Keeper of the Grail

The Lives of Guinevere #2

by Paula Lafferty

In this swashbuckling, feminist timeslip retelling of Arthurian legend complete with a 21st century queen, Merlin lore, magic potions, dashing knights, daring maidens, heart wrenching romance, and just the right amount of snark, England’s Once and Future Queen Vera must save Camelot as dark forces threaten the kingdom.


Back in the 21st century, Vera was a young waitress struggling to find a sense of purpose and direction until her winding path led to a time portal and a trip to medieval England, where she is Queen Guinevere, wife of Arthur, King of the Britons. Loved by her liege, befriended by Sir Lancelot, and guided by the magician Merlin, Vera discovers a kingdom far removed from the myths she has always known.

For starters, Sir Gawain has been kidnapped, and his powerful magic-detecting device is nowhere to be found. Sir Percival is minding the throne, doing his best to ignore the many nagging questions of the court. And, in the farthest reaches of his kingdom, King Arthur has been slain by the mysterious Mordred. Well, very nearly slain.

Vera has uncovered an incredible gift of healing and has restored Arthur to life. She’s also uncovered shocking secrets about the kingdom’s power and the real reason for her own return to Camelot. To protect the country he fought to unite, Arthur’s resurrection must remain secret—even from Merlin—lest his enemies learn the truth.

For Camelot is under siege. The Knights of the Round Table are preparing for war with the High Council of Mages, who seek to control all magic in the realm. And Vera and her friends must work together to keep both the throne and the legacy of King Arthur from falling into the wrong hands.

Keeper of the Grail continues the Lives of Guinevere saga, a heartfelt story of swashbuckling adventure, selfless courage, and true love.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mythology, Fantasy Romance

513 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 5, 2027

About the author

Paula lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, daughter, and Otto (the sweetest dog there ever was). She received a BFA in Film Production from Chapman University and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology. She has a taste for finding magic in "the ordinary" and a spark for discovering stories at every turn. Telling stories is the thread that runs through Paula's life, and La Vie de Guinevere is her debut novel which she originally funded through a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign.

Reviews

[Nouf *LostinFantasy* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t write reviews often anymore - or have as much time to read actually - but this was one of those books I needed to read as soon as I possibly could, and had to make time for!


And I still wasn’t prepared for how much I enjoyed it! 😭


While the first book, “The Once and Future Queen,” already had me invested in this fresh and exciting retelling of this story and these characters… the sequel, “Keeper of the Grail,” takes everything and everyone in it to a whole other level.


There isn’t a single dull moment in this book as we discover new places, more secrets are revealed, friends and foes are no longer what they seem, and our beloved main characters are severely tested time and again.


And yet, the heart of this series lies in the deep and enduring bonds between these characters. Whether it’s the legendary romance or the truest and deepest of friendships, the characters never fail to surprise us by the lengths they’ll go to for each other.


Another thing I really appreciated is that, while we only had Vera’s perspective in the first book (which made sense then), the sequel is a dual POV between Vera and Arthur! This gave us more character depth and also for the story to expand even further.


Honestly, I am struggling to find enough words because that ending…. !!🤐 This book isn’t even out yet and now I’m desperate for the next one.


Read “One and Future Queen”. Pre-order “Keeper of the Grail”.

You’ll have a wonderful time (and some parts might wreck you) with these books and characters, I promise!


Big thanks to Edelweiss+ and Erewhon Books for the e-ARC for this one.

[Arc by Bethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Once and Future Queen and told everyone to read it! I own multiple copies of it because I love it so much! So, I was thrilled to have my request granted to read Keeper of the Grail early!!! This one starts right up from where Once and Future Queen lets off so please reread if you need to before diving in! I dove right in and held on because it's a ride!
The pacing is fast in this book and I loved that!!! We get dual POV(Vera and Arthur) unlike the last one it was only Vera and that added depth.
I truly loved the character growth with everyone! The main and side characters and they were all tested in this book! You could really feel the bonds between them through the book and I felt really connected to all of them!
The magic system is complex and world building is perfect and I can't wait for the next book because that ending!!!! So, if you're looking for the next big romantasy series with plenty of found family, action, magic, character development, and heartwarming moments..you need to read this series! Thank you very much to Netgalley, Edelweiss+ and Erewhon Books for the eARC!!!

[C.G. Frances]

Ordered from B&N
January 2027

[Katie · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The Lives of Guinevere is such an underrated romantic fantasy series; The Once and Future Queen was a delight, and its sequel, Keeper of the Grail, is action-packed and heart-wrenching.

If you’ve read The Once and Future Queen before, you might need to brush up on it again before proceeding with Keeper of the Grail because it throws you right back into the thick of things. Romantasy readers may be displeased to find that Arthur and Vera, the main characters, are separated for a good chunk of the book. However, this series has one of the best instances of found family that I’ve ever seen, with plenty of memorable, lovable characters so that you don't long for the romance too much. Vera and Lancelot have one of the greatest platonic friendships I’ve read about.

Is the magic system always clearly comprehensible? No. There are two different potions used and discussed, magic breakthroughs, a power-finding machine, the giving of gifts, portal travel, reincarnation, etc. Essentially, you just need to go with the flow and enjoy the story for the angsty and heart-warming bits, of which there are plenty. This book definitely dials up the sad.

I can’t wait for book 3, and I highly encourage other fantasy romance fans to pick this series up if they haven’t yet.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathryn Grace Stephenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you so much to netgalley & paula’s team for an arc of this book!

the first book in this series was absolutely lovely & such a unique concept for an arthurian retelling! i had majorly high expectations for this book considering how well done the previous was & for a debut. unfortunately, this one fell insanely short:(

for starters, this book is marketed as an adult book, yet the writing & narrative read like a ya & just felt very juvenile. even the way the characters think & process things happening around them wasn’t written well. there were almost no surprises that actually surprised me & i was bummed. also, minor spoiler, but the major death that happens, i honestly refuse to believe they’re even dead considering how many times it’s teased. & it was SO anticlimactic i couldn’t even believe what was happening.

i LOVE vera and arthur & wanted so so much more of them! they were separated most of the book & they’re the ones that make you want to read. also no gawain comedic relief 😭 ugh i love the world & setting, the plot was just all over the place & the magic got a bit too out there.

all in all, ill probably read the finale, but this one was a far cry from the first & im so sad. i think the concept for this series is genius, just wasn’t executed well.

[Janilyn Kocher]

A creative retelling of King Arthur.
This book will be perfect for fans of legendary lore, honor, respect, and chivalry with a twist of modernism.
Thanks Kensington Books and BTC for the early copy.

[Jessica Leigh · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Keeper of the Grail brought the legend of King Arthur and his knights to life, with all the perfect twists. In this second installment of The Lives of Guinevere, you begin right where you left off in The Once and Future Queen. While book one focused heavily on the plot of magic fading and the romance between Vera and Arthur, this book focuses heavily on the saving of magic and Camelot, and bringing the legends and tales of King Arthur to life. I loved seeing all these familiar tales you heard as a kid, like the Sword in the Stone, but with a very adult lens. I also loved that this book still has the amazing found family representation that you had in book one, but I am beside myself at the amount of beloved characters we have lost in this book. And after that ending, and reading the journal entries of Gawain, I need book 3 immediately to see if the theories I have come up with are right. Here’s a little more to convince you to pick up this series! 👇🏻

The book blurb:
After saving Arthur and discovering her magical gift, Vera must embark on a journey to uncover the dark secrets of the kingdom of Camelot, more specifically the court of the high mages. After an alliance with an unlikely mage, Vera, Arthur, Lancelot, and the other Knights of the Round Table must prepare themselves for war against Merlin and the other mages of court. Filled with magic, perilous quests, and subterfuge, this installment of the Lives of Guinevere will leave you at the edge of your seat wondering what happens next.

The highlights:
* Arthurian retelling
* knights and medieval lore
* portal magic and time traveling
* good versus evil
* multiple POV’s
* slow burn romance

Who this book is perfect for:
• anyone who loves the lore and legend of King Arthur
• lovers of medieval fantasy
• readers who love stories that blend modern themes with ancient mythology and lore

A HUGE thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted copy of this read. It was everything I was hoping it would be!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not long ago, Vera was living in the present day, trying to figure out where her life was going to go and who she would ultimately become. Now, she has been transported back to the time of King Arthur, where she is the fabled Queen Guinevere, and their kingdom is on the cusp of ruin. Recent events have made their efforts even more perilous, especially because it is increasingly less clear whom they can trust. But as important truths begin to emerge, Vera and her companions must embrace both their love for one another and their belief in their mission in order to succeed.

This second installment in the Lives of Guinevere series begins shortly after the first book ends and invites readers back into Vera’s story with sufficient reminders and a familiar design. Endearingly readable, this story flows smoothly and easily, incorporating an effective, immersive writing style that makes the characters step off of the page and into readers’ imaginations. While the vernacular in the story is very modern in its presentation, this is intentional, helping fabled characters feel like real, fallible people with whom readers can relate. Much of this book is presented from Vera's perspective, which is denoted in the chapter headings, although additional perspectives are included at choice moments to give readers a clearer understanding of the many dimensions within the book. Written with an adult audience in mind, this novel incorporates spicy romantic interludes and scenes of peril and violence that are best for mature readers. Fans of The Mists of Avalon will relish this contemporary take on a treasured legend, especially as they get to know more about Vera and the events that led to her present moment. As a capable and independent character, Vera is stronger than she realizes, and this gives her the power to consider whether the history she has always known can somehow be altered. Immersive, entertaining, and elegantly crafted, this novel is a powerful addition to its series and to library collections for adult fantasy readers with a love of Arthurian legends.

[Ivana Loustalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Freaking. Gods! What a sequel!
Okay... I just need to take a moment... I'm still not over that ending... 🥺
I don't even know what to say. First of all, thank you, Paula and NetGalley, so, so much for this ARC! I was beyond happy to get to read this book just after finishing The Once and Future Queen, and I'm still in shock! Heartbreak, but with a bit of hope nonetheless. This book was on a whole new level! 💞
There were so many things going on at once, and there wasn't a single moment to relax. But I loved the action, the drama, and the tension. There were also plenty of sweet, adorable moments. The love and friendship we got to see from the characters were beautiful. I really enjoy Paula's writing style. She's truly amazing, and her books are absolutely captivating. I continue to be amazed by the world-building and the historical elements woven throughout the story.
I was so happy with Arthur's POV! After reading the epilogue in Book 1, I was hoping to get more of his side of the story, and luckily, we did. The dual POV was especially helpful because they were apart for almost the entire book! But even when they were together, it was great to experience both of their perspectives. They were still struggling with their feelings, and being chased certainly wasn't helping at all... Now I wish we had Lancelot's POV too. We readers always want more, don't we? 😅

Okay, now I have to wait for this book to be released in about... three and a half months! Gods, that feels so far away... and then I'll have to wait until Book 3 is ready to be read...

P.S. I can't picture Lancelot as a honey-brown-haired man and Arthur with an even darker shade... I just can't! Lancelot will always be dark-haired to me, and Arthur will always be the blond one. Haha! 🤭

[Alicia · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I don't read sequels, generally. I'm a "one and done" reader. But "The Once and Future Queen" was one of my favorite reads the year it came out, and I've been eagerly awaiting Book 2 ever since. It's hard to live up to that much anticipation. I found "Keeper of the Grail" to be mostly a slow read. It was easy to pick up and put down again. There is a very exciting sequence late in the book that involves fire, but then the climactic conclusion is a chaos of too many characters. I didn't hate the book - the writing is still immersive and the twist on the King Arthur tale is unique. But some of what I loved about the first book is missing from this one. The "modern woman trapped in another world" aspect has faded. There's not much romance. And even though the found family theme is still here, it's much less hopeful in this book. I'm still interested in Book 3, but overall, this book demonstrates why I generally don't get too excited about sequels. (NetGalley ARC)

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ho-Ly Crap!!! If I could rate it 6 stars, I would!

I fell in love with The Once and Future Queen after selecting it for my Aardvark box, and what a treat I stumbled upon. This one dives right in after the first book’s ending, without a significant recap, so if it’s been a while, a re-read might be good for you.

For me, this was an enthusiastic, action-packed, and immersive read. I loved every minute, and was only upset when I had to return to real life (work). Reveal after reveal had me hooked all the way through. Paula writes in a way that has you locked in looking for more answers.

In love with the overall story. I love the relationships between Vera and just about everyone that shows up in this one, but mainly Lancelot. Ugh. What a friendship they share. And that ending!! I cannot wait to see how it all comes together in the next book!

Thank you to the threads fairy over at Kensington Publishing and Erewhon Books for the gift of this eARC!

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 4 a.m. and I just finished. I could not put this book down!!!

Keeper of the Grail picks up right where The Once and Future Queen left off and does not slow down.

Our lovable crew is dealt blow after blow. Trial after trial, obstacle after obstacle, and somehow they manage to face it all with such grace.

I loved getting Arthur's POV this time around! It really deepened the story and gave us a different perspective on the characters and their relationships. We also get some new characters, new locations, and a whole lot of evil.

The corruption of power in this book. My god. I didn't know I could hate so many characters at once.

Vera showed so much strength through everything she went through, and I just want to give her a hug. Gawain is the freaking best. And Arthur and Vera are a love story for the ages. 🥹

Paula also decided to rip my heart out, so there's that. I am WRUNG OUT.

Love, loss, heartbreak, loyalty, duty, and the battle of good versus evil. Paula tells it all so flawlessly, and I could barely put this book down. Truly one of the freshest voices in the genre.

Thank you so much Kensington Books for the ARC!

[Livie McCarter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advance copy from Kensington Books.

MY HEARTTTTTTT!!! Ugh!!!! Once again Paula takes me on a rollercoaster of a ride with Vera and I want to immediately hop back on and ride again.

I am in love with this world and especially most of the chacters in it, yes even the one who is an absolute AHHH! (Im trying to keep this review clean lol) Because they are so well written. Vera and Lancelot have a bond that runs so deep and feels so real, the emphasis on the found family is so so obvious and feels so damn nice. Man I wish I could be in their court.

I don't feel like I can say a lot without spoiling.. because so many things I LOVED you need to experience yourself first.

This is such a great addition to all of the king Arthur stories and lore out there. You can also tell how much care has gone Into trying some different aspects of the lore together seamlessly.

Can't wait to see where we go next with Vera 💖

[J. · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

This book is part two of The Lives of Guinevere trilogy. I think a reader would benefit from reading the first book although this is pretty self contained. Vera was raised in modern times having been parked there as an infant by Merlin. But now that she is grown he fetched her back to magical Arthurian times. They need her and her magic. This book begins in the aftermath of a battle. Arthur is thought to be dead but he is not. Vera used her magic healing skill to save him. Now they need to figure out how to regain the kingdom, learn who the enemies are, and who they can trust. It is an exciting and magical quest.

[Jessica Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so wonderful, and felt like a true continuation of the first with more solid footing. I felt like the first was more emotion-driven and this was much more action-driven with the added bonus of Arthur's POV. I enjoyed them both immensely , and I thought this was a duology but apparently not?! Or it better not be because there's a bit of a cliffhanger going on.
The story was action packed and full of magic, and I didn't even care that wild stuff just kept happening; it never felt like too much or exhausting or try-hard. Just a lot of fun.

[KDRBCK]

Keeper of the Grail by Paula Laffrty is the second book in The Lives of Guinevere published by Kensington Books. This is the second book in the series. The story picks up where the previous book was left off and for best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order. The previous book is The Once and Future Queen.
Arthur and Vera, Lancelot, Merlin, Gawain and many others, their stories are told in this epic timetravelling story. A story of magic, mystery, history with exceptional worldbuilding, a slow burn par excellence, 5 stars.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is EPIC fantasy at its finest. Paula starts with what we know about the myth of King Arthur and builds this interesting, complex world that keeps you on your toes from the first page. And she doesn’t hesitate to rip your heart out. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and root for these characters that are so much more than a myth.

[Chris Bliss · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This was such an amazing ride. Hands down a Five-Star read. Knocking the .25 off for the trauma the ending has caused me. (not derogatory 💗) Ugh the writing in this book is so good, the twists, the turns, the 'hah ya thought' moments. Kept me on my toes, I very much can not wait for the next book.

[The · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I enjoyed this book.

[Leila Coppala · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation of this story based on Arthurian legend, and it looks like this is going to be a trilogy. There are some twists and turns, lives lost and loves found, lots of magic, tons of action. I hate having to wait for the next one! I'll add more to my review when I've had more time to think about the book.

Thanks to Edelweiss and Paula Lafferty foe the eARC in exchange for my honest review.