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The Lost Book of Lancelot
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Expected 12 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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15 copies available
U.S. only
A “richly detailed and evocative” queer retelling of the legend of Sir Lancelot, following the famous knight as he grows up orphaned, falls in love, and attempts to fulfill his destiny at the Round Table – a stunning debut novel from the author of Out East (Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author).
Hidden away on the Isle of Women, a nameless orphan has grown up among the island's sisterhood, but always at a distance. He hears whispers of a prophecy that may shed light on his destiny—and his true identity. Lancelot. Determined to master the skills and knowledge worthy of the knight he is meant to be, he begins training alongside the handsome Galehaut. As the two grow closer, they guide one another towards their truest selves. But no matter how tightly they cling to one another, each has a role to play in the wizard Merlin's grand prophecies.
When Lancelot is forced to follow Merlin to Camelot, he fights to protect his heart while seeking the fabled Holy Grail. As he grows closer to his fellow knights, Lancelot must keep an explosive secret to himself—the truth of what he left behind on the Isle of Women, of the man he truly is beneath the armor. All the while, Roman legionaries too scour far and wide for the grail. As an army encroaches on their kingdom, King Arthur and his knights must race to ensure that this powerful object doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Steeped in rich medieval lore, THE LOST BOOK OF LANCELOT is an immersive, poignant reexamination of the most famous knight of the Round Table. It is the story of a once vulnerable boy who is forced to rise to the occasion, of a kingdom under siege, and of the battle between the old world and the new.
Hidden away on the Isle of Women, a nameless orphan has grown up among the island's sisterhood, but always at a distance. He hears whispers of a prophecy that may shed light on his destiny—and his true identity. Lancelot. Determined to master the skills and knowledge worthy of the knight he is meant to be, he begins training alongside the handsome Galehaut. As the two grow closer, they guide one another towards their truest selves. But no matter how tightly they cling to one another, each has a role to play in the wizard Merlin's grand prophecies.
When Lancelot is forced to follow Merlin to Camelot, he fights to protect his heart while seeking the fabled Holy Grail. As he grows closer to his fellow knights, Lancelot must keep an explosive secret to himself—the truth of what he left behind on the Isle of Women, of the man he truly is beneath the armor. All the while, Roman legionaries too scour far and wide for the grail. As an army encroaches on their kingdom, King Arthur and his knights must race to ensure that this powerful object doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
Steeped in rich medieval lore, THE LOST BOOK OF LANCELOT is an immersive, poignant reexamination of the most famous knight of the Round Table. It is the story of a once vulnerable boy who is forced to rise to the occasion, of a kingdom under siege, and of the battle between the old world and the new.
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 12, 2026
16 people are currently reading
8018 people want to read
About the author
John Glynn
2 books191 followersJohn Glynn is the Editorial Director of Hanover Square Press, an imprint of HarperCollins. His nonfiction debut Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer was an Indie Next pick, an Oprah, The Magazine "Best LGBTQ Book of 2019," and a Cosmopolitan Best Book of 2019, among other accolades. His writing has appeared in People, Oprah Daily, The Millions and The Daily Beast. He lives in New York City with his partner and dog, Whitman.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
unreleased
January 2, 2026queer arthurian retelling? *sighs and adds to tbr*
Want to read
January 5, 2026The way I need this book in my hands right now. Guys. I can’t wait any longer. I have never been more excited for a release in my LIFE!!!!😭
February 21, 2026
Was so incredibly lucky to receive an advanced copy of this book. If you like fantasy, romance, or historical fiction this book is the perfect blend! John Glynn continues to be one of my all time favorite writers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC
Well, this is an interesting one. Arthurian retellings are tricky if always intriguing, and this one doesn't escape this tendency. 'The lost book of Lancelot' follows Lancelot, a young man who grew up on the Island of Women and didn't know his name for a long time. We follow him through a first person narrative as a grows up and meets Galehaut, once and then a second time. Their relationship grows and shifts, but of course there is something looming ahead of Lancelot's life : the prophecy he is supposed to fulfil, the prophecy Merlin had. So here Lancelot goes, straight to Camelot, where he grows some more and meets people, among them Gawain.
