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The Paths to Camelot #2
Camelot's Honor
An evocative and magical romance set in the legendary time of King Arthur. Elen, the daughter of a Welsh chieftain, lives in the border territory with her widowed mother and her brother. Her family are keen to ally with King Arthur, but some of the other local chieftains, in particular the ferocious Urien, are not so sure. One night Elen is called out to tend to a woman in childbirth, and when her mother offers her some strange advice before she leaves she realises with trepidation that she is going to the fae folk. In return for her aid in the safe delivery of a baby boy, the fae magically delay her return home; so when she arrives Urien's men have already left, leaving her home in ruins and her mother brutally butchered. Elen determines to ride to Arthur's court to beg for aid in driving out the invaders. What she doesn't know is that Urien is the paramour of Morgaine, the most powerful sorceress on the Isle of Britain, Arthur's half-sister and his deadliest enemy. Morgaine and Urien decide that Elen must not be allowed to reach Arthur. But they reckon without the valiant Geraint, younger brother of the renowned Sir Gawain. He is determined to prove himself worthy of his place at the Round Table, but when he meets Elen he will find there are things other than honour worth fighting for.
448 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Zettel
60 books437 followersSarah Zettel is the critically acclaimed author of more than twenty novels, spanning the full range of genre fiction. Her debut novel, Reclamation, won the Locus Award for Best First Novel. Her second release, Fool’s War, was a 1997 New York Times Notable Book, and the American Library Association named Playing God one of the Best Books for Young Adults of 1999. Her novel Bitter Angels won the Philip K. Dick Award for best science fiction paperback in 2009. Her latest novel, Dust Girl, was named as one of the best young adult books of the year by both Kirkus Reviews and the American Library Association. Zettel lives in Michigan with her husband, her rapidly growing son, and her cat, Buffy the Vermin Slayer.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 1, 2020
I am a passionate Arthurian enthusiast Among my favourite novels of all times include Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy, Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon, and Bernard Cornwell's Warlord trilogy
I am always excited to find a new Arthur and was thrilled to pick up this one
And it began in a promising way but then lost momentum and became almost a damp squib.
It repeats itself, meanders, fails to hold attention and in parts is just lame.
I have read plenty of Science Fantasy and don't at all have a problem with the technique of one character being bound up with an animal or mythical being, and this was done magnificently in for example Raymond E Feist's Riftwar Saga.
but the way in which Elen's heart was mechanically transferred into the hawks by evil; enchantress Morgaine, just fell flat.
We were simply unsure where Elen's own will began and where the will of the hawk controlled it. the author was never really clear on this.
I was also never sure who the Great KIng, Little King and Mouse King were and thought the elements of the mouse people, mice with human Zettel's writing style is not bad at all, and she has quite a way with words. but the plot was repetitive, the characterization quite poor and it failed to hold my attention.
I am always excited to find a new Arthur and was thrilled to pick up this one
And it began in a promising way but then lost momentum and became almost a damp squib.
It repeats itself, meanders, fails to hold attention and in parts is just lame.
I have read plenty of Science Fantasy and don't at all have a problem with the technique of one character being bound up with an animal or mythical being, and this was done magnificently in for example Raymond E Feist's Riftwar Saga.
but the way in which Elen's heart was mechanically transferred into the hawks by evil; enchantress Morgaine, just fell flat.
We were simply unsure where Elen's own will began and where the will of the hawk controlled it. the author was never really clear on this.
I was also never sure who the Great KIng, Little King and Mouse King were and thought the elements of the mouse people, mice with human Zettel's writing style is not bad at all, and she has quite a way with words. but the plot was repetitive, the characterization quite poor and it failed to hold my attention.
October 23, 2017
Camelot’s Honour might be my favourite of the quartet, now that I think about it. Okay, Camelot’s Shadow has Gawain, and the clever weaving together of the story of the Green Knight and the story of the Loathly Lady… but this is the most Welsh-inspired book of the quartet, including characters from the Mabinogion and weaving together various strands of mythology which aren’t necessarily Arthurian. I’m not a purist about that; I loved it.
It might not be the most stirring of the love stories, but the quiet strength Elen and Geraint have together is great. He’s the strong and silent type, less susceptible to a pretty face, and a bit less lionised as completely amazing by Zettel, which makes him more interesting.
Maybe I could wish for a few more of the themes of this book, not to mention the characters, to carry through into others of the series. But it’s still great fun.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
It might not be the most stirring of the love stories, but the quiet strength Elen and Geraint have together is great. He’s the strong and silent type, less susceptible to a pretty face, and a bit less lionised as completely amazing by Zettel, which makes him more interesting.
Maybe I could wish for a few more of the themes of this book, not to mention the characters, to carry through into others of the series. But it’s still great fun.
Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
May 2, 2018
I picked this book up at Lifeline Bookfest, not realising it was in a series when I began to read it after. It read well as a single book to be honest. I read this for about half an hour a week due to university, work and sporting commitments and - very surprisingly for me - did not forget a detail or lose my place in the story. I think that says a lot for the Magic this story wove. The ending seemed slightly rushed but that just may be my desire for dramatic last battles. A good read; I thank it for sticking by me during the uni semester.
December 20, 2011
I really mostly skimmed Camelot's Honour, on this read through. I'm rereading these books for the positive portrayal of Guinevere, after all, and she's barely even mentioned in this book. Still, I had fun even in my hasty reading -- Geraint might be my favourite on this go round: the whole strong and silent thing is very appealing, and Zettel is less eager to heap perfection on him than she is with Gawain.
I loved realising, on this read-through, how much of this came from the Mabinogion. Not from the Arthurian texts within it, but from the Four Branches. It's an interesting choice of source.
I loved realising, on this read-through, how much of this came from the Mabinogion. Not from the Arthurian texts within it, but from the Four Branches. It's an interesting choice of source.
February 2, 2012
Don’t be fooled into thinking Sarah Zettel’s Camelot series is about the four brother knights who appear in their pages.
This series is as much about the knights, Sir Gareth, Sir Geraint, Sir Agravain, and Sir Gawain as Laurie King’s Mary Russell series is about Sherlock Holmes. Sure, the guys get a lot of play and are the names that draw you into the novels. But it is the damsels in distress who outshine the armor of the knights.
Part of this is due to the recipe required for a Luna book. Luna, the new-kid-on-the-block fantasy imprint of Harlequin, requires their authors to produce books with a strong female central character and a romance. Compared to most romance novels, this is a fairly moderate formula, an editorial light touch which has produced some fantastic novels in the past few years.
For Camelot’s Honor is the second book in Sarah Zettel’s Camelot series. The first, In Camelot’s Shadow, featured Risa and her attempt to escape the clutches of a sorcerer. She and her knight, Sir Gawain, are briefly mentioned in For Camelot’s Honor, but they stay backstage living out their happily ever after so we can follow the love story of another brother.
This story is one of vengeance and alliances. We meet Elen, the daughter of a Welsh village that guards a very special and strategic bridge. It’s a bridge that attracts Camelot’s attention and they send envoys to sue for peace and alliance. Human strategy aside, it is also a bridge that opens into the fairy world every Midsummer, a connection that places certain duties upon those who live in the village under fae protection.
Morgaine is actively plotting against Camelot and sends her lover to disrupt the peace talks and make an example of Elen’s mother Adara, the chieftan’s wife and current leader of Pont Cymnod. Elen herself falls into Morgaine’s clutches and suffers a cruel curse that keeps her from carrying out vengeance on those who destroyed her home and family. It also interferes mightily with the budding romance between her and Sir Geraint, the quiet brother who was part of the original envoy to the village.
It is impossible to not compare Camelot’s Honor with Camelot’s Shadow. Both have a strong female character who is in deep peril. Both heroines find themselves assisted by one of the famous brothers from the Knights of the Round Table. Both of them pursue their emancipation with vigor and strength. Both are set in the exact same time period and nearly identical settings with familiar characters passing through all of the pages.
