. It just screams special snowflake.
Arthur just felt like the biggest tool, I would say that I felt no connection with him but I didn’t feel anything for anyone. I mean, so much detailed feeling from just a touch? No. You’re not in love, you’re in lust.
I know it’s a short story but goodness, it moved way too fast. I mean, Lancelot is supposed to the love interest but he had maybe five lines?
This short story also has so many different covers but the one I picked is by far my favorite. The writing was alright, not the same as The Lightkeepers and the pace was slow. This Bewitched box set is leaving much to be desired.
When Guinevere's father's castle is attacked, it's clear the prize being fought over is her hand in marriage. Will she bargain with King Melwas or accept the aide of Arthur Pendragon? And what of the mysterious knight who keeps saving her life?
I got this as a free Kindle book and I love anything that has to do with the King Arthur legends, so I thought I'd give it a try. It is written like a serial novel -- or, as the author explains for today's audience, like TV episodes -- each book is about 1/2 the length of a full novel. This first installment was not very in depth or innovative but an ok, fast read.
Could be read in one sitting, a good introduction to the paranormal world surround Lady Guin and King Arthur! Interesting to finally read about such a classic story that’s been around such a long time.
A different look at the life of Lady Guinevere and her meeting and marriage to King Arthur. A fantasy and paranormal look into the story of love and betrayal.
If you have not read any of Mande Matthews’s books yet, you need to as soon as possible! She is a creative writer and her stories are always beautifully narrated. Betrothal is not the only work of Mande Matthews I have gotten my hands on, her first book in the Shadowlight saga – Bonded, is also a masterpiece. She writes with such fluidity, the words are almost lyrical. And I am most pleased to say, she doesn’t let you down.
Guinevere’s castle and kingdom, lies solely on her decision. Whether or not to wed Arthur Pendragon – who has alter motives in seeking her hand, than just wanting peace, love, and joy for their land. But Guin’s heart belongs to another, the mysterious knight that rides alongside Arthur. What will her decision be?
I want more! Betrothal is a short novella, somewhat like a preview to a grander story. The book starts off with what seems to be a diary entry of Guin’s inner thoughts and her admitting to a relationship with Arthur, and then shifts to the events before that; how they met, what happened, and how she made up her mind. It then, ends with a ‘continuance’ page with another diary entry of Guin’s -- A unique way to move the story along, and capture the reader’s attention. I know I was hooked! The last continuance page alone was captivating, and you’ll catch on that maybe things did not turn out as Guin expected. This was what made me want to get my hands on Quest the next installment to this series.
I want to talk about the characters, but because it is such a short book, I believe it is still a little too early to determine the personals of each character. Hopefully in book two, we will get background details and learn more of the characters. I can, however, say that Guinevere is a character of spunk. She makes a great protagonist, I can see this even in a few short pages.
An entrancing introduction to what seems to be an adventurous series. Treat yourself and read a Mande Matthew’s book.
A shout out to Mande: in a non-creepy way, I am addicted to your work. :D
I thought it was beautifully written and I could easily visualize the characters and scenes in the book. Interesting alternate take on the King Arthur/Lady Guinevere/Sir Lancelot love triangle.
However -- I do not like the fact that it is a novella split up into two parts. the first half was offered free and the second half (Quest) must be purchased. I would have given this book another half star if I could have just downloaded the whole book in one go for a low price. The first half of the novella is not really standalone -- definitely only half of a story. So I had to stop reading when I hit the end of the first half and wait until the next day when I could download the second half. Authors -- please don't do this. It really irritates the readers! We would just rather download the whole story!
Although I haven't yet read the second half of the book, I already do not like the King Arthur character. He is nothing like the one from legends, and is not a very sympathetic character in spite of his good looks. There simply wasn't enough romance in the first half to really justify calling this a "romance" novel. There were definitely sparks between Guinevere and Lancelot, but is it real or imaginary? I like reading about actual sparks between characters and not just one-sided perceptions from one character.
I was very impressed with the writer's style of writing with her beautiful descriptions. I have just purchased the second book, so if I like what I read, I will definitely search for this author in the future.
Also posted at http://lilmissvixreads.blogspot.co.uk Lady Guinevere wants to marry for love, and intends to fight for this right as the kings of the neighbouring realms fight literally over her - for her hand in marriage brings with it land and riches. King Melwas arrives to take her hand by force, and it falls to King Arthur to save the day, although it is a certain Sir Lancelot that captures Guinevere's attention. Lancelot is unsurprisingly dark, handsome and brooding - the perfect hero - whilst Arthur with his 'halo' of blonde hair is the epitome of flattery and charm, with more than just a touch of arrogance. However it seems that Arthur's intentions are honourable, and Guinevere has an important decision to make, one that will affect not only her life but the lives of her people...
I have always loved anything to do with the King Arthur legend, so was very excited to spot this book for free on the kindle store! With a gorgeous cover and an interesting spin on the age old love triangle between Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot, this is a novella that I would definitely recommend. Betrothal is part one of two of the Queen's Honor series and I can't wait to find out what happens next. 5/5 stars.
I think this would technically be classified as a “novelette,” but I’m not sure. I loved what I’ve read from this author’s Shadowlight Saga, but I’ve had mixed results when reading different series by the same author, so I was a little hesitant. Yet the indomitable fact is that I am a sucker for Arthurian lore so I finally caved and…well, you can see the five stars, you can see I should have read it sooner!
Like I said, this is a novelette, so there isn’t a very long storyline. It’s really just introducing the main players and setting the stage and making you care about the characters. This is probably the first Arthurian retelling I’ve read where I actually didn’t like Arthur. Normally, he’s my favorite character, but here he was cast as more of a neutral/potentially villainous individual and I really don’t know where I stand on him.
This was written very well with suspense and even a few twists as well as the beginning sparks of a glorious romance. I adore this author, I adore both her series and I look forward to getting Quest on my Kindle!
Lady Guinevere holds the crown to a ancient kingdom. Without brothers to ascend the throne, marriage to her will assure any man the right to rule. Kings from nearby lands thus vie for her hand, and one is willing to go to war in ensure that she becomes his.
At first glance, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book. The first page alone throws out names like Elibel, Camelaird, and Aethelwine, which tend to make my head spin. However, I was soon caught up in the story of Guinevere as she meets Arthur Pendragon and his knight, Lancelot. The romance seemed brief but believable, and the descriptions were lovely.
The one thing I didn't like was that it appears that an already short book was split up into two parts. The first part (this one) was free on Amazon. The second book is only $2, so I'm going to take the plunge and purchase it, I think. But it seems odd that things were split up like this to begin with.
It was ok. I like stories in this setting, I like the idea of the Arthur/Lancelot/Guinevere story told from her perspective. I realize this is a novella, but it don't feel like there was enough character development at all. I really became quite confused by some of the characters actions because I didn't really know them and had no way of discerning if their actions were true to character. This book has a lot of great ideas, but something was definitely missing. With a story set into such an historic time, I don't think there is any way for a novella to do it justice. There are too many details that must be explained aside from developing the characters properly. Great effort, good read, but ultimately not enough meat.
I was excited to read the next one, hoping we would get some depth- but I'm not sure if I will after reading some of the reviews.
One of the best books about King Arthur! Told in Guinevere's perspective. If you like King Arthur and his nights and love triangle of this relationship. This one will make you literally cry, laugh and understand another side of true love can be shared. It does follow with the original books that shows Arthur's perspective and the first author who decided to to make the love triangle between Lancelot ,Guinevere and Arthur. You definitely need to read this. Could not put this book down and if you are registered for kindle unlimited its free there put in three parts. This book has all three volumes in it. On Amazon Kindle Unlimited like I said three parts. just look up the authors name. Hope you enjoy it like I have. This could make a great tv show or movie its that good.
This is well written with very few grammar issues—“breathe” that should be “breath”, “soothe” that should be “sooth”. It reads easily, flows well and I like the idea of “episodic” books. My complaint about this retelling is personal: Arthur has been my hero since “The Sword In the Stone” and I dislike intensely the portrayal of him as an arrogant ass. As this tale is told in first person from the viewpoint of Guinevere, perhaps the author’s intention is that she will change as she grows and, like many teenagers, will mature out of this petulant, self-important, know-it-all phase of her life.
When Guinevere's father's castle is attacked, it's clear the prize being fought over is her hand in marriage. Will she bargain with King Melwas or accept the aide of Arthur Pendragon? And what of the mysterious knight who keeps saving her life?
I got this as a free Kindle book and I love anything that has to do with the King Arthur legends, so I thought I'd give it a try. It is written like a serial novel -- or, as the author explains for today's audience, like TV episodes -- each book is about 1/2 the length of a full novel. This first installment was not very in depth or innovative but an ok, fast read.
I can't wait to read the second book this was an amazing book. I'm desperate for more. It couldn't have been better. I've never been interested in medieval books, but now I must say I want to read more of it, it keeps me running back for more now. It's amazing how this book changed my thoughts on medieval stories. The author did a tremendous job with this book. The second should be a journey to ride.
This new series is a great way to pass a few hours in your day. This lays the groundwork for the next book and hopefully more to come after that. We are introduced to a wonderful cast of characters that could take us anywhere. Matthews does a great job of character development in this first book, which sets the stage for the next book. You won't be disappointed in this sweet adventure/romance.
I found that this story was a very quick read and a decent story. I think everyone could get something from this book. Although the one problem that i had with it was that there weren't enough details and back story. But we might get more in the next book that follows this one.
I love how she was very descriptive. From the way they looked and from the way each person felt in emotion. I love romances from this era. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next.