Secrets of Camelot

by Reut Barak

I never really believed in magic. I knew it existed, but I didn’t believe in it. I was a rational, educated woman, born centuries too early. I fought my father when he arranged my marriage to King Arthur at the age of fifteen, even though I was flattered that Arthur chose me of all the ladies.

But I am Queen-material after all. Queen Guinevere of the capital city of Camelot. Able to manage the complex politics of the treacherous, backstabbing court of Camelot. And form alliances with magical people: fairies, witches and mages, including the strongest magical power ever to walk this earth: Merlin.

I even liked it. Ugly Sir Gawain with his surprising endless line of women, Merlin’s captivating humor, Vivienne’s inner strength, Kay’s charisma and insomnia, and Arthur…he won my heart. Fair and square. I chose to marry him. I thought he was the one for me. Because back then, I didn’t know his real nature, his abuse of power. And I hadn’t yet met my true love: Lancelot.

Lancelot claims my heart at first sight. For him, I will break all the rules, suffer in silence, and face the inevitable punishment.

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2024

About the author

My personal life - videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

Once upon a time…

Reut was born in Camelot in the year 1201, following the famous explosion of the northern dragon tower.
She has a degree in fantasy and science fiction from the University of Atlantis and this record can be found in the central library, now twenty thousand leagues under the sea.

She likes phoenix riding, dragon fighting and painting the roses red.

And Grimm’s Fairy Tales

Evans Witches:
https://reutbarak.com/evans/

Connect with Reut:
www.reutbarak.com

Raw Munchies:
http://www.rawmunchies.org

Funny Fairy Tales:
www.funnyfairytales.org

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Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-OW...
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Reviews

[Reut Barak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author’s review: 72 hours:
I wrote Secrets of Camelot in seventy-two hours. I slept, I ate, and I wrote Secrets of Camelot.
That was a few years ago. It was the third part of a trilogy, and it went straight into the drawer with the other two, because I naively thought it was just a summer thing. A hobby. Hmm…
And then, one day...I pulled my old book out of the drawer to read and re-write it.
I couldn’t put it down. I loved every bit. Except one thing: it was too…Arthurian, in the sense that it was so focused on him.
I wanted a female voice. I wanted Guinevere. I started from scratch. It was hard. Guinevere is known as a complex woman—queen of one of the most sophisticated courts in literature. Getting her right was a challenge.
In 1995, the movie First Knight came out, with Sean Connery, Richard Gere, and Julia Ormond. I LOVE that film! It’s based on a lesser-known legend of Meliagrance (called Maleagant there). It impressed me despite how much I already knew about Arthurian legends, because here was a new perspective, a story that was all about Guinevere.
I’d set out to create a strong woman character. I ended up writing three. Guinevere: independent, sophisticated, outspoken, and sometimes prone to tempers. Vivienne: you’ve met her in Merlin’s Creed; she’s now older, experienced, and stands up without fear to protect those she loves. And Elaine: a minor character in the legends and a major one here, the hidden hand that makes some of the strongest moves in this story.
I hope you like it.
https://reutbarak.com/secrets/

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, this series just keeps coming for my soul.
Secrets of Camelot wasn’t just a continuation—it was a deep dive into everything I didn’t know I was holding my breath for. Guinevere’s voice? Still sharp, still real, still layered with that perfect blend of modern mind and medieval mess. I love how she’s this woman out of time, trying to do right by herself and her people, even when the world she’s navigating is rigged and ruthless.
And my poor heart. Arthur… sweet, strong, complicated Arthur. I was rooting for him. I wanted to believe with her. And for a while? I did. But then the cracks started showing and wow, did it hurt when the truth finally shattered through.
Then Lancelot entered the picture and suddenly I understood why Guinevere’s heart started to shift. It wasn’t about fairytales—it was about being seen, really seen, for who she is, not just what role she plays. And let me just say… the emotional tension? Delicious. Tender. Gut-wrenching in all the best ways.
And Merlin? That chaotic, brilliant magical menace still owns a chunk of my heart. His dynamic with Gwen continues to be one of my favorite parts of this whole series—equal parts banter, power, and subtle vulnerability.
The politics of Camelot are twisted and ugly, the alliances are risky, and the truth? It’s slippery. Reut Barak doesn’t hold your hand through this one. She trusts you to feel the weight of Gwen’s decisions, her betrayals, her longing, and her strength.
This book reminded me that being Queen isn’t about crowns or titles—it’s about who you are when everything else falls apart.
And Guinevere? She may not have asked for this, but she’s wearing her crown like the fierce, heart-bruised warrior she is.
Bring on the next book. I’m not ready, but I’m all in.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Reut Barak!

Honestly, I just love how all of these Evans Witches books connect together. It’s nothing obvious, just a hint here and there with people and names easily recognizable. Even though with this story, we’re back to the beginning and the time of Camelot, we still see familiar names. Have to admit, I miss the dragons in this one. This is the first story I’ve read about King Arthur told from Guinevere’s perspective. She’s always made out to be the villain, but not in this story. I loved that. It's very different and very enjoyable and I cannot recommend this series of books highly enough.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was high disappointed in the final book of this trilogy. It mainly focused on Guinevere recount of her relationship with Arthur and Lancelot with a new twist. It didn’t address the ending in book two of the trilogy or the battle between the different mage factions nor the relationship between the characters in the first two books of the series. The ending of was boring and left me unsatisfied. Just because they ended up in the future and Galahad met his charge wasn’t a well written conclusion to me

[Diana Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Evan’s Witches have nothing on Merlin, Guinevere and Arthur ! The past is told in Guin’s perspective and what a difference a female’s mind and experiences make on the history of Camelot . Excellent, well written characters, a gripping storyline that weaves through with the other Evan’s witches stories . It’s definitely best to read them in order, but you can thoroughly enjoy and follow the story and characters interactions with each other now and in other timelines. 5✨’s !

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Camelot, magic & Time travel what’s not to love. After reading the trilogy back to back, I think this third book is the best. I love Guinevere and Lancelot’s story and how it revolves around King Arthur. It’s creative and complex with drama and I am in love 🥰.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect fix for my romance craving! Lancelot and Guinevere, magic and spells, what’s there not to love?

[Roosterinroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! A little magic, little romance and a lot of great story.

[Margaret lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Camelot

Oh my goodness that was a brilliant read i absolutely loved it, the characters feel like good friends and the plot was fantastic a very well deserved 5 stars