However, these novels are not the same. Elen is far more in control of her own fate than Risa, though Morgaine’s curse gives her a temporary helplessness which she fights tooth and nail. Sir Geraint is very different from his personable brother Gawain. While Geraint is equally honorable and talented, he is quiet and does not dally with the number of women that Gawain has. Instead, he is a very steady and loyal knight, one who is steadfast and is able to listen to words unspoken as well as spoken.
It is the later trait that at one point hearkens back to the pages of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Just as Levin and Kitty translated impossibly long lines of initials written on each other’s legs, Elen and Geraint share a critical moment where they must manage to understand cryptic conversations lest their love affair and lives go permanently awry.
Zettel’s subtext remains as fascinating as her plots and dialogue. While this novel lacks the politics and sociology of some of her earlier novels, she still asks questions that are worthy of contemplation far after the book is closed. In Camelot’s Honor she explores the power of our word. In tricky dealings with the fairy world that echo her Isavalta series, the characters must do all that they say they will. Their words to the fairies have the same compulsion that Morgaine’s curse has over Elen, though she enters the former willingly. Indeed, she is far more faithful to those promises which she enters of her own will and seeks no escape from it.
While that might seem simplistic and obvious on the surface, Zettel digs deeper into the theme of compulsion. For Elen and Geraint are forced into a relationship that they would have desired had it not been thrust upon them. While their commitment to honor keeps them drawn to each other, they both struggle with whether love can grow from their circumstances.
As always, it is Zettel’s storytelling that makes this book a worthwhile read. Yes, it will appeal to Arthurian fans. Yes, it will appeal to lovers of lovers. But For Camelot’s Honor is not merely a genre book; it is a book with a strong story that entertains.
This series is as much about the knights, Sir Gareth, Sir Geraint, Sir Agravain, and Sir Gawain as Laurie King’s Mary Russell series is about Sherlock Holmes. Sure, the guys get a lot of play and are the names that draw you into the novels. But it is the damsels in distress who outshine the armor of the knights.
Part of this is due to the recipe required for a Luna book. Luna, the new-kid-on-the-block fantasy imprint of Harlequin, requires their authors to produce books with a strong female central character and a romance. Compared to most romance novels, this is a fairly moderate formula, an editorial light touch which has produced some fantastic novels in the past few years.
For Camelot’s Honor is the second book in Sarah Zettel’s Camelot series. The first, In Camelot’s Shadow, featured Risa and her attempt to escape the clutches of a sorcerer. She and her knight, Sir Gawain, are briefly mentioned in For Camelot’s Honor, but they stay backstage living out their happily ever after so we can follow the love story of another brother.
This story is one of vengeance and alliances. We meet Elen, the daughter of a Welsh village that guards a very special and strategic bridge. It’s a bridge that attracts Camelot’s attention and they send envoys to sue for peace and alliance. Human strategy aside, it is also a bridge that opens into the fairy world every Midsummer, a connection that places certain duties upon those who live in the village under fae protection.
Morgaine is actively plotting against Camelot and sends her lover to disrupt the peace talks and make an example of Elen’s mother Adara, the chieftan’s wife and current leader of Pont Cymnod. Elen herself falls into Morgaine’s clutches and suffers a cruel curse that keeps her from carrying out vengeance on those who destroyed her home and family. It also interferes mightily with the budding romance between her and Sir Geraint, the quiet brother who was part of the original envoy to the village.
It is impossible to not compare Camelot’s Honor with Camelot’s Shadow. Both have a strong female character who is in deep peril. Both heroines find themselves assisted by one of the famous brothers from the Knights of the Round Table. Both of them pursue their emancipation with vigor and strength. Both are set in the exact same time period and nearly identical settings with familiar characters passing through all of the pages.
However, these novels are not the same. Elen is far more in control of her own fate than Risa, though Morgaine’s curse gives her a temporary helplessness which she fights tooth and nail. Sir Geraint is very different from his personable brother Gawain. While Geraint is equally honorable and talented, he is quiet and does not dally with the number of women that Gawain has. Instead, he is a very steady and loyal knight, one who is steadfast and is able to listen to words unspoken as well as spoken.
It is the later trait that at one point hearkens back to the pages of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Just as Levin and Kitty translated impossibly long lines of initials written on each other’s legs, Elen and Geraint share a critical moment where they must manage to understand cryptic conversations lest their love affair and lives go permanently awry.
Zettel’s subtext remains as fascinating as her plots and dialogue. While this novel lacks the politics and sociology of some of her earlier novels, she still asks questions that are worthy of contemplation far after the book is closed. In Camelot’s Honor she explores the power of our word. In tricky dealings with the fairy world that echo her Isavalta series, the characters must do all that they say they will. Their words to the fairies have the same compulsion that Morgaine’s curse has over Elen, though she enters the former willingly. Indeed, she is far more faithful to those promises which she enters of her own will and seeks no escape from it.
While that might seem simplistic and obvious on the surface, Zettel digs deeper into the theme of compulsion. For Elen and Geraint are forced into a relationship that they would have desired had it not been thrust upon them. While their commitment to honor keeps them drawn to each other, they both struggle with whether love can grow from their circumstances.
As always, it is Zettel’s storytelling that makes this book a worthwhile read. Yes, it will appeal to Arthurian fans. Yes, it will appeal to lovers of lovers. But For Camelot’s Honor is not merely a genre book; it is a book with a strong story that entertains.
February 9, 2010
See the first book of this series, Camelot's Shadow, for my full review of this series.
Reread in February 2010.
The first time I read this series, I wasn't all that impressed. There are still things I'm not so keen on -- the love at first sight, for one thing, doesn't ring very true, and also the books could do with better proofreading. There's punctuation missing, and I'm pretty sure "grieves" and "greaves" don't mean the same thing. But, this time, I found myself a lot more interested. I preferred Geraint to Gawain, I think, and I was interested in him and his feelings about his relationship to Morgaine, and his way of dealing with his legacy from his father -- and his love for Elen.
I don't know if the story of Elen and Geraint is based on any legend, Arthurian or otherwise, although I suspect that the story of Gwiffert, at least, has some kind of link to existing mythology. Still, it's nice to see a lot of mythology together and coupled to the Arthurian mythology, to make something new. The ongoing story of Morgaine is interesting, too: I can't actually remember very well how that's resolved, and I forgot that she seemed genuinely in love with Urien.
I originally didn't like Elen much, but there is something compelling about her, too, and her struggle, and Collanau. I wished the book had more about the Lord, the Lady, and Elen's family. As far as I remember, the Lord and the Lady don't come into it again, which is a shame.
Edit: Erec and Enide is, of course, where I think this comes from. It doesn't follow it directly in plot, but I think the idea of the bird came from there.
Reread in February 2010.
The first time I read this series, I wasn't all that impressed. There are still things I'm not so keen on -- the love at first sight, for one thing, doesn't ring very true, and also the books could do with better proofreading. There's punctuation missing, and I'm pretty sure "grieves" and "greaves" don't mean the same thing. But, this time, I found myself a lot more interested. I preferred Geraint to Gawain, I think, and I was interested in him and his feelings about his relationship to Morgaine, and his way of dealing with his legacy from his father -- and his love for Elen.
I don't know if the story of Elen and Geraint is based on any legend, Arthurian or otherwise, although I suspect that the story of Gwiffert, at least, has some kind of link to existing mythology. Still, it's nice to see a lot of mythology together and coupled to the Arthurian mythology, to make something new. The ongoing story of Morgaine is interesting, too: I can't actually remember very well how that's resolved, and I forgot that she seemed genuinely in love with Urien.
I originally didn't like Elen much, but there is something compelling about her, too, and her struggle, and Collanau. I wished the book had more about the Lord, the Lady, and Elen's family. As far as I remember, the Lord and the Lady don't come into it again, which is a shame.
Edit: Erec and Enide is, of course, where I think this comes from. It doesn't follow it directly in plot, but I think the idea of the bird came from there.
June 15, 2023
3 stars
This took me a bit to finish and I am not completely sure why because whenever I picked it up I quite enjoyed it. It did feel a bit less like romance than the last one for there was a lot of other stuff to be resolved in this one.
I did quite like this one, quiet Geraint was a lovely and steadfast hero and the story was a very interesting story full of really wild wonders. Set in Wales, and with a welsh heroine I think this borrows some of its story from tales of the Mabinogion. Not being very familiar with that, a lot of it was new to me.
I did like Elen a great deal as well. And the dealings of her people with the other side of the bridge The story was truly interesting and the ending definitely did keep me interested in reading the next.
This took me a bit to finish and I am not completely sure why because whenever I picked it up I quite enjoyed it. It did feel a bit less like romance than the last one for there was a lot of other stuff to be resolved in this one.
I did quite like this one, quiet Geraint was a lovely and steadfast hero and the story was a very interesting story full of really wild wonders. Set in Wales, and with a welsh heroine I think this borrows some of its story from tales of the Mabinogion. Not being very familiar with that, a lot of it was new to me.
I did like Elen a great deal as well. And the dealings of her people with the other side of the bridge The story was truly interesting and the ending definitely did keep me interested in reading the next.
March 21, 2024
I hadn't read any of Sarah Zettel's books before, but I'll definitely be looking for more of her books after reading this one. Even though it's the 2nd book in a trilogy, it stands alone as a novel. Set in the time of King Arthur, it is the story of Elen, daughter of a noble chieftain, and Geraint, one of Arthur's nephews. When Elen's settlement and people are mostly destroyed by a jealous neighbour, she is enslaved through a magic curse. Geraint seeks to rescue her, and together they set off on a quest for freedom and vengeance. It is a tale of heartache, magic, romance, deception and intrigue. The author's imagination knows no bounds with her graphic descriptions and surprise twists in the plot.
A gripping read.
A gripping read.
December 24, 2022
Zettel is really great at setting up physical landscapes and locations. You can clearly picture it. She was also excellent at setting up and paying off mysteries.
The worldbuilding -a mix of history Arthurian legend, and high fantasy- was fun. I liked the main characters a lot, though the romance did feel a bit rush. Morgaine is an interesting and fascinating villain to read.
The ending did begin to drag and the pacing suffered in the last third, but the ending was very satisfying.
The worldbuilding -a mix of history Arthurian legend, and high fantasy- was fun. I liked the main characters a lot, though the romance did feel a bit rush. Morgaine is an interesting and fascinating villain to read.
The ending did begin to drag and the pacing suffered in the last third, but the ending was very satisfying.
May 7, 2017
Dieses Buch ist so schlecht geschrieben, dass ich mich die Seiten, die ich gelesen habe, richtig durchgequält habe und dann bei ca 30 Seiten aufgegeben habe. Zu der Story kann ich dementsprechend nicht viel sagen.
February 6, 2022
Thought it would be one type of book and it turned out to be another - far more fanciful mythology and fantasy realms rather than medieval battles and honour. It was okay but not what I signed up for!
June 30, 2023
As in the first book, I found the pacing here weird. And I wish the characters had been given more time to develop their romance; it would have made me an easier sell on the conclusion, which depends on their trust and perfect wordless communication.
November 28, 2022
Not as good as I remembered. Characters were fine, but the plot (driven by a curse that in today’s “me too” climate is even creepier) just plodded along.
October 27, 2024
The worst of the series, least connected to Arthur & his court. The whole fae transportation subplot was a slog and it was a solid chunk of the book. Recommend the last 2 most of the series.
August 14, 2025
Warring families, Knights of the Round Table, the fae, spells cast by Morgaine, over coming it all to find life long love. Loved it!
March 9, 2015
Camelot's Honour is the second book in Sarah Zettel's Camelot series. The first book told the story of Gawain and his lady love; Camelot's Honour follows a new set of characters - Gawain's brother Geraint and a young Welsh noblewoman, Elen. In my opinion it's a big improvement on the first book. While some typical elements remain the same (quickly-forming true love being the prime example), overall it is a much more interesting story.
The characeters are less perfect than in the first book, with interesting flaws and personalities. Elen's unladylike bloodlust was something I particularly liked, and the fact that you are never sure whether it's just Collanau's instincts bleeding into Elen, or whether Elen is more human than the ideals of chivalry would like to admit (after all, who wouldn't want a little payback after seeing their entire family killed and home burned to the ground?). Personally I think it's a little of both, a complexity I enjoyed wondering about. Geraint is also interesting, the quiet and thoughtful way he has reacted to his traumatic childhood much more appealing to me than the brash bravado of his older brother Gawain.
The story itself was also very interesting, based on a mythology not used very often and thus more fresh to me than the plot of the first book was. The trials Elen and Geraint have to endure and think their way out of are put together nicely (and the subtlety of the Little King is a nice change from the villains in the first book). Everything in the book is woven in with a purpose, with good use of foreshadowing. All the pieces are there for the reader to put together before Elen does, if they're paying attention.
The writing itself is very good. It still has that Olde Fashioned sound to the language, but it flows nicely and I found it easier to get my head around than I did in the first book. And again, it adds to the medieval/legendary feel of the story.
Overall, a well-written, interesting story that will appeal to fans of Arthurian legends and medieval fantasy/romances.
The characeters are less perfect than in the first book, with interesting flaws and personalities. Elen's unladylike bloodlust was something I particularly liked, and the fact that you are never sure whether it's just Collanau's instincts bleeding into Elen, or whether Elen is more human than the ideals of chivalry would like to admit (after all, who wouldn't want a little payback after seeing their entire family killed and home burned to the ground?). Personally I think it's a little of both, a complexity I enjoyed wondering about. Geraint is also interesting, the quiet and thoughtful way he has reacted to his traumatic childhood much more appealing to me than the brash bravado of his older brother Gawain.
The story itself was also very interesting, based on a mythology not used very often and thus more fresh to me than the plot of the first book was. The trials Elen and Geraint have to endure and think their way out of are put together nicely (and the subtlety of the Little King is a nice change from the villains in the first book). Everything in the book is woven in with a purpose, with good use of foreshadowing. All the pieces are there for the reader to put together before Elen does, if they're paying attention.
The writing itself is very good. It still has that Olde Fashioned sound to the language, but it flows nicely and I found it easier to get my head around than I did in the first book. And again, it adds to the medieval/legendary feel of the story.
Overall, a well-written, interesting story that will appeal to fans of Arthurian legends and medieval fantasy/romances.
January 20, 2021
Ms Zettel is a powerful story-teller and Camelot’s Honor is her compelling sequel to In Camelot’s Shadow. Set in the untamed country of the Welsh borders, this tale of the valiant Sir Geraint’s adventure is a heady mixture of dark magic, deception, passion and courtly love.
Sent as part of King Arthur’s emissary to Pont Cymryd to forge an alliance with the widow of its chieftain, Geraint was drawn to Lady Elen when they first met although they barely exchanged a word. Seeking to destroy the alliance and break the spirits of her people, local chieftain Urien, paramour to Morgaine (Arthur’s half sister), murdered her mother and razed her home while Elen was out one night attending a difficult birth for the fey folks.
In spite of the ruthless Morgaine ripping Elen’s heart out and magically transplanting it to a hawk’s to stop her from seeking justice, the courageous Elen managed to call out to Merlin, her blood kin, for help. Geraint, upon hearing of the lady’s distress naturally volunteered to go to the aid of the fair maiden. After all, what better way could there be to prove himself a worthy knight at Arthur’s Round Table than to go on such a quest.
It was while she was thus enslaved that Elen and Geraint were forced into a handfasting of sorts, and their love would eventually be tested against a web of lies. But Zettel, being a romantic to her blessed bones, gave the brave young couple a happy ending, without being sappy or detracting form the story’s fantasy vein. I’m only puzzled by the change in Gawain’s wife’s name — it became Rhian in this story.
First reviewed here.
Sent as part of King Arthur’s emissary to Pont Cymryd to forge an alliance with the widow of its chieftain, Geraint was drawn to Lady Elen when they first met although they barely exchanged a word. Seeking to destroy the alliance and break the spirits of her people, local chieftain Urien, paramour to Morgaine (Arthur’s half sister), murdered her mother and razed her home while Elen was out one night attending a difficult birth for the fey folks.
In spite of the ruthless Morgaine ripping Elen’s heart out and magically transplanting it to a hawk’s to stop her from seeking justice, the courageous Elen managed to call out to Merlin, her blood kin, for help. Geraint, upon hearing of the lady’s distress naturally volunteered to go to the aid of the fair maiden. After all, what better way could there be to prove himself a worthy knight at Arthur’s Round Table than to go on such a quest.
It was while she was thus enslaved that Elen and Geraint were forced into a handfasting of sorts, and their love would eventually be tested against a web of lies. But Zettel, being a romantic to her blessed bones, gave the brave young couple a happy ending, without being sappy or detracting form the story’s fantasy vein. I’m only puzzled by the change in Gawain’s wife’s name — it became Rhian in this story.
First reviewed here.
May 7, 2012
Synopsis: "Set in Arthurian England, FOR CAMELOT'S HONOR is the follow-up to "IN CAMELOT'S SHADOW (LUNA, 3/04) and is based on the epic "Geraint and Enid from the "Mabinogion. Elen, the daughter of a Welsh chieftain, believed that nothing could withstand her retribution against her family's killer. But the evil sorceress Morgaine had other plans--an elaborate plan to cause Elen to betray all she held dear, including her new ally, the High King. Still holding fast to hope, facing deadly foes seen and unseen, Elen traveled through the wild mountains to find a magical weapon to strike down the sorceress. Sir Geraint, her only companion, would risk life and love to complete their quest--but never honor. Would Elen, too, choose honor and the future over revenge and a shattered past?"
My Review: Another fantastic Arthurian romance! Of all the brothers I would pick Geraint as my hubby, he is so quite, intelligent and honorable. This book took on an even more magical story, literally, it is littered with magic and curses for Elen and Geraint to wade through and correct. The curse laid upon Elen is one of the worst I could imagine, but she quickly figures out the loop holes Morgaine didn't close. Elen is very observant and determined to avenge her family and reclaim her lands, but she requires help from some very powerful beings to achieve her goals.
My Review: Another fantastic Arthurian romance! Of all the brothers I would pick Geraint as my hubby, he is so quite, intelligent and honorable. This book took on an even more magical story, literally, it is littered with magic and curses for Elen and Geraint to wade through and correct. The curse laid upon Elen is one of the worst I could imagine, but she quickly figures out the loop holes Morgaine didn't close. Elen is very observant and determined to avenge her family and reclaim her lands, but she requires help from some very powerful beings to achieve her goals.
September 6, 2014
I am a passionate Arthurian enthusiast Among my favourite novels of all times include Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy, Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon, and Bernard Cornwell's Warlord trilogy
I am always excited to find a new Arthur and was thrilled to pick up this one
And it began in a promising way but then lost momentum and became almost a damp squib.
It repeats itself, meanders, fails to hold attention and in parts is just lame.
I have read plenty of Science Fantasy and don't at all have a problem with the technique of one character being bound up with an animal or mythical being, and this was done magnificently in for example Raymond E Feist's Riftwar Saga.
but the way in which Elen's heart was mechanically transferred into the hawks by evil; enchantress Morgaine, just fell flat.
We were simply unsure where Elen's own will began and where the will of the hawk controlled it. the author was never really clear on this.
I was also never sure who the Great KIng, Little King and Mouse King were and thought the elements of the mouse people, mice with human Zettel's writing style is not bad at all, and she has quite a way with words. but the plot was repetitive, the characterization quite poor and it failed to hold my attention.
I am always excited to find a new Arthur and was thrilled to pick up this one
And it began in a promising way but then lost momentum and became almost a damp squib.
It repeats itself, meanders, fails to hold attention and in parts is just lame.
I have read plenty of Science Fantasy and don't at all have a problem with the technique of one character being bound up with an animal or mythical being, and this was done magnificently in for example Raymond E Feist's Riftwar Saga.
but the way in which Elen's heart was mechanically transferred into the hawks by evil; enchantress Morgaine, just fell flat.
We were simply unsure where Elen's own will began and where the will of the hawk controlled it. the author was never really clear on this.
I was also never sure who the Great KIng, Little King and Mouse King were and thought the elements of the mouse people, mice with human Zettel's writing style is not bad at all, and she has quite a way with words. but the plot was repetitive, the characterization quite poor and it failed to hold my attention.
February 9, 2017
This was a pretty good book overall but had quite a few drawbacks. The final showdown that was being built up all the way through the book - I feel - was a bit of a let down. I thought it would have lasted a little longer but that may just be my taste. Also I felt that there was maybe too much luck in the story on Elen's part. She didn't seem to have to work very hard to get places but that was just a subtlety. I liked that this book, though it had some graphic scenes in terms of bloodshed, had a kind of modesty when it came to sex. That is usually hard to find in historical romances. This is the second book in a series. It is follows different characters than the first book. It doesn't have to be read second but if you want to read the first book I would suggest reading the first book before this one as it gives away a little bit of the first book in it. Overall it was a good story but I don't think I'd want to read it again.
October 12, 2010
This book began more strongly than it ended. It begins in a little Welsh village that has charge of a bridge of some strategic importance. It's also a bridge of some importance to Faerie. If you liked Mists of Avalon, you'll like settling into this world and reading about courtesy to visitors to the hall, feasting, and treachery. There's also a romance, although I wouldn't call it a romance novel. However, the plot gets twisted up as the characters enter Faerie and it never came quite right again for me. I liked Elen and Gereint, but was unsure how they bonded quite so thoroughly and so quickly, and the spear quest came out of left field and stole momentum from the story for me. But well written.
August 25, 2018
I’ve just re-read this after reading the first book in the series and I’m changing my mind about my previous review. This has been a much better route than I thought it was previously, I think I understand the Characters more after reading the First book in the series.
I really like Elen , A fiery character not afraid to challenge, or to fall in love and have the utmost faith. In Geraint.
The pairing up of Elen and the Hawk was such an integral part of the plot, the description of the link between them was just outstanding writing and I think probably that’s the favourite part of my book.
I really like Elen , A fiery character not afraid to challenge, or to fall in love and have the utmost faith. In Geraint.
The pairing up of Elen and the Hawk was such an integral part of the plot, the description of the link between them was just outstanding writing and I think probably that’s the favourite part of my book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2012
Oh boy was this a load of rehashed tripe. It wasn’t badly written as such, in fact it was quite well written really for what it was, it was just boring as hell. Nearly five hundred pages of the same old same old. If you are a fantasy fan – trust me, you’ve read it all before. It was repetitive, derivative and … hey I don’t want to bore you. Just don’t bother.
April 12, 2009
I read this book in Germany to escape my Gastmutter for a while and just think in ENGLISH for a few hours. I remember liking it quite well even if I'm usually not into King Arthur type fantasy, but I want to look up more of Zettel's writing.
July 10, 2017
The battle for Arthurian Britain continues in this follow-up to In Camelot's Shadow. Elen, the daughter of a Welsh chieftain, is targeted by the fearsome sorceress Morgaine, who plans to cause Elen to betray all she holds dear, including her new ally, the High King.
November 22, 2008
Oh to be in Camelot! Great book
July 17, 2016
Absolute cracking read, could not put it down from the very first page. Great, complex characters, deep, complex story. It was the second book in a series, but totally stands on its own.
April 26, 2018
Comme pour le premier, je n'ai pas trop accroché. Je ne lirai pas les suivants et ça ne me manquera pas vraiment...
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