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The Arthur Trilogy #1
When First I Met My King
Once upon a time, there was a winter that wouldn’t end. And all that’s standing between the people of White Meadows and starvation is a young man called Lance.
He’s sixteen years old, and for all his courage and hunting skills, he’s running out of fight. His family has been wiped out in a border raid, and he’s drowning in loneliness. When strangers arrive at White Meadows, all Lance can think of is using his last strength to drive them away.
But these men have come in peace, not to burn and destroy. Among them is a hot-headed, utterly charming prince-in-training named Arthur.
For Lance, Arthur’s arrival is like the return of the sun. The prince has everything – learning, battle skills, a splendid destiny. But as the days unfold in the remote northern settlement in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall, it soon becomes clear that Arthur needs Lance, too.
He’s sixteen years old, and for all his courage and hunting skills, he’s running out of fight. His family has been wiped out in a border raid, and he’s drowning in loneliness. When strangers arrive at White Meadows, all Lance can think of is using his last strength to drive them away.
But these men have come in peace, not to burn and destroy. Among them is a hot-headed, utterly charming prince-in-training named Arthur.
For Lance, Arthur’s arrival is like the return of the sun. The prince has everything – learning, battle skills, a splendid destiny. But as the days unfold in the remote northern settlement in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall, it soon becomes clear that Arthur needs Lance, too.
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2017
23 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Harper Fox
58 books1,173 followersHarper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn't letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she's yet to discover them.
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October 17, 2017A lovely novella, or rather a Part One of the story, introducing Lancelot and Arthur. This retelling places the story in ancient British history while keeping the magic; it has a lovely folkloric feel and is grounded very deeply in the land. Blissful. A short but incredibly welcome diversion from now.
October 12, 2017
When First I Met My King (Book 1 of the Arthur Trilogy)
By Harper Fox
Published by the Author, 2017
Five stars
A new Harper Fox book is a great event in my life. So, if you’re looking for disinterested opinion, forget it. With this launch of her new trilogy, re-casting the legend of King Arthur and Sir Lancelot, Fox tackles a hoary tale as deeply entrenched in English culture as the legend of Robin Hood. I mention that, because that story has been wonderfully treated by J. Tullos Hennig as an epic five-part series in which Robin and his lifelong love are both men.
How I love authors who can do this and triumph.
Fox’s series will clearly be less epic in scale, given the size of the first installment, but no less profound in its emotional punch. Imagine a teenager, surviving crushing loss and privation on the northern edge of Roman Briton, after the Roman empire has collapsed and lost its ability to protect its outer borders. Into this boy’s wilderness rides a boy his own age. This is no desperate third son of a shepherd king, but a golden princeling, supposed heir to a Roman fiefdom, named Artorius. Delivered into the hands of a Roman soldier by a raving old man who claimed to be a wizard, Arthur has grown up bemused and puzzled by the prophetic myths surrounding his birth. Only when he meets Tertius, known to his community as Lance because of his skill with a spear, does Arthur’s world begin to make sense.
Nobody in the world of gay romance writes like Harper Fox. Few people in the English literary world can top her beautiful language and unmatched elegance of prose. She brings us into the fantastical heart of ancient English myth, and renders it with a gritty realism that is both harrowing and poetic. This is the world of pagans just at the beginning of the long, harsh shadow of Christianity. This is a world of social and political turmoil in the wake of a dying empire. It is the world that spawned the legend of Arthur.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I have never actually read any full version of the tale of King Arthur. I’ve never even seen “Camelot.” All I’ve seen, 50 years ago, is the Disney animated film, “Sword in the Stone.” So, I approached this series with a vague, pop-culture awareness of the bare details. It looks as if Harper Fox’s Arthur will become the definitive one for me. There is no question that Fox has imbued this tale with her own sensibilities, her own pagan spirit, her own very modern love of justice and honor.
And that’s just fine. There are aspects to Arthur that already worry me. I suspect there will be things that make me unhappy. But that’s fine. Once more, Fox has transported her readers into a place they never expected to find themselves. It’s not always a comfortable journey. But well worth the trouble.
By Harper Fox
Published by the Author, 2017
Five stars
A new Harper Fox book is a great event in my life. So, if you’re looking for disinterested opinion, forget it. With this launch of her new trilogy, re-casting the legend of King Arthur and Sir Lancelot, Fox tackles a hoary tale as deeply entrenched in English culture as the legend of Robin Hood. I mention that, because that story has been wonderfully treated by J. Tullos Hennig as an epic five-part series in which Robin and his lifelong love are both men.
How I love authors who can do this and triumph.
Fox’s series will clearly be less epic in scale, given the size of the first installment, but no less profound in its emotional punch. Imagine a teenager, surviving crushing loss and privation on the northern edge of Roman Briton, after the Roman empire has collapsed and lost its ability to protect its outer borders. Into this boy’s wilderness rides a boy his own age. This is no desperate third son of a shepherd king, but a golden princeling, supposed heir to a Roman fiefdom, named Artorius. Delivered into the hands of a Roman soldier by a raving old man who claimed to be a wizard, Arthur has grown up bemused and puzzled by the prophetic myths surrounding his birth. Only when he meets Tertius, known to his community as Lance because of his skill with a spear, does Arthur’s world begin to make sense.
Nobody in the world of gay romance writes like Harper Fox. Few people in the English literary world can top her beautiful language and unmatched elegance of prose. She brings us into the fantastical heart of ancient English myth, and renders it with a gritty realism that is both harrowing and poetic. This is the world of pagans just at the beginning of the long, harsh shadow of Christianity. This is a world of social and political turmoil in the wake of a dying empire. It is the world that spawned the legend of Arthur.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I have never actually read any full version of the tale of King Arthur. I’ve never even seen “Camelot.” All I’ve seen, 50 years ago, is the Disney animated film, “Sword in the Stone.” So, I approached this series with a vague, pop-culture awareness of the bare details. It looks as if Harper Fox’s Arthur will become the definitive one for me. There is no question that Fox has imbued this tale with her own sensibilities, her own pagan spirit, her own very modern love of justice and honor.
And that’s just fine. There are aspects to Arthur that already worry me. I suspect there will be things that make me unhappy. But that’s fine. Once more, Fox has transported her readers into a place they never expected to find themselves. It’s not always a comfortable journey. But well worth the trouble.
November 25, 2021
Loving this retelling of Arthur and Lancelot!
I'm imressed qith the description of the setting.
I love the conection the two young men forge and I can't wait to se what's instore for them in the next istallement.
I do wish the love scene wasn't FTB but it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
The twist on Arthurian lore is certainly intriguing!
On to the next
PS.... Gary Furlong is EPIC
I'm imressed qith the description of the setting.
I love the conection the two young men forge and I can't wait to se what's instore for them in the next istallement.
I do wish the love scene wasn't FTB but it didn't take away from my enjoyment.
The twist on Arthurian lore is certainly intriguing!
On to the next
PS.... Gary Furlong is EPIC
November 1, 2017
Christmas arrived early for me this year when I heard Harper Fox was releasing an M/M version of the Arthur saga. I must admit I first squealed with delight. One of my favourite authors, one of my all time favourite stories, what more could a boy from Cornwall who has grown up with all the magic and mystery of the Pendragon Tale wish for? I must admit that I have probably read almost all retellings of this story and seen all the various film versions, of which there are many. Some good, some not so good. One of my favourites is Bernard Cornwell’s The Warlord Chronicles trilogy, absolutely wonderful. So I have many comparisons and in that lies the danger of disappointment due to the fact of whether the next retelling will live up to expectations or not. You know what you want from the story, so will it be delivered? What angle will be portrayed with this version? From which view point will it be told? Will it still be fresh? How will Harper manage to keep the magic of one of the oldest and most told stories alive with another version? A very tall order indeed and a very brave undertaking by Harper when you think about the countless versions out there. So I opened the first page and dove in headlong trying not to let all the other versions in my head colour my judgement.
Well? I LOVED it! Why? Harper’s writing and descriptive narrative lends itself beautifully to this tale which is full of magic and mystery. It needs to be brought alive and this she does wonderfully. While reading, it felt like being sat around a campfire listening intensely to an old bard telling a tale of yesteryear and long ago. I was a child again being fascinated by a master story teller, listening to tales of magic swords, dragons, knights and ancient Celtic folklore mixed with the “new religion” in its infancy, old gods and the new God, religious traditions old and new mingling together, all breathing new vitality into an old story and giving the Arthur story a new lease of life.
After the Romans left Britain was plunged into the Dark Ages. A period of history that even today comparatively little is still known. We know more about ancient Egypt than Britain in the Dark Ages. A time where maybe the vestiges of Rome were left but Britain was struggling to establish itself and get back on its feet. It is in this haunting time where the Roman history is fading and a new age is dawning that we meet Lance who lives in the north of England near Hadrian’s wall. It’s a tough life and winter has been harsh with famine and death but he still cares for his people who he sees as his responsibility since his father has left. This is when he meets Arthur, a young man travelling with his adopted father trying to recruit and unite the indigenous folk against the Saxon invaders.
I just loved how Harper has started this series, two young boys who meet for the first time. One destined to become King and the other who has been bowled over by his charm. A young, sweet and innocent love currently due to their age. A time of sexual and emotional exploration but where feelings are none the less intense due to their youth. Harper’s writing captures this mood wonderfully and maybe we will see it flourish into a strong and mature love. Arthur is charismatic and charming if not a little brash at times due to his youthfulness but this is kept in check by his adopted father and brother who was given Arthur by the Merlin to look after. Lance has fallen hard for Arthur and adores him but feels trapped by the responsibilities of looking after his people. It is a time where the more accepting and older Celtic religion is at logger heads with the new and more puritanical religion of Christianity. Both of these philosophies are causing an emotional tug-o-war for Lance and Arthur as they are the generation trying to bridge the divide between the old and the new.
This trilogy for me has got off to a damn fine start and left me hoping that there could be a happy ending as the original saga does not have one to speak of. How Harper will deal with this will be interesting. How will the story develop? What role will Gwynevere play if she appears at all? Of course, thinking about it why not a romance between Lance (Lancelot) and Arthur who even in the original story were so close to each other one could have suspected a romance there from the start. That Arthur and Lance were the two in love from the beginning. So yes, I approve fully of this take on the story to turn it into an M/M romance. Can’t wait now for book two to see how Lance and Arthur go from their youthful love to being a loving adult couple. Do they even make it? Will there be a HEA rather than the tragic ending of the original? What outside influences will be put upon them that will try and test their love for each other? So for Arthur fans all the elements are there, Excalibur, the Lady of the Lake, The Round Table, Merlin, Arthur, magic, folklore and religion, all set in a time that is as full of mystery as it ever was. I for one will be looking forward to where the journey takes me and what Harper has in store.
Well? I LOVED it! Why? Harper’s writing and descriptive narrative lends itself beautifully to this tale which is full of magic and mystery. It needs to be brought alive and this she does wonderfully. While reading, it felt like being sat around a campfire listening intensely to an old bard telling a tale of yesteryear and long ago. I was a child again being fascinated by a master story teller, listening to tales of magic swords, dragons, knights and ancient Celtic folklore mixed with the “new religion” in its infancy, old gods and the new God, religious traditions old and new mingling together, all breathing new vitality into an old story and giving the Arthur story a new lease of life.
After the Romans left Britain was plunged into the Dark Ages. A period of history that even today comparatively little is still known. We know more about ancient Egypt than Britain in the Dark Ages. A time where maybe the vestiges of Rome were left but Britain was struggling to establish itself and get back on its feet. It is in this haunting time where the Roman history is fading and a new age is dawning that we meet Lance who lives in the north of England near Hadrian’s wall. It’s a tough life and winter has been harsh with famine and death but he still cares for his people who he sees as his responsibility since his father has left. This is when he meets Arthur, a young man travelling with his adopted father trying to recruit and unite the indigenous folk against the Saxon invaders.
I just loved how Harper has started this series, two young boys who meet for the first time. One destined to become King and the other who has been bowled over by his charm. A young, sweet and innocent love currently due to their age. A time of sexual and emotional exploration but where feelings are none the less intense due to their youth. Harper’s writing captures this mood wonderfully and maybe we will see it flourish into a strong and mature love. Arthur is charismatic and charming if not a little brash at times due to his youthfulness but this is kept in check by his adopted father and brother who was given Arthur by the Merlin to look after. Lance has fallen hard for Arthur and adores him but feels trapped by the responsibilities of looking after his people. It is a time where the more accepting and older Celtic religion is at logger heads with the new and more puritanical religion of Christianity. Both of these philosophies are causing an emotional tug-o-war for Lance and Arthur as they are the generation trying to bridge the divide between the old and the new.
This trilogy for me has got off to a damn fine start and left me hoping that there could be a happy ending as the original saga does not have one to speak of. How Harper will deal with this will be interesting. How will the story develop? What role will Gwynevere play if she appears at all? Of course, thinking about it why not a romance between Lance (Lancelot) and Arthur who even in the original story were so close to each other one could have suspected a romance there from the start. That Arthur and Lance were the two in love from the beginning. So yes, I approve fully of this take on the story to turn it into an M/M romance. Can’t wait now for book two to see how Lance and Arthur go from their youthful love to being a loving adult couple. Do they even make it? Will there be a HEA rather than the tragic ending of the original? What outside influences will be put upon them that will try and test their love for each other? So for Arthur fans all the elements are there, Excalibur, the Lady of the Lake, The Round Table, Merlin, Arthur, magic, folklore and religion, all set in a time that is as full of mystery as it ever was. I for one will be looking forward to where the journey takes me and what Harper has in store.
December 19, 2017
I was sucked in!
Harper Fox is a master at describing place and setting. When I read her book, I feel like I am there, that I can see, smell, taste and feel all that her characters can.
On this take on the legend of Arthur, we see the world through Lance’s eyes. He finds himself and his village in dire straights after nearly starving to death over the winter and no spring on the horizon.
Arthur is riding through the land, acquiring supporters for his campaign to unify the land of Briton. He wants Lance at his side, but Lance will not abandon his obligations now that he is their leader.
I truly joyed reading this novella for the sense of place it evokes in me. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Harper Fox is a master at describing place and setting. When I read her book, I feel like I am there, that I can see, smell, taste and feel all that her characters can.
On this take on the legend of Arthur, we see the world through Lance’s eyes. He finds himself and his village in dire straights after nearly starving to death over the winter and no spring on the horizon.
Arthur is riding through the land, acquiring supporters for his campaign to unify the land of Briton. He wants Lance at his side, but Lance will not abandon his obligations now that he is their leader.
I truly joyed reading this novella for the sense of place it evokes in me. I can’t wait to read the next one!
October 4, 2017
4.25 stars from me, for this the first in Harper's own take on the Arthurian legends of Arthur, Lancelot, Merlin and all that goes with it. This particular story is from Lance's [or Tertius, meaning third son] POV, and describes the magical meeting with Artorius [Arthur], Ector and Gaius in the wilds of Vindolanda, after a particularly brutal winter. As usual, her descriptive powers are outstanding and you can almost feel the magic swirling in the air.
***For anyone who wants to totally immerse themselves in Arthurian legend, I can do no more than highly recommend the series that got me hooked on it a long, long time ago The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart. This set of stories are from Merlin's POV, and are just brilliant!!***
***For anyone who wants to totally immerse themselves in Arthurian legend, I can do no more than highly recommend the series that got me hooked on it a long, long time ago The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart. This set of stories are from Merlin's POV, and are just brilliant!!***
December 31, 2024
Hard for me to get into.
I unearthed this book from the recesses on my Kindle on a whim, and while I'm *sort of* glad I picked it up, it isn't my typical kind of romance. Is it even a romance?
It's a retelling, which I honestly didn't remember when I started it, though I quickly caught on, and just part of a larger story. It was vaguely dissatisfying to read, though Harper Fox is a talented writer.
Not really what I was in the mood for.
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I unearthed this book from the recesses on my Kindle on a whim, and while I'm *sort of* glad I picked it up, it isn't my typical kind of romance. Is it even a romance?
It's a retelling, which I honestly didn't remember when I started it, though I quickly caught on, and just part of a larger story. It was vaguely dissatisfying to read, though Harper Fox is a talented writer.
Not really what I was in the mood for.
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March 22, 2019
Despite its brevity, When First I Met My King is an extraordinary way to introduce the readers to the legendary characters of King Arthur and Lancelot.
Young and brave, Arthur and Lance meet at what is arguably Lance's lowest point in life. Lonely and confused, Lance is a prince without riches and without a family to support and defend him. Arthur is headstrong and irruent, groomed to become a king but also charmingly sincere and open in his affections.
Their first meeting is beautifully constructed and foreshadows immediately the bond that will become such a central trope in all Arthurian legends.
Despite the familiarity of the story and its characters, Harper Fox surprised me with forays into the origins of Excalibur, of the Camelot court and its roundtable that feel perfectly fused with the main narrative thread without ever seeming boring or pedantic.
A beautiful sense of magical realism pervades the novella - nature responds to the characters' inner turmoil and emotions in immediate and forceful ways. Lance's desperation and solitude are mirrored by the bare and unwelcoming Vindolanda we see at the opening of the book, whilst the joy and freedom that Arthur brings into Lance's life literally turn the moorlands into a blooming and luscious land.
Written with Fox's usual elegance and sensual touch, When First I Met My King is truly
a wonderful beginning to the author's Arthurian quartet. Amazing!
In the image below, the beautifully atmospheric Lancelot Chapel of the Holy Grail (1896) by Edward Burne-Jones.
Young and brave, Arthur and Lance meet at what is arguably Lance's lowest point in life. Lonely and confused, Lance is a prince without riches and without a family to support and defend him. Arthur is headstrong and irruent, groomed to become a king but also charmingly sincere and open in his affections.
Their first meeting is beautifully constructed and foreshadows immediately the bond that will become such a central trope in all Arthurian legends.
Despite the familiarity of the story and its characters, Harper Fox surprised me with forays into the origins of Excalibur, of the Camelot court and its roundtable that feel perfectly fused with the main narrative thread without ever seeming boring or pedantic.
A beautiful sense of magical realism pervades the novella - nature responds to the characters' inner turmoil and emotions in immediate and forceful ways. Lance's desperation and solitude are mirrored by the bare and unwelcoming Vindolanda we see at the opening of the book, whilst the joy and freedom that Arthur brings into Lance's life literally turn the moorlands into a blooming and luscious land.
Written with Fox's usual elegance and sensual touch, When First I Met My King is truly
a wonderful beginning to the author's Arthurian quartet. Amazing!
In the image below, the beautifully atmospheric Lancelot Chapel of the Holy Grail (1896) by Edward Burne-Jones.
January 23, 2020
Once upon a time there was a king. Once upon a time there was a king, and his kingdom was an abandoned fort and twenty bare acres of moorland, far and away in the north of Britannia, shadowed by Hadrian’s great Wall. Vindolanda, the Romans had called it. The fair meadows.Harper Fox has birthed an exquisite reimagining of the Arthurian legend. We first meet young Lance, the young king of Vindolanda, who inherited the title the night his entire family was killed in a Pict raid. Lance's mother Elena used to tell him of the legend of the dragon whose spine formed the hills and vales of Vindolanda. But now the land is in an unnatural winter with its people starving and Lance leaves on a mission to get food .... and instead meet Viviana (his own Merlin in a sense) and through her finds a sword in a lough (lake).
And when young (both boys are roughly 16 years old) Arthur arrives, the spawn of the dragon king (Uther Pendragon), Lance finds himself:
No longer lost, but chosen. Found and chosen by the one soul in the world whose choosing could matter to him, by whom he would allow it. It had taken Lance very little time to understand that he would follow Arthur into battle, death and beyond, but that quiet certainty had belonged only to himself, and he had stilled his mouth and his heart from its expression.Fox uses all the elements of the Arthurian story, but presents them in a fresh way and interpretation. As Viviana tells Lance:
“Nothing’s forever, boy. Remember these words, if you find yourself at his side again. His people will call him Arthur of the Britons. He’ll come to think of himself that way, and so will generation after cascading generation of fools—some romantic, some vicious beyond understanding—who believe that there’s one purebred race in this land, or ever could or ever will be.”5+ stars for "When First I Met My King."
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September 17, 2018
4.5 Stars
It's probably no surprise that I am a huge fan of almost everything Harper Fox writes...and once again, she's penned a story that had me completely enthralled from the first chapter.
From The Sword in the Stone to Merlin, King Arthur, The Once & Future King, Connecticut Yankee, Camelot, Spamalot & The Mists of Avalon (even Black Knight and almost all of those last two seasons of Stargate: SG1!!)...well, there's very little I haven't watched, read or listened to when it comes to this timeless myth. And no matter how poorly received or rated, I have loved something, some small detail or adaptation, in each and every one of them - mainly because I am fascinated with what the artist(s) - whether the writers, directors or actors - will do to make it uniquely their own. (I haven't read The Student Prince yet, but it's up soon!)
So much of the tale always centers on Arthur and that HF chose to start the series with a book that delves into Lance's background was, honestly, quite refreshing. Yes, there are works out there that have our heroic knight as the protagonist, but I can't think of anything that had such an imaginative re-telling. It's done so well that I can almost see this as what the true story might be based upon (if there even is such an historically accurate saga, which, *sigh* I had a whole class on how it might be just an amalgamation of many stories woven into a myth that transcends time at this point). Little details like where the idea for the table came from & how Arthur "earned" Excalibur were just delightfully original.
I can't wait for HF to write/publish the next one in this series...because it will be an auto buy, for certain. And if she doesn't give us a follow up? Honestly, the way it ends it might not need more. (Even though I desperately want it.)
Highly recommend for fans of Historicals, Harper Fox, MM Romance and the legend(s) of King Arthur & his Knights of the Round Table.
It's probably no surprise that I am a huge fan of almost everything Harper Fox writes...and once again, she's penned a story that had me completely enthralled from the first chapter.
From The Sword in the Stone to Merlin, King Arthur, The Once & Future King, Connecticut Yankee, Camelot, Spamalot & The Mists of Avalon (even Black Knight and almost all of those last two seasons of Stargate: SG1!!)...well, there's very little I haven't watched, read or listened to when it comes to this timeless myth. And no matter how poorly received or rated, I have loved something, some small detail or adaptation, in each and every one of them - mainly because I am fascinated with what the artist(s) - whether the writers, directors or actors - will do to make it uniquely their own. (I haven't read The Student Prince yet, but it's up soon!)
So much of the tale always centers on Arthur and that HF chose to start the series with a book that delves into Lance's background was, honestly, quite refreshing. Yes, there are works out there that have our heroic knight as the protagonist, but I can't think of anything that had such an imaginative re-telling. It's done so well that I can almost see this as what the true story might be based upon (if there even is such an historically accurate saga, which, *sigh* I had a whole class on how it might be just an amalgamation of many stories woven into a myth that transcends time at this point). Little details like where the idea for the table came from & how Arthur "earned" Excalibur were just delightfully original.
I can't wait for HF to write/publish the next one in this series...because it will be an auto buy, for certain. And if she doesn't give us a follow up? Honestly, the way it ends it might not need more. (Even though I desperately want it.)
Highly recommend for fans of Historicals, Harper Fox, MM Romance and the legend(s) of King Arthur & his Knights of the Round Table.
December 2, 2021
Harper Fox can write. I really really enjoy her books, even if I don't always enjoy her books.
"So the very traits I most need and admire are those which hold him here.” He looked at the ground, scuffed one impatient foot over the hard-packed earth. “My lesson is humbly received, Father Ector" (This is one of those extremely true sentiments of love I feel like Harper Fox is so adept at putting into words!)
I didn't realize I'd be getting that letter - and I say my god, because my god. We know that I am a BIG SUCKER for them (I'm about to go reread shop-around-the-corner spinoff by Sally Malcolm, Love Around the Corner, because tis the season, but I don't know if I need to after reading this.
“But your actions contradict them. Why did
you stay with us, when your prince has offered you so much?”
“You read past his sinful words of love, then? You didn’t go blind?”
“They’re all words of love, it seems to me. The court is established in the south, in a place he calls Cam. He says he’s keeping a place at his side for you, a seat at his right hand. You’ll leave us now, won’t you? You’ll go.”
I did realize at one point, that I was organized enough to figure out this wasn't completed. But I got caught up in the impulse, and it really paid off. It paid off in the form of letters. I didn't even CARE anymore that it's not done.
"So the very traits I most need and admire are those which hold him here.” He looked at the ground, scuffed one impatient foot over the hard-packed earth. “My lesson is humbly received, Father Ector" (This is one of those extremely true sentiments of love I feel like Harper Fox is so adept at putting into words!)
I didn't realize I'd be getting that letter - and I say my god, because my god. We know that I am a BIG SUCKER for them (I'm about to go reread shop-around-the-corner spinoff by Sally Malcolm, Love Around the Corner, because tis the season, but I don't know if I need to after reading this.
“But your actions contradict them. Why did
you stay with us, when your prince has offered you so much?”
“You read past his sinful words of love, then? You didn’t go blind?”
“They’re all words of love, it seems to me. The court is established in the south, in a place he calls Cam. He says he’s keeping a place at his side for you, a seat at his right hand. You’ll leave us now, won’t you? You’ll go.”
I did realize at one point, that I was organized enough to figure out this wasn't completed. But I got caught up in the impulse, and it really paid off. It paid off in the form of letters. I didn't even CARE anymore that it's not done.
March 21, 2021
Ok
3.25 stars
I’m really not sure how to rate this one, as it’s taken me all book to get into it and yet it managed to hook me right at the final chapter
I love everything to do with Camelot but this was a hard slog, and I think it’s to do with the way the story is told, as to me it is kind of disjointed and moves from here to there and I couldn’t get a good grip on what was happening.
I liked Lance and want to see where he goes from here and as I already have the next book, I’ll continue on and see if it works better for me.
3.25 stars
I’m really not sure how to rate this one, as it’s taken me all book to get into it and yet it managed to hook me right at the final chapter
I love everything to do with Camelot but this was a hard slog, and I think it’s to do with the way the story is told, as to me it is kind of disjointed and moves from here to there and I couldn’t get a good grip on what was happening.
I liked Lance and want to see where he goes from here and as I already have the next book, I’ll continue on and see if it works better for me.
November 5, 2017
An enjoyable introduction into the lives of 16 year old Lancelot and Arthur and how they first met. Looking forward to the next instalment which I believe is due December.
October 26, 2023
I've reviewed this together with book two (The Dragon's Tale at AudioGals, and have given cumulative grades of A for narration and B+ for story, so I'm leaving it at 4.5 stars
Harper Fox sets her re-imagining of the Arthurian legends – The Arthur Quartet – firmly in Dark Ages Britain, in a divided land slowly emerging from centuries of Roman occupation, one in which the ‘new religion’ of Christianity is challenging the old ways and polytheistic traditions of the Druids and the Celts. She places Lancelot – Lance – at the centre of the tale, relating most events from his perspective and skilfully weaving together his backstory with the familiar elements of the legend – Excalibur, Camelot, Merlin, the Round Table, knights, dragons, magic – and laying the foundations of (what I hope will be) an epic romance between him and Arthur.
Each instalment in the Quartet is novella length, and the audios come in at between four and four-and-a-half hours each, so I’ve opted to review books one and two together, and plan to review books three and four at a later date (Note: Book four is still being written and publication is expected in early 2022 – so watch this space!) And as this is really one story in four parts, there’s no HEA at the end of The Dragon’s Tale and there is clearly more to be said.
When First I Met My King introduces us to Tertius – nicknamed Lance because of his deadly accuracy with a spear- the sixteen-year-old King of Vindolanda, who was suddenly elevated to that rank when his entire family and most of his village were wiped out in a Pictish raid while he was away hunting. Winter has been harsh and never-ending, and Lance, now responsible for those who survived, has gone out to find food. Freezing, hungry, grieving and lonely, he spies a hare and gives chase – only to realise he’s chased her so far that he won’t be able to get back to the village that night. He takes shelter in a nearby cave and finds it already occupied by a wizened old woman who tells him she’s a witch – clearly expecting him to react with shock or horror rather than with courtesy. That night, Lance dreams of a dragon, and of a voice calling him “Prince of Nowhere” and saying “I’m on my way” – the witch seems to understand this, but doesn’t enlighten Lance, instead sending him off to search for a particular plant, scolding him each time he returns with it and sending him off again. He’s on yet another foray when he sees a glimmer of gold at the edge of the nearby lough (lake) – and reaches for it, shocked to feel a scaly hand on his wrist for just a moment.
He pulls the sword from the water.
Arthur, the son of Uther and Ygraine, is the same age as Lance, but has led a very different life. Given into the care of Ector by the Merlin, Arthur has been raised alongside Ector’s son, Gaius, and has long known of the prophecy that he will unite the various tribes of England and rule over them as one people. He and his entourage are travelling the land to raise support when they encounter a bellicose young man who yells furiously at Arthur, calls him a Saxon invader and attacks him. Lance and Arthur fight, Lance wielding his new sword with skill and ferocity, and Arthur is reluctantly impressed by Lance’s courage and strength. When Lance realises his mistake, he offers Arthur and his men the hospitality of his village, and in turn, Arthur and his men are able to provide protection and goods to the villagers.
Lance and Arthur are drawn to each other and become close, their affection and admiration for one another growing more with each passing day. Their burgeoning romance is bittersweet, overshadowed as it is by the weight of destiny, and they both know that their idyll will soon end. Arthur wants Lance at his side, and Lance wants that more than anything. But he, too, has responsibilities, and although he’s fallen hard for Arthur, he’s torn between desire to follow his king – and his love – and his duty to his people.
The Dragon’s Tale
Book two in the saga picks up nearly three years after the end of the first. Arthur and Lance have not seen each other in the intervening time, but when Lance receives a letter from Gaius telling him that Arthur has been hurt, he cannot bear the thought of not being with him, and makes his way to Din Guardi, the fortress stronghold of King Coel. (Who is far from a merry old soul!) Arthur has been travelling the land, his forces fighting where they must in order to defeat those who oppose him, and he is now engaged in negotiations with the warlords of England, trying to find a way to unite them in defence of the kingdom from Saxon invaders.
On Lance’s long journey (during which a Blast from the Past appears to alleviate some of his worries about leaving his village), he ponders how much Arthur’s accomplishments and the weight of responsibility must have changed him in the time they have been apart, and even wonders if Arthur will be able to spare any time for him. But he need not have worried. Arthur – who is still recovering from illness – greets Lance warmly, and brings him into the heated discussion he’s been having with the chiefs and warlords, where Lance sees clearly what a mammoth task Arthur is trying to perform. These men have never been friends and long-standing feuds are not easily cast aside; Arthur is hopeful for a positive outcome but Lance is not so sure. Even so, he will remain at Arthur’s side to fight with and for him, care, comfort and love him for as long as Arthur will have him.
The Dragon’s Tale is more swiftly paced and action-packed than the previous book as Arthur and Lance are beset by enemies both magical and mundane; a mysterious, mythical beast terrorises Din Guardi and the surrounding villages, leaving death and destruction in its wake, and a terrible and all too-human betrayal threatens the safety of everyone within, as well as Arthur’s plans to unite the disunited land. This story also introduces two of the other key players in the legend – the Merlin and Guenyvre – the latter’s introduction done in a breathtakingly inventive and unexpected way. Prophecies are fulfilled, but of course, the arrival of Guenyvre brings complications and big changes, and I’m keen to find out how the author is going to work it all out while still fulfilling the promise of the story she has set in motion – the great love story of Arthur and Lancelot.
Harper Fox does an amazing job in these books of putting her own stamp on this well-known story and of seamlessly combining the familiar and not-so-familiar tales of legend and breathing new life into them. The aura of magical realism that permeates the stories is subtle and beautifully done, the bleak greyness of Lance’s existence at the beginning perfectly mirrored in the freezing, barren landscape, and the happiness he finds with Arthur heralding the return of Spring as the land begins to bloom. The evocative descriptive prose puts the listener firmly in the middle of this strange and sometimes brutal land, and her attention to detail means that every single element, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, coalesces to create an incredibly rich, three-dimensional world.
The characterisation is similarly excellent. When we first meet them, Lance and Arthur are boys on the cusp of manhood who have both been forced to assume great responsibility at a young age, and from their first meeting, we see their essential differences and how those are going to complement each other. We watch Arthur’s impulsiveness and arrogance tempered by Lance’s gentle pragmatism and see how Lance provides support and affection to the headstrong and charismatic young man struggling to learn how to fulfil his huge responsibilities. By the time of The Dragon’s Tale, we are watching them grow into the men they will become, the men of legend – the kingly politician-warrior and his fiercely devoted and loving knight.
I admit that the romance in book one does feel a bit insta-love-y, and as though I was expected just to accept that Arthur and Lance were meant to be without really getting a huge amount of relationship development. That said, there’s plenty of chemistry there, and their affection and yearning for each other is very well done. I really liked that the people around them weren’t at all shocked or scandalised at the idea that the two are lovers; the only character who does react negatively is the Christian priest, Father Thomas, his moral outrage highlighting the contrast between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ religions and traditions that are struggling for dominance this world.
The audiobooks I’ve listened to so far by Harper Fox have all benefited from the participation of some really excellent narrators – Tim Gilbert in the Tyack & Frayne series, Chris Clog in Seven Summer Nights and others – and now Gary Furlong joins the ranks. It’s no secret that he’s one of my favourite narrators; he’s an incredibly versatile and talented all-rounder, and when I pick up one of his narrations, I know I’ll be getting a thoughtful and perceptive performance that demonstrates not only his considerable technical skill but also his ability to find the heart of the story and communicate that to the audience. He brings all that skill and emotional intelligence to his performances in these books; his pacing is just right, and all the characters are easily identifiable through a variety of tone, timbre and accent. (I particularly liked Viviana the witch’s dry, snarky tone!) Other than a few mispronunciations, it’s a flawless performance and his portrayal of the two leads is particularly good; Lance’s innate goodness, his loyalty and his strong sense of honour come across extremely clearly, as do his affection and longing for Arthur. I loved the way Mr. Furlong finds the vulnerability hidden beneath Arthur’s sometimes brash, confident exterior, and the deep emotional connection between the two men is superbly realised and conveyed.
When First I Met My King and The Dragon’s Tale are captivating listens that offer a fresh and wonderfully creative perspective on a familiar tale. Gary Furlong’s narration is the perfect complement to the author’s words and I’m greatly looking forward to listening to the rest of the story.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Harper Fox sets her re-imagining of the Arthurian legends – The Arthur Quartet – firmly in Dark Ages Britain, in a divided land slowly emerging from centuries of Roman occupation, one in which the ‘new religion’ of Christianity is challenging the old ways and polytheistic traditions of the Druids and the Celts. She places Lancelot – Lance – at the centre of the tale, relating most events from his perspective and skilfully weaving together his backstory with the familiar elements of the legend – Excalibur, Camelot, Merlin, the Round Table, knights, dragons, magic – and laying the foundations of (what I hope will be) an epic romance between him and Arthur.
Each instalment in the Quartet is novella length, and the audios come in at between four and four-and-a-half hours each, so I’ve opted to review books one and two together, and plan to review books three and four at a later date (Note: Book four is still being written and publication is expected in early 2022 – so watch this space!) And as this is really one story in four parts, there’s no HEA at the end of The Dragon’s Tale and there is clearly more to be said.
When First I Met My King introduces us to Tertius – nicknamed Lance because of his deadly accuracy with a spear- the sixteen-year-old King of Vindolanda, who was suddenly elevated to that rank when his entire family and most of his village were wiped out in a Pictish raid while he was away hunting. Winter has been harsh and never-ending, and Lance, now responsible for those who survived, has gone out to find food. Freezing, hungry, grieving and lonely, he spies a hare and gives chase – only to realise he’s chased her so far that he won’t be able to get back to the village that night. He takes shelter in a nearby cave and finds it already occupied by a wizened old woman who tells him she’s a witch – clearly expecting him to react with shock or horror rather than with courtesy. That night, Lance dreams of a dragon, and of a voice calling him “Prince of Nowhere” and saying “I’m on my way” – the witch seems to understand this, but doesn’t enlighten Lance, instead sending him off to search for a particular plant, scolding him each time he returns with it and sending him off again. He’s on yet another foray when he sees a glimmer of gold at the edge of the nearby lough (lake) – and reaches for it, shocked to feel a scaly hand on his wrist for just a moment.
He pulls the sword from the water.
Arthur, the son of Uther and Ygraine, is the same age as Lance, but has led a very different life. Given into the care of Ector by the Merlin, Arthur has been raised alongside Ector’s son, Gaius, and has long known of the prophecy that he will unite the various tribes of England and rule over them as one people. He and his entourage are travelling the land to raise support when they encounter a bellicose young man who yells furiously at Arthur, calls him a Saxon invader and attacks him. Lance and Arthur fight, Lance wielding his new sword with skill and ferocity, and Arthur is reluctantly impressed by Lance’s courage and strength. When Lance realises his mistake, he offers Arthur and his men the hospitality of his village, and in turn, Arthur and his men are able to provide protection and goods to the villagers.
Lance and Arthur are drawn to each other and become close, their affection and admiration for one another growing more with each passing day. Their burgeoning romance is bittersweet, overshadowed as it is by the weight of destiny, and they both know that their idyll will soon end. Arthur wants Lance at his side, and Lance wants that more than anything. But he, too, has responsibilities, and although he’s fallen hard for Arthur, he’s torn between desire to follow his king – and his love – and his duty to his people.
The Dragon’s Tale
Book two in the saga picks up nearly three years after the end of the first. Arthur and Lance have not seen each other in the intervening time, but when Lance receives a letter from Gaius telling him that Arthur has been hurt, he cannot bear the thought of not being with him, and makes his way to Din Guardi, the fortress stronghold of King Coel. (Who is far from a merry old soul!) Arthur has been travelling the land, his forces fighting where they must in order to defeat those who oppose him, and he is now engaged in negotiations with the warlords of England, trying to find a way to unite them in defence of the kingdom from Saxon invaders.
On Lance’s long journey (during which a Blast from the Past appears to alleviate some of his worries about leaving his village), he ponders how much Arthur’s accomplishments and the weight of responsibility must have changed him in the time they have been apart, and even wonders if Arthur will be able to spare any time for him. But he need not have worried. Arthur – who is still recovering from illness – greets Lance warmly, and brings him into the heated discussion he’s been having with the chiefs and warlords, where Lance sees clearly what a mammoth task Arthur is trying to perform. These men have never been friends and long-standing feuds are not easily cast aside; Arthur is hopeful for a positive outcome but Lance is not so sure. Even so, he will remain at Arthur’s side to fight with and for him, care, comfort and love him for as long as Arthur will have him.
The Dragon’s Tale is more swiftly paced and action-packed than the previous book as Arthur and Lance are beset by enemies both magical and mundane; a mysterious, mythical beast terrorises Din Guardi and the surrounding villages, leaving death and destruction in its wake, and a terrible and all too-human betrayal threatens the safety of everyone within, as well as Arthur’s plans to unite the disunited land. This story also introduces two of the other key players in the legend – the Merlin and Guenyvre – the latter’s introduction done in a breathtakingly inventive and unexpected way. Prophecies are fulfilled, but of course, the arrival of Guenyvre brings complications and big changes, and I’m keen to find out how the author is going to work it all out while still fulfilling the promise of the story she has set in motion – the great love story of Arthur and Lancelot.
Harper Fox does an amazing job in these books of putting her own stamp on this well-known story and of seamlessly combining the familiar and not-so-familiar tales of legend and breathing new life into them. The aura of magical realism that permeates the stories is subtle and beautifully done, the bleak greyness of Lance’s existence at the beginning perfectly mirrored in the freezing, barren landscape, and the happiness he finds with Arthur heralding the return of Spring as the land begins to bloom. The evocative descriptive prose puts the listener firmly in the middle of this strange and sometimes brutal land, and her attention to detail means that every single element, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, coalesces to create an incredibly rich, three-dimensional world.
The characterisation is similarly excellent. When we first meet them, Lance and Arthur are boys on the cusp of manhood who have both been forced to assume great responsibility at a young age, and from their first meeting, we see their essential differences and how those are going to complement each other. We watch Arthur’s impulsiveness and arrogance tempered by Lance’s gentle pragmatism and see how Lance provides support and affection to the headstrong and charismatic young man struggling to learn how to fulfil his huge responsibilities. By the time of The Dragon’s Tale, we are watching them grow into the men they will become, the men of legend – the kingly politician-warrior and his fiercely devoted and loving knight.
I admit that the romance in book one does feel a bit insta-love-y, and as though I was expected just to accept that Arthur and Lance were meant to be without really getting a huge amount of relationship development. That said, there’s plenty of chemistry there, and their affection and yearning for each other is very well done. I really liked that the people around them weren’t at all shocked or scandalised at the idea that the two are lovers; the only character who does react negatively is the Christian priest, Father Thomas, his moral outrage highlighting the contrast between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ religions and traditions that are struggling for dominance this world.
The audiobooks I’ve listened to so far by Harper Fox have all benefited from the participation of some really excellent narrators – Tim Gilbert in the Tyack & Frayne series, Chris Clog in Seven Summer Nights and others – and now Gary Furlong joins the ranks. It’s no secret that he’s one of my favourite narrators; he’s an incredibly versatile and talented all-rounder, and when I pick up one of his narrations, I know I’ll be getting a thoughtful and perceptive performance that demonstrates not only his considerable technical skill but also his ability to find the heart of the story and communicate that to the audience. He brings all that skill and emotional intelligence to his performances in these books; his pacing is just right, and all the characters are easily identifiable through a variety of tone, timbre and accent. (I particularly liked Viviana the witch’s dry, snarky tone!) Other than a few mispronunciations, it’s a flawless performance and his portrayal of the two leads is particularly good; Lance’s innate goodness, his loyalty and his strong sense of honour come across extremely clearly, as do his affection and longing for Arthur. I loved the way Mr. Furlong finds the vulnerability hidden beneath Arthur’s sometimes brash, confident exterior, and the deep emotional connection between the two men is superbly realised and conveyed.
When First I Met My King and The Dragon’s Tale are captivating listens that offer a fresh and wonderfully creative perspective on a familiar tale. Gary Furlong’s narration is the perfect complement to the author’s words and I’m greatly looking forward to listening to the rest of the story.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
March 15, 2019
I loved reading this book by Harper Fox. Her description of life in post-Roman Britain is convincing, and the psychological element behind the fundamental shift in the Arthur story (the focus on Lance, and the sexual relationship between Arthur and Lance) is dealt with in a way that is simultaneously matter-of-fact ánd poetic. The surprising way in which familiar elements of the Arthur myth is introduced (Excalibur, the round table) is a joy, and the magical realism, which is not limited to Arthur but involves Lance as well, lifts the historical narrative to a new plane. I am mightily impressed by the writing and look forward to the other two novels in the trilogy.
I find the depiction interesting that the Britons and Romans know or suspect the exact nature of the relationship between Arthur and Lance, but it is familiar and not scandalous. Only the Christian priest, father Thomas, reacts with fundamentalist outrage when he finds out what has happened between the two. This will be a particular theme to follow through the whole trilogy.
Ek is gaande oor spitsvondige aanpassings van bekende verhale, en Harper Fox kry dit uitmuntend reg. Haar fokus op Lance, die manier waarop bekende elemente uit die Arthur-verhale ingevoer word, die magiese realisme, die uitbeelding van die lewe in post-Romeinse Brittanje, alles oortuig, voer mee en vermaak op die presiese manier wat ek terdeë geniet. Die fundamentele verskuiwing van haar vertelling, om Lance en Arthur se vriendskap te verdiep met 'n seksuele liefdesverhouding, verryk myns insiens die bekende verhaal.
I find the depiction interesting that the Britons and Romans know or suspect the exact nature of the relationship between Arthur and Lance, but it is familiar and not scandalous. Only the Christian priest, father Thomas, reacts with fundamentalist outrage when he finds out what has happened between the two. This will be a particular theme to follow through the whole trilogy.
Ek is gaande oor spitsvondige aanpassings van bekende verhale, en Harper Fox kry dit uitmuntend reg. Haar fokus op Lance, die manier waarop bekende elemente uit die Arthur-verhale ingevoer word, die magiese realisme, die uitbeelding van die lewe in post-Romeinse Brittanje, alles oortuig, voer mee en vermaak op die presiese manier wat ek terdeë geniet. Die fundamentele verskuiwing van haar vertelling, om Lance en Arthur se vriendskap te verdiep met 'n seksuele liefdesverhouding, verryk myns insiens die bekende verhaal.
October 22, 2017
Nice book. Could've been longer, but it's a good start to a series.
Alas, the Latin was wrong -- there's a strict formula to how you write letters in Latin, which the author appeared not to know (it's one of those cases of not knowing what you don't know): you don't start "dear whoever" like you do in English (carissime Tertie, which is indeed the vocative, so yes, that's right as far as it goes, but you don't start your letter in the vocative like an English speaker would), but instead you put the sender's name in the nominative, the recipient's in the dative and an abbreviated "says a greeting." And quamquam semper Lance meum -- meum should be meus -- is wrong too. And then plus quam frater -- you would not use 'more than a brother' in Latin to mean a boyfriend, because, whoops, frater actually had that meaning already.
FWIW, we also didn't name boys with Primus, Secundus, Tertius, either. That's girls, not boys.
I know, picky picky, but that sort of thing ruins books for me. Just write it in English and let me imagine some correct Latin.
Oh, and why, *why* is the cover image a line drawing of Brian from Velvet Goldmine in his "Sebastian" performance?...
Alas, the Latin was wrong -- there's a strict formula to how you write letters in Latin, which the author appeared not to know (it's one of those cases of not knowing what you don't know): you don't start "dear whoever" like you do in English (carissime Tertie, which is indeed the vocative, so yes, that's right as far as it goes, but you don't start your letter in the vocative like an English speaker would), but instead you put the sender's name in the nominative, the recipient's in the dative and an abbreviated "says a greeting." And quamquam semper Lance meum -- meum should be meus -- is wrong too. And then plus quam frater -- you would not use 'more than a brother' in Latin to mean a boyfriend, because, whoops, frater actually had that meaning already.
FWIW, we also didn't name boys with Primus, Secundus, Tertius, either. That's girls, not boys.
I know, picky picky, but that sort of thing ruins books for me. Just write it in English and let me imagine some correct Latin.
Oh, and why, *why* is the cover image a line drawing of Brian from Velvet Goldmine in his "Sebastian" performance?...
October 9, 2017
This was really, really lovely. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first and had a bit of a difficulty getting into it, but after a certain point it drew me in as Fox’s books always do. It’s so lovely and evocative and warm and filled with love and light. That’s the best way I can describe it right now. Just really lovely. I can’t wait for the next one.
April 19, 2024
Of course it's great, it's Harper Fox. A clever retelling of King Arthur, really nicely done.
The audio version is beautifully performed by Gary Furlong.
The audio version is beautifully performed by Gary Furlong.
October 29, 2017
I’ll be the first to admit I’m far from an expert on Arthurian legend. What I know could fit on the head of a pin and might be mostly gleaned from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Or, at least some Hollywood-izations of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Which, to say, is unreliable at best and inaccurate at worst. While I can’t declare with authority that author Harper Fox is following the legends to any degree of faithfulness, I can say that the introduction to Arthur and Lance in this short novel is a thing of true beauty.
Fox is one of the most consistent and reliable authors I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, and she just sort of keeps quietly releasing brilliant book after brilliant book. It’s not only her voice but also her facility for turning just the right phrase that lend themselves so beautifully to this story, and the language, the imagery, the tone, and the ethereal quality of the opening scenes becomes like a fever dream during Lance’s introduction.
“…in the wake of slaughter and grief, he was king.”
On the brink of starvation, we meet a desperate young prince who’d inherited his father’s kingdom following a Pictish invasion which resulted in the end of his family, and left his village in a smoking ruin. Lance tumbles down the figurative rabbit hole while, as literary beauty would have it, chasing a hare, and, it’s here that magic unfolds. The wizened crone, as the purveyor of wisdom and prophecy, enhances the fantasy aspect of the story, and I loved the ambiguity of this character’s corporeality. Was she present, or was she mere illusion? She’s part of the fever dream aspect that I mentioned earlier, and Lance’s encounter with her was revealing and then led nicely to him meeting young Arthur. We don’t get but a glimpse of what Lance will become in this introduction to the series—his heroism and the skills with sword and spear that earned him his name. We do, however, get to see what he is and will become to Arthur.
Lance and Arthur, as well as a certain sword called Excalibur, have a destiny to fulfill that begins on the pages of When First I Met My King. They are mere teens when they meet, and while they do consummate their burgeoning relationship, Fox is sensitive to their ages too. She’s created those scenes of intimacy in a beautiful way, just as the rest of the story is crafted, and allows that their duty to their lands and people means they can’t be together yet.
Arthur’s yearning for Lance is poignant and yet tempered by his realization that his yearning may be as much as he can have. His duty, after all, includes an heir to the throne. His fate is set in stone, as it were, which means this journey will be measured in years rather than in days. In other words, don’t expect anything to be neatly resolved at the end of book one. Do, however, expect to find all the hallmarks of Fox’s storytelling—compelling and charming characters, evocative settings, and a romanticism that befits the legend its heroes will reveal.
Knowing how some readers feel about endings, series, and continuing sagas, I’ll say again that this book is only the beginning of something that promises to be, and no doubt will be, gorgeous and spectacular. If you’re familiar with Harper Fox’s work, then you know why I say that with confidence. If you haven’t had the chance to read Fox’s work, then all I can ask is, “Why?” When First I Met My King is yet another title to add to my ever-growing list of lovely reads by this author, and the next in the trilogy can’t get here soon enough for me.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
Fox is one of the most consistent and reliable authors I’ve ever had the pleasure to read, and she just sort of keeps quietly releasing brilliant book after brilliant book. It’s not only her voice but also her facility for turning just the right phrase that lend themselves so beautifully to this story, and the language, the imagery, the tone, and the ethereal quality of the opening scenes becomes like a fever dream during Lance’s introduction.
“…in the wake of slaughter and grief, he was king.”
On the brink of starvation, we meet a desperate young prince who’d inherited his father’s kingdom following a Pictish invasion which resulted in the end of his family, and left his village in a smoking ruin. Lance tumbles down the figurative rabbit hole while, as literary beauty would have it, chasing a hare, and, it’s here that magic unfolds. The wizened crone, as the purveyor of wisdom and prophecy, enhances the fantasy aspect of the story, and I loved the ambiguity of this character’s corporeality. Was she present, or was she mere illusion? She’s part of the fever dream aspect that I mentioned earlier, and Lance’s encounter with her was revealing and then led nicely to him meeting young Arthur. We don’t get but a glimpse of what Lance will become in this introduction to the series—his heroism and the skills with sword and spear that earned him his name. We do, however, get to see what he is and will become to Arthur.
Lance and Arthur, as well as a certain sword called Excalibur, have a destiny to fulfill that begins on the pages of When First I Met My King. They are mere teens when they meet, and while they do consummate their burgeoning relationship, Fox is sensitive to their ages too. She’s created those scenes of intimacy in a beautiful way, just as the rest of the story is crafted, and allows that their duty to their lands and people means they can’t be together yet.
Arthur’s yearning for Lance is poignant and yet tempered by his realization that his yearning may be as much as he can have. His duty, after all, includes an heir to the throne. His fate is set in stone, as it were, which means this journey will be measured in years rather than in days. In other words, don’t expect anything to be neatly resolved at the end of book one. Do, however, expect to find all the hallmarks of Fox’s storytelling—compelling and charming characters, evocative settings, and a romanticism that befits the legend its heroes will reveal.
Knowing how some readers feel about endings, series, and continuing sagas, I’ll say again that this book is only the beginning of something that promises to be, and no doubt will be, gorgeous and spectacular. If you’re familiar with Harper Fox’s work, then you know why I say that with confidence. If you haven’t had the chance to read Fox’s work, then all I can ask is, “Why?” When First I Met My King is yet another title to add to my ever-growing list of lovely reads by this author, and the next in the trilogy can’t get here soon enough for me.
Reviewed by Lisa for The Novel Approach
October 1, 2017
Harper Fox is a wonderful storyteller, bringing to life ancient or modern times with poetry woven from her words. I've read a number of versions/interpretations of Arthurian legend over the years. Harper's latest version focuses on Arthur and Lance, and deftly mixes an historically plausible story with magic. Their early days are bittersweet, young love shadowed by the weight prophecy places on the two boy-men. (I'm also quite fond of her short contemporary story, Winter Knights.) Looking forward to the next two books in this trilogy.
March 26, 2023
Liked but didn't love. Fabulous writing as always by HF but I struggled to become fully invested in the story. Still, I decided upon finishing that I was intrigued enough to continue the series. Then I noticed on GR that book 4 is not out, despite an expected publication in 2019. I'm reluctant to continue with a series that appears to be in limbo and that will very likely leave me hanging, unsatisfied, two books from now. So, for the time being, this series is going to the back burner.
February 22, 2018
2.5 rounded up because this is well written. I hate it when people say " This is good but I just couldn't get into it and I don't know why". How lame is that? And here I am doing the same thing.
Harper Fox is for me the Queen of m/m (maybe because I found her first, but still: she Rules). A few of her titles just don't work for me, and this is one.
Still, if you like Harper and Arthur you should definitely check this one out.
Harper Fox is for me the Queen of m/m (maybe because I found her first, but still: she Rules). A few of her titles just don't work for me, and this is one.
Still, if you like Harper and Arthur you should definitely check this one out.
April 16, 2022
Wonderful! Seeing one’s self reflected in traditional tales such as King Arthur is deeply affirming, and can feel quite magical. The interactions between Lance and Arthur warmed my heart. The development of their relationship felt so natural. I’ve been hunting a well-crafted queer Arthurian tale for many years. Thank you Ms. Fox!
dnf
October 11, 2023DNF @ 28% — (10/2023) I could not get into this at all. Maybe it’s because I’m not in the right mindset for it atm. I may pick it back up at a later date, but I doubt it.
October 5, 2017
5 heart review for Love Bytes Reviews! Review to follow soon...
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Ok. So I have to start this by saying I am the proud owner of over 100 books about King Arthur… I have gotten past my obsession and haven’t been reading much for the last few years, but I am a big fan of anything Arthurian. When I saw Harper Fox was releasing a book about King Arthur I about lost my freaking mind. If there is anyone that can do this legend justice, it is Harper Fox. I have complete and utter faith that this will be an amazing trilogy. Especially since the first book was AMAZING!!!
It is a big challenge to use an existing legend that is so well-known as a backdrop for a story. I’ve seen it done well, and not so well. Do you stick with the legend as it exists? Do you create new characters? New stories? A little of both?
Harper uses Arthur and Lance as her main characters (BIG risk!).0 But changes them subtly. Lance is the son of Ban, king of a small tribe near Hadrian’s wall (Lancelot is usually French and is a later addition to the Arthurian legend). Lance becomes king after a raid wipes out his family. He is only a teen at the time.
Arthur is also a teen, but from a very different life. He’s been left with Ectorius by the Merlin as an infant, the son of Uther and Ygraine. Ector has been raising him with his son Gaius (All pretty traditional). Arthur and crew are traveling to gain support in advance of Arthur’s taking of his father’s throne, and encounter a strange young man near a lake…
Lance is just finishing a very odd evening night and day involving Vivianna, and a sword he receives from a hand in the lake, when he encounters Arthur and his supporters. Their initial interaction doesn’t go well, but once they both realize they could be friends, things improve rapidly. Lance offers the men a place to stay while they visit, and the two boys so close in age quickly bond.
Lots of little things happen from here, some we see and some we are told from the past; Arthur’s ancestry and potential ascendance to the throne. Ector and Gaius. Lance and his whole history. The two versions of how Arthur received Excalibur (that was seriously perfect!). The name of Excalibur. The sword fight between Arthur and Lance. Vivianna and the hare. Medraut and how he came about. Camelot. The Merlin. the round table (also very clever!) All of the traditional bits are there, but just slightly changed. Then we have the naturally occurring physical relationship between Arthur and Lance. It just happens between them, no fuss no muss. They aren’t open, but it doesn’t seem to be a big secret either. There is the mention of a quest. There is some magic, and some pagan traditions, but also some Christian elements as well. All of the parts are here, and I loved it.
Loved it! Seriously loved it. This is a retelling of a traditional legend, with two young men sharing a physical bond. I have no doubt that will turn in to love, but I can’t figure out where Harper will take this! She’s kept close enough to the traditional story, that I don’t know how this will go! I know how it’s supposed to go, but with the two men being the lead characters, I am so very curious.
This book has phenomenal writing, it is a creative retelling of a tale that has been told a thousand times and more. Harper walks the fine line of keeping it the same and changing it up. She gives us perfect characters, an interesting plot, with some excitement and drama. The sex is hinted at, but subtly, which worked very well.
I HIGHLY recommend this book! This is how you write an Arthurian story. You change enough to make it fit your narrative, but keep it traditional. I am so happy, I just can’t stand it! Where is the rest of the story?? I have to wait until December? Sigh…
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. This review was originally posted at Love Bytes Reviews, please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, interviews, and giveaways!
Ok. So I have to start this by saying I am the proud owner of over 100 books about King Arthur… I have gotten past my obsession and haven’t been reading much for the last few years, but I am a big fan of anything Arthurian. When I saw Harper Fox was releasing a book about King Arthur I about lost my freaking mind. If there is anyone that can do this legend justice, it is Harper Fox. I have complete and utter faith that this will be an amazing trilogy. Especially since the first book was AMAZING!!!
It is a big challenge to use an existing legend that is so well-known as a backdrop for a story. I’ve seen it done well, and not so well. Do you stick with the legend as it exists? Do you create new characters? New stories? A little of both?
Harper uses Arthur and Lance as her main characters (BIG risk!).0 But changes them subtly. Lance is the son of Ban, king of a small tribe near Hadrian’s wall (Lancelot is usually French and is a later addition to the Arthurian legend). Lance becomes king after a raid wipes out his family. He is only a teen at the time.
Arthur is also a teen, but from a very different life. He’s been left with Ectorius by the Merlin as an infant, the son of Uther and Ygraine. Ector has been raising him with his son Gaius (All pretty traditional). Arthur and crew are traveling to gain support in advance of Arthur’s taking of his father’s throne, and encounter a strange young man near a lake…
Lance is just finishing a very odd evening night and day involving Vivianna, and a sword he receives from a hand in the lake, when he encounters Arthur and his supporters. Their initial interaction doesn’t go well, but once they both realize they could be friends, things improve rapidly. Lance offers the men a place to stay while they visit, and the two boys so close in age quickly bond.
Lots of little things happen from here, some we see and some we are told from the past; Arthur’s ancestry and potential ascendance to the throne. Ector and Gaius. Lance and his whole history. The two versions of how Arthur received Excalibur (that was seriously perfect!). The name of Excalibur. The sword fight between Arthur and Lance. Vivianna and the hare. Medraut and how he came about. Camelot. The Merlin. the round table (also very clever!) All of the traditional bits are there, but just slightly changed. Then we have the naturally occurring physical relationship between Arthur and Lance. It just happens between them, no fuss no muss. They aren’t open, but it doesn’t seem to be a big secret either. There is the mention of a quest. There is some magic, and some pagan traditions, but also some Christian elements as well. All of the parts are here, and I loved it.
Loved it! Seriously loved it. This is a retelling of a traditional legend, with two young men sharing a physical bond. I have no doubt that will turn in to love, but I can’t figure out where Harper will take this! She’s kept close enough to the traditional story, that I don’t know how this will go! I know how it’s supposed to go, but with the two men being the lead characters, I am so very curious.
This book has phenomenal writing, it is a creative retelling of a tale that has been told a thousand times and more. Harper walks the fine line of keeping it the same and changing it up. She gives us perfect characters, an interesting plot, with some excitement and drama. The sex is hinted at, but subtly, which worked very well.
I HIGHLY recommend this book! This is how you write an Arthurian story. You change enough to make it fit your narrative, but keep it traditional. I am so happy, I just can’t stand it! Where is the rest of the story?? I have to wait until December? Sigh…
January 3, 2018
I wanted to read this novella because I was hoping it was going to be as enchanting and captivating as J Tullos Hennig's Wode Series which tells the tale of Robin Hood and his relationship with Gamelyn over five books. And although Fox writes well, it didn't captivate me as much as I hoped and I think this was because of its length and the time span. With a story like this, I believe when re-imagining a legend as integral as King Arthur you need to take time over the legend, the characters and the relationship to see it develop and grow through struggle and love. But Fox's version felt slightly like insta love between Arthur and Lance.
Anyway, this didn't stop me from devouring it in an evening, I just wish there had been more for us to see of the Pagan world that Lance's mother came from, the legend that is King Arthur, and of course relationship between Arthur and Lancelot. I hope more depth comes from book two and three.
Overall I suspend judgement until I have read all three novels
Anyway, this didn't stop me from devouring it in an evening, I just wish there had been more for us to see of the Pagan world that Lance's mother came from, the legend that is King Arthur, and of course relationship between Arthur and Lancelot. I hope more depth comes from book two and three.
Overall I suspend judgement until I have read all three novels
October 21, 2017
I'm at fault. I don't have think I have the ability to properly praise Harper Fox and this retelling of the Arthurian legend. This is a novella length first of a three part series and the wait for the second part will be interminable.
The author weaves color and light and shadows masterfully while infusing new energy into a centuries old tale. The words chime and ring. They paint glorious vistas. They spark and sizzle and dance.
This legend in the hands of Harper Fox is elevated to myth linking all the magic an epic scope that goes with it.
5 stars.
The author weaves color and light and shadows masterfully while infusing new energy into a centuries old tale. The words chime and ring. They paint glorious vistas. They spark and sizzle and dance.
This legend in the hands of Harper Fox is elevated to myth linking all the magic an epic scope that goes with it.
5 stars.
October 26, 2017
I've read many of the Arthurian classics but trust Harper Fox to spin her own lovely version of this familiar story. It's a tale that evokes warmth, summer and love and I can't wait to see what happens next.
October 29, 2017
In some ways, it reminds me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon, but in a more concise form, one that follows tradition less, allowing Fox to come up with new language to explain common names like Lancelot. It is enjoyable and a good set up for the next story.
December 2, 2023
I love this author
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