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Queen of Camelot #1-2
Queen of Camelot
Return to a time of legend—the days of Guinevere and Arthur and the glory that was to become Camelot
On the night of Guinevere’s birth, a wise woman declares a prophecy of doom for the She will be gwenhwyfar , the white shadow, destined to betray her king, and be herself betrayed. Years pass, and Guinevere becomes a great beauty, riding free across Northern Wales on her beloved horse. She is entranced by the tales of the valorous Arthur, a courageous warrior who seems to Guinevere no mere man, but a legend. Then she finds herself betrothed to that same famous king, a hero who commands her willing devotion. Just as his knights and all his subjects, she falls under Arthur’s spell.
At the side of King Arthur, Guinevere reigns strong and true. Yet she soon learns how the dark prophecy will reveal itself. She is unable to conceive. Arthur’s only true heir is Mordred, offspring of a cursed encounter with the witch Morgause. Now Guinevere must make a fateful She decides to raise Mordred, teaching him to be a ruler and to honor Camelot. She will love him like a mother. Mordred will be her greatest joy–and the key to her ultimate downfall.
“Guinevere comes alive—a strong, resourceful, and compassionate woman, accessible to modern folk . . . The Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot triangle comes alive as well—believable, poignant, and bearing the seeds of tragedy.”—Katherine Kurtz
On the night of Guinevere’s birth, a wise woman declares a prophecy of doom for the She will be gwenhwyfar , the white shadow, destined to betray her king, and be herself betrayed. Years pass, and Guinevere becomes a great beauty, riding free across Northern Wales on her beloved horse. She is entranced by the tales of the valorous Arthur, a courageous warrior who seems to Guinevere no mere man, but a legend. Then she finds herself betrothed to that same famous king, a hero who commands her willing devotion. Just as his knights and all his subjects, she falls under Arthur’s spell.
At the side of King Arthur, Guinevere reigns strong and true. Yet she soon learns how the dark prophecy will reveal itself. She is unable to conceive. Arthur’s only true heir is Mordred, offspring of a cursed encounter with the witch Morgause. Now Guinevere must make a fateful She decides to raise Mordred, teaching him to be a ruler and to honor Camelot. She will love him like a mother. Mordred will be her greatest joy–and the key to her ultimate downfall.
“Guinevere comes alive—a strong, resourceful, and compassionate woman, accessible to modern folk . . . The Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot triangle comes alive as well—believable, poignant, and bearing the seeds of tragedy.”—Katherine Kurtz
623 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2002
115 people are currently reading
7518 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McKenzie
20 books85 followersNancy McKenzie is the author of several novels based on Arthurian tales. Guinevere’s Gift is her first novel for young adults. She lives in Danbury, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
July 27, 2011
Every once in a while a book comes along so satisfying and beautiful that you savor every passage, lose yourself in the story, and at the end closing it with great reluctance, sorry the tale has come to an end. This isn't one of them. I was elated to be finally finished with this. This Arthurian tale is narrated by Guinevere and this Guinevere claims to deeply love both Arthur and Lancelot wishing the best for them and their honor while never completely relinquishing her hold on either man; then bemoans her "fate", baffled that so many are willing to believe she has committed adultery with Lancelot. Throughout the novel she is praised for her bravery and queenly demeanor yet is forever throwing herself at some man's feet "weeping". The truth is I never quite liked her, halfway through I was tired of her and almost liked the scheming, vindictive Elaine and the incestous witch Morgause better...they were at least marginally more interesting. The remaining characters here were all one dimensional including Arthur. The King was ever noble, patient, and fair, lifting his "Gwen" to her feet-after she knelt weeping at his of course-telling her how brave she was and that he would not be the manor the king he was if not for her et cetera. As old as they are the Arthurian tales have been told many times and much better than this. If you're looking for a good re-telling of this legend I would suggest Mary Stewart's series instead.
November 2, 2012
good god, this book is awful. arthur is PERFECT. lancelot is PERFECT. and above all, guinevere is PERFECT: beautiful, honorable, humble, and most importantly, not like those "other women." god, if i had a nickel for every time someone in this book compliments her for not being like those horrible other women, i'd be a koch brother. i spent the whole time waiting for someone to have an emotion that was human in any way--or an actual flaw that would make these characters even a bit believable. i don't count "being in love with someone i'm not supposed to be in love with" as a flaw, because it basically seemed like an opportunity for the characters to be incredibly noble and self-denying. any time it looked like someone might have $#)!ed up--oh, no, lancelot didn't actually rape anyone! no, guinevere wasn't actually unfaithful! no, mordred (MORDRED, for god's sake) was actually a good guy! i tried reading it as "guinevere, the unreliable and self-justifying narrator" but i think that might have been giving the author a little too much credit.
February 26, 2014
Magical vag strikes again.
3.5 stars. Fion. Lancelot. Arthur. Mordred. Spin the wheel of fortune, and hope you pick the right man. I probably would have taken Fion right off the bat and would have never gotten a chance to meet the others because I thought he was pretty awesome. The very first guy who takes an interest is a hot, nice, witty guy with an accent, who is also a king? Sold. Story over.
Actually, since Gwen didn't sleep with all of the men, she must have a magical aura instead.
Spoilers ahead. Yes, I mean it. This time, I'm not going spoiler free. I notice that I tend to want to post spoilers when something is bothering me and I need to write it down for my own sanity, hah. Please don't read on if you don't want the book spoiled.
Queen of Camelot would have been a solid 4 but there's one thing I can't get over. WTF was up with that foreshadowing prologue? The way it tied in with the end...uh...yeah.
Gwen had a few moments which made me scratch my head. The reasoning of hers that it was okay to kiss Lancelot on the lips as long as Arthur was around hurt my brain. And don't get me started on the "we're almost about to die" scene where she missed a big opportunity. For the sake of the reader, that loyalty should have been put on the back burner when good ole Lance and Gwen were convinced that they'd never live to see Arthur. I wanted the famous scandal. WHERE WAS THE SCANDAL?!?
Lancelot had a few moments of his own. He started off so swoon-worthy, then the hardcore loyalty sort of fried his brain. Did I detect a few moments of simpering? I think I might have. MAKE ME SWOON, PUPPET.
Arthur...I don't even know what to say. His faith in Gwen was admirable, if a little stupid.
But I kid, sort of. My men complaints are so minimal. I felt Lancelot's loyalty, admired Arthur's justice, and yearned alongside Gwen as she longed for both men who were equally brilliant in their own way.
Do I believe that Arthur was Gwen's soul mate in the end? NO. I believe that she loved and admired him. I believe that she felt him worthy of her undying devotion. However, I had a hard time believing that she shifted all of her focus from Lancelot to Arthur at the end. Why? Because Arthur died? So she can't love Lancelot in close proximity now, even though THEY FLAUNTED IT IN FRONT OF ARTHUR FOR ALL OF THOSE YEARS?
You'd almost think with my capslock ranting that I disliked the book, right?
The writing was beautiful. The emotions were powerful. The story had me by the throat. I honestly loved the book...up until the end sort of pissed me off.
I didn't expect a super happy ending. But the self-sacrificing seemed pointless when there came a time that it wasn't necessary anymore.
That said, for any story to have me wanting to discuss and hope and speculate like this one did, I do consider it to be a success. There were so many powerful and emotional quotes that I would have liked to have included, but then I would have been here all night copying them. So, no. It's not happening.
Oh, and mothereffing Mordred. Not that any of his behavior was unexpected. But still.
I'm honestly glad I read the book, and hope to read Galahad's (Lancelot's son) story in the near future.
Thanks Leea for the buddy read/discussion thread/phone question & answer session!
June 21, 2016
Combines the two brilliant works by Nancy McKenzie about Arhur's Queen Guinevere and one of the best reteallings of the Arthurian legend.
An extremely engaging book, full of adventure, passion, intrigue and emotion.
Engages the reader evey step of the way.
It traces the early life of Gunievere , who would be Arthur's bride, from her birth to the king and young queen of the Kingdom of Northgallis, where a witch predicts the night of her birth that she would live to be the greatest lady in Britain, but also that she would betray her king and herself be betrayed.
What is unique about this retelling of the Arthurian legend is the deep emotional and pyschological depth of her subjects.
It is the best Arthurian retelling I have read.
Growing up in north Wales, to be a great and engaging beauty , together with her cousin Elaine, her life is turned upside down when she is chosen as the bride of the High King of Britain, Arthur.
Guinevere's love for the King's most trusted knight, Lancelot causes her great pain. Her cousin and childhood friend Elaine, turns into a deadly rival, who out of jealousy because it was Guinevere who became Arthur's bride, will do anything to hurt Guinevere.
Included in this saga are others in Arthurian legend such as the King's adopted brother Kay, Arthur's half-sisters Morgause and Morgan , the battles with the invading Saxons , and the various kingdoms in Britain in the time.We read of Guinevere's abduction by the thuggish minor king Mwelas and her rescue by Lancelot. McKenzie did her research well, while introducing an exciting take on the world of Arthur and Camelot.
Nancy McKenzie makes for relaxed reading while bringing alive the true magic, colour and drama of Arthurian legend, and exploring the hearts and passions of Arthur's beautiful and captivating Queen Guinevere who captures the hearts of so many men at Camelot.
In the second of two magnificent novels, Guinvere, unable to conceive agrees to raise Arthur's son Mordred born from a cursed encounter with Arthur's sister the evil sorceress Morgause.
As she raises Mordred to love him like son, he will eventually be the seed of her destruction. Meanwhile she struggles with her agonizing love for Lancelot as McKenzie creates high drama and narrative from this ill fated love.
And of course the shadow of the great and terrifying Merlin always hovers over all.
The total effect creates a compelling and spellbinding epic which serves as an imposing example of the author's enthusiasm for her subject
An extremely engaging book, full of adventure, passion, intrigue and emotion.
Engages the reader evey step of the way.
It traces the early life of Gunievere , who would be Arthur's bride, from her birth to the king and young queen of the Kingdom of Northgallis, where a witch predicts the night of her birth that she would live to be the greatest lady in Britain, but also that she would betray her king and herself be betrayed.
What is unique about this retelling of the Arthurian legend is the deep emotional and pyschological depth of her subjects.
It is the best Arthurian retelling I have read.
Growing up in north Wales, to be a great and engaging beauty , together with her cousin Elaine, her life is turned upside down when she is chosen as the bride of the High King of Britain, Arthur.
Guinevere's love for the King's most trusted knight, Lancelot causes her great pain. Her cousin and childhood friend Elaine, turns into a deadly rival, who out of jealousy because it was Guinevere who became Arthur's bride, will do anything to hurt Guinevere.
Included in this saga are others in Arthurian legend such as the King's adopted brother Kay, Arthur's half-sisters Morgause and Morgan , the battles with the invading Saxons , and the various kingdoms in Britain in the time.We read of Guinevere's abduction by the thuggish minor king Mwelas and her rescue by Lancelot. McKenzie did her research well, while introducing an exciting take on the world of Arthur and Camelot.
Nancy McKenzie makes for relaxed reading while bringing alive the true magic, colour and drama of Arthurian legend, and exploring the hearts and passions of Arthur's beautiful and captivating Queen Guinevere who captures the hearts of so many men at Camelot.
In the second of two magnificent novels, Guinvere, unable to conceive agrees to raise Arthur's son Mordred born from a cursed encounter with Arthur's sister the evil sorceress Morgause.
As she raises Mordred to love him like son, he will eventually be the seed of her destruction. Meanwhile she struggles with her agonizing love for Lancelot as McKenzie creates high drama and narrative from this ill fated love.
And of course the shadow of the great and terrifying Merlin always hovers over all.
The total effect creates a compelling and spellbinding epic which serves as an imposing example of the author's enthusiasm for her subject
Read
July 22, 2015'Aaaaa!' I screamed, and swooned.
yep, that pretty much sums it up. WAAAAAAAY too many "a's" in this book overall.
I'm a sucker for a sympathetic Mordred, as anyone who knows me knows, and that is surely what kept me going through this 867 page tome, which incidentally I can't believe I didn't read when it was first published... although I suppose, in my defense, I have never been a fan of Guinevere.
I just felt like it was written by a ten-year-old. The "Aaaaah!" writing style is typical of my 6th grader and everyone in her class. A very *persistent* and hugely ambitious ten-year-old, but the style distracts from the historical accuracy.
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I had one highly entertained moment when the druid Kevin started spouting prophecy and I mistakenly thought he was addressing Guinevere thusly:
'My lady Queen... the Great Goddess has blessed you with child... At the spring equinox you will be safely delivered of twin children, one male and one female. The son you bear will add his light to the greater glory of Britain, and your daughter shall be beloved of the finest warrior in the realm."
(unfortunately he was talking to someone else after all, dammit, and the kids never turned up anyway.)
yep, that pretty much sums it up. WAAAAAAAY too many "a's" in this book overall.
I'm a sucker for a sympathetic Mordred, as anyone who knows me knows, and that is surely what kept me going through this 867 page tome, which incidentally I can't believe I didn't read when it was first published... although I suppose, in my defense, I have never been a fan of Guinevere.
I just felt like it was written by a ten-year-old. The "Aaaaah!" writing style is typical of my 6th grader and everyone in her class. A very *persistent* and hugely ambitious ten-year-old, but the style distracts from the historical accuracy.
---------------------
I had one highly entertained moment when the druid Kevin started spouting prophecy and I mistakenly thought he was addressing Guinevere thusly:
'My lady Queen... the Great Goddess has blessed you with child... At the spring equinox you will be safely delivered of twin children, one male and one female. The son you bear will add his light to the greater glory of Britain, and your daughter shall be beloved of the finest warrior in the realm."
(unfortunately he was talking to someone else after all, dammit, and the kids never turned up anyway.)
September 22, 2017
Edit 4/10/2014: In my first review of this book in 2011, I noted that they left out the epilogue that appears in the The High Queen. However, upon reading this book (again) this year (love it so much!), I realized that what they did with the epilogue that seemed to be missing was they turned it into a prologue when they put The Child Queen and The High Queen together into this set. So, I was wrong that it wasn't included at all (I must have somehow skipped the prologue the first time I read this as a set??), it's just that in the The High Queen it is an epilogue rather than a prologue as it is in Queen of Camelot. Honestly, I am not sure why they did this because I don't WANT to know the outcome before reading this book, so I would recommend skipping the prologue of Queen of Camelot and instead reading it as an epilogue once you have finished the book, as was originally intended when the books were first published. Also, note that I have put it up to five stars since the information wasn't missing, it was just in a different area.
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Below is my original review:
I have essentially already reviewed this book in my reviews for "The Child Queen: The Tale of Guinevere and King Arthur" and "High Queen," giving them both five stars. They are two of my favorite books from childhood.
However, I felt compelled after reading this compilation to note that they left the epilogue that appears in the original printed version of "High Queen" out of this compilation.
As I finished the Kindle version of "Queen of Camelot," something nagged at me. I could have sworn I remembered more to the story. Indeed, I checked my beloved printed copy of "High Queen," and there was a dozen-page epilogue that they left out. I have no idea why they would do this, because it rounds out the story and closes several loops. I bought the printed version of this compilation and it arrived today and the epilogue is also missing from the printed version.
Thus, I had to give this version of the book only four stars because, I'm sorry, the ending is nothing without the epilogue, which they thoughtlessly left out. If you can, find a copy of the original version of "High Queen" in order to read the epilogue.
-------------------
Below is my original review:
I have essentially already reviewed this book in my reviews for "The Child Queen: The Tale of Guinevere and King Arthur" and "High Queen," giving them both five stars. They are two of my favorite books from childhood.
However, I felt compelled after reading this compilation to note that they left the epilogue that appears in the original printed version of "High Queen" out of this compilation.
As I finished the Kindle version of "Queen of Camelot," something nagged at me. I could have sworn I remembered more to the story. Indeed, I checked my beloved printed copy of "High Queen," and there was a dozen-page epilogue that they left out. I have no idea why they would do this, because it rounds out the story and closes several loops. I bought the printed version of this compilation and it arrived today and the epilogue is also missing from the printed version.
Thus, I had to give this version of the book only four stars because, I'm sorry, the ending is nothing without the epilogue, which they thoughtlessly left out. If you can, find a copy of the original version of "High Queen" in order to read the epilogue.
August 20, 2008
A great retelling of the Arthurian Saga. Wonderful book. The Arthur legends as told from the viewpoint of Guinevere, a beautiful, strong, courageous woman and her heartbreaking love of two men - Lancelot and Arthur. We see Guinevere grow from a young girl to the most beautiful woman in England.
An exciting tale and the love she bears for both Lancelot and Arthur - and the love they both return to her made for an engrossing book.Don't pick this one up in the middle of the night thinking you'll read a couple of chapters and be able to go back to sleep. This book cost me a few hours of sleep, but was well worth it. Highly recommended.
An exciting tale and the love she bears for both Lancelot and Arthur - and the love they both return to her made for an engrossing book.Don't pick this one up in the middle of the night thinking you'll read a couple of chapters and be able to go back to sleep. This book cost me a few hours of sleep, but was well worth it. Highly recommended.
February 10, 2013
I picked up this book because I wanted to read a story with a sympathetic and well-developed Guinevere, as opposed to the evil temptress who destroys Arthur's kingdom. Unfortunately, I found Nancy McKenzie's Guinevere to be lacking.
In the beginning of the story, Guinevere is an astute young child full of questions regarding religion, faith, and God. Throughout the novel, Guinevere oscillates between the inquisitive woman with a keen understanding of the world around her, and a helpless person who cries & faints when something is in the slightest bit distressing. In fact, she even says something about being helpless because she's a woman on multiple occasions only to have Arthur reassure that she is unlike other women, and therefore, worthwhile (which is incredibly problematic for many reasons).
Additionally, ALL of the other women in this book are less developed than Guinevere, and are either witches (in the case of Morgause who seems to have no reason behind her schemes other than just wanting to cause her brother heartache) or plotting for their own self-interests (in the case of her aunt Alyse and cousin Elaine) or are just background characters. Niniane, the high priestess of Avalon, is the only other woman who seems to want Arthur to succeed, but she is nothing more than an enigmatic character who brings more distress for Guinevere with her prophecies.
The end also seems a bit forced & happens all too quickly, and Mordred's destruction of Arthur seems to be one huge misunderstanding that seems highly illogical and out of character for both Arthur and Mordred. Plus, the end has a bit of a plot hole. From the Prologue, it seems as though Guinevere receives the first account of Arthur's death from Lancelot. At the end of the book, she receives a full account of what happened on the battlefield from another soldier.
In the beginning of the story, Guinevere is an astute young child full of questions regarding religion, faith, and God. Throughout the novel, Guinevere oscillates between the inquisitive woman with a keen understanding of the world around her, and a helpless person who cries & faints when something is in the slightest bit distressing. In fact, she even says something about being helpless because she's a woman on multiple occasions only to have Arthur reassure that she is unlike other women, and therefore, worthwhile (which is incredibly problematic for many reasons).
Additionally, ALL of the other women in this book are less developed than Guinevere, and are either witches (in the case of Morgause who seems to have no reason behind her schemes other than just wanting to cause her brother heartache) or plotting for their own self-interests (in the case of her aunt Alyse and cousin Elaine) or are just background characters. Niniane, the high priestess of Avalon, is the only other woman who seems to want Arthur to succeed, but she is nothing more than an enigmatic character who brings more distress for Guinevere with her prophecies.
The end also seems a bit forced & happens all too quickly, and Mordred's destruction of Arthur seems to be one huge misunderstanding that seems highly illogical and out of character for both Arthur and Mordred. Plus, the end has a bit of a plot hole. From the Prologue, it seems as though Guinevere receives the first account of Arthur's death from Lancelot. At the end of the book, she receives a full account of what happened on the battlefield from another soldier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2021
Having read reviews of this book, and always interested in a tale of Camelot told from Guinevere's perspective, I looked forward to reading this. I am quite disappointed in the result. First, although I love Mary Stewart's Arthurian cycle, McKenzie's reliance on Stewart went well beyond inspiration. Not only does she track most of Stewart's plot developments, but, at particular moments, she either closely paraphrases or plagiarizes Stewart's description of certain events.
Second, McKenzie's Guinevere is a Mary Sue. Everyone who is virtuous, noble, good-hearted, and kind worships her. Men fall in love with her at first sight and never feel disappointed/disenchanted/less interested upon greater acquaintance. Only the villains dislike her, and they are always motivated by jealousy, either of her beauty or her influence with the King or the respect she receives from everyone who isn't a villain. People who aren't villains but not initially impressed with her are always won over by her intelligence, good sense, wisdom, generosity, etc., etc. Her "flaws" are that (1) she can't understand why Arthur loves her so when she cannot bear him children, (2) she has a hard time reconciling herself to her childlessness (although, ultimately, McKenzie makes that a virtue because it means Arthur doesn't have to share his glory with a child), and (3) she sometimes briefly struggles with jealousy with regard to Lancelot's relationship with Elaine. The first two "flaws" just emphasize how hard she is on herself when she's so generous with others, and the last failing is supposed to make the reader feel sympathetic to her, and then immediately admire her when she (always quickly) realizes that she's being unfair. She is also the most visionary character in the book, seeing a nation where Saxons become British citizens, when everyone else can't imagine such a thing.
Third, the love triangle is very hard to believe in this book. Lancelot and Guinevere love each other passionately and devotedly at first sight, and the intensity of that relationship never changes. They don't feel an attraction that grows into love; it's just there, from the start, entire and complete. And, even though it is all-consuming, Guinevere goes through with a marriage that she does not want, and which both acknowledge she could escape from. Her decision ends up feeling selfish and foolish (a deliberate martyrdom that sacrifices the happiness of four people), rather than forced by circumstance. Then, of course, she ends up falling in love with Arthur, who is passionately devoted to her. But he's okay with her not only loving Lancelot, too, but actually engaging in public displays of affection (I lost count of the number of times she and Lancelot hold hands or kiss before others, or she tells people that she loves Lancelot but it's okay because they won't betray the king). This is 5th C Britain, not 21st C New York City. It's simply incredible to believe that such behavior would not cause a scandal that would force Arthur to put her aside.
In The Once and Future King, T.H. White says that its hard to describe Guinevere because she is a "real person." And White's Guinevere has real flaws; flaws that make her at times unlikeable. But she also has real strengths--courage, determination, humor. McKenzie's Guinevere isn't a real person, and that flaw is fatal for this novel.
Second, McKenzie's Guinevere is a Mary Sue. Everyone who is virtuous, noble, good-hearted, and kind worships her. Men fall in love with her at first sight and never feel disappointed/disenchanted/less interested upon greater acquaintance. Only the villains dislike her, and they are always motivated by jealousy, either of her beauty or her influence with the King or the respect she receives from everyone who isn't a villain. People who aren't villains but not initially impressed with her are always won over by her intelligence, good sense, wisdom, generosity, etc., etc. Her "flaws" are that (1) she can't understand why Arthur loves her so when she cannot bear him children, (2) she has a hard time reconciling herself to her childlessness (although, ultimately, McKenzie makes that a virtue because it means Arthur doesn't have to share his glory with a child), and (3) she sometimes briefly struggles with jealousy with regard to Lancelot's relationship with Elaine. The first two "flaws" just emphasize how hard she is on herself when she's so generous with others, and the last failing is supposed to make the reader feel sympathetic to her, and then immediately admire her when she (always quickly) realizes that she's being unfair. She is also the most visionary character in the book, seeing a nation where Saxons become British citizens, when everyone else can't imagine such a thing.
Third, the love triangle is very hard to believe in this book. Lancelot and Guinevere love each other passionately and devotedly at first sight, and the intensity of that relationship never changes. They don't feel an attraction that grows into love; it's just there, from the start, entire and complete. And, even though it is all-consuming, Guinevere goes through with a marriage that she does not want, and which both acknowledge she could escape from. Her decision ends up feeling selfish and foolish (a deliberate martyrdom that sacrifices the happiness of four people), rather than forced by circumstance. Then, of course, she ends up falling in love with Arthur, who is passionately devoted to her. But he's okay with her not only loving Lancelot, too, but actually engaging in public displays of affection (I lost count of the number of times she and Lancelot hold hands or kiss before others, or she tells people that she loves Lancelot but it's okay because they won't betray the king). This is 5th C Britain, not 21st C New York City. It's simply incredible to believe that such behavior would not cause a scandal that would force Arthur to put her aside.
In The Once and Future King, T.H. White says that its hard to describe Guinevere because she is a "real person." And White's Guinevere has real flaws; flaws that make her at times unlikeable. But she also has real strengths--courage, determination, humor. McKenzie's Guinevere isn't a real person, and that flaw is fatal for this novel.
July 25, 2015
Beautiful beautiful telling of the story of Guinevere, Arthur, and Lancelot. I loved Mists of Avalon and The Crystal Cave and the rest of Mary Stewart's series, but this is my favorite of all. The love these three had for each other is so tenderly but powerfully told by Guinevere herself and for the first time I felt I came to know her. This time it was not as a sad victim, an unfaithful wife, or a woman destroyed by her circumstances. This time she was brave against extreme adversity, loyal to Arthur in spite of her love for his favorite knight, Lancelot, who he loves like a brother. Her love for Arthur is told in such a way that I will never feel the same about this wonderful legend again. The ties between these three are so strong and so easily understood in this book. The different times that Arthur handles one situation or another is the way that the author makes the reader understand what an incredibly intelligent leader he was beyond his being a great warrior. He comes across as the King of all kings. Mordred is handled in an entirely different way in this book, but then he seems to be written differently in all writings. In this book he is a sympathetic and tragic character, carried along by prophecy and circumstance to an end we all know. As the story went on, I of course, knew what would happen and know of Merlin's prophecy, but I kept thinking "in this book it just won't happen". I so did not want it to end the way of course it had to.
All of the knights came alive, some in different ways than I have seen them before. After all, this is a legend, and each author can interpret the personality and agenda of everyone in the story as they see fit.
I love the way this author began this story in the prologue. She starts at the end with Lancelot coming to meet with Guinevere for the last time and to tell her the details of Arthur's death and burial although she already knows he is gone. He tells her of a vision from Merlin after Arthur's burial where Merlin requests that she write her story so that Arthur and what has happened will not die but will live on forever. Thus with that farewell in mind, Guinevere begins the story in her words. I am sure this would be an amazing read for someone who does not know the Arthurian legend (does anyone not know?) or someone who has read and watched in movies the many versions. I have to say it is my favorite yet, and the author did just a wonderful wonderful job of writing this story. I cried in the prologue and I definitely cried at the end.
All of the knights came alive, some in different ways than I have seen them before. After all, this is a legend, and each author can interpret the personality and agenda of everyone in the story as they see fit.
I love the way this author began this story in the prologue. She starts at the end with Lancelot coming to meet with Guinevere for the last time and to tell her the details of Arthur's death and burial although she already knows he is gone. He tells her of a vision from Merlin after Arthur's burial where Merlin requests that she write her story so that Arthur and what has happened will not die but will live on forever. Thus with that farewell in mind, Guinevere begins the story in her words. I am sure this would be an amazing read for someone who does not know the Arthurian legend (does anyone not know?) or someone who has read and watched in movies the many versions. I have to say it is my favorite yet, and the author did just a wonderful wonderful job of writing this story. I cried in the prologue and I definitely cried at the end.
August 3, 2016
3.5 stars...
In this retelling of Camelot by Nancy McKenzie we are thrust into the world of King Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere. This story follows Gwen growing up and how she finds herself to be married to Arthur. I was wrapped up in this story from the moment I knew it would come from Gwen's point of view. Along the way I was shocked to see the devotion she was given from both Arthur and Lancelot.
Never before has a woman been so deeply loved by both these men. In fact Gwen has many admirers and some I cannot name because I do not want to spoil any of the book. Lets just say it was many and leave it at that. The sort of love triangle between Arthur, Gwen and Lancelot got tiring towards the end and I found myself shocked that
Arthur was ever the perfect King and husband always supporting and understand Gwen. In the end the last part of the book was rifled with battles, war strategies and finally I was left wanting more. Which is hard to believe after reading this book steadily for over 10 days. This sucker was long, I didn't feel long till about 80% when I still had over 2.5 hrs of reading to do.
In conclusion, I found Queen of Camelot to be an enjoyable read for someone not very familiar with the King Arthur story. The characters are endearing and the enemies massive but under it all is this pure love that King Arthur, Gwen and Lancelot share for each other.
Group read with True Love 101 group
In this retelling of Camelot by Nancy McKenzie we are thrust into the world of King Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere. This story follows Gwen growing up and how she finds herself to be married to Arthur. I was wrapped up in this story from the moment I knew it would come from Gwen's point of view. Along the way I was shocked to see the devotion she was given from both Arthur and Lancelot.
Never before has a woman been so deeply loved by both these men. In fact Gwen has many admirers and some I cannot name because I do not want to spoil any of the book. Lets just say it was many and leave it at that. The sort of love triangle between Arthur, Gwen and Lancelot got tiring towards the end and I found myself shocked that
Arthur was ever the perfect King and husband always supporting and understand Gwen. In the end the last part of the book was rifled with battles, war strategies and finally I was left wanting more. Which is hard to believe after reading this book steadily for over 10 days. This sucker was long, I didn't feel long till about 80% when I still had over 2.5 hrs of reading to do.
In conclusion, I found Queen of Camelot to be an enjoyable read for someone not very familiar with the King Arthur story. The characters are endearing and the enemies massive but under it all is this pure love that King Arthur, Gwen and Lancelot share for each other.
Group read with True Love 101 group
April 14, 2008
Since the night the old woman spoke the prophesy at Guinevere's birth, people have looked at her a little strangely, for it was told that she will be a great queen and that her fate will be one no one will envy. This is hard for Guinevere to believe, since she is just the daughter of a lesser king, and besides, it's her cousin Elaine who constantly dreams over the young King Arthur, though she has never met him. But when people are beginning to look for a new wife for Arthur, an old friend of Guinevere's recommends the fifteen-year-old princess for as a bride for the King. When Arthur cannot come to escort Guinevere to Camelot himself, he sends a few of his knights to fetch her, including Lancelot, who falls almost instantly in love with the wild-haired princess, and she with him. With this new problem added to Elaine's jealous rages, the fear she has of displeasing the King, and Merlin's apparent disapproval of her, how will Guinevere survive her new life and be a good partner for Britain's High King?
Queen of Camelot is a quickly engaging tale that brings the famous names from the Arthurian legends to life with surprising reality. Younger readers are not yet ready for Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon--and even ones who have read it--will eagerly finish this book and shall be well satisfied. Queen of Camelot was originally published as two novels, titled The Child Queen and The High Queen.
Queen of Camelot is a quickly engaging tale that brings the famous names from the Arthurian legends to life with surprising reality. Younger readers are not yet ready for Marion Zimmer Bradley's The Mists of Avalon--and even ones who have read it--will eagerly finish this book and shall be well satisfied. Queen of Camelot was originally published as two novels, titled The Child Queen and The High Queen.
June 18, 2007
I've always loved the legend of King Arthur...the Holy Grail quests, the Knights of the Round table, etc.
Over the years, I've especially come to love the books that tell this story from the women's perspective. Queen of Camelot tells this story from Guenviere's eyes.
Of course, every Arthurian tale takes a slightly different slant - there's a ton of inconsistency, even in the more classic literature. This version is interesting because it portrays Gunivere as a traditional woman - not really interested in power - but yet a woman who loves to break a bit outside her traditional role. Her opinion is highly valued by Arthur and his knights, and she's not afraid to be herself.
Her inability to bear children is a key theme throughout the book. Possibly more than most other Arthur tales I've read. Interesting, too, she and Lancelot of course share a deep love - but it's never consummated. And Arthur knows of there love and is incredibly understanding about it.
The biggest twist in this tale is that Mordred is seen nowhere nearly as evil as he's usually portrayed. That alone made this rather interesting.
Over the years, I've especially come to love the books that tell this story from the women's perspective. Queen of Camelot tells this story from Guenviere's eyes.
Of course, every Arthurian tale takes a slightly different slant - there's a ton of inconsistency, even in the more classic literature. This version is interesting because it portrays Gunivere as a traditional woman - not really interested in power - but yet a woman who loves to break a bit outside her traditional role. Her opinion is highly valued by Arthur and his knights, and she's not afraid to be herself.
Her inability to bear children is a key theme throughout the book. Possibly more than most other Arthur tales I've read. Interesting, too, she and Lancelot of course share a deep love - but it's never consummated. And Arthur knows of there love and is incredibly understanding about it.
The biggest twist in this tale is that Mordred is seen nowhere nearly as evil as he's usually portrayed. That alone made this rather interesting.
December 13, 2008
Title character is too perfect, and every other woman is a cardboard cut-out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
“Take what comes and live without complaint. What will be, will be. Life is a woman’s gift; death is God’s.” Merlin’s litany heard so many times by so many people. This time it is heard by King Arthur’s son, Mordred, and Queen Guinevere is witness to this event. The Queen comforts Mordred as he is at Camelot because of her suggestion to her husband, King Arthur, to bring Mordred and his four half-brothers from The Orkney Islands and the evil influence of their mother, Queen Morgause, who is King Arthur’s half-sister. Mordred is Arthur’s son, and since he has been at Camelot, he discovers he is Arthur’s son and heir. Mordred also realizes that he truly admires and loves the King. Merlin’s prophecy that King Arthur will die by Mordred’s hand is abhorrent to Mordred. He absolutely will not permit this prophecy to come true. The author’s retelling of this story shows a strong and wise Guinevere who reigns with Arthur, is faithful to Arthur who loves her. seeks her counsel, and is comfortable and understanding in his knowledge of her love for Lancelot as he is with his love of Lancelot as his most loyal knight and best friend. The final sentence to this remarkable tale enables the reader to wonder what will happen next. This reader does not experience that this truly fine story is at the end but at the beginning of the next chapter with a sagacious Queen Guinevere
‘in the wings‘ ready to fill her role. Highly recommended! 5 stars.
‘in the wings‘ ready to fill her role. Highly recommended! 5 stars.
July 13, 2010
I'm ambivalent about Nancy McKenzie's The Child Queen and The High Queen (recently reprinted as Queen of Camelot); they're reasonably good retellings of the Arthurian legends, with Guinevere as the viewpoint character, but they have some serious flaws.
McKenzie does a good job making Guinevere into an appealing character in her own right, and she gives us a strong Arthur to go with her, creating a passionate and compelling relationship. At the same time, McKenzie spends so much effort on showing that relationship that she fails to make Guinevere's love for Lancelot believable, which undermines the love triangle aspect of the story (and since McKenzie does use the love triangle as an important plot point, it needs to be credible).
Though I like McKenzie's version of the storyline (particularly the role played by Elaine, here Guinevere's cousin before becoming Lancelot's wife), the writing is somewhat amateurish. The High Queen starts with a conversation between Bedwyr and Guinevere, which McKenzie tries to use as a way to remind the reader of what happened in the first book; however, having Guinevere explaining to Bedwyr (one of Arthur's oldest friends) basic plot details such as the identity of Morgause is simply not convincing. The dialogue is often too modern and the language awkward (for example, Guinevere "flinging" her hands to her ears"). Infelicities of language aside, though, these are a good addition to the body of Arthurian legends, with strong characterization and plot.
McKenzie does a good job making Guinevere into an appealing character in her own right, and she gives us a strong Arthur to go with her, creating a passionate and compelling relationship. At the same time, McKenzie spends so much effort on showing that relationship that she fails to make Guinevere's love for Lancelot believable, which undermines the love triangle aspect of the story (and since McKenzie does use the love triangle as an important plot point, it needs to be credible).
Though I like McKenzie's version of the storyline (particularly the role played by Elaine, here Guinevere's cousin before becoming Lancelot's wife), the writing is somewhat amateurish. The High Queen starts with a conversation between Bedwyr and Guinevere, which McKenzie tries to use as a way to remind the reader of what happened in the first book; however, having Guinevere explaining to Bedwyr (one of Arthur's oldest friends) basic plot details such as the identity of Morgause is simply not convincing. The dialogue is often too modern and the language awkward (for example, Guinevere "flinging" her hands to her ears"). Infelicities of language aside, though, these are a good addition to the body of Arthurian legends, with strong characterization and plot.
February 28, 2011
This novel of the Arthurian legend is told strictly from Guinevere’s point of view. Being relatively new to the Arthurian legend, I greatly enjoyed the twists and turns and good and evil aspects running throughout the book. The way the novel is told is haunting and eloquent, without being pretentious. In the end, the novel is about individuals trying to fight fate and ultimately failing, perhaps because they fight fate.
The love between Gwen and Arthur is heartfelt, as is the love between Gwen and Lancelot. Throughout the novel you are torn between the two men as a reader, allowing you a glimpse at what Gwen would have gone through being surrounded by the larger-than-life men. However, I do question whether Arthur’s acceptance of the love between Gwen and Lancelot is too beyond reality to be fully accepted. His acceptance contradicts the belief at the time that women were to be faithful and the men could create bastards left and right.
The only true weakness I felt the book had was a slightly rushed ending. Since it was told from Gwen’s point of view she had to obtain information from sources other than herself understandably, but I was left with questions unanswered due to this. Although the character of Gwen was left with questions as well I suppose.
All in all, an absolutely wonderful novel.
The love between Gwen and Arthur is heartfelt, as is the love between Gwen and Lancelot. Throughout the novel you are torn between the two men as a reader, allowing you a glimpse at what Gwen would have gone through being surrounded by the larger-than-life men. However, I do question whether Arthur’s acceptance of the love between Gwen and Lancelot is too beyond reality to be fully accepted. His acceptance contradicts the belief at the time that women were to be faithful and the men could create bastards left and right.
The only true weakness I felt the book had was a slightly rushed ending. Since it was told from Gwen’s point of view she had to obtain information from sources other than herself understandably, but I was left with questions unanswered due to this. Although the character of Gwen was left with questions as well I suppose.
All in all, an absolutely wonderful novel.
April 6, 2008
This volume comprises two books: "The Child Queen" and "The High Queen". I found this to be an engaging and richly imagined interpretation of the Arthurian legend. It is firmly set in a Britain that still retains some influence from the relatively recent Roman occupation, and is also peopled by Celtic Druids and early Christians. It is a time that is struggling for order and civilization in the face of man's instinct toward savagery. Told from Guinevere's point of view, the prose is evocative without being overly flowery. The main characters are well-imagined and well-developed, and there are some interesting twists on some of the more minor characters such as Galahad and Gawaine. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for this sort of romance and who enjoyed Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" or T.H. White's "The Once and Future King".
September 23, 2010
Well, I quite enthusiastically give this book 4 stars. Another Arthurian novel told from the viewpoint of Guinevere (I've read a few this year) and I really liked it. Probably my only complaint is that the characters often come across as too good to be true. It is a little over the top and gets a bit annoying. I would like them a little more flawed I suppose. But otherwise I loved the spin on the story and I loved, LOVED Mordred in this one. You'll recognize all the characters and see much of the "traditional tales" plus a little of the authors own twists and imaginings. There's a sequel, Grail Prince, and I shall be looking for this.
April 26, 2011
This book started out very enjoyable, but faltered in a big way about halfway through. I enjoyed the sympathetic Guinevere, and I was looking forward to the sympathetic Mordred, but this book is not good. Guinevere is pretty clearly an authorial stand-in, and the book in many places reads like wish fulfillment fan fiction. Nearly every woman in this book is two dimensional, or stupid, or evil. Guinevere has no female friends, and though her relationship with Arthur makes sense, the constant draw to Lancelot is unbelievable at every turn.
Really, really disappointing.
March 6, 2011
This is in my top five favorite books ever. It is completely amazing and I can't praise it enough. I would give it more than five stars if I could.
Update: I just finished reading this for a second time and I still loved it. My only small issue with the novel is that I wish McKenzie had turned the prologue into an epilogue. I would go so far as to say that I recommend reading the prologue last.
Update: I just finished reading this for a second time and I still loved it. My only small issue with the novel is that I wish McKenzie had turned the prologue into an epilogue. I would go so far as to say that I recommend reading the prologue last.
December 2, 2010
I highly recommend this book about Arthur's Queen.
I'm not saying a word about the plot other than it was hard to put down and did not go along with the legends thought of, of that time.
The heroine emerges as a very human woman.
I'm not saying a word about the plot other than it was hard to put down and did not go along with the legends thought of, of that time.
The heroine emerges as a very human woman.
January 9, 2021
This book took me a very long time to read. It is a fascinating story, but I did get confused by the number of characters and all the unusual names.
May 27, 2017
I had a really hard time finishing this book. I lost interest about half-way through but felt guilty for already wasting so much time on it. I wanted to like it a lot more than I did.
September 17, 2016
Two-and-a-half stars. Nancy McKenzie puts an interesting spin on a well-known legend. This is Guinevere's autobiography and there is no doubt she is the true hero of this tale. McKenzie does a smart job of entwining the mythical and believable to create the story that is the basis for the legend that will evolve. The feminist heart will delight to find that "Gwen" is a woman ahead of her time who has power in her own right to match Arthur's. And then it will fall to find Guinevere subject to attempted rapes and victim to kidnappings in which she ultimately is always saved by a man. She is, however, an integral part of Arthur's own legend and he reveres her as a beloved equal. So how could a woman described as a perfect match for Arthur's virtues betray her beloved husband and king? Well, in this version, she does not. She loves Lancelot with all her heart from the moment she meets him; before meeting her husband-to-be, Arthur. For his part, Arthur knows how Guinevere feels about Lancelot before he weds her. She grows to love Arthur just as much. In fact, the love all three bear one another is so strong, that honesty wins and trust is never violated. It's a very modern take on love that is not well understood by anyone outside these three, thus rumors circulate and one can presume this is the stuff that made it into legend. Arthur's betrayal by Mordred is handled in similar fashion. In this version, Guenevere raises Mordred, as she is unable to have children herself. Arthur intends him to be his heir to the throne. Mordred is a noble character who possesses many of Arthur's virtues, but his ambition is not tempered and he does not inspire love among the people in the same way as Arthur. Mordred is good but misunderstood. Thus we can presume this also is the stuff that made it into legend. Such departures from popular legend as they are somewhat satisfying, but overall, I hate to say it, make the story more bland. After a bit, Guinevere's perfection becomes irritating, Arthur's character becomes perfectly flat, Lancelot's appeal becomes a mystery, etc. It also irritates me that it's Guinevere (and Gwen, for that matter) and not Guenevere. Hmmm....maybe I'm a purist, after all.
October 23, 2016
I had read The Child Queen and The High Queen as two separate books when they first came out and enjoyed them enough to remember them over the span of years. Nancy McKenzie, in a forward to Queen of Camelot states that this one volume was the way she initially intended the story to be told and so, when given the opportunity, released them in this format. I have to admit I didn't notice any startling difference between two books v. one volume so if you already have these as separate books, you don't have to rush out and get this edition.
Queen of Camelot is a dramatically different book than Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, which encapsulates the same story of Arthur and the rise and fall of Camelot. Bradley's Guinevere is a simpering, whiny character, where McKenzie's is a level-headed, strong leader in her own right - a good match for Arthur. McKenzie's characters are engaging and likeable with identifiable villains thrown into the mix to cause just enough conflict to keep the story moving.
My one criticism is that I felt the ending is contradictory in summing up the story. If the story is, in fact, describing the glory of Arthur and what a capable leader he was in so many ways, then the last line should be dropped altogether. And if the story is actually the simpler one of Guinevere's and Lancelot's simmering, undying love then much more was needed in the final chapter. It left me feeling unsettled, which is unfair to this epic story.
Queen of Camelot is a dramatically different book than Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, which encapsulates the same story of Arthur and the rise and fall of Camelot. Bradley's Guinevere is a simpering, whiny character, where McKenzie's is a level-headed, strong leader in her own right - a good match for Arthur. McKenzie's characters are engaging and likeable with identifiable villains thrown into the mix to cause just enough conflict to keep the story moving.
My one criticism is that I felt the ending is contradictory in summing up the story. If the story is, in fact, describing the glory of Arthur and what a capable leader he was in so many ways, then the last line should be dropped altogether. And if the story is actually the simpler one of Guinevere's and Lancelot's simmering, undying love then much more was needed in the final chapter. It left me feeling unsettled, which is unfair to this epic story.
February 10, 2012
As a child, I couldn't fathom ever sympathizing with Guinevere. As I grew older, I began understanding some deeper emotions by which she might have been led. This book brings an interesting and thought-provoking twist on the entire Arthurian legend; Guinevere's love triangle being only part of it.
From a witch's foreboding prophecy at her birth, to her childhood as an orphaned princess, to her rise to High Queen, I was enthralled by this tale. Although sometimes annoying (her constant weeping and wearing of blue) I found this version of Guinevere to be extremely likable but still flawed and human. The love she had for Arthur and Lancelot was clear and passionate and I adored the contrast between the two.
I have to say my favorite bit of this story was the portrayal of Mordred as a sympathetic character. In the prologue, I was aghast Guinevere admitted to loving Mordred, too much. The opening definitely had me hooked, to find how that came about alone. The helplessness of Mordred as he hurtled towards a destiny he did not want was heartbreaking.
In the end, I ached for all those involved with this story. Fate could not be prevented, as Merlin foretold many times over. Although anyone who knows of the Arthurian legend knows how it must end, the ending comes as no less of a shock due to the lovely way this story unfolds.
From a witch's foreboding prophecy at her birth, to her childhood as an orphaned princess, to her rise to High Queen, I was enthralled by this tale. Although sometimes annoying (her constant weeping and wearing of blue) I found this version of Guinevere to be extremely likable but still flawed and human. The love she had for Arthur and Lancelot was clear and passionate and I adored the contrast between the two.
I have to say my favorite bit of this story was the portrayal of Mordred as a sympathetic character. In the prologue, I was aghast Guinevere admitted to loving Mordred, too much. The opening definitely had me hooked, to find how that came about alone. The helplessness of Mordred as he hurtled towards a destiny he did not want was heartbreaking.
In the end, I ached for all those involved with this story. Fate could not be prevented, as Merlin foretold many times over. Although anyone who knows of the Arthurian legend knows how it must end, the ending comes as no less of a shock due to the lovely way this story unfolds.
February 5, 2016
Breathtaking
Queen of Camelot was my introduction to the world of King Arthur and Guinevere and have since can not read anything else about it in fear that my beloved characters in this book might be changed in some way. I had to read this on assignment and I read it twice in two days. Then again, a month later. Then again a few months later.
The story's pace is one other writer's should envy because it is such a perfect balance that it isn't overwhelming nor too slow, it just is. The story, whether you know much about this tale or not, enthralls you from the very beginning all the way to the very end, holding true to the characters.
What makes this book are the characters and the many interwoven relationships, romantic or not. Some you love and some you love to hate, but you feel for each character as they are seen through Guinevere's eyes which allows a steady and reliable narrator, consistent with her emotions and the good and truth she sees in those around her, while also being able to decipher the respect and strength that others revere in her.
I have yet, to meet a person who didn't not in some aspect enjoy this book. I could read it daily and it would never get old as the story takes you in and makes you forget everything else but the words on the page and the image and feelings they evoke.
Queen of Camelot was my introduction to the world of King Arthur and Guinevere and have since can not read anything else about it in fear that my beloved characters in this book might be changed in some way. I had to read this on assignment and I read it twice in two days. Then again, a month later. Then again a few months later.
The story's pace is one other writer's should envy because it is such a perfect balance that it isn't overwhelming nor too slow, it just is. The story, whether you know much about this tale or not, enthralls you from the very beginning all the way to the very end, holding true to the characters.
What makes this book are the characters and the many interwoven relationships, romantic or not. Some you love and some you love to hate, but you feel for each character as they are seen through Guinevere's eyes which allows a steady and reliable narrator, consistent with her emotions and the good and truth she sees in those around her, while also being able to decipher the respect and strength that others revere in her.
I have yet, to meet a person who didn't not in some aspect enjoy this book. I could read it daily and it would never get old as the story takes you in and makes you forget everything else but the words on the page and the image and feelings they evoke.
April 6, 2021
The Child Queen: 4 stars
The High Queen: 4.5 stars
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
I'm going to be honest and say I had basically no knowledge of Arthurian mythology going into this, other than knowing about Merlin and about Arthur pulling Excalibur out of the stone. Some of my concerns might be just my own because the issues are rooted in the source material. I was hesitant to read this initially because I had no prior knowledge, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I fell in love with it and it’s one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I’m sad to leave Gwen’s story behind but happy I chose to pick this up. This is one of those long, slow books that can be a little frustrating at times but are best read slowly and not rushed.
Guinevere is a sympathetic character, and I was surprised to hear in other reviews that this is not usually the case in other retellings. I enjoyed reading the story from her perspective and watching her grow from a young girl into a queen. Yes, sometimes she could be emotional and cried a lot, but I never saw that as a negative thing. Is she not allowed to be emotional? I see quite a few people criticizing this but I didn't have a problem with it.
In the beginning I felt there was a lot of distance between the events that were happening and the reader, because Guinevere was not witnessing them firsthand, since she is a woman. This could just be me but I almost felt like I would rather have had the story told from multiple perspectives rather than just Guinevere's, but this could just be because I haven't read the source material. I also found this happening at the end, and it made the ending a bit weak for me. I was expecting more emotion but it didn’t hit me because Gwen was getting the end of the story from someone else because she was not there to witness it, which naturally adds distance in a narrative that is told in first person.
Initially I had wished I liked Elaine more than I did and that she was characterized differently, but having read the entire book I can understand why she is portrayed as a spoiled brat who throws a tantrum whenever any man looks at Gwen and not at her. Her later actions did not seem abrupt or out of character, but all the same I wish Gwen had more female friends in her childhood and adulthood who were more positive.
I was afraid that the author would not be able to convince me of Gwen's love for both Arthur and Lancelot, but I found that wasn't a problem. The two loves are different, and while I preferred her relationship with Arthur, I didn't dislike Lancelot as a love interest.
Spoilers!
I did think that some characters were going to play larger roles and appear more often in the story than they did, because some characters seemed to fade out at certain points. When Gwen became friends with Anet, for example, I expected her to be more involved in the story, but then she just faded out. I felt the same with Gwillim, Gwen's childhood friend. She mentions the accident that basically got her sent away from home, and while he appears a few more times he does not have a large role beyond this. They meet only a few times in her later years, and I expected more because she described the incident with the ponies as a integral event in her life but it seemed that Gwillim ultimately wasn't that important. Even Alyse fades out of the story toward the end, and I was a bit confused when Gwen said that Alyse blamed her for Elaine's early death because we never saw that interaction. Last we knew Alyse was on pretty good terms with Gwen.
One thing I didn't necessarily like was the fact that both times Gwen is kidnapped she is saved by a man, namely Lancelot. Maybe it was necessary for the plot, but I would have liked to see Gwen rescue herself. She does kind of do this later on when she goes out to face Constantine on her own and makes him back down, but I wish she had been able to escape her kidnappers on her own at least once. On the subject of the kidnappings I felt the second rescue less convincing than the first because it seemed a bit rushed. The fire had basically just been lit when Lancelot comes bursting in. I didn't really have time to fear for Gwen's life because I hardly had enough time to process what was happening before she was rescued. The emotions didn't have time to hit me before the danger was averted. In some ways it felt like a repeat of the first kidnapping, where Gwen is in danger and it seems like there is no way out but at the very last moment Lancelot comes to rescue her. In the first kidnapping, however, the tension feels more drawn out, as Gwen is actively in danger for longer and really has to work out how she is going to stall for time. The druid ceremony one just felt rushed all the way through, and I was less convinced by it as a whole.
The end felt rushed to me, like the author was remembering in Gwen's grief that we need to get the specifics of the end of the tale of Arthur and Mordred because Gwen wasn't there to witness it. We then get a few pages from dying soldier describing what happened, even though he cannot confirm Arthur's death. Once this is done we only get about a page of Gwen's reaction and thoughts before the story is done. It just seemed like there wasn't the emotion there that I was expecting. I was expecting it to tear me apart, but it wasn't there because there wasn't enough space for it and for me to process it. There was also the distance from hearing of the events told to Gwen from someone else, and I think this could have been done in a different way. I did like how the ending circled back to the prologue, but it felt like the story could have used an epilogue somehow. With this long, mythical tale it seemed like it needed that final polish so it didn't just end abruptly. I was expecting there to be an epilogue and was surprised when there wasn't one. I think the prologue was fine because it served to give some background and context to the situation for people who had no prior knowledge and it creates a bit of dramatic irony because we know what will happen. It also works in the context of the inevitability of the prophecies, because although the people have some control over their actions and how they come about, they will eventually happen regardless. I just felt there should be some sort of prologue that was equally well crafted to close out the story and not rush the ending and leave it hanging.
The High Queen: 4.5 stars
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
I'm going to be honest and say I had basically no knowledge of Arthurian mythology going into this, other than knowing about Merlin and about Arthur pulling Excalibur out of the stone. Some of my concerns might be just my own because the issues are rooted in the source material. I was hesitant to read this initially because I had no prior knowledge, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I fell in love with it and it’s one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I’m sad to leave Gwen’s story behind but happy I chose to pick this up. This is one of those long, slow books that can be a little frustrating at times but are best read slowly and not rushed.
Guinevere is a sympathetic character, and I was surprised to hear in other reviews that this is not usually the case in other retellings. I enjoyed reading the story from her perspective and watching her grow from a young girl into a queen. Yes, sometimes she could be emotional and cried a lot, but I never saw that as a negative thing. Is she not allowed to be emotional? I see quite a few people criticizing this but I didn't have a problem with it.
In the beginning I felt there was a lot of distance between the events that were happening and the reader, because Guinevere was not witnessing them firsthand, since she is a woman. This could just be me but I almost felt like I would rather have had the story told from multiple perspectives rather than just Guinevere's, but this could just be because I haven't read the source material. I also found this happening at the end, and it made the ending a bit weak for me. I was expecting more emotion but it didn’t hit me because Gwen was getting the end of the story from someone else because she was not there to witness it, which naturally adds distance in a narrative that is told in first person.
Initially I had wished I liked Elaine more than I did and that she was characterized differently, but having read the entire book I can understand why she is portrayed as a spoiled brat who throws a tantrum whenever any man looks at Gwen and not at her. Her later actions did not seem abrupt or out of character, but all the same I wish Gwen had more female friends in her childhood and adulthood who were more positive.
I was afraid that the author would not be able to convince me of Gwen's love for both Arthur and Lancelot, but I found that wasn't a problem. The two loves are different, and while I preferred her relationship with Arthur, I didn't dislike Lancelot as a love interest.
Spoilers!
I did think that some characters were going to play larger roles and appear more often in the story than they did, because some characters seemed to fade out at certain points. When Gwen became friends with Anet, for example, I expected her to be more involved in the story, but then she just faded out. I felt the same with Gwillim, Gwen's childhood friend. She mentions the accident that basically got her sent away from home, and while he appears a few more times he does not have a large role beyond this. They meet only a few times in her later years, and I expected more because she described the incident with the ponies as a integral event in her life but it seemed that Gwillim ultimately wasn't that important. Even Alyse fades out of the story toward the end, and I was a bit confused when Gwen said that Alyse blamed her for Elaine's early death because we never saw that interaction. Last we knew Alyse was on pretty good terms with Gwen.
One thing I didn't necessarily like was the fact that both times Gwen is kidnapped she is saved by a man, namely Lancelot. Maybe it was necessary for the plot, but I would have liked to see Gwen rescue herself. She does kind of do this later on when she goes out to face Constantine on her own and makes him back down, but I wish she had been able to escape her kidnappers on her own at least once. On the subject of the kidnappings I felt the second rescue less convincing than the first because it seemed a bit rushed. The fire had basically just been lit when Lancelot comes bursting in. I didn't really have time to fear for Gwen's life because I hardly had enough time to process what was happening before she was rescued. The emotions didn't have time to hit me before the danger was averted. In some ways it felt like a repeat of the first kidnapping, where Gwen is in danger and it seems like there is no way out but at the very last moment Lancelot comes to rescue her. In the first kidnapping, however, the tension feels more drawn out, as Gwen is actively in danger for longer and really has to work out how she is going to stall for time. The druid ceremony one just felt rushed all the way through, and I was less convinced by it as a whole.
The end felt rushed to me, like the author was remembering in Gwen's grief that we need to get the specifics of the end of the tale of Arthur and Mordred because Gwen wasn't there to witness it. We then get a few pages from dying soldier describing what happened, even though he cannot confirm Arthur's death. Once this is done we only get about a page of Gwen's reaction and thoughts before the story is done. It just seemed like there wasn't the emotion there that I was expecting. I was expecting it to tear me apart, but it wasn't there because there wasn't enough space for it and for me to process it. There was also the distance from hearing of the events told to Gwen from someone else, and I think this could have been done in a different way. I did like how the ending circled back to the prologue, but it felt like the story could have used an epilogue somehow. With this long, mythical tale it seemed like it needed that final polish so it didn't just end abruptly. I was expecting there to be an epilogue and was surprised when there wasn't one. I think the prologue was fine because it served to give some background and context to the situation for people who had no prior knowledge and it creates a bit of dramatic irony because we know what will happen. It also works in the context of the inevitability of the prophecies, because although the people have some control over their actions and how they come about, they will eventually happen regardless. I just felt there should be some sort of prologue that was equally well crafted to close out the story and not rush the ending and leave it hanging.
February 28, 2014
This book made me angry, from Guinevere, who plays victim to everyone and is all the time trying to avoid being label a slut, to her cousin Elaine who hates on her because Guinevere is prettier than her.
When it comes to Arthur I can't remember much of his character but Lancelot was Guinevere's dog and Elaine's bitch as she makes him marry her by getting pregnant through some magical wine.
It is kind of soap opera style and Guinevere tries with all her might to be a good angel but all the time it read to me like she wanted to play victim. Even at the very end when Arthur died and she is given the choice of being with Lancelot she doesn't because she doesn't want to betray the memory of Arthur. I have no idea how that shite work out in her head but it did.
This book suffers greatly from Guinevere having a "Madonna complex" and of course Elaine is the "evil temptress" forever jealous of her far more beautiful and virtuous cousin.
When it comes to Arthur I can't remember much of his character but Lancelot was Guinevere's dog and Elaine's bitch as she makes him marry her by getting pregnant through some magical wine.
It is kind of soap opera style and Guinevere tries with all her might to be a good angel but all the time it read to me like she wanted to play victim. Even at the very end when Arthur died and she is given the choice of being with Lancelot she doesn't because she doesn't want to betray the memory of Arthur. I have no idea how that shite work out in her head but it did.
This book suffers greatly from Guinevere having a "Madonna complex" and of course Elaine is the "evil temptress" forever jealous of her far more beautiful and virtuous cousin.
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