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Isolde
Not yet published
Expected 12 Nov 26From the brilliantly witty author of Aphrodite and Herc comes a story set in the court of King Arthur, featuring knights, valour, sacrifice, magic and a feminist retelling of the love story of Tristan and Isolde.
Isolde, Queen of Cornwall, is on the run.
She didn’t mean to drink a love potion with the king’s nephew, but that little accident has made her scandalously famous. Luckily, she and Tristan find refuge in Camelot, the legendary court of King Arthur. This ought to be her happy ending.
Only it isn’t. She discovers that Camelot is full of chivalrous knights who aren’t sure how to speak to a woman, and while it houses the greatest wizard of all time, he might just be responsible for crimes against humanity. And one more thing, the love potion has worn off…
Now Isolde will have to work out what sort of life a woman can carve out for herself when the songs about her have already been written.
A tale of battered reputations, Isolde introduces an unforgettable heroine finding her way through myth, love and a world of magic.
Isolde, Queen of Cornwall, is on the run.
She didn’t mean to drink a love potion with the king’s nephew, but that little accident has made her scandalously famous. Luckily, she and Tristan find refuge in Camelot, the legendary court of King Arthur. This ought to be her happy ending.
Only it isn’t. She discovers that Camelot is full of chivalrous knights who aren’t sure how to speak to a woman, and while it houses the greatest wizard of all time, he might just be responsible for crimes against humanity. And one more thing, the love potion has worn off…
Now Isolde will have to work out what sort of life a woman can carve out for herself when the songs about her have already been written.
A tale of battered reputations, Isolde introduces an unforgettable heroine finding her way through myth, love and a world of magic.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication November 12, 2026
About the author
Phoenicia Rogerson
5 books294 followersPhoenicia Rogerson is altogether mortal with a rather less chequered past than Hercules. After a decade of not being able to find his complete story on bookshelves, she decided to pull her socks up and write it herself. She lives and works in London.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Want to Read
May 18, 2026pre reading review: i already KNOW this is gonna be so good
June 15, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book
Isolde offers a fascinating retelling of the legendary romance between Queen Isolde of Cornwall and Sir Tristan of the Round Table. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, particularly the way it explored the complex relationships between its characters. Isolde, Tristan, and the supporting cast all felt well-developed and compelling, making their choices and emotions engaging to follow.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its vivid sense of place. The descriptions of Cornwall, Ireland, and Camelot are rich and atmospheric, bringing each location to life and immersing the reader in the world of Arthurian legend.
What makes this novel especially distinctive is its use of second-person narration. Each chapter is either Isolde or Tristan speaking directly to the other, creating the feeling that the reader is standing just outside their relationship, privy to their most personal thoughts, feelings, and memories. It’s an unusual technique, but one that Phoenicia Rogerson executes brilliantly. I found it both clever and intimate, adding a unique dimension to the story.
The only aspect that slightly diminished my enjoyment was King Mark’s reaction to the affair. His repeated forgiveness felt difficult to believe given the historical setting and the realities of how women and infidelity were often viewed and treated during that period. While I understand the author’s interpretation, it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, Isolde is an imaginative, beautifully written retelling that combines strong characterisation, evocative settings, and an inventive narrative style. If you enjoy Arthurian legends, tragic romances, and character-driven historical fantasy, this book is well worth reading.
Isolde offers a fascinating retelling of the legendary romance between Queen Isolde of Cornwall and Sir Tristan of the Round Table. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, particularly the way it explored the complex relationships between its characters. Isolde, Tristan, and the supporting cast all felt well-developed and compelling, making their choices and emotions engaging to follow.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its vivid sense of place. The descriptions of Cornwall, Ireland, and Camelot are rich and atmospheric, bringing each location to life and immersing the reader in the world of Arthurian legend.
What makes this novel especially distinctive is its use of second-person narration. Each chapter is either Isolde or Tristan speaking directly to the other, creating the feeling that the reader is standing just outside their relationship, privy to their most personal thoughts, feelings, and memories. It’s an unusual technique, but one that Phoenicia Rogerson executes brilliantly. I found it both clever and intimate, adding a unique dimension to the story.
The only aspect that slightly diminished my enjoyment was King Mark’s reaction to the affair. His repeated forgiveness felt difficult to believe given the historical setting and the realities of how women and infidelity were often viewed and treated during that period. While I understand the author’s interpretation, it occasionally pulled me out of the story.
Overall, Isolde is an imaginative, beautifully written retelling that combines strong characterisation, evocative settings, and an inventive narrative style. If you enjoy Arthurian legends, tragic romances, and character-driven historical fantasy, this book is well worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was delightful! Albeit quite different than what I expected. I knew very little of Isolde and Tristan and I enjoyed learning about their story. I'm keen to read the original work(s) sometime to compare with this book.
Rogerson did a remarkable job bringing the Middle Ages to life and capturing the ideals of romance and chivalry. I felt a bit like I was back in my first year of university, reading about the knights and their quests and all the fair maidens. I liked the ambiguity of Camelot and how Rogerson played with the general perception of this place. I also found the use of second person unique and though it sometimes hindered my readability, overall, it resulted in an intimate narrative voice. The setting was well done - I felt like I was in Cornwall and Camelot. Tristan and Isolde were characterised strongly, and so were secondary characters.
The plot was meandering - and the pacing was a bit choppy. The middle section in Camelot took up a lot of space - which I know was for a reason. But I was more drawn to the ending quarter where stakes increased and things became a lot more serious. I also went into this work thinking it was going to be just about Isolde and was surprised that Tristan not only had a narrative voice, but took up the same space as Isolde in the story. I wish I would've known this because I found myself stuttering when the plot gained a romantic angle. But maybe that's my bad.
A strong piece of work that retells a lesser known, but moving tale of romance and love.
Rogerson did a remarkable job bringing the Middle Ages to life and capturing the ideals of romance and chivalry. I felt a bit like I was back in my first year of university, reading about the knights and their quests and all the fair maidens. I liked the ambiguity of Camelot and how Rogerson played with the general perception of this place. I also found the use of second person unique and though it sometimes hindered my readability, overall, it resulted in an intimate narrative voice. The setting was well done - I felt like I was in Cornwall and Camelot. Tristan and Isolde were characterised strongly, and so were secondary characters.
The plot was meandering - and the pacing was a bit choppy. The middle section in Camelot took up a lot of space - which I know was for a reason. But I was more drawn to the ending quarter where stakes increased and things became a lot more serious. I also went into this work thinking it was going to be just about Isolde and was surprised that Tristan not only had a narrative voice, but took up the same space as Isolde in the story. I wish I would've known this because I found myself stuttering when the plot gained a romantic angle. But maybe that's my bad.
A strong piece of work that retells a lesser known, but moving tale of romance and love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Isolde is another triumph by Phoenicia Rogerson, a fresh take on a story steeped in legend, it settles well in her repertoire and past themes.
From the dual perspective of both of the pair, we witness their lives entangled within each other, and, along the way, meet some characters from stories we have grown up knowing. A story that could easily become another helpless romance though, instead investigates other stylings and ideas. It adds a depth of quality through this, bringing in ideas of what individuality can mean, and how much one can be ensnared with another beings plans. Are you thought of as a pair, or as a singular person? What are the stakes placed upon Isolde as a female in that time, and who can respect that?
The idea of Camelot not being this golden city that was perfect in every way also adds more complexity to this story. We question some of Arthur’s choices, and see himself and his knights also questioning those. This adds, again, a depth to the piece that elevates it above other standard retellings.
In this literary world where the retellings of classic myths and legends are churned out, small details like the above really do make this book one to read. I felt like we did speed rather hastily through certain sections which could have been built further, and characters and plots developed more before beings answered, but this was a joyful and lovely read, something cozy to relight your desire to hear more of these themes and stories.
From the dual perspective of both of the pair, we witness their lives entangled within each other, and, along the way, meet some characters from stories we have grown up knowing. A story that could easily become another helpless romance though, instead investigates other stylings and ideas. It adds a depth of quality through this, bringing in ideas of what individuality can mean, and how much one can be ensnared with another beings plans. Are you thought of as a pair, or as a singular person? What are the stakes placed upon Isolde as a female in that time, and who can respect that?
The idea of Camelot not being this golden city that was perfect in every way also adds more complexity to this story. We question some of Arthur’s choices, and see himself and his knights also questioning those. This adds, again, a depth to the piece that elevates it above other standard retellings.
In this literary world where the retellings of classic myths and legends are churned out, small details like the above really do make this book one to read. I felt like we did speed rather hastily through certain sections which could have been built further, and characters and plots developed more before beings answered, but this was a joyful and lovely read, something cozy to relight your desire to hear more of these themes and stories.
May 28, 2026
thank you to netgalley and HQ for providing me with this arc of phoenicia rogerson’s isolde
4.75
this book was a fun but emotional read!
isolde follows rogerson’s version of the arthurian legend tristan and isolde; the legend follows queen isolde of cornwall and the knight, sir tristan, who drink a love potion and end up in a relationship
i really enjoyed rogerson’s isolde. the legend of king arthur is really well known, as well as the character of morgan le fay (who arguably has become popular from sophie keetch’s book Morgan Is My Name and katie mcgrath’s portrayal of her in BBC’s merlin), so to read about an arthurian legend that isn’t as well known as the legend of king arthur is a nice change
rogerson’s writing is really good and she brings isolde and tristan to life. plus, where she uses a mix of the first person and the second person instead of solely the first person or the third person put a nice spin on it and made the plot feel more intimate
if you like the fake dating and/or forbidden love tropes, and/or you like arthurian legend retellings, then this one’s for you!
4.75
this book was a fun but emotional read!
isolde follows rogerson’s version of the arthurian legend tristan and isolde; the legend follows queen isolde of cornwall and the knight, sir tristan, who drink a love potion and end up in a relationship
i really enjoyed rogerson’s isolde. the legend of king arthur is really well known, as well as the character of morgan le fay (who arguably has become popular from sophie keetch’s book Morgan Is My Name and katie mcgrath’s portrayal of her in BBC’s merlin), so to read about an arthurian legend that isn’t as well known as the legend of king arthur is a nice change
rogerson’s writing is really good and she brings isolde and tristan to life. plus, where she uses a mix of the first person and the second person instead of solely the first person or the third person put a nice spin on it and made the plot feel more intimate
if you like the fake dating and/or forbidden love tropes, and/or you like arthurian legend retellings, then this one’s for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The tale is told from the perspective of both Tristan and Isolde & the switching perspectives help to keep you engaged and interested, although every so often i did have to check back to remind myself which of them was recounting that part of the tale.
It's not especially feminist - there are only 2 more developed female characters and their conversations would not pass the Bechdel test - but it is interesting to hear those voices in a story that's often told more from the male perspective.
The authors way of writing feels a little staccato and peculiar at first but if you let yourself settle in, it all makes sense. There are some lovely wry dry turns of phrase that happily keep your attention and the story rollicks along.
At times I found myself wanting to shake some sense into both Isolde and Tristan but there's young love for you! And suffice to say that the Camelot crowd don’t come out of this smelling of roses.
The book doesn't necessarily add anything new to the previous multiple re-tellings of the story but it's a fun read & makes me want to check out her other two books.
It's not especially feminist - there are only 2 more developed female characters and their conversations would not pass the Bechdel test - but it is interesting to hear those voices in a story that's often told more from the male perspective.
The authors way of writing feels a little staccato and peculiar at first but if you let yourself settle in, it all makes sense. There are some lovely wry dry turns of phrase that happily keep your attention and the story rollicks along.
At times I found myself wanting to shake some sense into both Isolde and Tristan but there's young love for you! And suffice to say that the Camelot crowd don’t come out of this smelling of roses.
The book doesn't necessarily add anything new to the previous multiple re-tellings of the story but it's a fun read & makes me want to check out her other two books.
June 22, 2026
I don’t really know much about the original or about Arthur and his knights. So, this was my first experience with these characters.
I liked the beginning of the story and how Tristan and Isolde come to love one another. The writing of this, as if it was a letter to each other was different. However, I felt cheated by the end. It’s relatively short and stupid. It comes after a big build up and barely tells you what happened to Isolde.
This is ultimately chic lit, if you love romance novels then this one is for you. If you want something with more substance move on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ISOLDE is a richly written, utterly captivating jewel of a book. The rapport between the two main characters had me alternately in fits of laughter and tears. The characters are vividly drawn, the scenesetting is captivating and the pace never dips through the entire book; I devoured it in one evening because I simply couldn't put it down. Phoenicia Rogerson never disappoints!
PS. Knitting Merlin is a wonderful touch and my favourite thing about the book.
PS. Knitting Merlin is a wonderful touch and my favourite thing about the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy.
An outstanding poetic story full of forbidden love and deceit. I must admit I struggled with the first couple of chapters but realised it was duel perspective and I soon devoured this as it was beautifully written.
Rogerson brought all the characters to life with wit and banter.
I would definitely recommend this if you are a lover of historical fiction and romance and a fan of Arthur and the knights of the round table.
An outstanding poetic story full of forbidden love and deceit. I must admit I struggled with the first couple of chapters but realised it was duel perspective and I soon devoured this as it was beautifully written.
Rogerson brought all the characters to life with wit and banter.
I would definitely recommend this if you are a lover of historical fiction and romance and a fan of Arthur and the knights of the round table.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️ Book Review ⭐️
Isolde by Phoenicia Rogerson
Gifted by @hqstories ❤️
I adored this book. Every character felt fully lived‑in, layered with history and heart. Rogerson gives each of them real depth, so their choices hit hard and their connections feel earned. And that forbidden love thread… it grows into something powerful and unforgettable. A gorgeous, compelling read that I’m still thinking about now!
#bookstagram #booksta #readersofinstagram
Isolde by Phoenicia Rogerson
Gifted by @hqstories ❤️
I adored this book. Every character felt fully lived‑in, layered with history and heart. Rogerson gives each of them real depth, so their choices hit hard and their connections feel earned. And that forbidden love thread… it grows into something powerful and unforgettable. A gorgeous, compelling read that I’m still thinking about now!
#bookstagram #booksta #readersofinstagram
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 ✨
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Knowing the origin tale I felt trepidation the closer I got to the end of the story and now I'm crying.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews