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Queen of Camelot #1
The Child Queen: The Tale of Guinevere and King Arthur
The story of a love and a treachery that would live for all time. Guinevere and Arthur. Lancelot and Merlin and Morgan Le Fay -- all the names of myth are given flesh and blood in this Del Rey Discovery of the Year book!
307 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 2, 1994
10 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McKenzie
20 books85 followersNancy McKenzie is the author of several novels based on Arthurian tales. Guinevere’s Gift is her first novel for young adults. She lives in Danbury, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 25, 2013
I read this when it first came out. For as long as I can remember, I've been a fan of Arthurian tales, but other than Marion Zimmer Bradley's masterpiece The Mists of Avalon, they don't really tell much about the women of Camelot. This is nowhere near the scope of Bradley's book, but it was still enjoyable. The Guinevere portrayed here is young, shy, but courageous and determined. In love with two men, she does her best to hold to what is right, while dealing with the pain and shame of not being able to produce an heir for Arthur.
Over the years, with moves and whatnot, I'd lost my copies of both this book, along with a few others from the same time. I just managed to replace them, and reading this gave me a wonderful afternoon to slip back into the creation of Camelot and the world of Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot.
Over the years, with moves and whatnot, I'd lost my copies of both this book, along with a few others from the same time. I just managed to replace them, and reading this gave me a wonderful afternoon to slip back into the creation of Camelot and the world of Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot.
July 13, 2017
An extremely engaging book, full of adventure, passion, intrigue and emotion.
Engages the reader evey step of the way.
It traces the early life of Gunievere , who would be Arthur's bride, from her birth to the king and young queen of the Kingdom of Northgallis, where a witch predicts the night of her birth that she would live to be the greatest lady in Britain, but also that she would betray her king and herself be betrayed.
What is unique about this retelling of the Arthurian legend is the deep emotional and pyschological depth of her subjects.
It is the best Arthurian retelling I have read.
Growing up in north Wales, to be a great and engaging beauty , together with her cousin Elaine, her life is turned upside down when she is chosen as the bride of the High King of Britain, Arthur.
Guinevere's love for the King's most trusted knight, Lancelot causes her great pain. Her cousin and childhood friend Elaine, turns into a deadly rival, who out of jealousy because it was Guinevere who became Arthur's bride, will do anything to hurt Guinevere.
Included in this saga are others in Arthurian legend such as the King's adopted brother Kay, Arthur's half-sisters Morgause and Morgan , the battles with the invading Saxons , and the various kingdoms in Britain in the time.We read of Guinevere's abduction by the thuggish minor king Mwelas and her rescue by Lancelot. McKenzie did her research well, while introducing an exciting take on the world of Arthur and Camelot.
Engages the reader evey step of the way.
It traces the early life of Gunievere , who would be Arthur's bride, from her birth to the king and young queen of the Kingdom of Northgallis, where a witch predicts the night of her birth that she would live to be the greatest lady in Britain, but also that she would betray her king and herself be betrayed.
What is unique about this retelling of the Arthurian legend is the deep emotional and pyschological depth of her subjects.
It is the best Arthurian retelling I have read.
Growing up in north Wales, to be a great and engaging beauty , together with her cousin Elaine, her life is turned upside down when she is chosen as the bride of the High King of Britain, Arthur.
Guinevere's love for the King's most trusted knight, Lancelot causes her great pain. Her cousin and childhood friend Elaine, turns into a deadly rival, who out of jealousy because it was Guinevere who became Arthur's bride, will do anything to hurt Guinevere.
Included in this saga are others in Arthurian legend such as the King's adopted brother Kay, Arthur's half-sisters Morgause and Morgan , the battles with the invading Saxons , and the various kingdoms in Britain in the time.We read of Guinevere's abduction by the thuggish minor king Mwelas and her rescue by Lancelot. McKenzie did her research well, while introducing an exciting take on the world of Arthur and Camelot.
March 15, 2016
Definitely the most fun version of the Guinevere/Arthur legend I have read. If you are looking for a sweeping Arthurian epic or historical accuracy, this is not it. If you are looking for a Guinevere who is someone you can cheer for, this is your book. All the characterization in McKenzie's tale is excellent; the characters seem real and the author paints a very strong, likeable Guinevere and delivers a highly entertaining story. I picked up the sequel to this a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to another look inside Guinevere's world.
August 19, 2022
ptdr elaine la grosse tchoin
euh pardon
J'ai aimé cette lecture qui fut assez prenante........ Malgré les... nombreux... défauts. Justement, en parlant de défaut : où sont ceux de Gwen ? Non, vraiment, à part Elaine et Alyse, tous les personnages la voient comme une véritable déesse, c'est agaçant, ce protagoniste est bien trop parfait. Je lui en trouve un qui m'a donné envie de la secouer comme un prunier : QU'ELLE CESSE DE RÉPÉTER "JE NE SUIS QU'UNE FEMME", C'EST INSUPPORTABLE. JE SAIS BIEN QUE TU VIS AU MOYEN-ÂGE MAIS TOUT DE MÊME. C'est lourd et dommage, surtout de la part d'une autrice.
L'épisode des aphrodisiaques m'a bien fait glousser, si ridicule, my boy Lancelot m'a déçue.
Et le King Arthur, ça va, tu es pas trop glauque à dire à ton épouse qu'elle n'est "encore qu'une enfant" peu de temps avant (ou après, je ne sais plus) avoir couché avec elle ?
Ew ?! Et pourtant lui aussi est considéré comme parfait......... Cela dit, il est vrai qu'il a bon cœur à accepter si tranquillement le polyamour de sa reine bien-aimée...............
Nancy fais des efforts stp
euh pardon
J'ai aimé cette lecture qui fut assez prenante........ Malgré les... nombreux... défauts. Justement, en parlant de défaut : où sont ceux de Gwen ? Non, vraiment, à part Elaine et Alyse, tous les personnages la voient comme une véritable déesse, c'est agaçant, ce protagoniste est bien trop parfait. Je lui en trouve un qui m'a donné envie de la secouer comme un prunier : QU'ELLE CESSE DE RÉPÉTER "JE NE SUIS QU'UNE FEMME", C'EST INSUPPORTABLE. JE SAIS BIEN QUE TU VIS AU MOYEN-ÂGE MAIS TOUT DE MÊME. C'est lourd et dommage, surtout de la part d'une autrice.
L'épisode des aphrodisiaques m'a bien fait glousser, si ridicule, my boy Lancelot m'a déçue.
Et le King Arthur, ça va, tu es pas trop glauque à dire à ton épouse qu'elle n'est "encore qu'une enfant" peu de temps avant (ou après, je ne sais plus) avoir couché avec elle ?
Ew ?! Et pourtant lui aussi est considéré comme parfait......... Cela dit, il est vrai qu'il a bon cœur à accepter si tranquillement le polyamour de sa reine bien-aimée...............
Nancy fais des efforts stp
September 9, 2025
4,5
Ce livre traînait depuis un moment sur mes étagères, j'en avais même oublié que je l'avais. Je n'avais donc pas spécialement d'attente à son sujet et ça a été une très bonne surprise ! J'ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture et le personnage de Guenièvre. J'ai toujours beaucoup aimé les histoires autour de roi Arthur et je trouve celle-ci très bien mené. J'ai hâte de lire la suite.
Ce livre traînait depuis un moment sur mes étagères, j'en avais même oublié que je l'avais. Je n'avais donc pas spécialement d'attente à son sujet et ça a été une très bonne surprise ! J'ai beaucoup aimé ma lecture et le personnage de Guenièvre. J'ai toujours beaucoup aimé les histoires autour de roi Arthur et je trouve celle-ci très bien mené. J'ai hâte de lire la suite.
February 4, 2022
I have a lot of thoughts
-most issues I have aren't the fault of the author after all it wasn't her who conjured up the messy Legends of King Arthur.
-Guinevere as a child is wayy too smart for her age she's not just precocious she could rule the world if she wanted to.
-older Gwen is annoyingly perfect and beautiful, prophecised and loved by men and hated by women. She's the historical version of Not-like-other-girls.
-Arthur is precious. I hated him at the end though.
-for a book retold from Guinevere's POV and all she faced I expected a lot more girl power... there were only hints of that at the end with Niniane but basically every female character was spiteful, arrogant, evil or a witch.
-gwen constantly apologises for being a woman or doing something because she's a woman and yes I know it's a sign of the times she was raised in and all but I expected her to challenge it a bit more!
-the writing was elegant like a classic but still easy to read and I liked it.
-ugh Lancelot! I hate instalove and Gwen/Lancelot is the definition of that! He gave off so many rapey vibes and I really hated him. Just move on already!
-Elaine even more ugh. I hate her even more than Lancelot.
-so many triggers! Rape, molestation, paedophilia, incest, drugs etc. This needed a content warning!
-plot? What plot I couldn't summarise this book. It's just a coming of age story about the queen of Camelot, and I suppose it does just that.
-this is the first in a trilogy. Not sure whether I'll continue yet.
-most issues I have aren't the fault of the author after all it wasn't her who conjured up the messy Legends of King Arthur.
-Guinevere as a child is wayy too smart for her age she's not just precocious she could rule the world if she wanted to.
-older Gwen is annoyingly perfect and beautiful, prophecised and loved by men and hated by women. She's the historical version of Not-like-other-girls.
-Arthur is precious. I hated him at the end though.
-for a book retold from Guinevere's POV and all she faced I expected a lot more girl power... there were only hints of that at the end with Niniane but basically every female character was spiteful, arrogant, evil or a witch.
-gwen constantly apologises for being a woman or doing something because she's a woman and yes I know it's a sign of the times she was raised in and all but I expected her to challenge it a bit more!
-the writing was elegant like a classic but still easy to read and I liked it.
-ugh Lancelot! I hate instalove and Gwen/Lancelot is the definition of that! He gave off so many rapey vibes and I really hated him. Just move on already!
-Elaine even more ugh. I hate her even more than Lancelot.
-so many triggers! Rape, molestation, paedophilia, incest, drugs etc. This needed a content warning!
-plot? What plot I couldn't summarise this book. It's just a coming of age story about the queen of Camelot, and I suppose it does just that.
-this is the first in a trilogy. Not sure whether I'll continue yet.
September 17, 2016
More of a 3.5, but I liked it enough for a round up.
What I dug most about this book was the maturity of it. Adults acknowledging the emotions of other adults, accepting them and choosing to trust one another. SPOILER ALERT: I'm talking, of course, about the immortal Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle. In this version, Arthur is not only aware of the romantic love between his wife and best friend, he acknowledges it and trusts them enough to not act inappropriately. The 3 of them speak of it as adults who accept their responsibilities without minimizing the love they all have for one another. It was such a breath of fresh air in contrast to the typical take on this story where Guinevere and Lancelot lie, get caught and Arthur vilifies them both. Not the most exciting version of this tale that I've read, this being more about interpersonal relationships and an examination of what Guinevere's experience would be instead of lots of action, magic and constant betrayal. But that's what I liked about it. Watching Arthur actually have to run a kingdom, not just fight valiantly for a united Britain. Seeing Guinevere wrestle with a very real and heartbreaking case of infertility; how she feels like a failure, which I've heard from so many women who have to deal with this issue. So, not definitive or anywhere near the best version of the Arthur legend, but definitely one worth checking out.
What I dug most about this book was the maturity of it. Adults acknowledging the emotions of other adults, accepting them and choosing to trust one another. SPOILER ALERT: I'm talking, of course, about the immortal Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot love triangle. In this version, Arthur is not only aware of the romantic love between his wife and best friend, he acknowledges it and trusts them enough to not act inappropriately. The 3 of them speak of it as adults who accept their responsibilities without minimizing the love they all have for one another. It was such a breath of fresh air in contrast to the typical take on this story where Guinevere and Lancelot lie, get caught and Arthur vilifies them both. Not the most exciting version of this tale that I've read, this being more about interpersonal relationships and an examination of what Guinevere's experience would be instead of lots of action, magic and constant betrayal. But that's what I liked about it. Watching Arthur actually have to run a kingdom, not just fight valiantly for a united Britain. Seeing Guinevere wrestle with a very real and heartbreaking case of infertility; how she feels like a failure, which I've heard from so many women who have to deal with this issue. So, not definitive or anywhere near the best version of the Arthur legend, but definitely one worth checking out.
January 3, 2026
I first read this in high school and was completely enthralled. The world that McKenzie painted was so thrilling and magical, colorful and beautiful that I read this book over and over and just lost myself in it. I really cared about the characters and what happened to them, and I adored how Guinevere was portrayed and how her struggles were thought about and discussed. One of the best books I've ever read, done in a writing style that complimented the subject matter perfectly--a true work of art.
November 28, 2014
This book is a favorite from my early high school days. It focuses on the life of Guinevere. The characters are well-developed and wonderfully human, despite the fact that the reader knows they are going to become a part of extraordinary events. One of my favorite parts of this story is how it provides such a strong foundation for how Guinevere could end up in love with both Lancelot and Arthur. The book has some very poetic passages and scenes while always keeping in mind that these amazing people are, after all, human. It is a good mix of myth and reality.
July 31, 2007
Meh. Even at the young age I read this at, meh. It was fine. Nothing really stood out to me. Except maybe that Guinevere wasn't the horrid bitch that I thought she was before that. Nothing special, but it's there. It read pretty quickly. I can't remember enough to say if it was on the good side or bad side of meh.
January 23, 2013
First of all Guinevere is by far the most believable, human version of this character. Though her you fall in love with Lancelot. Then you fall in love with Arthur. A beautiful, heartbreaking tale from the round table.
November 28, 2008
This is a book I picked out on a whim at the library when I was in high school. It is the book that got me intensely interested in the King Arthur myths.
September 2, 2011
A slow start but once the story picked up it was very intriguing although I think the ending was rather abrupt. Looking forward to reading Part 2.
February 3, 2017
I've read this book about half a dozen times, but it's still great.
March 25, 2023
5/6!
Wow! I reallly loved this story! It was written in the 90s so the MCs are a bit "perfect" but honestly, it wasn't to an unbelievable degree so it was a bit refreshing. I've never actually read the "original" story of King Arthur, but I feel like everyone knows the basic premise. (Aka, I watched "The Sword and the Stone" lmao)But one thing I never understood was how Guinevere, Arthur's wife, could have ever betrayed him for Lancelot. And in this story, it's told that she meets him first as he's come to take her to Arthur for their betrothal, and she basically falls in love at first sight. But she falls in love with Arthur as well. Gwen knows her duty, but (in this story at least) she truly loves Arthur and her duty isn't a chore to be endured. Plus, Lancelot loves both her and Arthur deeply, and Arthur loves Gwen and Lancelot deeply. And the three of them all know that they're in love with each other, so they're all respectful of each other. Honestly it was kinda nice, that Arthur and Lancelot's friendship wasn't broken because of Gwen, and while Lance is sad that Gwen is with Arthur, he doesn't become a raging bastard, and though Arthur knows she loves Lancelot, he doesn't become a preening/gloating bastard. The HEIGHT of chivalry between them.
Also, have to say it, I hated Elaine from the beginning, and Gwen was waaaay too forgiving of her. Towards the end when Elaine's plot is revealed, I guessed it as Gwen is told that Elaine is sewing something using left over silk that Gwen used to make a dress. It is also brought up previous to the betrayal that Elaine can copy Gwen's voice almost perfectly. It was clear what was coming.
Something else, Elaine's first betrayal. Had this book been "newer"/ released within the last 5-10 years, the r*pe that was prevented in the nick of time, would have actually been completed, and Gwen would only have been saved after she was assaulted.
Ok so I liked this book so much that I'm actually worried about reading the sequel lol like I have it, but the back of the book's blurb makes it sound like Arthur is dead and Gwen is raising a child on her own. If this is the case I might have to just pretend that it never came out and the series ended with this first one lol I Just want all my babies to be happy and in love and in a poly-relationship. T.T pleaseeeeee
Also, also, I hope Elaine dies in childbirth :)
Wow! I reallly loved this story! It was written in the 90s so the MCs are a bit "perfect" but honestly, it wasn't to an unbelievable degree so it was a bit refreshing. I've never actually read the "original" story of King Arthur, but I feel like everyone knows the basic premise. (Aka, I watched "The Sword and the Stone" lmao)But one thing I never understood was how Guinevere, Arthur's wife, could have ever betrayed him for Lancelot. And in this story, it's told that she meets him first as he's come to take her to Arthur for their betrothal, and she basically falls in love at first sight. But she falls in love with Arthur as well. Gwen knows her duty, but (in this story at least) she truly loves Arthur and her duty isn't a chore to be endured. Plus, Lancelot loves both her and Arthur deeply, and Arthur loves Gwen and Lancelot deeply. And the three of them all know that they're in love with each other, so they're all respectful of each other. Honestly it was kinda nice, that Arthur and Lancelot's friendship wasn't broken because of Gwen, and while Lance is sad that Gwen is with Arthur, he doesn't become a raging bastard, and though Arthur knows she loves Lancelot, he doesn't become a preening/gloating bastard. The HEIGHT of chivalry between them.
Also, have to say it, I hated Elaine from the beginning, and Gwen was waaaay too forgiving of her. Towards the end when Elaine's plot is revealed, I guessed it as Gwen is told that Elaine is sewing something using left over silk that Gwen used to make a dress. It is also brought up previous to the betrayal that Elaine can copy Gwen's voice almost perfectly. It was clear what was coming.
Something else, Elaine's first betrayal. Had this book been "newer"/ released within the last 5-10 years, the r*pe that was prevented in the nick of time, would have actually been completed, and Gwen would only have been saved after she was assaulted.
Ok so I liked this book so much that I'm actually worried about reading the sequel lol like I have it, but the back of the book's blurb makes it sound like Arthur is dead and Gwen is raising a child on her own. If this is the case I might have to just pretend that it never came out and the series ended with this first one lol I Just want all my babies to be happy and in love and in a poly-relationship. T.T pleaseeeeee
Also, also, I hope Elaine dies in childbirth :)
October 13, 2025
I originally read this years ago, and decided to reread. Either it, or I, haven't aged well.
Guinevere in this telling is a Welsh princess, beautiful with white-gold hair, slim, and a fantastic horsewoman. Her mother had died at her birth, and before his own death, which he senses approaching, King Leodegrance sends her to live with her mother's family: Alyse, Pellinore, Elaine (who's about her age), and her male cousins.
Arthur has been making a name for himself, winning all the wars and battles. Elaine is besotted from afar. When his young bride dies in childbirth and he seeks to remarry, Elaine so wants to to be the new bride, but he decides on Guinevere (although he has only heard stories about her).
My problem with this take is Guinevere is a Mary Sue - she always says the right thing, does the right thing, and any misfortune that falls upon her is everyone else's fault. Arthur, likewise, is perfect and blameless. Lancelot is an excellent horseman and swordfighter, but also something of a jerk. The rest of Arthur's Companions are fairly nondescript.
The writing is good; I was just annoyed with the whole St. Guinevere take, and the "will they or won't they" regarding her and Lancelot.
Guinevere in this telling is a Welsh princess, beautiful with white-gold hair, slim, and a fantastic horsewoman. Her mother had died at her birth, and before his own death, which he senses approaching, King Leodegrance sends her to live with her mother's family: Alyse, Pellinore, Elaine (who's about her age), and her male cousins.
Arthur has been making a name for himself, winning all the wars and battles. Elaine is besotted from afar. When his young bride dies in childbirth and he seeks to remarry, Elaine so wants to to be the new bride, but he decides on Guinevere (although he has only heard stories about her).
My problem with this take is Guinevere is a Mary Sue - she always says the right thing, does the right thing, and any misfortune that falls upon her is everyone else's fault. Arthur, likewise, is perfect and blameless. Lancelot is an excellent horseman and swordfighter, but also something of a jerk. The rest of Arthur's Companions are fairly nondescript.
The writing is good; I was just annoyed with the whole St. Guinevere take, and the "will they or won't they" regarding her and Lancelot.
June 28, 2023
Wow - beautiful retelling of the beginnings of the King Arthur legend - Guinivere is a Welsh princess, ward to her aunt and uncle, and companion to her beautiful cousin, Elaine. When she is betrothed, against her will (and against Elaine's wishes and hopes), the bond between the women is broken, never to be repaired. Guinivere finds love with Lancelot, but a kindred spirit in Arthur, and Camelot rises with Merlin and Nimiue in the background, seeing the future and unable to change it.
July 5, 2024
For the longest time, I've been a huge fan of Aurthurian legend and simply put this book is amazingly well constructed.
The characters are mostly, if not exactly, how I pictured them. Our main girl Gwen, *chef's kiss*. Our High King Arthur, literal perfection, can not describe any other way. Our good knight, Lancelot, shouts of joy of how well written. Even the other characters with minor roles are interesting and compelling. I literally loved this book if you couldn't tell.
The characters are mostly, if not exactly, how I pictured them. Our main girl Gwen, *chef's kiss*. Our High King Arthur, literal perfection, can not describe any other way. Our good knight, Lancelot, shouts of joy of how well written. Even the other characters with minor roles are interesting and compelling. I literally loved this book if you couldn't tell.
January 6, 2019
My all time favorite fiction book (along w sequel The High Queen). Phenomenal character development, excellent writing, great plot with twists. Wish I could find more like this.
September 18, 2022
Just as well written and wonderfully romantic as I remember from 20 years ago.
February 15, 2017
This book used to be two books and was merged into one. Called The Queen of Camelot. I personally liked the separate books better.
The sequel is The High Queen.
This is my favourite version of the Arthurian legend.
The sequel is The High Queen.
This is my favourite version of the Arthurian legend.
January 8, 2012
I was a huge fan of The Mists of Avalon, but this series has something that my holy book has not; a believable Guenivere. The sort of Tom Boyish, heroic girl featured in these books, struck a chord in me, and I felt something like a pang of recognition. McKenzie packs a lot of vivid imagery into two smallish volumes, which will inevitably be compared with Bradley's mammoth work. Considering that the herione of the piece is the Queen and not an enchantress (enchantresses being much more popular in fantasy novels) there is an extraordinary amount of magical atmosphere in both books. I liked the differentiation between Morgana and Morgaine. Mckenzie manages to give a subtle nod to Bradley (making room for the copious number of damzels from her book), while departing utterly from the theme and tone of Avalon.
August 2, 2008
This was a recommended reading back for my high school Freshman English class. It tells the story of King Arthur from Guinevere's perspective. Since it was recommended back in high school, it is not a challenging read, but fun nonetheless. I believe it is a hard book to find, so if you would like to read it, let me know.
May 15, 2008
This was a fun read. The story of Arthur told from Guinevere's perspective. I think the love-triangle between Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot is treated really well and as I have always wanted to imagine it.
April 14, 2014
I read this when I was in junior high. At the time it was my second favorite Arthurian tale (The Crystal Cave was first).
I tried it again in college. It didn't really hold up. But I can't help but have a soft spot in my heart.
I tried it again in college. It didn't really hold up. But I can't help but have a soft spot in my heart.
June 15, 2007
The single work of Aurthurian fiction where I have ever liked Guinevere. For that reason alone, I think it's worth a read. It's fun, if you're feeling like an afternoon of King Arthur.
October 11, 2007
I read this a while ago. It's a great, easy read, especially for those who like Arthurian legend and Guinevere in particular.
June 30, 2008
I love books from this time period. Plus it was an interesting twist on the Guinevere - Arthur love story.
May 6, 2008
Definitely a comfort book for me, which is why I re-read it earlier this year.
April 30, 2008
This is an absorbing tale told from Guinevere's perspective. And what a heart wrenching tale! I really love this book and it's sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews