The First Gwenevere . . . a Celtic Arthurian Legend Reverse Harem Fantasy tale of betrayal and fated love.A fated white faerie. A dark war for power. An otherworldly relic that can raise the dead. Anger and disappointment burn within Fionna Allán following the Grail Quest. Her family still remain captives of a rival clann, and King Arthur Pendragon’s kingdom continues to wither and die. Now Fionna’s sworn enemy brings war to Arthur’s shores with Morgan la Fay at his side—a battle Arthur and Caerleon can ill afford. Especially as one of Arthur’s knights has gone rogue, leaving their group weak and devastated.With his kingship in question and his people suffering to the point of rebellion, Arthur and his knights are forced to seek help from the gods. But none are prepared for the secrets the faeries reveal. A Gwenevere. An enchantress, born of legends past, will rise to protect a Great King. But only if that king proves his worthiness.Caerleon’s brittle future depends on Fionna, Arthur, Lancelot, Galahad, and Percival sacrificing their own. If they are to defeat their enemies—mortal and immortal alike—they must bare their souls and join their hearts. Before war destroys everyone and everything they love.Experience the Legend today . . . For fans of reverse harem romance, historical medieval fantasy, faerie tale and mythology retellings, Celtic and Norse pagan fantasy, and fae fiction.Suitable for readers 18+
Claire Luana grew up reading everything she could get her hands on and writing every chance she could. Eventually, adulthood won out, and she turned her writing talents to more scholarly pursuits, going to work as a commercial litigation attorney at a mid-sized law firm. While continuing to practice law, Claire decided to return to her roots and try her hand once again at creative writing.
She has written and published five series, the Moonburner Cycle, the Confectioner Chronicles, the Mythical Alliance, the Knights of Caerleon, with Jesikah Sundin, and the Faerie Race, with J.A. Armitage. She lives in Cle Elum, Washington with her husband and two dogs. In her (little) remaining spare time, she loves to hike, travel, binge-watch CW shows, and of course, fall into a good book.
So I really liked how the story came to a conclusion and didn't leave a ton of loose ends. This final book had a LOT of ground to cover and it did a pretty good job. That said, things moved at a pretty breakneck pace and I wouldn't have minded reading a bit of a longer book for some more of the Caerleon related plot development.
The heat definitely turned up in the harem in this one, but the mish-mash of ye olde Irish/English dialect and modern slang really threw me off at times. Percival was the only one they really tried to give a dialect to...and I'm not sure if it worked or not as they only did it with a few words...repeatedly. Fionna's was a little more consistent but honestly if we are saying "arse", we probably aren't saying some of the other words she used for body parts,
Anyway - I honestly did like their take on the entire Grail quest. There was a lot of lore behind the Fae and the Gwenevere and it was an enjoyable mix of legends, especially once Vivian came into the mix.
Fionna's family reunion and all the magic was nice, but parts seemed a little too convenient. (The three sisters. Cough.) Like I said, I could have easily read a longer book for more plot. Brin was one of my favorite characters. One strong point of this entire series was the banter, and this final installment was no exception.
That whole scene at the end.... Ha yeah I suppose that was all necessary, all the power to Arthur if he is willing to share. I did think it was interesting that they tied the harem into the lore/magic to make it seem more natural.
3.5 stars for the issues but would probably recommend the series for fans of moderately spicey lore!
The exciting climax to The Knights of Caerleon saga, the first Gwenevere delivers in action (in more ways than one) and suspense which had me turning the page. Jesikah Sundin and Claire Luana deliver with a satisfying conclusion that had everything I wanted.
I really loved each of the characters, especially Fionna, who’s facing new challenges after a revelation near the end of The Third Curse. She’s suddenly thrust into a new role and I loved how she went through each challenge. The other knights had some development that I really liked, especially Lancelot and Arthur in their own trials. Each of them felt very real to me, and benefited from the half action/adventure and half romance format that this book has.
This expands on the world building and mythology that the first two installments had, including journeys to some new places as the knights ready for the final showdown with their enemies and prepare to put an end to the curse inflicting Caerleon. Like before, there’s a section at the end to explain the historical basis of everything that’s going on, yet there’s enough of a diversion to feel like it’s own thing. The prose flows well and is vivid, putting you in that land, with hooks that keep you reading.
If you’re looking for a fantasy story with sexy times, this is one for you.
This is the final installment in this series, and let me say it definitely did not disappoint. If you are craving an intensely action-packed novel...this is it.
Between the actual battle that you as the reader have known to be coming this entire time, and the chemistry between Fionna and her men. Holy Smokes. Things get super spicy up in this novel. Have a bottle of water ready, hot damn!
This conclusion novel has it all, mystery, suspense, intense love for family and so many blush worthy moments.
The characters are given multiple challenges to be faced, and they all rise up together to get it done. Some of the obstacles you as the reader cannot see coming, and that is part of the excitement of this series and these characters.
The characters of this story all have enough chapter time to really find out who they are and what makes them, well them and unique. I love Percy, he is just too cute. All of the men really do shine and also bring out something special in Fionna.
If you are looking for a novel that will surprise you, make you smile, cry and overall just happy...this is the series for you.
Aaaah I’ve finished the last book! I flew through this series in a couple of days. I wouldn’t have minded some of the end battles to be more complex, but the story as a whole still felt satisfactory. I’m really glad I gave these books a try. The flow of the story makes perfect sense and makes for an enjoyable read. And yes, the RH trope took some getting used to for me, but it’s executed beautifully and seems to fit the characters well.
An amazing finish to this RH Arthurian trilogy. More quests, finding about her origins, plot twists, battle, action, smut, marriage, love. The necklace's truth was not surprising and I'm glad it didn't destroy their relationship. I don't know what else to comment on but the whole book. I just loved Fiona and the men together.
2-2.5 stars here at what seems to be the end of this series. All in all I like the premise, I felt like the author had some really great concepts for the reinvention of this tale, however, I felt like maybe the author had too many ideas floating around maybe and rather than kick out some scenes to further enrich what was there everything was crammed in. This made the highlight of the plot.. the different points that moved the plot along seem really.. convenient. The solutions to problems presented came super easy to the characters which is a shame because with more adversity and more depth to certain scenes I think the story could have really been great. On a different note I really liked the characters. I thought that considering what we were dealt the author did a pretty good job of rounding them and making them unique over the series. Sometimes I think the story line might have suffered a bit in order for the author to up the smut factor which is a shame but it is what it is. Lastly I felt, even here at the end that we had plot holes that weren't covered or mentioned. Is this really the end? What about Danu? Also, some plot holes that were left from book one were addressed but at the same time ended up being like an afterthought and not really all that relevant to the story it seemed.
In this book Fionna and her guys must face their pasts, as Morgana and her minions approach Arthur's kingdom. We do get a really brief and anticlimactic sword and the stone moment.. and things take a turn for failtown in there all so Fionna can access her powers as the daughter of a goddess. Fionna thinks she must take a husband.. or several.. All of this resulting in a showdown between the spoiled and selfish Morgana and Fionna.
Is this the end? I guess we will see. All in all the series ended up just past ok for me.
I really enjoyed this series from start to finish. The authors take on the Arthurian Legend with a flair of reverse harem was new, different and extremely entertaining. I loved the heroine Fionna, the warrior Irish princess sent to Wales to become a knight and steal Arthur’s Excalibur. What started off as a challenging task exploded before Fionna or the Knights could catch a breath. I really enjoyed all the guys, especially how unique each one was and what they brought to the relationship. Luckily we finally got to see the takedown of Morgana, but can I really say that when not only did Fionna return the powers to morgana and her sisters she also set them free. Call me skeptical but I don’t think that was a good idea at all. The minor skirmishes weren’t overly thrilling mostly because they were so quick and rather easy. I was disappointed in Fionna in this book twice, first when she has sex with Percy, literally in the woods aside enemy forces, I mean both of them should have known better. I was also shocked when she turned her back on the enemy and got a knife in the back smh. I only wish we had an epilogue to see how their future plays out and even some scenes with her mother and sister especially. All Fionna wants is to rescue her family in all three books so it would have been nice to see some evidence of their relati9nships and bond once they were all together again. Fan of RH and Arthur/Knights should definitely check out this trilogy, it wasn’t over long but was certainly worth the read.
Fave line Percy - “Morgana and her sisters will tremble before the might of your snowflake.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this book, not to mention the entire series! It's not just about having a harem but the fantasy lore of the whole series was just amazingly woven!
Fantastic conclusion to this trilogy! I love how the story played out and surprised me. The audio narration was terrific all around. This series has definitely become one of my fav Aurthurian retellings!!
Crescendoing to a magnificent ending. Claire Luna & Jesikah Sundin have produced the best thinking out of the box re-telling of this legendary tale, I have ever read. They created a group of characters giving them each personalities that are unique and individual, each and every one I fell in love with long ago. The writing in this series has felt effortless, weaving such fine details you could feel each sword drawn to the caress of one’s skin. We again join the Fiesty Fionnabhair Allen, King Arthur & his three knights all believing The myth of The First Gwenevere could be their devastatingly beautiful white enchantress Fionna....With no magic in her little finger Fionna fears now there is no stopping the evil vengeful sorceress Morganna. Fionna learns of truths untold, shaking her very foundations. I needed my tissues as my heart broke over certain situations, at others I loved the Whit & playful side these characters stolen moments enjoyed. This finale brings together all of the threads left untied. With devastation. Mystery and Suspense keeping my heart hammering late into the night. This is a series that will consume you. I don’t leave spoilers, giving you the opportunity to enjoy it first hand...Running along the seriousness of Arthur’s predicament, the fighting, death & unjust you will have glimpses of fun, lust & love. This gives at times a diversion to the suspense & fear running through all their veins. The utter raw desolation & fearful conclusion to this series, along with the magical ingenious thinking made this whole series a firm favourite & an utter credit to these authors. 5 stars are the best you can give, however Claire Luna & Jesikah Sundin deserve a lot more. Thank you 😊
The First Gwenevere: An Arthurian Legend Fantasy (The Knights of Caerleon series Book 3) 4 Stars By: Jesikah Sundin & Claire Luana ⭐⭐⭐⭐
******** May Contain Some Spoilers ********
I will try my absolute best to keep spoilers to a minimum or completely out of my review. Sometimes it can be hard to do so.
I was excited to read this book. The build up from the other two books 📚had me on pins and needles. I am not disappointed with the storyline as a whole. I will explain my disappointment after the good stuff. I wanted to hit Lancelot up side his head. But Lancelot did redeem himself later after fleeing/horse 🐎 riding like a chicken 🐔. In order for Fionna to become a Gwenevere, she is told to wed Arthur. After the wedding, something horrible happens to Fionna. That had me crying 😢. But Fionna does get her powers eventually. I love 💘 how the war was ended. Now my disappointment is the ending. I feel cheated. It left me with so many questions. Like: Did they have kids? Did they free her mother? How is her sister Aideen doing? What happened to the evil fae sisters? The story was excellent so I have not taken any stars ⭐ away. Just because I feel the ending was lacking, it might not to others. This is still an amazing series!
•••••• I highly recommend this book/series! •••••• ~~ I have Kindle Unlimited, and I used that service to read this book. ~~
This book which wrapped up a wonderful trilogy was so very gratifying! Fionna came onto the scene as a tough, seasoned, determined warrior woman - and just grew into an even more astounding heroine. Each of her men - King Arthur, Lancelot, Galahad and Percival, had wonderfully developed characters. Of course each had their own obstacles to overcome, wrongs to right, evil to smite. But the legend of Arthur and Gwenevere was just simply blown away in this trilogy. Blown away and rebuilt into something I could've never imagined. Yes, this book was definitely the hottest of the 3 in terms of the RH genre. But it also surpassed my expectations as a fantasy book. And the historical notes that the authors provide at the end of the book will both inform and enchant you.
I loved it! It picks up right where the second book stops. Fiona and her men are preparing to take on the Morgana sisters and are on a quest to discover more about Fiona's heritage.
I love the story, the characters are so well thought of and developed. Even through the last story, I learned a lot of new things about Fiona and her knights, there are snippets here and there.
If you love romance, arthurian lore and an epic heroine, this is definately the read for you! I really enjoyed this series and it has become one of my favorites!
I would give 5 stars if only I didn't feel like the story got cut off..
I think Epilogue chapter would be enough to conclude some of the plot. I'm talking mostly about Danu... Did Fiona just forgot about her mother, especially now that she got her magic? Morgana and her sisters where just pawns, which means the main culprit is still out there... If they wanted to get rid of Arthur or just take over the land I doubt that was enough to stop whatever plans they had...
I listened to audiobook. I really loved the narrators chosen. They gave story lots of life.
The First Gwenevere is the final book in The Knights of Caerleon series where all the plots wrap up. This installment was full of action and very little if any down time as the knights race the oncoming army forces and the curse to find solutions to both. I couldn't stop reading once i was able to sit down and actually read (grr life stuffs) My only compliant is it left me wondering what of Danu? Recommend if you love Arthurian retellings, fae, RH, and steamy fun.
What an epic conclusion to a series! Twists after twists are thrown at our heroes, and we see them at some very low points. But their resolve is inspiring and magical (pun absolutely intended). Claire Luana and Jesikah Sundin have managed to weave together a fantastic tale that merges legends of the Knights of old with various Celtic mythologies. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys twisted myths and epic adventures with romance that makes your heart burn.
I'll say it again: what a fantastic conclusion! This whole story was great. I loved the authors attempts to be as true to history as possible, how they explained their divergence, and loved the creative license they took with the lore. Let's not forget the fulfilling action scenes and heartfelt realtionship building. Well done ladies! A truly great collaboration!
What a mind blowing read! I can't think of a better way to end a series. It was full of twist and turns, at one point I was sure I was going to throw my Kindle LOL. Seriously amazing by work Jesikah & Claire! I will truly miss this series. This book was full of wonder, excitement, it was witty, sexy, intriguing and dangerous. It was magical!
While I loved the blending of Aurthurian mythology and reverse harem, I’ve got to give a big shout out the the authors for the amount of research that they put into these books. As a history lover, I also enjoyed all the historical notes at the end of each book.
I actually put off reading this book a few days because I didn’t want this series to end. I love each characters unique personality and the dynamic they create together. This book was very good and it didn’t disappoint! Lots of action and unique elements to the story that I loved.
This is truly a climatic ending to the series in more ways than one. The reverse harem trope is definitely evident in this book, but the storyline greatly overshadows that part. It's a nice twist to the King Arthur, Knights, and Excalibur tale filled with strong characters and detailed world building.
Arthurian legend has always interested me, and retellings and new takes always interest me. This series was so awesome. Full of forgiveness, love, war and sexy time. What more could you ask for?!
I'm so impressed with this trilogy, especially the strong female characters that drive the plot. There are many funny and sexy moments in this tale. I was wondering how it was all going to work out... You won't be disappointed!
A fitting end to this Authorian trilogy. I truly enjoyed this book, the mythos, magic, the historical drama of the knights of the round table. Bravo to the authors for their fresh take on this! Definitely a great RH !
Awesome read with lots of action and romance. Love the storyline and interaction between the characters, the strong women and the folklore provided. Great read lots of fun
I found myself entranced in this series. I loved the magic, the lore, the characters (obviously) and it finally became the harem novel I was looking for in book one. Very fun read!
RH are my favorite. I loved every bit of each story within. The details of adventure, torture, battle and love kept me at the edge of my seat for more. Thanks to both authors for taking me away.
Total action. Gwenevere and her men do battle. Not a disappointing page in the story. She is so strong in her character. Anxiously awaiting the next book by this fabulous writer.