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Guinevere #1-3
Guinevere
All three books of the stunning Arthurian romance The Guinevere Trilogy available as a single volume at a superb price.
Never before has the mysterious legend of King Arthur and the knights of Camelot been explored in such sumptuous detail. Told from the point of view of Guinevere, this epic romance chronicles the life and loves of the queen of the Round Table. From being torn away from her native Breton to wed Arthur, being held captive by his enemies to her affair with Lancelot and the subsequent fall of Arthur’s kingdom, every dramatic event is explored in a rich, compelling narrative.
With acute attention to the existing literature and historical studies, Medievalist scholar Lavinia Collins brings the world of dashing knights, week-long banquets and cruel wars to light for a contemporary audience eager to get an insider view of life at Arthur’s court. While this book will make fans of Arthurian literature ecstatic, it will also bring delight to any reader of quality contemporary fiction.
Guinevere – A medieval romance was previously published as three volumes: The Warrior Queen, A Champion’s Duty and The Day of Destiny.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
376 people are currently reading
1043 people want to read
About the author
Lavinia Collins
19 books82 followersAuthor, feminist, fantasist and chronic daydreamer Lavinia Collins grew up in the rural Westcountry, where there was nothing to do but get lost in her own imagination. She began her love affair with all things medieval when she visited Tintagel castle as a little child. She went on to study medieval literature at University, where she indulged her habit of getting lost in an imaginary past by studying medieval Literature. While there she learned everything about chivalry in theory, and almost nothing in practice. She wanted to share just a little bit of the powerful magic of medieval literature and legend with the wider world, and bring these half-lost stories to a modern audience, to recover the most of all the stories of the women of these legends, who often get lost among all of the tales of heroes and battles. She hopes that you find reading her books as much of a romantic, immersive escape from the “real world” as she did writing them. Now she splits her time between her main passion, writing, and a bit of teaching and a lot of fussing the cat and daydreaming. She loves eating (mainly chocolate), drinking (mainly wine) and being merry (combination of the previous two and good friends).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
February 3, 2017
Questa trilogia (che ho preso nella versione e-book che comprende tutti e tre i libri) è una cosa che non sempre si trova: esattamente quello che sembra. Non è un retelling particolarmente ispirato, né particolarmente profondo, né completo, e non punta mai ad esserlo.
È una versione disimpegnata, un polpettone in costume il cui solo scopo è intrattenere, e per questo non posso giudicarlo troppo severamente. Come posso smontarlo perchè non arriva a vette a cui non vuole arrivare?
In sostanza questo è il libro adatto se volete il ciclo arturiano in versione easy, con accento sulla componente romance e un bel po' di scene di sesso scritte abbastanza bene (e che non fanno pensare "stanno facendo cosa e come?")
La storia, come possiamo bene immaginare, ha come protagonista Ginevra, che in prima persona ci racconta la sua storia: da principessa guerriera a regina impeccabile, ed è un viaggio interessante.
Questa Ginevra, rossa di capelli e abile con l'arco, è una Merida più realistica: principessa di un regno che ha perso miseramente la guerra contro il giovane Pendragon, viene da lui chiesta (anzi, pretesa) in moglie, senza possibilità di appello.
Lo ammetto: io qui ho tremato. La protagonista, fiera e ribelle, costretta a nozze con chi ha ucciso il suo promesso e i suoi fratelli, e destinata in futuro a tradirlo? Già vedevo Artù ridotto ad un mostro o a un cretino per far star simpatica lei. E invece la Collins mi ha sorpresa, non ha vinto facile: Artù è un bravo re e un buon marito. Un uomo buono, anche se non proprio interessantissimo.
Mi è piaciuto vedere lui e Ginevra mentre costruivano una quotidianità e una vita insieme nonostante si fossero sposati per ragioni di stato, e mi è dispiaciuto pensare a come il loro matrimonio era destinato a finire.
Però, una volta usciti dalla bolla rosea rappresentata da Artù e Ginevra, il quadro diventa meno piacevole.
La cosa positiva è che ci sono alcuni personaggi secondari interessanti: Kay, fratellastro di Arthur e migliore amico di Ginevra, è probabilmente il migliore, e ho anche apprezzato come sono state rese Morgana e Morgause, in particolare la seconda: non è cattiva, anche se Arthur non sopporta di averla intorno per via di Mordred. Diciamo che la Collins non cade necessariamente nella trappola del "se personaggio X sta antipatico ai Buoni allora è l'Anticristo".
È anche una con delle buone intuizioni, capace di rielaborare i miti in modo interessante: tutta la storia di Galahad è incredibilmente originale ed imprevedibile, e in altri ambiti è in grado di mescolare antico e moderno. Gawain è un personaggio coerente con l'ambientazione temporale, ma è un bruto e un violento se visto con occhi moderni (che Gwen possiede, perchè dobbiamo immedesimarci e tifare per lei).
Merlino, invece, è difficilissimo da inquadrare perchè appare veramente in una manciata di pagine (fa una cosa, e viene subito rinchiuso da Nimue nella grotta), ma ho trovato interessante che fosse a servizio del destino e non di Artù: lo aiuta, ma per certi versi lo condanna perchè la storia deve andare in un certo modo.
Il probema più grande, secondo me, è proprio Ginevra, che a conti fatti è una brutta persona, di cui non ci liberiamo mai perchè è la protagonista e la voce narrante. Ora, a livello teorico posso apprezzare una Ginevra che non sia perfetta e che, per una volta, non si faccia millemila problemi sul tradimento, ma questa qui non cresce mai.
L'ho trovata carina ed adorabile quando è una ragazzina, alle prese con la cotta mentre né lei né Lancelot sanno cosa fare, ma nel momento in cui diventa una donna diventa pesantissima.
Tanto per cominciare si sente superiori a tutti, e considera ogni donna con cui interagisce un'idiota. Non pensa mai alle conseguenze delle sue azioni, ma si infuria se gli altri non mettono lei al primo posto. È egoista ed egocentrica, pronta a saltare alla gola di chiunque le dica i suoi difetti, e considera ogni sua azione giustificata. Tipo che si incazza a morte quando le fanno presente che andare a letto con Lancillotto non era così inevitabile. Apriti cielo.
Tra l'altro, quando Artù e Lancelot sono in guerra per lei, lei spera che Lancelot muoia perchè tanto non potranno più stare insieme e tanto vale provare a ricostruire il matrimonio. Ma che stronza.
Però nell'insieme mi sono divertita: niente di eccezionale, ma intrattiene con onestà e ha un paio di trovate interessanti.
È una versione disimpegnata, un polpettone in costume il cui solo scopo è intrattenere, e per questo non posso giudicarlo troppo severamente. Come posso smontarlo perchè non arriva a vette a cui non vuole arrivare?
In sostanza questo è il libro adatto se volete il ciclo arturiano in versione easy, con accento sulla componente romance e un bel po' di scene di sesso scritte abbastanza bene (e che non fanno pensare "stanno facendo cosa e come?")
La storia, come possiamo bene immaginare, ha come protagonista Ginevra, che in prima persona ci racconta la sua storia: da principessa guerriera a regina impeccabile, ed è un viaggio interessante.
Questa Ginevra, rossa di capelli e abile con l'arco, è una Merida più realistica: principessa di un regno che ha perso miseramente la guerra contro il giovane Pendragon, viene da lui chiesta (anzi, pretesa) in moglie, senza possibilità di appello.
Lo ammetto: io qui ho tremato. La protagonista, fiera e ribelle, costretta a nozze con chi ha ucciso il suo promesso e i suoi fratelli, e destinata in futuro a tradirlo? Già vedevo Artù ridotto ad un mostro o a un cretino per far star simpatica lei. E invece la Collins mi ha sorpresa, non ha vinto facile: Artù è un bravo re e un buon marito. Un uomo buono, anche se non proprio interessantissimo.
Mi è piaciuto vedere lui e Ginevra mentre costruivano una quotidianità e una vita insieme nonostante si fossero sposati per ragioni di stato, e mi è dispiaciuto pensare a come il loro matrimonio era destinato a finire.
Però, una volta usciti dalla bolla rosea rappresentata da Artù e Ginevra, il quadro diventa meno piacevole.
La cosa positiva è che ci sono alcuni personaggi secondari interessanti: Kay, fratellastro di Arthur e migliore amico di Ginevra, è probabilmente il migliore, e ho anche apprezzato come sono state rese Morgana e Morgause, in particolare la seconda: non è cattiva, anche se Arthur non sopporta di averla intorno per via di Mordred. Diciamo che la Collins non cade necessariamente nella trappola del "se personaggio X sta antipatico ai Buoni allora è l'Anticristo".
È anche una con delle buone intuizioni, capace di rielaborare i miti in modo interessante: tutta la storia di Galahad è incredibilmente originale ed imprevedibile, e in altri ambiti è in grado di mescolare antico e moderno. Gawain è un personaggio coerente con l'ambientazione temporale, ma è un bruto e un violento se visto con occhi moderni (che Gwen possiede, perchè dobbiamo immedesimarci e tifare per lei).
Merlino, invece, è difficilissimo da inquadrare perchè appare veramente in una manciata di pagine (fa una cosa, e viene subito rinchiuso da Nimue nella grotta), ma ho trovato interessante che fosse a servizio del destino e non di Artù: lo aiuta, ma per certi versi lo condanna perchè la storia deve andare in un certo modo.
Il probema più grande, secondo me, è proprio Ginevra, che a conti fatti è una brutta persona, di cui non ci liberiamo mai perchè è la protagonista e la voce narrante. Ora, a livello teorico posso apprezzare una Ginevra che non sia perfetta e che, per una volta, non si faccia millemila problemi sul tradimento, ma questa qui non cresce mai.
L'ho trovata carina ed adorabile quando è una ragazzina, alle prese con la cotta mentre né lei né Lancelot sanno cosa fare, ma nel momento in cui diventa una donna diventa pesantissima.
Tanto per cominciare si sente superiori a tutti, e considera ogni donna con cui interagisce un'idiota. Non pensa mai alle conseguenze delle sue azioni, ma si infuria se gli altri non mettono lei al primo posto. È egoista ed egocentrica, pronta a saltare alla gola di chiunque le dica i suoi difetti, e considera ogni sua azione giustificata. Tipo che si incazza a morte quando le fanno presente che andare a letto con Lancillotto non era così inevitabile. Apriti cielo.
Tra l'altro, quando Artù e Lancelot sono in guerra per lei, lei spera che Lancelot muoia perchè tanto non potranno più stare insieme e tanto vale provare a ricostruire il matrimonio. Ma che stronza.
Però nell'insieme mi sono divertita: niente di eccezionale, ma intrattiene con onestà e ha un paio di trovate interessanti.
February 17, 2016
A Haunting Retelling of the Camelot Legend
I have read most of the classic tales of the Arthurian legend, but none have moved me as much as this one. I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat at the end of the book (originally a trilogy, now all in a single volume). This version will stay with you long after you close the back cover.
Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere come alive in these pages. They are presented in all their complexities, their strengths and flaws pushing them forward to the final, devastating climax, with a little help from the manipulations of secondary characters such as Merlin, Morgan and the truly evil Mordred.
But the overwhelming theme that binds everything together in this retelling of the story is love in all its many facets -- Arthur's love for his people, his kingdom, his queen, Guinevere, and his best friend, Lancelot. Lancelot's love for life, for honor, for Arthur, and for Guinevere. And, finally, Guinevere's love for her warrior heritage, her independence, her husband, Arthur, and her soulmate, Lancelot. Such great loves can only exist at a terrible personal cost. And that is what makes the stuff of legends.
Lavinia Collins mixes romance, sex, politics, jealousy, envy and war in her literary cauldron and brews up an addictive novel that cannot be put down until the last word is read. And even then, you will never forget Camelot.
I have read most of the classic tales of the Arthurian legend, but none have moved me as much as this one. I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat at the end of the book (originally a trilogy, now all in a single volume). This version will stay with you long after you close the back cover.
Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere come alive in these pages. They are presented in all their complexities, their strengths and flaws pushing them forward to the final, devastating climax, with a little help from the manipulations of secondary characters such as Merlin, Morgan and the truly evil Mordred.
But the overwhelming theme that binds everything together in this retelling of the story is love in all its many facets -- Arthur's love for his people, his kingdom, his queen, Guinevere, and his best friend, Lancelot. Lancelot's love for life, for honor, for Arthur, and for Guinevere. And, finally, Guinevere's love for her warrior heritage, her independence, her husband, Arthur, and her soulmate, Lancelot. Such great loves can only exist at a terrible personal cost. And that is what makes the stuff of legends.
Lavinia Collins mixes romance, sex, politics, jealousy, envy and war in her literary cauldron and brews up an addictive novel that cannot be put down until the last word is read. And even then, you will never forget Camelot.
January 4, 2018
An amazingly written love story
Reading Guinevere made me feel like I was within all of the main characters. It took some thought to keep up with who was related to who, but the book gives you a sense of life love and loss in the Middle Ages. Any book that allows you to visualize, feel and affect a range of human emotions is an exciting book.
Reading Guinevere made me feel like I was within all of the main characters. It took some thought to keep up with who was related to who, but the book gives you a sense of life love and loss in the Middle Ages. Any book that allows you to visualize, feel and affect a range of human emotions is an exciting book.
January 17, 2019
Did not care for it
As many are, I'm familiar with the classic tale of Camelot and have enjoyed a handful of retellings/versions of it over the years. I had never read one told from Guinevere's perspective so thought I would give it a go.
It started out promising enough, and I liked the idea of Guinevere being a tougher, head-strong, warrior-princess type, going reluctantly to Camelot as Arthur's war-won bride. All her strength and determination left the character upon her arrival in Camelot though and the rest of the story is told in a languid fashion, with Guinevere being little more than a hypocritical, selfish brat throughout. She is quick to judge those around her, while skulking over their judgment of her. She is annoyed at her whole life being decided for her by men, yet she never truly stands up for herself and as soon as she is in a tight spot with a man angry with her she bursts into tears. This version of Guinever is a queen indeed - a drama queen who sees herself the victim no matter the circumstances. She is deceitful and irrational and I found it impossible to like her or feel any sympathy for her when things were looking grim for her.
There are also just too many sex scenes. One or two well written is one thing but when you have no less than a dozen, so-so, several pages long sex scenes that are all basically the same scene over and over (occasionally with a different leading man) it gets old in a hurry. I was rolling my eyes and skimming past them by about the third or fourth such scene.
As many are, I'm familiar with the classic tale of Camelot and have enjoyed a handful of retellings/versions of it over the years. I had never read one told from Guinevere's perspective so thought I would give it a go.
It started out promising enough, and I liked the idea of Guinevere being a tougher, head-strong, warrior-princess type, going reluctantly to Camelot as Arthur's war-won bride. All her strength and determination left the character upon her arrival in Camelot though and the rest of the story is told in a languid fashion, with Guinevere being little more than a hypocritical, selfish brat throughout. She is quick to judge those around her, while skulking over their judgment of her. She is annoyed at her whole life being decided for her by men, yet she never truly stands up for herself and as soon as she is in a tight spot with a man angry with her she bursts into tears. This version of Guinever is a queen indeed - a drama queen who sees herself the victim no matter the circumstances. She is deceitful and irrational and I found it impossible to like her or feel any sympathy for her when things were looking grim for her.
There are also just too many sex scenes. One or two well written is one thing but when you have no less than a dozen, so-so, several pages long sex scenes that are all basically the same scene over and over (occasionally with a different leading man) it gets old in a hurry. I was rolling my eyes and skimming past them by about the third or fourth such scene.
February 24, 2015
Sexy Read!
Yes! A sexy read! Also a good counterpoint to the beloved, yet ever bland and superficial musical. While the obvious often escaped them, we care about these iconic characters.
Yes! A sexy read! Also a good counterpoint to the beloved, yet ever bland and superficial musical. While the obvious often escaped them, we care about these iconic characters.
December 29, 2024
3 stars
I enjoyed reading from Guinevere’s perspective, especially seeing how the author presented her relationship with Lancelot whilst being married to Arthur. I thought her agency and desires were illustrated with believable and empathetic power. However, the novel became repetitive in its prose towards the end.
I enjoyed reading from Guinevere’s perspective, especially seeing how the author presented her relationship with Lancelot whilst being married to Arthur. I thought her agency and desires were illustrated with believable and empathetic power. However, the novel became repetitive in its prose towards the end.
dnf
May 20, 2021How people can give this book 5 stars is beyond me. This book was awful. This book in the beginning was promising. Guinevere was a warrior woman, strong and powerful and we meet her when she was leaving her kingdom to married Arthur, who she hated. When she meet Arthur is when the novel went downhill.
She hates Arthur, she doesn't want to marry him, but basically after she had sex with him to consummate the married, she fall in love with him. Did I miss something here? She HATED him and suddenly because she slept with him, she started to love him?? Sorry, but for me that's not love, that's LUST. I couldn't like Kay and Lancelot wasn't really flesh out. Actually, I couldn't fell any connection with any of the characters, especially Lancelot and Arthur. Guinevere, I HATE her so much. The only time I hated Guinevere so much was in the Mists of Avalon, which is sad for me as Guinevere, along side with Lancelot are my favorite characters of the legend. But here Guinevere was so jealous, she always judged everyone, including women (in her point of view, we fell like all women were so stupid), not only that, but the didn't think, she was a poor decision maker.
Also, this book has so many sex scenes. I don't mind a book with sex scenes, but this was too much, probably 50% of the book are sex scenes. The plot is non-existing. And Gawain, I hated the way she portrayed Gawain. Why she did that? Gawain and Guinevere were always friends in the legend, why she did that to his character?
I get to the end of the second book and found that I couldn't continue to read this. This book was to simple, I didn't fell the complexity of the Arthurian Legend or the tragedy because I didn't care about the characters or the thinks that happened to them.
She hates Arthur, she doesn't want to marry him, but basically after she had sex with him to consummate the married, she fall in love with him. Did I miss something here? She HATED him and suddenly because she slept with him, she started to love him?? Sorry, but for me that's not love, that's LUST. I couldn't like Kay and Lancelot wasn't really flesh out. Actually, I couldn't fell any connection with any of the characters, especially Lancelot and Arthur. Guinevere, I HATE her so much. The only time I hated Guinevere so much was in the Mists of Avalon, which is sad for me as Guinevere, along side with Lancelot are my favorite characters of the legend. But here Guinevere was so jealous, she always judged everyone, including women (in her point of view, we fell like all women were so stupid), not only that, but the didn't think, she was a poor decision maker.
Also, this book has so many sex scenes. I don't mind a book with sex scenes, but this was too much, probably 50% of the book are sex scenes. The plot is non-existing. And Gawain, I hated the way she portrayed Gawain. Why she did that? Gawain and Guinevere were always friends in the legend, why she did that to his character?
I get to the end of the second book and found that I couldn't continue to read this. This book was to simple, I didn't fell the complexity of the Arthurian Legend or the tragedy because I didn't care about the characters or the thinks that happened to them.
November 8, 2015
Hated this book and the slut nasty heroine. The author tried to make us feel sympathy/pity for Guinevere but it didn't work for me. No control for a Ho! I didn't like any of it but that don't mean other readers won't. Matter of fact, I think I'm in the minority on this one.
June 8, 2017
I loved it
WOW, I loved it. It started slow and I sat it aside for a while. I am so glad I picked it up again.
It was beautifully written. Two great loves, lots of loss and war. Great characters, danger and passion.
I cried several times reading it. Very sad but well done.
WOW, I loved it. It started slow and I sat it aside for a while. I am so glad I picked it up again.
It was beautifully written. Two great loves, lots of loss and war. Great characters, danger and passion.
I cried several times reading it. Very sad but well done.
December 29, 2017
I got halfway through this book and realized that I didn't care what happened to the characters, so I'm not finishing it.
It started out in a promising fashion. I liked the way Collins had Guinevere be essentially a war tribute, someone with no real choice about marrying Arthur, and the two of them getting to know each other in a difficult situation. But Guinevere stopped being interesting once that part was over. She had very little inner life, no curiosity or ambition or personal relationships which were developed in a meaningful fashion. Arthur and Lancelot were developed even less.
I did like the way Collins portrayed Guinevere's ability to meaningfully love both Arthur and Lancelot in entirely different ways. It's an element which is missing from too many Arthurian stories.
It started out in a promising fashion. I liked the way Collins had Guinevere be essentially a war tribute, someone with no real choice about marrying Arthur, and the two of them getting to know each other in a difficult situation. But Guinevere stopped being interesting once that part was over. She had very little inner life, no curiosity or ambition or personal relationships which were developed in a meaningful fashion. Arthur and Lancelot were developed even less.
I did like the way Collins portrayed Guinevere's ability to meaningfully love both Arthur and Lancelot in entirely different ways. It's an element which is missing from too many Arthurian stories.
November 17, 2015
Love Larger Than Life
This was a good read but could have been great if the editing wasn't so distracting. Some sentences had to be read over again to make any sense. The story itself is one of great loves and great loss. Guinevere was a woman who loved not only King Arthur but Lancelot. She gave her heart to both in different ways. She nearly is burned at the stake for her affair with Lancelot. This love caused an entire kingdom to collapse and the death of Arthur. Some of this saga was confusing and some characters not totally developed but seemed to jump in and out of the story. I still gave it 4 stars.
This was a good read but could have been great if the editing wasn't so distracting. Some sentences had to be read over again to make any sense. The story itself is one of great loves and great loss. Guinevere was a woman who loved not only King Arthur but Lancelot. She gave her heart to both in different ways. She nearly is burned at the stake for her affair with Lancelot. This love caused an entire kingdom to collapse and the death of Arthur. Some of this saga was confusing and some characters not totally developed but seemed to jump in and out of the story. I still gave it 4 stars.
May 23, 2016
Really loved this tale of the Arthurian l,egends
Told from Guinevere's perspective, This shows her to be not just a pale and timid woman, but more of a daring and independent person. I hope she truly was this vibrant passionate person and not just a possession for men to fight over. A tale well told that does show the very limited lives of women of the time.
Told from Guinevere's perspective, This shows her to be not just a pale and timid woman, but more of a daring and independent person. I hope she truly was this vibrant passionate person and not just a possession for men to fight over. A tale well told that does show the very limited lives of women of the time.
January 22, 2015
All the books of the Guinevere trilogy in one beautiful edition. The kindle version is less expensive but I recommend the print version because this is a tale to savour and pass on to friends and through the generations. Super historical romantic fiction!
October 6, 2015
Brilliant fantasy epic. Loved all three. Hope to read more from this author.
March 13, 2016
Too many sex scenes.
June 23, 2017
This is the story of Guinevere, from warrior princess of the Britons, forced to marry Arthur after the king defeated Guinevere's mother's army. Moved into a new culture and castle, Guinevere learns to love Arthur but, of course, meets Lancelot as well, falling in love with him.
I immensely enjoyed this novel (a part for some particular parts that I'll explain later): it was full of little details and little nods at arthurian episodes, without taking the point of view away from Guinevere. Even if Guinevere is main character and narrator, she is not perfect, she is surrounded by characters that she might see with disfavour but that are still good characters. I particularly enjoyed a scene where Kay, who is one of her closest friends, makes her see her own faults and responsabilities, which comes as a surprise for the reader as well as we literally read her own thoughts and how she considers the situations around her.
Kay was probably my favourite character in this novel.
The only reason why I didn't give this novel 5 stars is because of the sex scenes and the ending.
This novel is a romance, first of all, and both the title and the covers of the single books of the trilogy make it quite clear that this is supposed to be a romance.
A part from this, I truly enjoyed Guinevere, Kay and Lancelot as characters and I am extremely intrigued by Morgana and Morgause. I am lucky, because the author also wrote two series about them!
I immensely enjoyed this novel (a part for some particular parts that I'll explain later): it was full of little details and little nods at arthurian episodes, without taking the point of view away from Guinevere. Even if Guinevere is main character and narrator, she is not perfect, she is surrounded by characters that she might see with disfavour but that are still good characters. I particularly enjoyed a scene where Kay, who is one of her closest friends, makes her see her own faults and responsabilities, which comes as a surprise for the reader as well as we literally read her own thoughts and how she considers the situations around her.
Kay was probably my favourite character in this novel.
The only reason why I didn't give this novel 5 stars is because of the sex scenes and the ending.
This novel is a romance, first of all, and both the title and the covers of the single books of the trilogy make it quite clear that this is supposed to be a romance.
A part from this, I truly enjoyed Guinevere, Kay and Lancelot as characters and I am extremely intrigued by Morgana and Morgause. I am lucky, because the author also wrote two series about them!
February 4, 2017
The Arthurian Legends have been told and re-told over 12 centuries, and their tales of chivalry, knightly brotherhood, noble kingship, tragic romance, mystical islands, and spiritual quests continue to fascinate us. In this story, told first-person through the eyes of Guinevere, the broad swath of legend is subsumed to the yearnings and ruminations of a feisty and passionate woman. While following the main events, some odd variations feel disjointed: Merlin has a minimal role, instead of being Arthur's main advisor; Morgan le Fey and Avalon appear infrequently, while most versions give them and the clash between paganism and Christianity a central part; Guinevere is Breton (pagan) rather than Welsh (Christian); Mordred is Arthur's son by his aunt Morgawse instead of his sister Morgan; the menage-au-trois takes place among Guinevere, Arthur, and Kay rather than with Arthur and Lancelot. However, this is legend and not history. The historicity of King Arthur is questionable; probably rooted in a warrior who fought for kings of Britain in post-Roman times.
Taken as a romance, the story falls short. The reader is trapped in the endless repetition of Guinevere's thoughts, her continual yearning and planning for a tryst with Lancelot, her ruminating about her predicament, her reliving sex with both Arthur and Lancelot. She lives in a shallow world; missing the richness of medieval life and castle complexities. Women at Camelot were striking in their absence; the intrigues among courtiers ignored. Sex scenes got the most focus, became tiresomely repetitive with bodice-ripping and groping, and went on too long, bordering on erotica. I soon skipped through them. For a legend with immense potential for a multi-dimensional story, this was disappointing.
Taken as a romance, the story falls short. The reader is trapped in the endless repetition of Guinevere's thoughts, her continual yearning and planning for a tryst with Lancelot, her ruminating about her predicament, her reliving sex with both Arthur and Lancelot. She lives in a shallow world; missing the richness of medieval life and castle complexities. Women at Camelot were striking in their absence; the intrigues among courtiers ignored. Sex scenes got the most focus, became tiresomely repetitive with bodice-ripping and groping, and went on too long, bordering on erotica. I soon skipped through them. For a legend with immense potential for a multi-dimensional story, this was disappointing.
December 24, 2020
Ainda sobre as lendas arturianas, essa trilogia narra os eventos do ponto de vista de Guinevere. O livro tem a missão, portanto, de torná-la menos insuportável e extremista. Nos dá a linha de raciocínio da rainha na condução de seu coração e amor por Lancelot, o melhor guerreiro e melhor amigo de Arthur. Particularmente, achei que a condução não respeita eventos históricos, linhas temporais e tem sexo em excesso nas partes do romance. Faz parecer que a atração de Guinevere por Lancelot era somente física. Arthur tem a forma de um rei duro e capaz de um tudo para ver a felicidade de sua rainha, inclusive fazer vista grossa para as investidas da rainha em Lancelot e vice-versa. O rompante e derrocada do reino e a apresentação das mulheres de Avalon, foram cercadas de achismos, deixando-as como invejosas, malvadas, bruxas, péssimas pessoas, cheias de tramoias e cinismo. Mas ainda assim, o romance bem destaca que Morgana era uma mulher forte e bonita, e sua independência assustava Guinevere que tinha "zelo em excesso" de seu cristianismo, ela não era capaz de aceitar a família pagã de Arthur ou uma aliança com Bretões, mas aceitar ser adúltera, tudo bem. Vai entender. Hehehe. No geral, achei um jeito interessante de dar mais um ponto de vista sobre o reino de Arthur. Não é nem de perto glorioso como as Brumas. É bem meloso e cheio de excessos e erros históricos, mas ainda assim, deu risadas e entendi melhor o coração de Guinevere (Gwenhwfayr).
March 30, 2019
Woah! Usually I jump from one book straight into the next, but I had to stop to give myself time to process the life I'd just lived.
I didn't really know more than the basics about Guinevere, Arthur, and Lancelot before this read, so I didn't have any preconceived notions or ideas. I was hooked the whole way through.
I was tentative at the beginning knowing their would be adultery, which is a total nope for me. Somehow Collins had me thinking I could understand Guinevere's reasoning. Arthur's words of devote love at the end slayed me. The true love story here is Arthur's love for his Queen!
Wonderfully written. Full of action and adventure, as well as, great twisted and turns.
I didn't really know more than the basics about Guinevere, Arthur, and Lancelot before this read, so I didn't have any preconceived notions or ideas. I was hooked the whole way through.
I was tentative at the beginning knowing their would be adultery, which is a total nope for me. Somehow Collins had me thinking I could understand Guinevere's reasoning. Arthur's words of devote love at the end slayed me. The true love story here is Arthur's love for his Queen!
Wonderfully written. Full of action and adventure, as well as, great twisted and turns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2019
Going into this book knowing the fate of Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere didn't cheapen it by giving away the ending; it deepened the sense of feeling each character's emotions, much like being told that Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed, and then rooting for them anyway. I loved each character, commiserated with Guinevere, felt betrayed with Arthur, loved with Lancelot, agreed with Kay, and hoped for an ending where all of them would avoid their terrible destinies, but that would have been unsatisfying. The ending was perfect, and everything it had to be. I cried, and I suspect these characters will stay with me for a long time.
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January 11, 2022In the time of Camelot, Queen Guinevere is bound to her husband out of loyalty, but bound to her champion, Lancelot, out of infatuation. As I see it, Guinevere's conflict is not only with the two men, but also with herself since she cannot choose just one of them. I feel that Guinevere needed more confidence in herself to be able to rule as a Queen without relying so heavily on Arthur and Lancelot. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Medieval England or anyone who enjoys the Arthurian legend.
May 21, 2017
I chose the book because it promised an aspect of King Arthur's life which one does not generally get to read. Although the book was about his marital relationship, it translated into mainly bedtime activities. It was sex, sex and sex. Guinevere, who was initially portrayed as tempestuous and fiery, an independent woman, was a lovesick teenager through most of the book. The end was beautiful and sad and all the deaths felt very futile.
December 18, 2018
An action-packed page turner
This is an action-packed page turner, and having studied the Middle Ages, I’m always interested in retellings of the Arthurian legends. This one from Guinevere’s point of view is very well done, though a few moments are a bit brutal, it is a compelling read. Recommended for fans of medieval romance, though be aware that this is a modern retelling and it pulls no punches.
This is an action-packed page turner, and having studied the Middle Ages, I’m always interested in retellings of the Arthurian legends. This one from Guinevere’s point of view is very well done, though a few moments are a bit brutal, it is a compelling read. Recommended for fans of medieval romance, though be aware that this is a modern retelling and it pulls no punches.
January 31, 2019
LOVE BEYOND COMPREHENSION, INTENSE, BEAUTIFUL, AND DESTRUCTIVE
A,wonderful retelling of the Arthurian legend and the bonding of three people who.loved one another and caused the sad downfall of themselves and the legendary Camelot. A superb read for fans of Arthur and the Round Table as told by Guinever.
A,wonderful retelling of the Arthurian legend and the bonding of three people who.loved one another and caused the sad downfall of themselves and the legendary Camelot. A superb read for fans of Arthur and the Round Table as told by Guinever.
February 26, 2021
Thin every: A Medieval Romance - the complete trilogy
The story of King Arthur as seen by Guinevere. Guinevere tell her story. How she was force to marry Arthur and why she fall in love with Lancelot. This story do not blame her or make out that Arthur had nothing to do with his down fall. Ok story.
The story of King Arthur as seen by Guinevere. Guinevere tell her story. How she was force to marry Arthur and why she fall in love with Lancelot. This story do not blame her or make out that Arthur had nothing to do with his down fall. Ok story.
December 7, 2018
I couldn't finish this book. The writing was repetitive; I wanted to scream at the book that I get it - you don't need to keep repeating the same thing over and over. I get that this is a romance, but it seemed to have way more sex than story. I'd prefer a good story.
January 29, 2019
The movie is the book.
As I read, I felt the movie, Camelot (the musical with Richard Harris & Vanessa Redgrave)
playing in my mind. The book seemed to explain spoiled Guinever's actions.
As I read, I felt the movie, Camelot (the musical with Richard Harris & Vanessa Redgrave)
playing in my mind. The book seemed to explain spoiled Guinever's actions.
June 4, 2025
First Two Books, Blah.....third book is where it's at.
The first two books were okay, but the third book was where all the good action is at. You have to read the first two books for the third one to make sense, but it is worth the wait.
The first two books were okay, but the third book was where all the good action is at. You have to read the first two books for the third one to make sense, but it is worth the wait.
April 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book.
December 19, 2018
Good read
I loved this book! Good story, well written. A story well told and good ending. I think the characters were well created, and really had good fun with this book. Read it!
I loved this book! Good story, well written. A story well told and good ending. I think the characters were well created, and really had good fun with this book. Read it!
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