The narrative choice is interesting. It is not so much a story about the Round Table and Camelot, nor is it a story centered around knighthood or prophecies. No, this is very much a story about Lancelot and his two hearts, the loves and pains of his life. Don't think it is a genre romance either though, because it isn't. The process of falling in love and building something with someone isn't the plot. But the romantic element is very strong. I did feel it was sometimes a bit... quick to unfurl, and slightly repetitive put together. We have that period of misreading the other, the camaraderie building, the looks, and then it's settled.
I am also a bit disappointed that there weren't more difficulties as a knight for Lancelot, but I guess it kind of makes sense. I would have also liked to have a stronger interrogation about how to live with multiple loves, without necessarily abandoning one of them for a time. But then, that would have played with the original material too much I suppose.
I can't say I stayed very invested in the story as it progressed. I liked it, but I felt a lack of stakes at times, of a narrative weight. Two of the reveals were quite easy to guess, and if that's not necessarily an issue, combined with the very character focused style of story, made it less of a story I could care a lot about.
Still, nice writing, nice retelling, I'm sure it would appeal to readers looking for the context of the Round Table, history rich story and character work!
Well, this is an interesting one. Arthurian retellings are tricky if always intriguing, and this one doesn't escape this tendency. 'The lost book of Lancelot' follows Lancelot, a young man who grew up on the Island of Women and didn't know his name for a long time. We follow him through a first person narrative as a grows up and meets Galehaut, once and then a second time. Their relationship grows and shifts, but of course there is something looming ahead of Lancelot's life : the prophecy he is supposed to fulfil, the prophecy Merlin had. So here Lancelot goes, straight to Camelot, where he grows some more and meets people, among them Gawain.
The narrative choice is interesting. It is not so much a story about the Round Table and Camelot, nor is it a story centered around knighthood or prophecies. No, this is very much a story about Lancelot and his two hearts, the loves and pains of his life. Don't think it is a genre romance either though, because it isn't. The process of falling in love and building something with someone isn't the plot. But the romantic element is very strong. I did feel it was sometimes a bit... quick to unfurl, and slightly repetitive put together. We have that period of misreading the other, the camaraderie building, the looks, and then it's settled.
I am also a bit disappointed that there weren't more difficulties as a knight for Lancelot, but I guess it kind of makes sense. I would have also liked to have a stronger interrogation about how to live with multiple loves, without necessarily abandoning one of them for a time. But then, that would have played with the original material too much I suppose.
I can't say I stayed very invested in the story as it progressed. I liked it, but I felt a lack of stakes at times, of a narrative weight. Two of the reveals were quite easy to guess, and if that's not necessarily an issue, combined with the very character focused style of story, made it less of a story I could care a lot about.
Still, nice writing, nice retelling, I'm sure it would appeal to readers looking for the context of the Round Table, history rich story and character work!
February 24, 2026
John Glynn's The Lost Book of Lancelot is a breathtaking queer reimagining of the Arthurian legend that completely transported me. From the very first pages, I was captivated by Glynn's audacious retelling, which repositions Lancelot not as the famed lover of Guinevere, but as a young man raised on the mystical "Isle of Women" who discovers his deepest truth with his companion, Galehaut . The world-building is lush and immersive, offering a Camelot filled with emotional depth and a vulnerability that feels both timeless and urgently modern . The publisher's description of it as "a sensual and sensory retelling" is absolutely spot-on .
I absolutely loved, loved, loved being in this world—it was genuinely hard to put the book down. My only critique, which keeps this from being a perfect five stars for me, is that the pacing felt a little lopsided. It seemed like so much was being crammed into the very end, which made the conclusion feel slightly rushed compared to the beautifully drawn-out beginning and middle. Still, that minor structural quirk did little to diminish my overall enjoyment. If you're looking for a retelling that dares to ask what lies beneath the armor, this is an essential and unforgettable read.
I absolutely loved, loved, loved being in this world—it was genuinely hard to put the book down. My only critique, which keeps this from being a perfect five stars for me, is that the pacing felt a little lopsided. It seemed like so much was being crammed into the very end, which made the conclusion feel slightly rushed compared to the beautifully drawn-out beginning and middle. Still, that minor structural quirk did little to diminish my overall enjoyment. If you're looking for a retelling that dares to ask what lies beneath the armor, this is an essential and unforgettable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just simply adore this book so much, It’s a richly detailed, evocative queer retelling of Sir Lancelot’s legend that feels vivid and alive from the very first page. Glynn’s storytelling is so immersive it felt less like reading and more like watching a beautifully crafted film play out in my mind. Every scene is textured with emotion and atmosphere, and the twist near the end genuinely caught me off guard—in the best way.
What I loved most is how confidently the novel centers Lancelot himself, giving us a deeply personal, emotionally resonant version of his story rather than letting him exist only in the shadow of Arthurian myth. This is Lancelot as a full, complex person, not just a knight in someone else’s legend.
My own exposure to Arthurian lore was fairly limited growing up—I watched Disney’s The Sword in the Stone on VHS until the tape wore thin, and later the TV show Merlin when it aired (I’m not even sure if it still does). That was about the extent of it. A thoughtful and memorable reimagining of a classic tale.
Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the Arc.
What I loved most is how confidently the novel centers Lancelot himself, giving us a deeply personal, emotionally resonant version of his story rather than letting him exist only in the shadow of Arthurian myth. This is Lancelot as a full, complex person, not just a knight in someone else’s legend.
My own exposure to Arthurian lore was fairly limited growing up—I watched Disney’s The Sword in the Stone on VHS until the tape wore thin, and later the TV show Merlin when it aired (I’m not even sure if it still does). That was about the extent of it. A thoughtful and memorable reimagining of a classic tale.
Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the Arc.
Read
January 29, 2026First of all, thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an advance copy. With this being an ARC, I expect the few typos I found have since been addressed.
In short, a really convincing telling of Lancelot's tale from boyhood. Since there isn't one canon for the legends, Mr. Flynn had leeway to pull multiple threads into an enjoyable narrative. We meet many of the characters known to all of us, though maybe shaded a bit differently.
The writing is first rate. No fluff but enough breathing room to put some meat on the bones of the plot. There is some spice but handled in a matter-of-fact way, so it serves the plot, not titillation. Some of the metaphors are just perfect, not precious. The writing of Lancelot's bouts of madness are painful.
Again, I enjoyed this book and recommend it solidly.
In short, a really convincing telling of Lancelot's tale from boyhood. Since there isn't one canon for the legends, Mr. Flynn had leeway to pull multiple threads into an enjoyable narrative. We meet many of the characters known to all of us, though maybe shaded a bit differently.
The writing is first rate. No fluff but enough breathing room to put some meat on the bones of the plot. There is some spice but handled in a matter-of-fact way, so it serves the plot, not titillation. Some of the metaphors are just perfect, not precious. The writing of Lancelot's bouts of madness are painful.
Again, I enjoyed this book and recommend it solidly.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the writing was beautiful. Glynn was able to take well known characters and stories and make them feel unique and have their own voice. In many ways I would compare this book to The Song of Achilles.
My biggest problem lied with story flow, the last 1/3-1/4 of the book changed pace and felt a bit disjointed, leading to an ending that I feel felt almost disingenuous. Additionally, I wish there had been more to the relationships in this book. In a lot of ways, feelings were told and not shown which hindered parts of this book that specifically relied on these noted relationships.
Despite my criticisms, I really did enjoy this book and would recommend.
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, the writing was beautiful. Glynn was able to take well known characters and stories and make them feel unique and have their own voice. In many ways I would compare this book to The Song of Achilles.
My biggest problem lied with story flow, the last 1/3-1/4 of the book changed pace and felt a bit disjointed, leading to an ending that I feel felt almost disingenuous. Additionally, I wish there had been more to the relationships in this book. In a lot of ways, feelings were told and not shown which hindered parts of this book that specifically relied on these noted relationships.
Despite my criticisms, I really did enjoy this book and would recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I came for Lancelot and stayed for the writing. Glynn did a fantastic job of giving us a Lancelot centered story. I've always known of Lancelot and his place at the Round Table. It never occurred to me that a character this well known should have a background equally as known.
If you're in to Arthurian times, I highly recommend checking this one out. There isn't really much for the spice, which was good for me, but I would still suggest this one to wait for the New Adult shelves for those with kids. Parents reading to children, you can very easily skip over these areas without losing any of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
If you're in to Arthurian times, I highly recommend checking this one out. There isn't really much for the spice, which was good for me, but I would still suggest this one to wait for the New Adult shelves for those with kids. Parents reading to children, you can very easily skip over these areas without losing any of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I hate to be the first to give a less than five-star review. It was okay, but never really had the feel of taking place over a thousand years ago. Lancelot was reading bedtime stories in a book, at the time of the Roman empire! The rest of the story was pretty good, and the romances were well done, though a lot of the book felt like a whirlwind where the author was trying to fit in every piece of the Arthurian legend, of which there are a lot.
*I received an advance copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advance copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*** Thank you netgalley for the arc copy****
One part " Song of Achilles" and one part " The Wolf and his King". This queer retelling of the life of Lancelot was a wonderful addition to the mythology that is King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table.
While I was skeptical at first of how this would be written, all that changed after the first chapter of how Lancelot came to be and while there were some chapters that seemed fluffed out to pad the novel. The majority of the chapters kept my interests and made me pause when I seemingly devoured this in one sitting.
One part " Song of Achilles" and one part " The Wolf and his King". This queer retelling of the life of Lancelot was a wonderful addition to the mythology that is King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table.
While I was skeptical at first of how this would be written, all that changed after the first chapter of how Lancelot came to be and while there were some chapters that seemed fluffed out to pad the novel. The majority of the chapters kept my interests and made me pause when I seemingly devoured this in one sitting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A truly fabulous and well-written new spin on Arthurian legend and the story of Lancelot. The story is compelling and well-paced with wonderful characters, imagery, and a really lovely romance trying it together. I knew I would enjoy this book but it absolutely blew me away. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy!
Thanks to the author for an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A surprisingly detailed retelling of Arthurian legend that is more fun because it acknowledges that a knight raised on an island full of magical women would be a little gay. I was rooting for his quests and friendships in Camelot, but I also learned about medieval lore. Thanks to the author for the advance copy! This should be a hit for fans of The Song of Achilles.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a wonderful debut novel from John Glynn! This was a delightful tale filled with yearning, heartbreak, and adventure. It was so fun to have Lancelot’s perspective in this coming of age novel, while also incorporating the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. I was whisked away into this world while reading and was sad when it was done.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A beautiful retelling with effortless descriptions that transports the reader through a magical novel that was hard to put down. An engaging protagonist whose many layers and depth are woven thru the pages of this book. I loved it!
March 9, 2026
Actually my first five star book of the year. So good. A queer retelling of Lancelot?! I love it. I loved the premise, the way time was written as something hopeful and yet fleeting. Grief, love, and bravery, being true to yourself. Huge fan. Loved it.
Review of advance copy
Such a great story and idea for one. Well written and well paced. Thanks to John Glynn for sending me an ARC!! Can’t wait to have the hardcover on my bookshelf!! It makes me want to watch Merlin again.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Every detail of the book is carefully crafted, the syntax is poetic, and the storyline captivating. An easy 10/10 recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
a knight must have two hearts.
"i missed you even when we were together. i missed you before i knew you. i always will."
"i missed you even when we were together. i missed you before i knew you. i always will."
Review of advance copy received from Author
An inventive and original retelling of the Arthurian legends in which the central conflict is between the new ways, represented by the Romans and Christianity, and the old ways of magic and prophecies. In this telling, Lancelot is brought up on the Isle of Women, and forced to follow Merlin to Camelot, where his mission is to find the Holy Grail. Knightly training, medieval lore, characters you have heard of in other stories, come together to make this a moving retelling.
March 5, 2026
Such a great read! Kept me glued to the page!! So lucky to get a galey copy!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews