Dark Sins of Avalon

Claimed by Avalon #1

by Zoey Indiana

Every woman dreams of meeting the legendary men from Arthurian legend...

My unreliable best friend ghosted me after I flew 4,700 miles for a trip to Glastonbury, England that she insisted on. Determined to have fun for the first time in years, I decided one quick tour of the St. Michael’s Tower wouldn’t hurt.

If that wasn’t bad enough, an ancient witch shoved me through the barrier into Avalon, reigniting a 2,000 year war that basically erased Camelot from history.

Merlin, the charming and flirty wizard, made a mistake while casting a spell. Not only did he magically lock the door between our world and the mythical Avalon, but he’s determined that I’m the only key.

Next up, Sir Lancelot, the protective and loyal black cat, who shifted into the deadliest man I’ve ever met. With his crazy notion that I’m his fated mate, he insisted using my new found magic to save us is too dangerous.

And finally, Arthur… brooding and dangerous, I can’t keep my distance, even after he warned me to stay away. But when he touched me, I wanted to tempt fate by teasing the beast.

Except I’m tired of being the pawn, and the ancient witch bitch made a mistake when she tried to kill me. I won’t stand by as they fight a war that might destroy everything I know. But I’ve held a deep, dark secret. Merlin awoke more than just a long, dormant powerful magic. He’s unleashed a need in me, one that demands I make all three of them mine.

Dark Sins of Avalon is the first book in the Claimed by Avalon Series. If you love Camelot, magic gone awry, and not having to choose, then you won’t want to miss out on this treat… Download Dark Sins of Avalon today to start your next delicious adventure!

***Dark Sins of Avalon was previously published as part of the Love and Legends Anthology***

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Why Choose, Paranormal Romance, Retellings, Paranormal, Shapeshifters

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2021

About the author

Want to get notifications when USA Today Bestselling author Zoey Indiana has a new release? Sign up for Zoey's Zine https://www.zoeyindiana.com/subscribe for a free Dystopian Rebels ebook, new releases, giveaways and contests, exclusive content, and your eyes only sneak peeks.

Zoey Indiana was inspired by the idea that everyone deserves love and their own happily ever after, she loves to write about heroic heroines who go on amazing adventures while finding the love they deserve. After creating her first fictional planet where amazing creatures roamed at age ten, she was determined to prove love could be found in the stars. In addition to writing, she listens to eclectic music, practices Krav Maga, and takes on home improvement projects just for the fun of it.

Zoey loves to hear from her readers. You can find her here:
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Reviews

[Claire Trickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and an amazing twist on what we know to be the stories around King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and Merlin.

True to Zoey's style of books, there's also a Shifter. You'll have to read this book and series though to find out who it is!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected the writing to be better. It needed a hard edit. The bountiful errors distracted me from enjoying it.

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series, the storyline is entertaining and intriguing. The interaction and chemistry between the characters is wonderful, I can't wait for the next book. I received this book 📚, as a FREE ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sounds like this is going to be an entertaining series. Gwen has come to Glastonbury to meet up with her best friend Morgana for a little sightseeing. She has brought along her cat, Sir Lancelot, who she can't bear to leave behind when she travels. If these names don't clue you in to the subject of the story, they should. From the moment she arrives in town, everyone she meets seems to look at her a little funny. But she is traveling with a cat, so who knows? She sets off with a tour guide who promises to show her something beside the usual tourist haunts, but she didn't realize that would mean she was about to be unceremoniously shoved through a portal into Avalon. I mean, who could have imagined that the cheery little old lady would turn out to be a witch currying favor?

Gwen awakens with a headache from her head meeting a rock, apparently an enchanted one, with three men surrounding her. One of them is naked and is calling her by name. What the..? Turns out her cat is a shifter who is supposed to be protecting her because she has some kind of magical abilities. The other two men are Merlin and Arthur, because of course they are. They have been trapped here ever since Merlin saved Arthur's life by dragging him through a one-way portal into Avalon after he was grievously wounded by, you guessed it, the witch Morgana.

Gwen finds herself drawn to all three men. She also finds herself performing magic that she has no idea how she knows. Will she be able to find a way for them all to get out of Avalon? Does she really want to leave?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fantasy books based on old myths or stories and Arthurian legends always inspire the most fascinating books. I love how the characters' personalities reflect that of the original legend, and the reverse harem aspect solves the main problem of Camelot, is Gwen with Arthur or Lancelot. So many classical literature problems could have been solved with polyamory instead of deadly love triangles, and the love triangle is normally my one complaint about Arthurian retellings.
I like that the main character is Gwen as I find she is often overlooked when using Arthurian tales and I love her relationship with Sir Lancelot the cat, it’s true pet love. Merlin and Arthur have such good banter and am I glad to see it translate into this story so well.
*SPOILERS AHEAD*


I am fascinated by the portal and the healing aspect of Avalon, I am curious to see what happens if Arthur and Merlin ever escape, do they age? I was so sad when I got to the end, I feel like there is so much left to understand about the characters and the magic system, I wanted more right away. Luckily there is a promise of 3 more books in the series so we can only hope to get our answers soon. I have questions about the inn, the innkeeper, Morgana, the key and so much more! I am already dying to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow talk about a vacation detour! Plans are made and things go sideways for Gwen and her cat, Sir Lancelot (Sir L for short). Gwen still goes through with the vacation plans as Morgana ghosts her, but vacation can be fun with just her and her cat! Morgana, Gwen's friend ditches her frequently but life goes on. The names of characters give away the backdrop of the story... Gwen, Sir Lancelot, Arthur, Merlin and Morgana. This is a version of Avalon and Camelot that is easy to dig into! Twists and turns and being pushed into an alternate reality all make for a great weekend read! Gwen learns in this new place that her cat is actually a shifter, a very hot shifter! She runs into Merlin and Arthur. Hmmmmm am thinking a possible threesome?? Gwen also learns a bit about herself in this new plane of reality. Looking forward to the next book! Great start to the series.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest voluntary review. Hope you like it as much as I did!

[Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen is on a tourist trip with her cat Sir Lancelot to see everything that resonates with the legend of Avalon, when she actually lands smack in the middle of the magical place. Gwen suddenly has a lot to deal with: a cat that isn't just a cat anymore, a hot Merlin, a hot and brooding Arthur, a place she can't leave and her personal magic that decides to come out and play.

This is the start of an interesting series, with a different take on Merlin, Arthur, Gwynevere and Sir Lancelot. There is some insta-lust present, and a friends-to-lovers vibe if you can look past the fact that Sir Lancelot was just a cat for seven years... I believe it's an interesting concept, with potential for world and character building. This first book is short though, and is mostly an introduction of the characters and the central storyline. I'm looking forward to see what comes next.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued as I started reading Dark Sins of Avalon, but my mind was blown as the story evolved into more than I imagined. There is so much more going on that is first hinted at and I loved how the layers slowly peal back. I couldn't help but fall down the rabbit hole.

I was drawn in by the idea of traveling with her cat, Sir Lancelot. Not something you see every day. Sir Lancelot, along with Merlin and Arthur were well developed-I could tell who was talking just from the dialogue.

I cannot wait to read the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Dark Sins of Avalon” is a novella-length introduction to the 'Claimed by Avalon' series.
Gwen has been fascinated by the Arthurian legends since childhood.
She's travelled from Seattle to Glastonbury to find Avalon.
She does, though not by her own volition.
There she finds Arthur and Merlin, still alive after 1,500 years - and still stuck there.
She also finds out that her cat, Sir Lancelot, is a shifter.
Though it doesn't explicitly say it, the way to get back to the present day is to have sex, lots of it, with lots of people.
Looks like Gwen will be busy!
It reads oddly, is somewhat disjointed, and just ends without rhyme or reason.
2 Stars.

[Megan Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary book by Zoey Indiana through Voracious Readers Only.

OH MY GOODNESS, i couldn't put the book down. What an amazing story. Loved the romance, the twists and turns. Loved the way the book was written and the small spicy scenes you get in are amazing. Just enough spice to keep you coming back for more!!

I loved learning about Arthur and Merlin when I was a kid, so reading more about them as an adult was amazing. Beautifully written. 10000% recommend you read it if you like spicy romance and hearing more about Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Lance and Gwen.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing says a holiday like a mythological voyage...

Gwen fascinated me. She is plucky, spirited and set on having a respite from her current life, in what seemed like forever. Her vacation takes a turn when she is flung into a portal with no clue if she can return to her world. She discovers her cat and loyal companion is actually a shifter, and a gorgeous man to boot. Gwen meets Merlin and Arthur and is puzzled why she is so attracted to all three of them.

Loved the steam and I can only imagine it will get sizzling in the next book. Can't wait.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short Interesting Series Start

This was a wick, but short introduction to the new world that becomes Gwen’s existence. The character development is well done. We get to know each of the four main characters: Gwen, King Arthur, Merlin, and Sir Lancelot.

This is a riff on the Arthurian legend but shifted into the present day. The four have a shared enemy, Morgana.

I read the second book before this one. I wish I’d read them in order as it would have made more sense.

Enjoyable book that’s worth reading.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars

I FINALLY FINISHED A BOOK!!!

I have been in such a RIDICULOUS reading slump, that I honestly felt like I wouldn’t be able to finish a book. I just picked this book up on a whim, and thank god it was so short. It was exactly what I needed to just sit down and read it.

Was it the best thing I’ve ever read? No. Was it super fast paced? Yes. Will I read the next book? Maybe.

I don’t know if I will continue on with the series, but I definitely do want to check out some of this authors other books, because they all seem short and fasted pace :)

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is a shorter and quicker read. It is an interesting take on King Arthur and Merlin’s story. The twits that were added to the story was very intriguing. It is a insta love type story. The story has a bit of humor at times and definitely has a bit of action. I would have loved to learn more about these amazing characters but unfortunately in the smaller time frame we don’t get a chance to. However, it is still a fantastic story that does end in a smaller scale cliffhanger that has me intrigued what is going to happen next. The story is well written and developed.

[Shannon Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

So..so good!
Arthurian legends meets a modern day girl! Pushed through a magic barrier into Avalon, Gwen meets Arthur and Merlin. Plus her faithful pet cat is actually her shifter guardian Lancelot. Each of these men has a scorching.. burn the kingdom down.. type need and passion for her. This is just the first book in the series, I am sure the heat only gets hotter from here!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ana Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooo this book was excellent. It took the regular Lancelot King Arthur and Merlin story and turned in into a true magical adventure. It merges time travel and alternate universes to create a fictional setting worthy of its own story. I like that she doesn’t have to choose her partners and that they all play their own role in her life and hold their own place with her affection. I’m looking forward to the next book.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen is going to England with her cat Sir Lancelot on vacation with her friend. But her friend ghosts her so she goes to Glastonbury and ends up pushed through portal into Avalon. She got knocked out and when she awakes her cat is a man Sir Lancelot and Merlin and Arthur is standing around her! Now is seems that this is real and she has powers. Will she find a way to get this all worked out?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen and her cat, Sir Lancelot, were forced through a barrier into Avalon where King Arthur and Merlin were in hiding/imprisoned. Morgana was Gwen’s best friend and had betrayed her as well as Arthur and Merlin. Now the four of them were facing continued imprisonment, danger, mutual attraction and confusion as they tried to adjust to their new lives. Fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and it's like it's missing something

It's like scenes were cut from the story but still referenced. Like when she asks why Merlin kissed her earlier. I went back and read it three times and I still can't find any mention um him kissing her until after she asks him why he did it. I feel like I'm reading an interesting book with pages torn out that explain why the characters feel and act the way they do.

[Cynthia Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Magical Paranormal Reverse Harem love story for Merlin, Sir Lancelot, Arthur, and Gwen. This is one twisted story of love and betrayal and new beginnings this book ends on a Cliffhanger. I can not wait to find out what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of the series. What if the Arthurian legends were real? For Gwen she has always loved the tales. She decides to travel to England and to the one place that says Avalon used to be there. She and her cat, Sir Lancelot will get more than just a tourist destination. Magic and possible romance will find her as she learns what Avalon really is.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to see what happens next. Gwen, Lance, Merlin and Arthur are are tied to each other and they all have their own theories and desires but aren’t sure how they’re feelings are going to help them win against Morgana. Great world building and lots of fun and magic.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caught in the world of magical Avalon. Who knew when Gwen started out on her little trip that she would be pushed into the kingdom of Avalon. Her life as she new it was all a cover. This is the beginning of a mysterious new series. Can’t wait to read more about Gwen, Lance, Merlin and Arthur.
Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and unique spin on all things Camelot and I really enjoyed this first installment book. Magic abounds, attraction to three guys abounds ( ;P ) and also some pretty big mystery abounds. There is an interesting plot, likeable characters and humour to keep you madly flipping pages, too. Altogether, it's a fun read and I can't wait for the next book :D

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic RH paranormal romance! I really liked it! It is steamy and mysterious, exciting and full of suspense..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Sneeringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!
Gwen, Sir Lancelot, Merlin, and Arthur now how could you go wrong with that kind of cast in this spicy jaunt into Avolon. I loved this entertaining and exciting romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Sins of Avalon is the first book in the Claimed by Avalon Series, and what a start it is! Once I started reading I was not putting Gwen, Arthur, Merlin and Sir Lancelot's story until I was finished. I want to read the next book.

[M.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and I can not wait to read more books by this author. Definitely would recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun read and good twist on one of my favorite legends; King Arthur, Sir Lancelot and Merlin. It is a fairly short and quick read that very intriguing. It does end with somewhat of a cliffhanger. Such a good story and I love the authors twist on this one.

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing adventure that’s a must read. I’m waiting on next book this was one was fantastic. I’ve read a few books on characters from Avalon. Zoey brings her characters into a wonderful new version. ❤️❤️📚👍