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The Lost Book of Lancelot
A 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—from the bestselling author of Out East.
"Richly detailed and evocative.” —Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes
Hidden away on the Isle of Women, a nameless orphan grows up among a powerful sisterhood, but always at a distance. He hears whispers of a prophecy that may shed light on his destiny—and his true Lancelot. Determined to master the skills of knighthood, he begins training in tandem with the handsome Galehaut. As the two become inseparable, they guide one another toward 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 grail alongside King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. But when Roman legionaries encroach on their kingdom, their quest takes on new urgency, as does Lancelot's explosive secret—the truth of what he left behind on the Isle of Women.
Steeped in rich medieval lore, The Lost Book of Lancelot is at once an immersive, a poignant love story and an epic, unforgettable tale of a vulnerable boy who is forced to rise to the occasion amid a battle between the old world and the new.
"Richly detailed and evocative.” —Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes
Hidden away on the Isle of Women, a nameless orphan grows up among a powerful sisterhood, but always at a distance. He hears whispers of a prophecy that may shed light on his destiny—and his true Lancelot. Determined to master the skills of knighthood, he begins training in tandem with the handsome Galehaut. As the two become inseparable, they guide one another toward 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 grail alongside King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table. But when Roman legionaries encroach on their kingdom, their quest takes on new urgency, as does Lancelot's explosive secret—the truth of what he left behind on the Isle of Women.
Steeped in rich medieval lore, The Lost Book of Lancelot is at once an immersive, a poignant love story and an epic, unforgettable tale of a vulnerable boy who is forced to rise to the occasion amid a battle between the old world and the new.
Audible Audio
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
John Glynn
2 books225 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 - 30 of 214 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
I’m no expert on Arthurian lore, so if you told me that King Arthur had a pet goose, I’d believe you! 😆 So, I’m not one to nitpick archaic dialogue or idiosyncrasies that would have thrown me off or caused me to doubt Lancelot's affiliation with the Knights of the Round Table.
Although, considering how many times we are told how each name relates to another, I think a family tree would have been wise and helpful. It would have certainly helped, as some of the names flew over my head because of how unusually they sounded. 🧐
“Failure, exile, I’d face both. I did not care.... I promised myself I would learn the truth.”
After reading the Author's Note, I have kind of calmed down and my frustration cooled due to its interesting insight and context into Lancelot's paramours, but I can't ignore that while reading, the better half of the time, I was thoroughly annoyed. 🙎🏻♀️ Annoyed at how the Lost Book of Lancelot seemed to promise one thing but ultimately still went back on that word, only for it to still fall under that radar.
I do get the intent; which is part of why I feel so vexed, so maybe it is really a me thing. 😔 For Lancelot, a journey of self-discovery, lost unto himself on an Isle of Women until he finds his birthright, for experiencing love in its multitudes and discovering what it means to find the one, for living a life of heroism and danger that allows him to finally claim what it means to live as his true self.
I can see all that it was building up to. I can even see the glimmers of various other characters of medieval lore —of loyalty, honor, courtly regard— aspiring to be true to themselves with unique takes on their dynamics that would certainly be enjoyable to some.
But, I can't say that I actually liked it. That's fair, right? 🥺
“A knight must have two hearts.”
It is fair to say that for one who grew up not knowing who he was, it is only fair that Lancelot ends up with the better end of the deal. I do. Even if much of the start was simply him coping with that and finally having his moment of reckoning. 🙆🏻♀️
And there was one element to the romantic liaisons that gave me the serious ick. 🥴 Because I figured out what the author was aiming for, but the indecent way it was done just upset me. It upset me how it suddenly became all about Lancelot having his cake and eating it, too. I mean, even at the end, it gets thrown in that no fear. Lancelot’s heart will never despair of being alone ever again. ❤️🩹
One might argue that actually proves the point the author was aiming for—that the heart can belong to two—but it just felt too convenient, too easy, too wrong to feel right.
“I miss you, even though you are right here with me.”
For once I was getting into the heart of one sped-up relationship, I was bamboozled with another dynamic, which I was not a fan of. And just when I was warming up to it, boom, let's take back what we said about how the heart is allowed another chance of love, and spearhead back into reconnecting at hi-speed intimacy. 🤦🏻♀️
Doesn't that defeat the purpose of what it intended? It felt like a betrayal, let alone, a complete disregard or what it had been preaching all this time; and yet, fate takes the blame. 😮💨
What also started off as a quest of relics to fulfill unspoken prophecies also veered off course to adventure and danger at Camelot that I did not feel was built up upon enough, with various perspectives thrown in that felt neither here nor there. 🤷🏻♀️ It became a disjointed narrative that felt like it had lost its sense of direction. By the end, I just did not really care for Lancelot, if he attained happiness or his dream.
In spite of these vexations, I don't think the writing was all that bad. It's an ambitious historical fantasy debut that shows promise. 👍🏻 Despite how rushed the romance was with both hearts, there were some tender moments of affection and intimacy that were endearing. And yes, it is nice to see that even now, Merlin still is very much a complicated and questionable character of his own volition. ⚔️
“I want nothing more than to be a knight. They have a place in the world and people who love them. Most of all, they are never lonely.”
I’m no expert on Arthurian lore, so if you told me that King Arthur had a pet goose, I’d believe you! 😆 So, I’m not one to nitpick archaic dialogue or idiosyncrasies that would have thrown me off or caused me to doubt Lancelot's affiliation with the Knights of the Round Table.
Although, considering how many times we are told how each name relates to another, I think a family tree would have been wise and helpful. It would have certainly helped, as some of the names flew over my head because of how unusually they sounded. 🧐
“Failure, exile, I’d face both. I did not care.... I promised myself I would learn the truth.”
After reading the Author's Note, I have kind of calmed down and my frustration cooled due to its interesting insight and context into Lancelot's paramours, but I can't ignore that while reading, the better half of the time, I was thoroughly annoyed. 🙎🏻♀️ Annoyed at how the Lost Book of Lancelot seemed to promise one thing but ultimately still went back on that word, only for it to still fall under that radar.
I do get the intent; which is part of why I feel so vexed, so maybe it is really a me thing. 😔 For Lancelot, a journey of self-discovery, lost unto himself on an Isle of Women until he finds his birthright, for experiencing love in its multitudes and discovering what it means to find the one, for living a life of heroism and danger that allows him to finally claim what it means to live as his true self.
I can see all that it was building up to. I can even see the glimmers of various other characters of medieval lore —of loyalty, honor, courtly regard— aspiring to be true to themselves with unique takes on their dynamics that would certainly be enjoyable to some.
But, I can't say that I actually liked it. That's fair, right? 🥺
“A knight must have two hearts.”
It is fair to say that for one who grew up not knowing who he was, it is only fair that Lancelot ends up with the better end of the deal. I do. Even if much of the start was simply him coping with that and finally having his moment of reckoning. 🙆🏻♀️
And there was one element to the romantic liaisons that gave me the serious ick. 🥴 Because I figured out what the author was aiming for, but the indecent way it was done just upset me. It upset me how it suddenly became all about Lancelot having his cake and eating it, too. I mean, even at the end, it gets thrown in that no fear. Lancelot’s heart will never despair of being alone ever again. ❤️🩹
One might argue that actually proves the point the author was aiming for—that the heart can belong to two—but it just felt too convenient, too easy, too wrong to feel right.
“I miss you, even though you are right here with me.”
For once I was getting into the heart of one sped-up relationship, I was bamboozled with another dynamic, which I was not a fan of. And just when I was warming up to it, boom, let's take back what we said about how the heart is allowed another chance of love, and spearhead back into reconnecting at hi-speed intimacy. 🤦🏻♀️
Doesn't that defeat the purpose of what it intended? It felt like a betrayal, let alone, a complete disregard or what it had been preaching all this time; and yet, fate takes the blame. 😮💨
What also started off as a quest of relics to fulfill unspoken prophecies also veered off course to adventure and danger at Camelot that I did not feel was built up upon enough, with various perspectives thrown in that felt neither here nor there. 🤷🏻♀️ It became a disjointed narrative that felt like it had lost its sense of direction. By the end, I just did not really care for Lancelot, if he attained happiness or his dream.
In spite of these vexations, I don't think the writing was all that bad. It's an ambitious historical fantasy debut that shows promise. 👍🏻 Despite how rushed the romance was with both hearts, there were some tender moments of affection and intimacy that were endearing. And yes, it is nice to see that even now, Merlin still is very much a complicated and questionable character of his own volition. ⚔️
Did Not Finish
March 24, 2026I received an ARC from NetGalley. Thank you to the publishers for the copy.
The first thing I noticed was the writing felt clunky and forced. I think it tried to be beautiful, reminiscent of Madeline Miller, but to me, it failed on that front. I really wanted to put it down as soon as I could.
I think this book tried to be eloquent, but instead got lost in itself and felt contrived. Almost fake.
I felt like the book didn’t deliver on the many promises its description made. I just had a headache reading it, really. I wanted there to be discovery of the self, but I felt like the narrator wasn’t fully realized even as time progressed, so it just… fell flat.
I’ll give kudos to the author for trying to tackle this book, the concept seemed really neat. But I think this book would really benefit from killing its darlings, and much more editing.
I also just felt like this author was trying so hard to emulate the voice of Song of Achilles, and it felt kind of like a rip off. It got so tired that I had to put it down.
The first thing I noticed was the writing felt clunky and forced. I think it tried to be beautiful, reminiscent of Madeline Miller, but to me, it failed on that front. I really wanted to put it down as soon as I could.
I think this book tried to be eloquent, but instead got lost in itself and felt contrived. Almost fake.
I felt like the book didn’t deliver on the many promises its description made. I just had a headache reading it, really. I wanted there to be discovery of the self, but I felt like the narrator wasn’t fully realized even as time progressed, so it just… fell flat.
I’ll give kudos to the author for trying to tackle this book, the concept seemed really neat. But I think this book would really benefit from killing its darlings, and much more editing.
I also just felt like this author was trying so hard to emulate the voice of Song of Achilles, and it felt kind of like a rip off. It got so tired that I had to put it down.
June 8, 2026
2026: 5.0
This made me cryyyyyyy
This made me cryyyyyyy
June 11, 2026
The writing felt stiff and clunky even over audiobook narration. I found it difficult to get into the story and the melodrama didn't help. I was extra peeved by the ending too.
June 22, 2026
Lancelot grows up on the Isle of Women, raised by Vivian because his mother died in childbirth. When he is finally of age, he is paired with Galehaut, and the two begin to fall in love. Lancelot, however, knows of a prophecy that would place him at Camelot, and he plans to run away with Galehaut.
When I heard this was a queer retelling, I imagined Lancelot would be paired with Arthur. I'm not familiar with the character of Galehaut, although the author's note explains how this character specifically led to this retelling. There is also a secondary romance between Lancelot and Gawain which was also unexpected. The beginning was compelling, while the middle and end seemed to drift a bit. There were also chapters from Morgan and Mordred's POV which seemed unnecessary to me, especially given that the rest was Lancelot's first-person narration. It seemed odd not to have the Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot storyline at the forefront, but overall this was an intriguing twist on the legend.
When I heard this was a queer retelling, I imagined Lancelot would be paired with Arthur. I'm not familiar with the character of Galehaut, although the author's note explains how this character specifically led to this retelling. There is also a secondary romance between Lancelot and Gawain which was also unexpected. The beginning was compelling, while the middle and end seemed to drift a bit. There were also chapters from Morgan and Mordred's POV which seemed unnecessary to me, especially given that the rest was Lancelot's first-person narration. It seemed odd not to have the Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot storyline at the forefront, but overall this was an intriguing twist on the legend.
June 7, 2026
Story tried to do too much and none of it landed the way it was intended. Many character motivations and actions were incredibly vague. I did not find the setting compelling, and thought it had a lot of internal inconsistencies. I appreciated the callbacks to various medieval texts, but they felt a bit too on the nose and not well integrated. Overall not a book for me.
Read
April 3, 2026would be really curious to know how much (if any) high fantasy this author actually reads
Did Not Finish
May 12, 2026DNF at 51%.
This needed some major editing. Despite the slow pacing you never sit in a moment long enough for it to feel intentional. The characters have no distinct personality other than what you’re told, but their actions and supposed character don’t necessarily align. Much of the beginning portion of this book, “the training arc,” felt like it happened without any reason other than it checked off the boxes of what’s meant to happen in fantasy novels. Everything about this feels underdeveloped and disjointed. The prose attempts at being evocative but without any attachment to the characters it falls flat.
This really had the potential to be good if only it had spent more time in editing and honed in on what it was trying to achieve. Because it feels as if it’s attempting to be a literary coming-of-age story as well as an action-packed historical fantasy with magic and prophecies — and executing neither of those to its full potential.
This needed some major editing. Despite the slow pacing you never sit in a moment long enough for it to feel intentional. The characters have no distinct personality other than what you’re told, but their actions and supposed character don’t necessarily align. Much of the beginning portion of this book, “the training arc,” felt like it happened without any reason other than it checked off the boxes of what’s meant to happen in fantasy novels. Everything about this feels underdeveloped and disjointed. The prose attempts at being evocative but without any attachment to the characters it falls flat.
This really had the potential to be good if only it had spent more time in editing and honed in on what it was trying to achieve. Because it feels as if it’s attempting to be a literary coming-of-age story as well as an action-packed historical fantasy with magic and prophecies — and executing neither of those to its full potential.
June 9, 2026
Beautiful. It’s like Song of Achilles but with Arthurian legend and a happier ending. Absolutely a new favorite.
May 15, 2026
4.5 stars. This is a book that I can only describe as beautiful.
Though this is a retelling that takes many liberties with the traditional Arthurian lore, it does an excellent job of staying true to its spirit. Arthur here is not the Anglo-Saxon warrior king of British myth - he’s closer to the Malory Arthur, the Romantic inspirational hero. This key difference is reflected in the personalities of the knights, their interpersonal relationships, and their approach to war and the Grail hunt.
(If you can’t tell, I wrote my college thesis on the myths of King Arthur.)
I loved Lancelot’s characterization here: he’s often one-dimensional, a foil to show the disintegration of Camelot, but here he is full of heart and emotion. The book has excellent pacing, and watching the characters grow is rewarding. I do feel it ended abruptly - but most Arthur myths do.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Glynn, and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Though this is a retelling that takes many liberties with the traditional Arthurian lore, it does an excellent job of staying true to its spirit. Arthur here is not the Anglo-Saxon warrior king of British myth - he’s closer to the Malory Arthur, the Romantic inspirational hero. This key difference is reflected in the personalities of the knights, their interpersonal relationships, and their approach to war and the Grail hunt.
(If you can’t tell, I wrote my college thesis on the myths of King Arthur.)
I loved Lancelot’s characterization here: he’s often one-dimensional, a foil to show the disintegration of Camelot, but here he is full of heart and emotion. The book has excellent pacing, and watching the characters grow is rewarding. I do feel it ended abruptly - but most Arthur myths do.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Glynn, and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2026
I was fully charmed by this retelling, convincingly situating Camelot alongside the expansion of Rome’s Catholicism. The writing is pleasantly dreamy, especially during the section set in the Isle of Women when time slides vaguely and indistinctly around Lancelot. Few pieces of Arthuriana really engage with the Grail so I enjoyed those adventures, as well as parts of the lore that were new to me, like the False Guinevere. What I liked best is that Lancelot’s persistent sorrowfulness and awkward reserve were fully and satisfactorily explained by this interpretation. I am torn about the ending but I think you’re supposed to be. Really loved reading this one, one of my favorite Arthur adaptations and I loved getting a different, queered perspective on the ever-mysterious Lancelot.
June 2, 2026
I loved this book so much! Not only is the book beautifully written, the story is lovely. Seeing Lancelot lose the love of his life and struggling with his identity, being forced to move to a strange land, and striking up a beautiful friendship with Gwen was great. The take on Merlin, as a complicated and even deceptive character was really fun too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2026
So, here's the deal. I love novels that take a look at familiar stories from a different angle. I find it creative and I'm sure it's hard because there are so many details to make sure you don't miss. I also love gay-themed stories. So Mr. Glynn's book was right up my alley. I loved his creativity and the attention to details. I also loved his take on Lancelot.
