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The Forgotten Queen
Retelling Camelot. As an infant Avalon is stripped of beauty so that all that remains are her dramatic green eyes. She is taught from birth that Arthur is her destiny. Out of curiosity she watches him in the lake and finds it impossible not to fall in love—and yet he is the king. It’s not until a love triangle between Guinevere, Lancelot, and Arthur forces Camelot to the brink of destruction that Arthur realizes what a fool he has been.
Raised in the shadows, subservient to the Lady of the Lake, Avalon rises above it all to become the true queen of Camelot. She is the forgotten queen … and the sole bearer of Arthur’s heart.
Genre: historical fantasy, folklore, fantasy
Raised in the shadows, subservient to the Lady of the Lake, Avalon rises above it all to become the true queen of Camelot. She is the forgotten queen … and the sole bearer of Arthur’s heart.
Genre: historical fantasy, folklore, fantasy
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2013
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143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2013
The spins on the tales of King Arthur are limited only by a writer's imagination. This author has an active and excellent imagination. The mechanics of good writing were marred by some errors, but they did not interrupt my reading. This author incorporates tales I have read elsewhere into a straightforward, easy read. The author wrote with clarity using fewer characters with simpler names. Thank you! The musical, CAMELOT, is my favorite tale of King Arthur because Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere are tragic characters caught in a triangle of love. This author has stayed close to the same character descriptions. I am so thankful for Avalon, the person. She gives Arthur the complete and perfect love that he deserves. The tales of King Arthur always make me cry, regardless of the version I read or see. I cry when his heart is broken, when he is betrayed, and when he meets his end, which may be the loss of Camelot or his death. Near the end of this book, the tears flowed again.
Thank you, Ms. Mackey, for a tender read.
Thank you, Ms. Mackey, for a tender read.
May 13, 2013
I am happy to be the first to review this wonderful novel by one of my favorite fellow indie authors. I love Annette's easy smooth way of telling a story and I believe this one is my favorite. What an imagination! I don't know how she thought all this up. I have always liked the tales of King Author and the knights of the round table, but she has put a wonderful spin on the tales. Thanks, Annette for the hours of inexpensive entertainment. Keep writing!
June 29, 2014
Loved it
I absolutely loved this version. I, like most everyone else, always only heard about Guinevere. This story had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I absolutely loved this version. I, like most everyone else, always only heard about Guinevere. This story had me on the edge of my seat throughout.
February 24, 2016
Check out my original review on my blog: Readiculously Peachy
My Review:
I received a copy from the author to read and review in return.
The Forgotten Queen is a wonderful novel where Annette Mackey magically and vividly retells the story of King Arthur in the Camelot era. I have not often read a book in this historical genre, and after finishing it I have decided that I'm definitely open to receiving more novels like The Forgotten Queen. I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones (currently only seen the TV Series; I have shamefully not gotten to the books yet), and it was so fun putting faces the characters and imagining the surroundings with the ones I have seen in the Game of Thrones TV series, and it really put me back into that exciting mindset of that era. The Forgotten Queen is a mixture of an abundance of romance, tragedy, betrayal, redemption, quick paced action, and I enjoyed every page of it! Let's get into the details!
The story begins with immediate excitement, when the enchanted Lady (Vivian) of the Lake is giving birth to her and Merlin's daughter, Avalon. We immediately come to know the fate of the child when Lady Vivian strips the child from its beauty in order to save her from being 'cursed' by her looks. Lady Vivian is extremely protective and keeps Avalon close at all time and cuts Avalon's hair in order to prevent anyone from finding out of its power and stealing its magic.
Fast forward years later, and we come to know King Arthur, who is a noble, merciful and selfless man who's greatest love is Camelot and will do anything in its power to protect it. At a young age he is given the Excalibur sword by Lady Vivian, who bounds it by blood between Arthur and her daughter Avalon, in order to give its rightful ruling power to King Arthur.
King Arthur turns out to be a righteous King who is even more powerful with his Excalibur sword by his side, and he immediately realizes the (magical) connection the sword makes to Avalon, which initially makes him question Lady Vivian's motives for binding the sword to Avalon and himself. I really loved his character and his traits, even though he often made mistakes, he showed that, despite his status, he is only human and thus susceptible to falling in love or trusting the wrong people. He is man made out of his steel, but his heart could not be more open and kind than any other King I have ever read about. King Arthur is pulled through endless treachery, betrayal, broken romances, until he finally finds out that some prophecies and destinies are just bound to happen.
At first, it was really hard for me to warm up to Lady Vivian and her daughter Avalon. I wouldn't say that Lady Vivian is your typical mother, as she is an extremely powerful enchantress who is very overprotective, almost too stubborn and very strong minded. She has the ability to see the future in the Lake and tries to stir everyone into the direction in which she thinks is best for Camelot. She is not afraid to make drastic and brutal sacrifices and uses her powers to seek in the darkness in order to find the light which will keep Camelot's future bright. Towards the last chapters I have really grown to admire her more and more.
Avalon is definitely a very submissive calm and subdued girl. She is told by her mother that she is to be the rightful Queen of Camelot, the wife of King Arthur, but these are not the stimulants of her love for King Arthur. She is determined to follow her destiny and be with him, but this does not go down very smoothly. I often found Avalon weak and too compliant to her mother and others, but I remembered to put myself in the minds of those in that era, that woman were not seen as anything superior (unless in a very high position) and were rather expected to be subdued by men (oh those double standards). But as I warmed up to Avalon's character, and her true status, I came to sympathize and admire her as she may seem weak, but later in the story she becomes someone who is truly strong willed and influential and it is so fantastic to see this transition in her.
Overall I thought the story was very enjoying and powerful. It is a fast paced read which is beautifully written and does not dwell on insignificant things (hence does not leave you bored at all!). Some parts of the story was very recognizable with the (little) knowledge I had on the story of King Arthur, so this was definitely a very entertaining and beautiful read. It is definitely a book which will keep you hooked on the story long after you've closed the book.
I recommend this book to readers who love to be journeyed back to the era of knights and princesses, conflicting matters between wizards and enchantresses, bundled with loads of heartwarming historical romances, suspenseful battles, and delightful retells of the well known King Arthur and the Excalibur!
My Review:
I received a copy from the author to read and review in return.
The Forgotten Queen is a wonderful novel where Annette Mackey magically and vividly retells the story of King Arthur in the Camelot era. I have not often read a book in this historical genre, and after finishing it I have decided that I'm definitely open to receiving more novels like The Forgotten Queen. I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones (currently only seen the TV Series; I have shamefully not gotten to the books yet), and it was so fun putting faces the characters and imagining the surroundings with the ones I have seen in the Game of Thrones TV series, and it really put me back into that exciting mindset of that era. The Forgotten Queen is a mixture of an abundance of romance, tragedy, betrayal, redemption, quick paced action, and I enjoyed every page of it! Let's get into the details!
The story begins with immediate excitement, when the enchanted Lady (Vivian) of the Lake is giving birth to her and Merlin's daughter, Avalon. We immediately come to know the fate of the child when Lady Vivian strips the child from its beauty in order to save her from being 'cursed' by her looks. Lady Vivian is extremely protective and keeps Avalon close at all time and cuts Avalon's hair in order to prevent anyone from finding out of its power and stealing its magic.
Fast forward years later, and we come to know King Arthur, who is a noble, merciful and selfless man who's greatest love is Camelot and will do anything in its power to protect it. At a young age he is given the Excalibur sword by Lady Vivian, who bounds it by blood between Arthur and her daughter Avalon, in order to give its rightful ruling power to King Arthur.
King Arthur turns out to be a righteous King who is even more powerful with his Excalibur sword by his side, and he immediately realizes the (magical) connection the sword makes to Avalon, which initially makes him question Lady Vivian's motives for binding the sword to Avalon and himself. I really loved his character and his traits, even though he often made mistakes, he showed that, despite his status, he is only human and thus susceptible to falling in love or trusting the wrong people. He is man made out of his steel, but his heart could not be more open and kind than any other King I have ever read about. King Arthur is pulled through endless treachery, betrayal, broken romances, until he finally finds out that some prophecies and destinies are just bound to happen.
At first, it was really hard for me to warm up to Lady Vivian and her daughter Avalon. I wouldn't say that Lady Vivian is your typical mother, as she is an extremely powerful enchantress who is very overprotective, almost too stubborn and very strong minded. She has the ability to see the future in the Lake and tries to stir everyone into the direction in which she thinks is best for Camelot. She is not afraid to make drastic and brutal sacrifices and uses her powers to seek in the darkness in order to find the light which will keep Camelot's future bright. Towards the last chapters I have really grown to admire her more and more.
Avalon is definitely a very submissive calm and subdued girl. She is told by her mother that she is to be the rightful Queen of Camelot, the wife of King Arthur, but these are not the stimulants of her love for King Arthur. She is determined to follow her destiny and be with him, but this does not go down very smoothly. I often found Avalon weak and too compliant to her mother and others, but I remembered to put myself in the minds of those in that era, that woman were not seen as anything superior (unless in a very high position) and were rather expected to be subdued by men (oh those double standards). But as I warmed up to Avalon's character, and her true status, I came to sympathize and admire her as she may seem weak, but later in the story she becomes someone who is truly strong willed and influential and it is so fantastic to see this transition in her.
Overall I thought the story was very enjoying and powerful. It is a fast paced read which is beautifully written and does not dwell on insignificant things (hence does not leave you bored at all!). Some parts of the story was very recognizable with the (little) knowledge I had on the story of King Arthur, so this was definitely a very entertaining and beautiful read. It is definitely a book which will keep you hooked on the story long after you've closed the book.
I recommend this book to readers who love to be journeyed back to the era of knights and princesses, conflicting matters between wizards and enchantresses, bundled with loads of heartwarming historical romances, suspenseful battles, and delightful retells of the well known King Arthur and the Excalibur!
April 17, 2013
*This review contains minor spoilers of the early portion of the book*
The Forgotten Queen is a delightful and clever retelling of the legend of King Arthur. It opens at the birth of Avalon in the magic waters of the lake. Her mother, Lady Vivien (the Lady of the Lake) is horrified at the beauty of her newborn and 'dispells' the majority of it, with Avalon's father, Merlin, helplessly looking on. Lady Vivien believes excessive beauty to be a curse that would get in the way of Avalon's destiny. And Lady Vivien will do anything to bring Avalon's destiny about – even murder – in her bid to bind both Avalon and the newly crowned King Arthur to the sword Excaliber.
Eleven years later, and against Lady Vivien's advice, Arthur negotiates with Leodegrance, King of Carmelide, for the hand of his daughter, Guinevere. Guinevere is less than keen, but she has no choice, despite being in love with Arthur's best friend, Lancelot. When she makes her feelings forcefully clear, Arthur realises the situation is impossible and reneges on the arrangement, unknowing that the future of Camelot is at stake.
Later, Guinevere realises that her father will insist she marries a king – Lancelot is of no consequence politically. If Guinevere cannot persuade Arthur to renew his proposal, she will be forced to marry the cruel tyrant, Malegeant.
Camelot has more powerful enemies than Malegeant, however. Arthur's adopted sister, Morgana, and her son Mordred want revenge on Camelot. When Morgana became pregnant, Uther, her guardian and supposed protector, banished her. Now they want Camelot's throne. But Lady Vivien will go to any lengths to ensure her visions of Avalon and Arthur's futures come to pass.
A thoroughly enjoyable read revisiting the legend of King Arthur, but with a clever twist or two along the way, The Forgotten Queen has it all: romance, forbidden love, adventure, treachery, intrigue, magic, war and redemption, and is a perfect piece of escapism
The Forgotten Queen is a delightful and clever retelling of the legend of King Arthur. It opens at the birth of Avalon in the magic waters of the lake. Her mother, Lady Vivien (the Lady of the Lake) is horrified at the beauty of her newborn and 'dispells' the majority of it, with Avalon's father, Merlin, helplessly looking on. Lady Vivien believes excessive beauty to be a curse that would get in the way of Avalon's destiny. And Lady Vivien will do anything to bring Avalon's destiny about – even murder – in her bid to bind both Avalon and the newly crowned King Arthur to the sword Excaliber.
Eleven years later, and against Lady Vivien's advice, Arthur negotiates with Leodegrance, King of Carmelide, for the hand of his daughter, Guinevere. Guinevere is less than keen, but she has no choice, despite being in love with Arthur's best friend, Lancelot. When she makes her feelings forcefully clear, Arthur realises the situation is impossible and reneges on the arrangement, unknowing that the future of Camelot is at stake.
Later, Guinevere realises that her father will insist she marries a king – Lancelot is of no consequence politically. If Guinevere cannot persuade Arthur to renew his proposal, she will be forced to marry the cruel tyrant, Malegeant.
Camelot has more powerful enemies than Malegeant, however. Arthur's adopted sister, Morgana, and her son Mordred want revenge on Camelot. When Morgana became pregnant, Uther, her guardian and supposed protector, banished her. Now they want Camelot's throne. But Lady Vivien will go to any lengths to ensure her visions of Avalon and Arthur's futures come to pass.
A thoroughly enjoyable read revisiting the legend of King Arthur, but with a clever twist or two along the way, The Forgotten Queen has it all: romance, forbidden love, adventure, treachery, intrigue, magic, war and redemption, and is a perfect piece of escapism
Read
February 11, 2016As an infant, Avalon is stripped of beauty so that all that remains are her dramatic green eyes. She is taught from birth that Arthur is her destiny. Out of curiosity she watches him in the lake and finds it impossible not to fall in loveand yet he is the king. Its not until a love triangle between Guinevere, Lancelot, and Arthur forces Camelot to the brink of destruction that Arthur realizes what a fool he has been. Raised in the shadows, subservient to the Lady of the Lake, Avalon rises above it all to become the true queen of Camelot. She is the for_got_ten queen and the sole bearer of Arthurs heart.
September 11, 2013
Another Camelot adaptation. A bit different in that Guinevere and Lancelot are exiled from Albion. Lancelot was to be executed but Arthur frees him. Guinevere is kidnapped and impregnated by Mordred. Arthur marries Vivian the Lady of the Lakes daughter, Avalon and has a child with her who goes on to be the Arthur of the fairy tales that rebuilds Camelot.
The story line is good, clear, and follows itself well. What I didn't like was the story was not written in the period, it read as a modern adaptation with language, motivation, and morals.
The story line is good, clear, and follows itself well. What I didn't like was the story was not written in the period, it read as a modern adaptation with language, motivation, and morals.
June 3, 2013
There were a few sections that the same conversation kept looping for a few pages and it reminded me of those meetings where people reiterate themselves so many times that you think they just want to hear themselves speak. Otherwise, it was OK -- and given another pass of the editing wand and a gulp of a potion to figure with which themes could be backed off and which to develop more, it could be a great book.
August 17, 2013
I grew up reading and loving stories about Camelot -- Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin, the lady of the lake, Excalibur, and magic are old friends. The subtitle of Ms. Mackey's book is "retelling Camelot" and boy does she ever. I've read stories with a different slant or emphasis but this is very different but an interesting tale. Well written but I need to think about it some before I decide how it fits in with the larger body of Arthurian stories.
No sex
No graphic violence
No sex
No graphic violence
February 17, 2015
I initially had my doubts about this story. But . . . I LOVED IT. The story is so very touching and somewhat one of the saddest love stories I have ever read. This story is worth your time. Avalon is a touchingly wonderful character. More than a couple times I felt close to tears with things occurring in Camelot. You don't have to know much about the Nights of the Round Table or the cast of characters. Read this for the simple, beautiful, retelling of The Forgotten Queen.
May 9, 2013
I LOVED this book. The story throws a creative and beautiful twist on the story of Camelot. Mackey draws upon multiple versions of the legend, while at the same time adding new twists to the story that seem to make the story click right into place in a way that it never has before. This story is romantic, clever, and heart wrenching. It will be a while before I am over this one.
June 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this telling of Arthur of Camelot. I had a hard time putting it down. There was a few POV changes, but I never got lost. Would recommend it to anyone that likes that story.
Moral Note: Some war violence, evil queens, no language, some talk of heirs, affair (Guinevere & Lancelot)
Moral Note: Some war violence, evil queens, no language, some talk of heirs, affair (Guinevere & Lancelot)
June 16, 2013
A different retelling of King Arthur and his knights. Two King Arthurs.
August 13, 2013
Fun twist on the Camelot story. Less depressing, and quite imaginative. I liked it.
January 23, 2017
long, drawn out, and too familiar. when I choose this book I had hopes it would be a nice twist on the Author legend. unfortunately, it wasn't it was unnecessarily long and ended weakly.
March 17, 2015
A good story but the use of modern language/phrases was irritating.
December 2, 2014
Great imagination and story telling.
Want to read
May 2, 20153/25/15 PAUSED READING...
4/28/15 Resumed
5/1/2015: PAUSED AGAIN
4/28/15 Resumed
5/1/2015: PAUSED AGAIN
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews