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Their Vampire Queen #5.6

Queen Takes Camelot

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Gwen

The Once and Future King has always been my curse.

You think King Arthur is a hero.
You blame me for the fall of Camelot.
Because I refused to choose.

Yes, I loved Lancelot. Once upon a time, I loved Arthur, too. I loved all of his friends, even Merlin, the cantankerous wizard.

But Arthur’s jealousy destroyed our love. He smashed the Round Table, banished Lancelot, and locked me in a burning tower. He would rather see me dead than love another man. Even his best friend.

So now I’m doomed to repeat this grim tale over and over until Arthur wins my love. But this vampire queen will never choose Arthur. Not after what he’s done. I will certainly never choose him over Lancelot.

I will never settle for just one knight. Not when I can have them all.

Oh, and this time? Arthur will be the Once and Dead King, because Camelot is mine.

This expanded version contains both Queen Takes Camelot & Queen Takes Avalon!

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2019

253 people are currently reading
1119 people want to read

About the author

Joely Sue Burkhart

118 books2,012 followers
I write books. Sometimes I even finish them!

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5 stars
610 (41%)
4 stars
468 (31%)
3 stars
306 (20%)
2 stars
70 (4%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for Just Josie.
1,138 reviews194 followers
November 13, 2020
Such a beautiful addition to the Vampire Queen Series.🖤

The vampires Queen series is filled with vampires, mystical creatures, magic and sets a delicious background for a very strong and sexy RH.

That was also the case with “Queen takes Camelot” and we even got Burkharts take on a re-telling of the Legend of Kind Arthur, and it was so creative.
Highly enjoyable😍


Read: 17/09/2020
1st rating: 4 stars
Genre/tropes: RH/vampires/King Arthur/magic/legends
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple 1st person (Gwen & her knights)
Will I recommend: Yes
518 reviews86 followers
February 28, 2019
If you read my blog, it's no secret that I'm totally fan-girling over Ms Burkhart's Their Vampire Queen. So, when Joely announced she was working on a spin-off series based on her interpretation and visions of Arthurian legends, I was more excited than I was when I found out there'll be another book in her TVQ series - but at the same time, I can't deny that I was a little sceptic.

I mean I really love the arthurian legends where Arthur is this beloved and awesome king, so I wasn't sure how I would react when Joely re-writes this to make Arthus the villain, and make Gwen unable to choose between the knights (hello, reverse harem #whychoose).  

But my scepticism was unfounded and man, oh man, did she deliver!!

Joely has a knack for writing these amazing worlds and characters, that makes me forget about time and place whilst I'm reading about their adventures. And Queen Takes Camelot is no different!

Readers meet Gwen for the first time in Queen Takes Checkmate (Their Vampire Queen Book 5) and already there, she's a really interesting character. But reading about her in her own book, was nothing short of amazing. She's by no means a powerful queen, yet. - But she's wilful and she's determined. That determination shines through the pages and makes her a worthy lading lady. Of course it doesn't hurt that we also hear from Shara in this book.
My only complaint is that the book isn't longer. I could easily have stayed with Gwen for another 100's of pages.
518 reviews86 followers
June 20, 2020
I love Arthurian legends! I love the tales of the Knights of the round table, and the myths surrounding Guinevere, Arthur, Morgan Le Fey and Merlin!! Joely's second book in Gwen's duet does not disappoint. At all.

In this second - and what I assume to be the last book - about Gwen, she sets out to free Merlin and defeat Arthur. Of course nothing is ever easy for the life of a chosen vampire queen, especially not one from such an ancient and powerful lineage, as Gwen - descendant of the White Enchantress herself. But with her Knights (Blood) at her side, and a new understanding of what the original Guinevere did all those years ago, she might stand a chance at reclaiming her place as the Once and Future Queen
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,048 reviews171 followers
October 30, 2019
A lovely cover. Sadly, this was my least favorite book in the series. I found the entire story a bit of a bore & the one character I thought interesting Merlin, was a blimp in the story. 2 stars

I will of course continue the series.
Profile Image for Megan Riverina Romantics.
1,366 reviews75 followers
November 26, 2025
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Narrator Performance: Female: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Male: 🎧🎧🎧🎧

QUEEN TAKES CAMELOT is probably my favorite of the books in the Their Vampire Queen series. Which is weird since the series is supposed to be all about Shara. However it’s Gwen’s story that I liked the most.
Profile Image for Puna.
371 reviews19 followers
February 24, 2019
I absolutely, positively, adored this book! I am a HUGE fan of Joely so this review is definitely biased. But I have waited for this book since we met Gwen, always looking for teasers, updates etc. I am usually very hesitant to recreate books. I didn't even think about that when I dove into this book. I trust Joely completely. I am so excited for the next one. I love how we get to keep up with Shara even though it's Gwen's story. This is the best! Long live the three queens.

Overall: 5/5

I received an ARC copy to review
Profile Image for Duchessbookworm.
1,306 reviews44 followers
April 26, 2021
This book was a retelling of Arthur, Guinevere, and the Knight of the Round Table, only set in this world where Arthur is the psycho king, Gwen is the reincarnate of Guinevere, and the Knights are her Blood. Though, I liked the characters, I feel like I didn't get to know them enough. They talked about their past lives, and the plot mostly focused on stopping Arthur from killing them all...again. I wish we could have gotten to see Gewn's relationship with her Blood and her calling more of her Knights and seeing them in the modern world.
Profile Image for Bubbles The Book Pimp.
955 reviews
April 1, 2019
Gwen’s story. A reincarnated Gweneive of Camelot. Held prisoner by King Arthur until Shara isador wrecked havoc at house sky, freed Gwen and made her a sibling queen.
The story of Camelot has been told many times in many ways... but this time Gwen will fight and take her blood as is her will and right.
Just fantastic... first in what appears to be a two parter ( hopefully more ) bring on queen takes Avalon.
Profile Image for Leslie.
266 reviews
September 22, 2020
It just keeps getting better and better. So glad she decided to delve into some of the other characters in this book. It shows how strong a character Shara is to help her sibs whom she acquired from taking over New York. She has confidence in their abilities. Overall a great writer for this kind of compilation of stories. 💜💜💜
Profile Image for Angela Denny.
1,051 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2024
Love Karmen. She has a strong core and knows what she wants. I always enjoyed the legend of King Arthur and Gwen. This version is a lot different and I love it more. Great addition to this series
41 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2019
i am really enjoying this series as a whole. It has been great to see different Queens in their environments and Gwen is a great read. Different from Shara and Mayate it was nice to see a different character especially with the aftermath of queen takes checkmate. I wondered about what would happen after Shara left NYC and it gives some insight into Keven and his role as well. I hope I can see more of them together later down the track. I did love seeing Lance and the rest of the current blood and I can't wait to see what knights she calls next. Lance had a vulnerable side that made him both unsure and sure at the same time. It was nice to see that instead of the supper oh so confident alphas I could see in some aspects the humanity as well as the power which was cool. It was intriguing to see the glimpse of Arthur and the role he has to play. I can't wait to see how this develops. If anything I think that it could turn into a long series as well, maybe 2-3 books. This was the entry fee bring on the rest. It is a great read.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,439 followers
May 10, 2021
Another Queen for the Good in a rapidly expanding world of vampires, queens and their knights. Ever the fan of Ms. Burkhart, when I learned she was going to start writing a spin off with a reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. What I find interesting is Arthur is not the good guy in this story. And not surprisingly, one of my other favourite reinterpretation of King Arthur also showcases that history is re-written by the winner who is not always the good guy.

I have always been a fan of Guinevere. Seeing her in this version increases my adoration. Ms. Burkhart creates an intrigue plot of jealous, betrayal and... another woman. How exciting is that?! This little taste of what is to come only whets my appetite for the main story to get it on. I love this series and the world it sits in. Highly recommended to paranormal romance lovers who like a bit of kink and multiple men to one woman.

* I received this as an arc. No Review was required; I wrote one anyway
Profile Image for Teela (bookdragontee).
526 reviews85 followers
October 1, 2025
People preferred to forget the atrocities a powerful man could do to a woman when he wasn’t well pleased with her.


This is probably one of the coolest twists on the Camelot and King Arthur legend I've encountered in a long time! It's also one of the most heart-wrenching. The absolute hell Gwen (and her knights) have had to go through gutted me on more than one occasion. And good lord, does Joely write arrogant asshole men well! I wanted to kick Arthur in the teeth anytime he showed up! 🤬

That ending was soooooooo satisfying, though. I love Gwen. I hope we see more of her!

She straightened, her chin tipping up at a haughty angle that made pride roar in my heart. Her cheekbones were stark and proud, her lips lush but firm, her face so fucking regal. This was my queen. The queen of the ages. Forget King Arthur. The poems and idylls should have been dedicated to her. The Once and Always Queen of my heart.
Profile Image for Book Ninja.
540 reviews32 followers
November 2, 2019
Short spin-off based on King Arthur and other myths in the style of Ms. Burkhart.
If you expect a classical hero in the form of the King Author, you are in for a different treat. King Arthur is a villain and nothing is as expected.
I remember Gwen from previous books and she is a lovely character. Her connection with her past reincarnation is intriguing and it's good to see her rise as a Queen. With her Blood she is strong but with the link to Shara she is even stronger, so the history and the curse mustn't repeat itself.
This is a story about love and betrayal, power and jealousy and ultimately between good and evil but we do have a happy ending.
This short romance is recommended for paranormal lovers who enjoy reverse harem.
Profile Image for Becky A.
2,011 reviews
June 6, 2024
"Queen Takes Camelot" received TWO AND A HALF stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,592 reviews42 followers
May 17, 2024
Abbreviated beyond belief

Shara's books weren't always long but the detail packed into them at least made them feel longer. For all the teasers dropped form Shara's POV, this was chopped to such tiny pieces that it feels like the cliff notes version. Arthur, for all his villainous, evil, larger than life monstrousness, was so easily defeated it was laughable.

Trigger warnings for past life assaults that are carried through in their memories. Genevieve was an abused spouse, in all ways, and remembers that horror. Lancelot was captured by her rival and also abused. We don't get full details but it's enough that some may want to avoid such topics.
Profile Image for Ciru.
1,723 reviews
April 8, 2019
This I felt was just an intro to Gwen's story. The book ends in a cliff hanger. Her main story is meant to be in Queen Takes Triune and I am looking forward to reading it.

Arthur is the bad guy, but I absolutely loved their lobby scene. I could clearly picture this manipulative, possessive asshole and I was just looking forward to him dying a terrible, bloody death.

Looking forward to Queen Takes Triune.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
November 25, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

We met Gwen during the Shara series but now we get the inside scoop of her past as well as the resurrection of her court now that she has been set free. A fantastic take on a classic tale written in true Joely style meaning it is fantastic!! Total must read! I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
592 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2019
Loved this new storyline. I know I’m going to love Gwen and her guys as much as Shara. This is really a great set up and start for what is to come. I already have an enemy to dispise and a team of queens to love. Another fantastic addition to the Queens.
Profile Image for Tanya.
339 reviews22 followers
October 22, 2023
Feels like there's 3 to 5 chapters missing at the end.

Parts of this book were really excellent and filled in some missing pieces. Other parts felt completely confusing. Like an introduction into characters and story which then went nowhere.

The author definitely went out of her way to let you know how much research she did. And I like her twists on the Arthurian legend which I'm sure most of us can agree are more similar to what is proposed here than the patriarchical story that has been handed down.

Really enjoyed the concept and interest of Merlin but again a lot of holes and content that feels like it didn't go anywhere.

The spiciest money scenes were okay but not really developed. And hey look a theme! A whole introduction about another part of Lancelot and his desires and interests which ... went nowhere.

Overall I would give the story a 3 out of five simply because it feels like there is so much missing. I'm really surprised that there wasn't a scene at the end where they were all together because that would have been fantastic!

As usual the female narration was okay but Tristan James doing the male parts was downright dreadful. As many others have probably pointed out and already have done on audible - the mispronunciation of the word sword is unbearable!

It's pronounced "sord" "Sss-Ward". Just ugh and literally yelling at my phone when I hear is doing the reading.

For the Love of freaking goodness dude, either do accents properly or don't do them at all. Don't kind of do them one time and then another time don't. And I mean this book in particular - the Arthurian legend everybody's British !!
Except none of the males are British accented except for the guy who should be American accented - the conciliary. Sometimes Guinevere's British then sometimes she's American. Same with all the male characters who sound exactly the same monotone.


I don't think the book deserves to be demerited for the s***** choice of Tristan James as a male narrator but holy crap if she has any other audiobooks that have this guy I will not buy them.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2020
Camelot

This KU library selection is the retelling of Camelot, though Gwen is many generations separated from her ancestor, the original queen. She has been entrusted by Queen Shara to hold the NYC nest once held by Queen Skye. But while holding interviews, she realizes King Arthur infiltrated the nest before Shara took it and protected it with her blood ring. The same Arthur who burned his Queen to death out of jealousy of her love for her Bloods and who has repeatedly killed them in their new incarnations since then. Drawing on Shara's power, Gwen is able to force Arthur from her NYC high rise tower, just as three of her Bloods arrive. They know Arthur hasn't given up and that they'll need Merlin as the fourth Blood to defeat the mad king. But Merlin has been locked away for more than a millennium and attempting to free him will alert their enemies, making their deaths once again a strong possibility.
Profile Image for Amber.
637 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2020
Another great book!

The greatness of, Their Vampire Queen continues! Gwen finally got her knights and killed the man responsible for centuries of pain and suffering.

I will say, the one (and only) occuring aggravation in most of these books is the fact that they each feel slightly rushed. Because they're so short, the author fits a lot of info with as few of words as possible in them. Sometimes that makes things seem rushed and a little unfinished at the end, like it ended a tad abruptly. I will absolutely continue to read any book from this author as possible though, because they're too dam good to miss out on!
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
April 30, 2020
Another novella focusing on Gwen

I thought this novellas would sate my need for another Shara book but it does not. ☹️ I did find myself very curious to see how Gwen’s story would play out with her knights and King Arthur and it did not disappoint. There were times it kind of dragged on and I lost interest but the story was still decent. This novella was a little longer than the previous ones which was nice but I still want another full length book on Shara and her Blood. None of the others compare to her story unfortunately.
81 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2020
Weirdly Uninteresting

not nearly as good as the other stories. felt rushed with missing transitions sometimes. had to go back thought I missed something but no, we just jumped to the next thing. didn't really care for her blood and she remained uninteresting. kinda hard to match Shara but was happen to see some mention of her. I did like the new explanations re Camelot and Arthur. That was cool and not heard by me before. All and all I'll of course continue to read but its because I love house Isadore and not this side character.
Profile Image for Lyanne.
51 reviews
August 29, 2021
This was a pretty cool take on the Arthurian Legends which I actually enjoyed and wouldn't mind reading more about. Sadly I have to give it 3.5 stars just because I felt like there where a lot of gaps in information and I even got lost from time to time. Also, how did the NY nest got a heart tree?! Did I miss Shara sacrificing herself again or something? Cause when she took over the tower, she only made the blood circle. And lastly, why are epic battles so hard for this author?! So much anticipation and then Bam! In an instant the battle is done and it barely lasted a chapter. *sigh*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mary Rose.
881 reviews53 followers
February 22, 2022
I liked Gwen's story, and I enjoyed this book. The character development was not quite there for me, though, I think mostly due to the shorter length. The story needed more time for the relationships to form and grow. One specific example of needing more development is when Lance shows Gwen how he and Bors are together. It wasn't really resolved. It happened, then the story moved on. Also, it was hard to get to know Merlin at all because he came in at the end and wasn't even sure he would accept the Gwen who stood before him. So again, it was a good read, but I needed more to give it 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews

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