June 12, 2026
As someone who loves and is deeply interested in Arthuriana and medieval lit in general, this book should’ve been enjoyable. Unfortunately, it feels like it was written for neopagans and “The Song of Achilles” enjoyers at the great expense of anyone who cares about Arthuriana. It feels like things happen randomly and because the author wants them to, not according to any sort of internal logic. Similarly, the characters never feel like they go through any sort of real growth. The style of writing itself feels odd and disjointed, too. Overall though, I just don’t understand what the point of telling a story of Lancelot and Galehaut is if one doesn’t want to use any of the characterization, world-building, and internal logic of the source material. If this hadn’t been a supposed retelling of a story I love I would’ve DNFd it somewhere around page 10, but unfortunately I stuck it out to the bitter last. Perhaps if you like The Song of Achilles and know nothing about medieval history and literature you’ll like this, but that’s not me.
June 17, 2026
This book was such a joy to read, I literally couldn't put it down. It was beautifully written, tender and so descriptive, but the ending was so unsatisfying and rushed in my opinion. Some of the most important moments are only given a line or two and while the effects of them are felt you aren't ever given enough time to sit in them. Overall I loved it, I'm a sucker for Arthurian tales, but it could've been paced better
June 10, 2026
I really enjoyed this queer MM reimagining of the Lancelot story. It was captivating and seeing all the familiar players in this story walk onto the page with all new perspectives was refreshing. It was great on audio too and perfect for fans of authors like KJ Charles and Lex Croucher. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.
June 2, 2026
In retrospect, this was a great way to kick off pride month. Filed under:// loveisloveisloveislove
Pitch: Take the characters from Arthur, but put Lancelot in a different kind of love triangle. (Hint, it’s definitely not with Arthur or Guinevere.)
Add a magical world full of Mermen and shapeshifting.
And please keep Merlin as frustrating as ever. 😅😩
I’ve read my fair share of retellings in this category, so I understand why some of feedback is frustrated it didn’t stay closer to earlier interpretations.
I on the other hand, didn’t mind the breath of creative pivots.
This was an ARC, but it’s out now.
I ended up listening to the audiobook instead and appreciated the dramatic interpretation.
3.75/5
Pitch: Take the characters from Arthur, but put Lancelot in a different kind of love triangle. (Hint, it’s definitely not with Arthur or Guinevere.)
Add a magical world full of Mermen and shapeshifting.
And please keep Merlin as frustrating as ever. 😅😩
I’ve read my fair share of retellings in this category, so I understand why some of feedback is frustrated it didn’t stay closer to earlier interpretations.
I on the other hand, didn’t mind the breath of creative pivots.
This was an ARC, but it’s out now.
I ended up listening to the audiobook instead and appreciated the dramatic interpretation.
3.75/5
May 26, 2026
The Lost Book of Lancelot was not at all what I expected, but in the best possible way.
I was prepared for another fantasy and action filled retelling of King Arthur and the Round Table. I got a sweet, lyrical, atmospheric coming of age story centring on Camelot’s most famous knight, Lancelot.
I really liked how this story humanized the characters, turning some of those perfect, untouchable people of legend more flawed and relatable. This is definitely a character driven story. Those looking for a plot heavy tale that closely follows other King Arthur tellings might be disappointed.
Great debut novel! Can’t wait to see what else this author writes.
I was prepared for another fantasy and action filled retelling of King Arthur and the Round Table. I got a sweet, lyrical, atmospheric coming of age story centring on Camelot’s most famous knight, Lancelot.
I really liked how this story humanized the characters, turning some of those perfect, untouchable people of legend more flawed and relatable. This is definitely a character driven story. Those looking for a plot heavy tale that closely follows other King Arthur tellings might be disappointed.
Great debut novel! Can’t wait to see what else this author writes.
June 14, 2026
From the moment I started this book, I was intrigued by the premise of Lancelot being raised on an island of all women. It was really well done and made me think of Wonder Woman but this was a very different retelling than the ones that I've read about King Arthur. He searches for belonging as the sisterhood keeps him at arms length and it really made me feel for him throughout his journey of figuring out who he is and who he wants to be. It's a mixture of heartbreak, sorrow, joy, and sadness and I enjoyed every minute of it!
June 14, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
Although I’m not incredibly familiar with all the details, I’m still a fan of the Arthurian legends. The Lost Book of Lancelot was a very good book. Lancelot has always given me queer vibes, so I really liked that this book explored that aspect. The story was fantastic, but also heartbreaking at times. The ending was well written.
Although I’m not incredibly familiar with all the details, I’m still a fan of the Arthurian legends. The Lost Book of Lancelot was a very good book. Lancelot has always given me queer vibes, so I really liked that this book explored that aspect. The story was fantastic, but also heartbreaking at times. The ending was well written.
July 22, 2026
i had so many problems with this but all i have to say is justice for my gawain
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2026
4.5!!
John you really did your big one with this one!!
Beautiful writing, great take on this story, with characters I really cared a whole lot about.
There were approximately 3-4 too many G names, but I loved the journey. And idk who the heck I would choose so I don’t envy our boy at all
John you really did your big one with this one!!
Beautiful writing, great take on this story, with characters I really cared a whole lot about.
There were approximately 3-4 too many G names, but I loved the journey. And idk who the heck I would choose so I don’t envy our boy at all
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2026
The song of Achilles but make it King Arthur.
Fabulous. Heart wrenching. Heart warming. Mystical. Magical.
Pure storytelling and mythical reimagining. Brilliant.
Fabulous. Heart wrenching. Heart warming. Mystical. Magical.
Pure storytelling and mythical reimagining. Brilliant.
thank-u-next
May 15, 2026My guy accidentally wrote an Arthurian retelling set in 2020s New Jersey from the sounds of it. The writing, oof.
These are real quotes from the first, like, 5 pages:
‘Ours was a good-sized home, modern’
“Relax, Viviana”
“I’m a sweaty mess”
I’m not going to keep reading until the Romans, knights and King Arthur show up, the anachronisms would end me.
These are real quotes from the first, like, 5 pages:
‘Ours was a good-sized home, modern’
“Relax, Viviana”
“I’m a sweaty mess”
I’m not going to keep reading until the Romans, knights and King Arthur show up, the anachronisms would end me.
August 4, 2026
Gawain deserved better 😡
Admittedly, this is a unique take of the legend of Camelot and the hunt for the Holy Grail. For one, Lancelot and Guinevere are not the key players here, and Arthur seems like merely a footnote.
Instead, we focus on the eponymous Lancelot, raised on The Isle of Women by a surrogate mother, burdened by prophecy and ungifted by magic. Told entirely from
Lancelot’s point of view, I found him flighty, feeble at times and extremely fickle. The supposed love of his life is seemingly murdered and within months, he has moved onto Gawain? Not only that, when Galehaut reappears, Gawain is cast aside like yesterday’s jam. I know that first loves are enduring, but c’mon, really? Lancelot deserved neither of them.
Galehaut was a little bland in my opinion; it seemed their love was formed from proximity and circumstance rather than any real passion - Lancelot’s affections seem more like guilt and infatuation as the book nears its conclusion. Gawain was the more likeable love interest and I was rooting for him, but there was not much character development for him either. We learn of his abduction as a child and that he is now a slightly cocky adult - nothing further really materialises.
As for the plot - unfortunately, it felt very disjointed and like it was trying to go into many directions without real end. I can see what the author was going for - he was hoping to bring to life great quests, great yearning and a soul torn between love and duty. Unfortunately, he just fell short of the mark - at times, this book dragged (for example, when Lancelot is in Camelot) but contrarily, the action scenes leading up to the final confrontation felt pieced together and rushed.
The prose was very flowery and lush, but the saying still stands - even beautiful writing cannot make a boring book interesting. I would have preferred to follow more of Lancelot’s emotional maturing and heartache instead of the abrupt “forced to choose between two lovers” scenario he ended up in. Also, he chose wrong, he should have chosen Gawain 🤪
In my queer mythology retelling era and enjoying it despite this middle of the road addition.
Admittedly, this is a unique take of the legend of Camelot and the hunt for the Holy Grail. For one, Lancelot and Guinevere are not the key players here, and Arthur seems like merely a footnote.
Instead, we focus on the eponymous Lancelot, raised on The Isle of Women by a surrogate mother, burdened by prophecy and ungifted by magic. Told entirely from
Lancelot’s point of view, I found him flighty, feeble at times and extremely fickle. The supposed love of his life is seemingly murdered and within months, he has moved onto Gawain? Not only that, when Galehaut reappears, Gawain is cast aside like yesterday’s jam. I know that first loves are enduring, but c’mon, really? Lancelot deserved neither of them.
Galehaut was a little bland in my opinion; it seemed their love was formed from proximity and circumstance rather than any real passion - Lancelot’s affections seem more like guilt and infatuation as the book nears its conclusion. Gawain was the more likeable love interest and I was rooting for him, but there was not much character development for him either. We learn of his abduction as a child and that he is now a slightly cocky adult - nothing further really materialises.
As for the plot - unfortunately, it felt very disjointed and like it was trying to go into many directions without real end. I can see what the author was going for - he was hoping to bring to life great quests, great yearning and a soul torn between love and duty. Unfortunately, he just fell short of the mark - at times, this book dragged (for example, when Lancelot is in Camelot) but contrarily, the action scenes leading up to the final confrontation felt pieced together and rushed.
The prose was very flowery and lush, but the saying still stands - even beautiful writing cannot make a boring book interesting. I would have preferred to follow more of Lancelot’s emotional maturing and heartache instead of the abrupt “forced to choose between two lovers” scenario he ended up in. Also, he chose wrong, he should have chosen Gawain 🤪
In my queer mythology retelling era and enjoying it despite this middle of the road addition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
I’d give this 4.5 if I could. Modern King Arthur retelling doesn’t get much better than #TheLostBookofLancelot by @glynner85!!! I’m really grateful @grandcentralpub on @netgalley once again gave me permission to read an advance copy of one of my anticipated books of the first half of the year. I loved stories of King Arthur when I was a kid. Pre-Lord of the Rings for me, the stories of Arthur, Galahad, Gawain, most importantly Lancelot filled my imagination. Never in all my years did I ever think I needed a revisionist history of a queer Lancelot until I read the longline for this book and it might have been the fastest I got through a book this year. I will be doing a deep dive on the other takes from John Steinbeck, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Mark Twain, and T. H. White later this year and no better way for me to start it than with this gem. You’ll get queer romance, adventure, chivalry, and fresh perspective in spades. My only criticism is the final fifty pages had some pacing problems; Glynn sped through the plot so much faster than he had up to that point and felt like it could have been expanded on to be a bit more satisfactory. Beyond that, it’s a great read and one of my favorite 2026 releases so far.
July 18, 2026
Spoiler free review first:
Hoo boy, I did not know how to rate this book, but I’ve settled on 4 stars for now. I definitely enjoyed it and do not feel I wasted my time, or anything drastic like that, but I fear the plane didn’t quite land the way I wanted it to. But that’s a subjective me thing and I try to be at least somewhat objective when writing reviews (the star value tho is only ever based on my ✨vibes✨) It’s a quick and easy read that checks off all the boxes I would come to expect with a queer retelling. Despite the many tragedies and some of the violence, I would still describe this book as sticky sweet. Only reason I considered giving it three stars was because the ending felt lacking.
Now for the spoiler review:
All of the characters problems would have been solved if they just like, agreed to be poly. Idk man something about the ending just doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t understand why Lancelot made the choice he did. I wanted to hear more of his WHY rather than him just being like, “oops, fate made me choose I guess.”
I believe the true way to solve a love triangle is to either make it a throuple or ignore the axis.
I said what I said.
Hoo boy, I did not know how to rate this book, but I’ve settled on 4 stars for now. I definitely enjoyed it and do not feel I wasted my time, or anything drastic like that, but I fear the plane didn’t quite land the way I wanted it to. But that’s a subjective me thing and I try to be at least somewhat objective when writing reviews (the star value tho is only ever based on my ✨vibes✨) It’s a quick and easy read that checks off all the boxes I would come to expect with a queer retelling. Despite the many tragedies and some of the violence, I would still describe this book as sticky sweet. Only reason I considered giving it three stars was because the ending felt lacking.
Now for the spoiler review:
All of the characters problems would have been solved if they just like, agreed to be poly. Idk man something about the ending just doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t understand why Lancelot made the choice he did. I wanted to hear more of his WHY rather than him just being like, “oops, fate made me choose I guess.”
I believe the true way to solve a love triangle is to either make it a throuple or ignore the axis.
I said what I said.
July 28, 2026
The first two thirds of this book was excellent. The writing is really good and the whole tale of Lancelot's upbringing was intriguing and well written. The problem comes once he gets to Camelot. I think this book either needed to be a series or it just needed to have a smaller scope. Once he gets to Camelot, it becomes a massive soup of characters, legends, and odd plot decisions. The plot is set up to be about the prophecy of finding the grail, then that point is completely abandoned after he and Gwain find (SPOILERS) the wrong grail (after shooting a dragon out of the sky with a lightning bolt). I was really into the character and story, and I would have been invested if this was a series with a slower story. When the author just added so much to the plot at the end, he lost me. I really think this had potential, and it seems like the author just wanted to do a little bit too much in one book.
June 13, 2026
This book was beautiful and poignant and will stay in my thoughts for a long time. I instantly fell in love with Lancelot, even when he was just a boy with no name. And he grew into such a wonderful man. But he also broke my heart. He went through so much, and I felt for him so deeply. He was treated like a toy by the prophecy and its believers, taking away his sense of agency and his love. He had such a good heart, and I wanted him to have everything he wanted in the world. And in the end, he did, but only after going through so much pain and suffering. I’m so glad he still managed to find happiness despite everything. He deserved the peace and joy and love and family he built. I loved his relationships with Viviana, Elinor, Galehaut, Elaine, Guinevere, Gawain, and his cousins. Despite everything, they all survived and found happiness in a world that sought to break them, and that made this story so beautiful. All the emotion was so well written, I only struggled with the action scenes. So overall I loved this book and highly recommend it.
July 13, 2026
I love a new take on Arthurian legend, and The Lost Book of Lancelot delivered! Lancelot grows up on the Isle of Women, not knowing his name, his background, or what he is supposed to do in life. After meeting another young man and learning about a prophecy surrounding him, Lancelot begins his path to Camelot and the round table, while questioning his life, his feelings, and how he is supposed to move on in the face of tragedy.
This is a sort of slow read, but not cozy. The writing is very artistic and beautiful while still being pretty simple and accessible, and I ate it up. I was constantly wanting to read this story and know what happens next. The story itself was a very sweet one, and made me appreciate the character of Lancelot, as well as some others, more than I had in the past. I especially loved reading about the Isle of Women.
I felt like the pacing was pretty consistent, but it wasn't in a straight upward line getting to a climax. There were a few ups and downs, and still a climax, and though the ending was a bit short/epilogue-y when I wanted more, I thought the story was done well.
In conclusion, I loved it. I would have read 300 more pages. This isn't heavily focused on battles and war (though they are in there), so if you are hoping for lots of action, temper your expectations. This book is more character and growth-focused.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC!
This is a sort of slow read, but not cozy. The writing is very artistic and beautiful while still being pretty simple and accessible, and I ate it up. I was constantly wanting to read this story and know what happens next. The story itself was a very sweet one, and made me appreciate the character of Lancelot, as well as some others, more than I had in the past. I especially loved reading about the Isle of Women.
I felt like the pacing was pretty consistent, but it wasn't in a straight upward line getting to a climax. There were a few ups and downs, and still a climax, and though the ending was a bit short/epilogue-y when I wanted more, I thought the story was done well.
In conclusion, I loved it. I would have read 300 more pages. This isn't heavily focused on battles and war (though they are in there), so if you are hoping for lots of action, temper your expectations. This book is more character and growth-focused.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC!
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