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Queen's Honor #2
Quest
In QUEST, BOOK 2 of QUEEN'S HONOR: After agreeing to marry Arthur, Guinevere thinks she’s solved all her problems—the protection of Camelaird, the freedom of her cousin, and the power to make a difference. But when she finds herself unable to control her attraction to Lancelot, a chance encounter with the knight threatens to ruin everything she’s strived to achieve.
To complicate matters, when she arrives in Camelot, she realizes she’s caught in an intricate web of magic and ulterior motivations—and some of those motivations seek to expose her unchaste desires for another man before her wedding day.
QUEST 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.
To complicate matters, when she arrives in Camelot, she realizes she’s caught in an intricate web of magic and ulterior motivations—and some of those motivations seek to expose her unchaste desires for another man before her wedding day.
QUEST 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.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2012
5 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Mande Matthews
19 books90 followersMande 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 16, 2013
"Your horse..." I said. Then my mind abandoned all thought.
"What of my horse?"
"Your horse," I repeated, then added, "is big."
Such is the eloquence of Guinevere, Queen of Camelot.
This book was cheap. You can buy it for the price of a tall brew at Starbucks. It was very short.
That pretty much sums up all the positive things I can say about this book. I love the Arthurian legends, and unlike my desire for Pride & Prejudice published fanfiction (which I suspect has a great deal to say about my masochism), they're usually done fairly well. Not so much with this series. The Mists of Avalon this is not. Nor did I expect it to be, this is YA, people. I have certain lowered expectations for YA. Still, this book fell short of the lowered bar.
This is the second novella in what is meant to be very short episodes of Guinevere's version of the story. The first installment tells of her life in Camelaird, with her father, King Leodegrance. In the first novella, she realizes the crucial role she plays, and reluctantly agreed to marry Arthur, while not trying very hard to ignore her inexplicable insta-love for the knight Lancelot.
In this book, she is preparing for her upcoming marriage with Arthur, all the while trying (not very hard) to ignore her inexplicable insta-love for the knight Lancelot.
Hmm...I THINK I SEE A THEME HERE, GUYS!
In some books, Guinevere is portrayed as a weak, simpering character, whereas in others, she is a strong woman. I think she is meant to be seen as the latter here, a courageous young woman who defies her own feelings to make a political marriage for the sake of peace throughout the land.
I don't see it. I see a simpering, mooning, immature girl who spends half the day literally gawking at Lancelot, thinking he is the most handsome, most kind-hearted, bestest knight ever!!!! Guinevere doesn't really spend much time defying her feelings. She's a cheater. She's engaged to one man, yet spends more time dreaming (and more than just dreaming) about the other.
She spends more time sighing over Lancelot than anything else, and despite the fact that Arthur has shown her nothing but kindness, she sees everything he does as sinister. Arthur is handsome, eloquent, charismatic, the ideal golden king to unite a broken kingdom...yet every one of his action seems to insinuate evil to our deluded Guinevere.
"His exterior qualities were undeniable, but I still couldn't help but think that in his depths lurked a smug and self-important man whose motivations were slightly less than valiant than everyone professed."
There is a thin attempt to incorporate Celtic myths, mysticism, and magic into the book. It seems to be a thin ploy for the sake of having some elements of the supernatural and is nowhere integral to the plot. I absolutely hated how the other females in the novella are portrayed, from her faithful and well-meaning lady in waiting/cousin Elibel, to the ladies in waiting at Camelot...all the other women besides Guinevere herself are portrayed as beautiful, empty-headed, resentful bitches.
Don't bother. Your $2 is better spent on coffee. Wonderful, life-saving manna from heaven.
"What of my horse?"
"Your horse," I repeated, then added, "is big."
Such is the eloquence of Guinevere, Queen of Camelot.
This book was cheap. You can buy it for the price of a tall brew at Starbucks. It was very short.
That pretty much sums up all the positive things I can say about this book. I love the Arthurian legends, and unlike my desire for Pride & Prejudice published fanfiction (which I suspect has a great deal to say about my masochism), they're usually done fairly well. Not so much with this series. The Mists of Avalon this is not. Nor did I expect it to be, this is YA, people. I have certain lowered expectations for YA. Still, this book fell short of the lowered bar.
This is the second novella in what is meant to be very short episodes of Guinevere's version of the story. The first installment tells of her life in Camelaird, with her father, King Leodegrance. In the first novella, she realizes the crucial role she plays, and reluctantly agreed to marry Arthur, while not trying very hard to ignore her inexplicable insta-love for the knight Lancelot.
In this book, she is preparing for her upcoming marriage with Arthur, all the while trying (not very hard) to ignore her inexplicable insta-love for the knight Lancelot.
Hmm...I THINK I SEE A THEME HERE, GUYS!
In some books, Guinevere is portrayed as a weak, simpering character, whereas in others, she is a strong woman. I think she is meant to be seen as the latter here, a courageous young woman who defies her own feelings to make a political marriage for the sake of peace throughout the land.
I don't see it. I see a simpering, mooning, immature girl who spends half the day literally gawking at Lancelot, thinking he is the most handsome, most kind-hearted, bestest knight ever!!!! Guinevere doesn't really spend much time defying her feelings. She's a cheater. She's engaged to one man, yet spends more time dreaming (and more than just dreaming) about the other.
She spends more time sighing over Lancelot than anything else, and despite the fact that Arthur has shown her nothing but kindness, she sees everything he does as sinister. Arthur is handsome, eloquent, charismatic, the ideal golden king to unite a broken kingdom...yet every one of his action seems to insinuate evil to our deluded Guinevere.
"His exterior qualities were undeniable, but I still couldn't help but think that in his depths lurked a smug and self-important man whose motivations were slightly less than valiant than everyone professed."
There is a thin attempt to incorporate Celtic myths, mysticism, and magic into the book. It seems to be a thin ploy for the sake of having some elements of the supernatural and is nowhere integral to the plot. I absolutely hated how the other females in the novella are portrayed, from her faithful and well-meaning lady in waiting/cousin Elibel, to the ladies in waiting at Camelot...all the other women besides Guinevere herself are portrayed as beautiful, empty-headed, resentful bitches.
Don't bother. Your $2 is better spent on coffee. Wonderful, life-saving manna from heaven.
July 15, 2013
This is book 2 of an original take on the King Arthur legends, however, it focuses on the relationships of Lady Guinevere. Guinevere is young and pitted between following her heart and the duties of her kingdom. In book 1, Guinevere realizes that she has a pivotal role to play in protecting her people and promoting peace in the kingdom, but things aren’t as they seem. Even though she has instant feelings that she can’t quite explain for Lancelot, she still feels she needs to “try” and love Arthur – the man who can bring peace and hope to her kingdom.
A lot of people dislike “insta-love” but let’s get real. Love at first sight has been around since the beginning of man. My happy six year marriage is a product of love at first sight, or “insta-love” as the new bloggers decided to name it. The night I met my husband, I knew that connection was special.
What I think this author does brilliantly, is that she perfectly explains the feelings that happen with love at first sight (I know – I’ve had them and can relate!), but then pits those feelings, which a woman would normally be able to honor and explore, with Guinevere’s position and duty—which is to marry Arthur. We see a young girl trying to do what’s right, but not being able to deny there’s something special going on with Lancelot. Not only that, though Arthur is seen by others as nearly “godlike” for his charisma, feats and good looks, Guinevere’s getting (and rightfully so!) red flags of his insensitivity and self- absorption. He’s more show than substance, yet everyone seems dazzled by that glowing exterior. Everyone, but Guinevere, who’s link to a family “gift” (I won’t spoil it for you!) let’s her see what other’s can’t. The only one to substantiate her feelings is Morgaine, who, incidentally, seems to have motivations of her own—plunging Guinevere into an already established family feud with powers and motivations she has yet to learn about.
Guinevere is a complex character – both feisty and confused about who she truly is and what she needs to do… but she grows in each of the two episodes to discover something new about herself. The story weaves in Celtic mythology and uses the symbolism of an sacred hart (deer) – which, incidentally, Arthur sets as a prize for a quest and only Guinevere sees the irreverence in this act – to parallel her own peril as a young girl discovering her own needs, gifts and position plunged into a world of hinting of more manipulation, ulterior motives, and even magic to come.
No, this isn’t Mists of Avalon, so if you’re looking for a fantasy of that scale, this book isn’t for you. But, (I think) the author intended this series (as described on the download page) as a romantic fantasy that sweeps you away for a couple hours like BBC’s Merlin (television), but for girls and with a heavy focus on the romance and relationships as Guinevere discovers who she is. It was definitely that for me, and I can’t wait to see where the characters will go in subsequent episodes.
A lot of people dislike “insta-love” but let’s get real. Love at first sight has been around since the beginning of man. My happy six year marriage is a product of love at first sight, or “insta-love” as the new bloggers decided to name it. The night I met my husband, I knew that connection was special.
What I think this author does brilliantly, is that she perfectly explains the feelings that happen with love at first sight (I know – I’ve had them and can relate!), but then pits those feelings, which a woman would normally be able to honor and explore, with Guinevere’s position and duty—which is to marry Arthur. We see a young girl trying to do what’s right, but not being able to deny there’s something special going on with Lancelot. Not only that, though Arthur is seen by others as nearly “godlike” for his charisma, feats and good looks, Guinevere’s getting (and rightfully so!) red flags of his insensitivity and self- absorption. He’s more show than substance, yet everyone seems dazzled by that glowing exterior. Everyone, but Guinevere, who’s link to a family “gift” (I won’t spoil it for you!) let’s her see what other’s can’t. The only one to substantiate her feelings is Morgaine, who, incidentally, seems to have motivations of her own—plunging Guinevere into an already established family feud with powers and motivations she has yet to learn about.
Guinevere is a complex character – both feisty and confused about who she truly is and what she needs to do… but she grows in each of the two episodes to discover something new about herself. The story weaves in Celtic mythology and uses the symbolism of an sacred hart (deer) – which, incidentally, Arthur sets as a prize for a quest and only Guinevere sees the irreverence in this act – to parallel her own peril as a young girl discovering her own needs, gifts and position plunged into a world of hinting of more manipulation, ulterior motives, and even magic to come.
No, this isn’t Mists of Avalon, so if you’re looking for a fantasy of that scale, this book isn’t for you. But, (I think) the author intended this series (as described on the download page) as a romantic fantasy that sweeps you away for a couple hours like BBC’s Merlin (television), but for girls and with a heavy focus on the romance and relationships as Guinevere discovers who she is. It was definitely that for me, and I can’t wait to see where the characters will go in subsequent episodes.
June 15, 2014
Amazing! Again, couldn't put it down. I just have to know.......when is third book coming out??? I want to read it now!
December 11, 2013
Guinevere travels to Camelaird in preparation of marrying Arthur and becoming queen. But when she gets there, she finds herself continually drawn to the handsome knight Lancelot.
Okay, my relationship with this book is complicated. I enjoyed the first book a lot, so I had high hopes for the second. However, it just wasn't quite what I had planned on it being.
All of the characters here are pretty undeveloped. You have Guinevere, who I think is supposed to be a strong-willed young woman, yet all she did in this book was swoon over Lancelot's good looks. And speaking of Lancelot's good looks, that's all we really know about him. Why is Guinevere so enamored with him, other than the fact that she maybe prefers brunettes to blonds? He shows a lot of devotion to her, but not not much else in the way of personality. The depiction here of Arthur reminded me a lot of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast--amazingly handsome, yet a total brute. It wasn't until the very end that some semblance of personality began to come from Arthur. Yet we know that Arthur wasn't that way--his people adored him, and not because he had an amazing smile.
This book focuses on the romance and that's it. There's some druidic stuff thrown in, but nothing comes of it, so I'm not sure why it's there. Guinevere continually pursues Lancelot in a teenage heat, even though she understands there are dire consequences for everyone if she does. Her lady-in-waiting, Eibel, has pursued Arthur in some manner, but we're never told to what extent. And Lancelot continually swears loyalty to his king, yet tries to steal away his bride. There wasn't enough here to make me feel sympathy for anyone.
Still, it was an interesting and short take on a classic story. If the author released a continuation that would help fill in the gaps, I would read it.
Okay, my relationship with this book is complicated. I enjoyed the first book a lot, so I had high hopes for the second. However, it just wasn't quite what I had planned on it being.
All of the characters here are pretty undeveloped. You have Guinevere, who I think is supposed to be a strong-willed young woman, yet all she did in this book was swoon over Lancelot's good looks. And speaking of Lancelot's good looks, that's all we really know about him. Why is Guinevere so enamored with him, other than the fact that she maybe prefers brunettes to blonds? He shows a lot of devotion to her, but not not much else in the way of personality. The depiction here of Arthur reminded me a lot of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast--amazingly handsome, yet a total brute. It wasn't until the very end that some semblance of personality began to come from Arthur. Yet we know that Arthur wasn't that way--his people adored him, and not because he had an amazing smile.
This book focuses on the romance and that's it. There's some druidic stuff thrown in, but nothing comes of it, so I'm not sure why it's there. Guinevere continually pursues Lancelot in a teenage heat, even though she understands there are dire consequences for everyone if she does. Her lady-in-waiting, Eibel, has pursued Arthur in some manner, but we're never told to what extent. And Lancelot continually swears loyalty to his king, yet tries to steal away his bride. There wasn't enough here to make me feel sympathy for anyone.
Still, it was an interesting and short take on a classic story. If the author released a continuation that would help fill in the gaps, I would read it.
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January 14, 2015I really liked the author's writing style and was impressed with her descriptives. I enjoyed the first part of the novella which I had downloaded free and was looking forward to reading subsequent parts as a "mini-series" sort of story. Boy was I disappointed after I downloaded the second part and read it in just a short hour and a half. I was very surprised when I turned the page and boom! It was suddenly over.
I had the feeling like "What?! Really? Is that it?!" Although I enjoyed the beginnings of the story, that's all it was. A begin. It was waaaay too short to even be considered a novella. I was reading it on my kindle, and when I hit 75% it was suddenly at the end with the last 25% being a "sneak preview" for the author's next book (totally unrelated to the current story!) It was there that I really felt cheated.
I'm not sure what the word count is on either of these two novellas, but it would have been infinitely better if the author had combined the two books and add another hundred or so pages to create a deeper, more satisfying story. There just was not enough to the story, which I really thought was a shame because this could easily have been made into an entire trilogy of books!
There was no character arc to speak of, and aside from a couple of one-liners between Guinevere and Arthur and she and Lancelot, it was all based on her thoughts and perceptions. I was unable to sympathize with any of the characters (except for perhaps Lancelot whom we really didn't even get to know) and I had very little respect for Arthur, Guinevere, or her cousin. The relationship with her father (or lack thereof)somehow didn't seem real and her cousin was a moody, backstabbing flake. I really thought this book had potential, but ended up disappointed.
I had the feeling like "What?! Really? Is that it?!" Although I enjoyed the beginnings of the story, that's all it was. A begin. It was waaaay too short to even be considered a novella. I was reading it on my kindle, and when I hit 75% it was suddenly at the end with the last 25% being a "sneak preview" for the author's next book (totally unrelated to the current story!) It was there that I really felt cheated.
I'm not sure what the word count is on either of these two novellas, but it would have been infinitely better if the author had combined the two books and add another hundred or so pages to create a deeper, more satisfying story. There just was not enough to the story, which I really thought was a shame because this could easily have been made into an entire trilogy of books!
There was no character arc to speak of, and aside from a couple of one-liners between Guinevere and Arthur and she and Lancelot, it was all based on her thoughts and perceptions. I was unable to sympathize with any of the characters (except for perhaps Lancelot whom we really didn't even get to know) and I had very little respect for Arthur, Guinevere, or her cousin. The relationship with her father (or lack thereof)somehow didn't seem real and her cousin was a moody, backstabbing flake. I really thought this book had potential, but ended up disappointed.
February 5, 2016
Honestly this was kinda disappointing. The ending was more disappointing than the whole thing in its entirety. Like the story ended at 80% and then there was a preview to Mande Matthews' other series(which I didn't even read). I was not expecting Arthur to have cheated on Guinevere with her cousin. I understand this is an Arthurian retelling but still....
June 3, 2014
way to short
this book was wayy to short for my likeing. went way to fast and not alot of substance to it.
this book was wayy to short for my likeing. went way to fast and not alot of substance to it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews