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Guinevere #2
The Bear's Heart
Gwen, a Dark Age queen from the twenty-first century, is cursed with the knowledge of a future she dreads.
In a time of murky history and confusing legends, Gwen, a girl from the twenty-first century who fell back in time to become King Arthur’s Queen Guinevere, has no idea which of the tales told by her late father, a fanatical Arthurian scholar, are true. Her worst fear is that history is fixed, and she might be merely treading a path long laid down for her, that she can do nothing to alter.
Every decision she makes could lead her closer to the doom that hangs over the people she’s come to love – Camlann. The battle in which Arthur, the man she’s given up everything for, is destined to die by the hand of his wicked nephew, Medraut.
Will her questions be answered as she marches north with her husband to battle the invading Saxons? Will she even survive?
History and legend intertwine in a story with an epic sweep that spans the realistically depicted post-Roman period of Early Medieval Britain.
In a time of murky history and confusing legends, Gwen, a girl from the twenty-first century who fell back in time to become King Arthur’s Queen Guinevere, has no idea which of the tales told by her late father, a fanatical Arthurian scholar, are true. Her worst fear is that history is fixed, and she might be merely treading a path long laid down for her, that she can do nothing to alter.
Every decision she makes could lead her closer to the doom that hangs over the people she’s come to love – Camlann. The battle in which Arthur, the man she’s given up everything for, is destined to die by the hand of his wicked nephew, Medraut.
Will her questions be answered as she marches north with her husband to battle the invading Saxons? Will she even survive?
History and legend intertwine in a story with an epic sweep that spans the realistically depicted post-Roman period of Early Medieval Britain.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2022
About the author
Fil Reid
28 books65 followersAWARD-WINNING author, Fil Reid's first novel won a GOLD medal at the Readers' Favorites Awards in 2022.
Fil lives in Cornwall with her extremely supportive husband and where she's only minutes from the sea. She has a rescue dog from Romania called Bella.
She writes historical fiction and has a six book time travel series, GUINEVERE, out in which the heroine is a 21st-century girl kidnapped back to the Dark Ages to become King Arthur's Queen Guinevere. Lots of fun plot twists mixed in with some of the well-known and also the lesser known legends.
Her poor husband mostly sees the back of her head as she sits at the computer writing.
When she's not writing (which she does pretty much all of the time) she likes to walk the dog, visit sites of historical interest (preferably those connected to her writing), read, and sew.
She has Asperger's Syndrome, but she sees that as a plus as it helps her to be very focused on what she does.
Fil lives in Cornwall with her extremely supportive husband and where she's only minutes from the sea. She has a rescue dog from Romania called Bella.
She writes historical fiction and has a six book time travel series, GUINEVERE, out in which the heroine is a 21st-century girl kidnapped back to the Dark Ages to become King Arthur's Queen Guinevere. Lots of fun plot twists mixed in with some of the well-known and also the lesser known legends.
Her poor husband mostly sees the back of her head as she sits at the computer writing.
When she's not writing (which she does pretty much all of the time) she likes to walk the dog, visit sites of historical interest (preferably those connected to her writing), read, and sew.
She has Asperger's Syndrome, but she sees that as a plus as it helps her to be very focused on what she does.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 24, 2022
Loved it & starting on the 3rd book in the series, The Sword. I can’t wait to sit down & read!!!
June 4, 2022
Review Disclaimer: I received a prerelease copy of the book. This review honestly expresses my thoughts after having read it.
This is Fil's second book in the Guinevere series which follows a librarian who gets sucked through a magical portal to the time of Arthur and Merlin.
Now Guinevere has to face the decision she made to stay with Arthur and what that life means.
What I liked…
The historical elements are interesting from both a world-building and educational perspective.
I love how Guin uses her knowledge of the future and basic sanitation to help herself and others in this time.
It plays on both history and legends to create an amazing setting and fantastic characters.
What I didn’t like…
Guin discovered something toward the beginning of the book and jumped to a particular thought about it that seemed unfounded at first. I don't know how to explain it without spoiling it, but I think she jumped to a harsh conclusion too quickly for my liking with little emotion behind it. I would have liked more thought before she fell on that idea.
Final thoughts…
This is a great book for those who love historical romances, since those are the main genres. The fantasy element is very limited which I don't mind in this sense.
This is Fil's second book in the Guinevere series which follows a librarian who gets sucked through a magical portal to the time of Arthur and Merlin.
Now Guinevere has to face the decision she made to stay with Arthur and what that life means.
What I liked…
The historical elements are interesting from both a world-building and educational perspective.
I love how Guin uses her knowledge of the future and basic sanitation to help herself and others in this time.
It plays on both history and legends to create an amazing setting and fantastic characters.
What I didn’t like…
Guin discovered something toward the beginning of the book and jumped to a particular thought about it that seemed unfounded at first. I don't know how to explain it without spoiling it, but I think she jumped to a harsh conclusion too quickly for my liking with little emotion behind it. I would have liked more thought before she fell on that idea.
Final thoughts…
This is a great book for those who love historical romances, since those are the main genres. The fantasy element is very limited which I don't mind in this sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2022
The second book of the Guinevere series. I always regard series with a degree of suspicion, not least concerning the transition from one book to another. It far too common that a new reader entering part way down the chain is left lost and bewildered. I am happy to say that this author handles the progression with a deft and effective touch. It helps that the books already have some familiarity to most people, based, as it is, on the stories of King Arthur. But we are not in the realms of the mythic, magic swords held aloft with arms clad in white samite (whatever that is – I never knew) and the quest for the Holy Grail – we are in a gritty, dirty and somewhat malodourous world, set within the hill forts and ruined and abandoned Roman cities of Dark Age Britain, with Arthur as a Romano-British war leader. A world brought accurately and impressively to life by an author steeped in the archaeology of the period and the rich Arthurian legendary cycle.
Into this world has come Gwen, mysteriously brought from her twenty first century by a Merlin who is not at all the white-bearded magician one might imagine. A spirited and intense character, she brings her sympathetic eyes to focus on this strange and dangerous place, negotiating the practical and social differences, both learning and teaching. What is particularly fascinating is how Gwen deals with the ever-present conundrum of immediate problems framed by her knowledge of Arthuriana. What should be the incalculable advantage of ‘future’ knowledge disappears in the confusion of what is history and what legend, what has survived and what has been lost, always darkened by the looming, direful shadow of Camlann.
Already bearing the name of Guinevere (her father is an Arthurian enthusiast), it will not be a spoiler to see which way the relationships are going, and thus evolves a story of pace, romance and adventure, written in a fluid style with evocative descriptions that bring this very different world to vivid life, and catch the savagery of the time with ruthless depiction. The familiar figures of the tales are there, but as real and well-drawn characters firmly rooted in their time. A worthy successor to the Dragon Ring, this is a book I can recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy, is interested in the period or fascinated by the tales of Arthur, anyone who likes a good but realistic romance or a credible and tense battle scene or… or … well, anyone.
Enjoy.
Into this world has come Gwen, mysteriously brought from her twenty first century by a Merlin who is not at all the white-bearded magician one might imagine. A spirited and intense character, she brings her sympathetic eyes to focus on this strange and dangerous place, negotiating the practical and social differences, both learning and teaching. What is particularly fascinating is how Gwen deals with the ever-present conundrum of immediate problems framed by her knowledge of Arthuriana. What should be the incalculable advantage of ‘future’ knowledge disappears in the confusion of what is history and what legend, what has survived and what has been lost, always darkened by the looming, direful shadow of Camlann.
Already bearing the name of Guinevere (her father is an Arthurian enthusiast), it will not be a spoiler to see which way the relationships are going, and thus evolves a story of pace, romance and adventure, written in a fluid style with evocative descriptions that bring this very different world to vivid life, and catch the savagery of the time with ruthless depiction. The familiar figures of the tales are there, but as real and well-drawn characters firmly rooted in their time. A worthy successor to the Dragon Ring, this is a book I can recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy, is interested in the period or fascinated by the tales of Arthur, anyone who likes a good but realistic romance or a credible and tense battle scene or… or … well, anyone.
Enjoy.
March 17, 2022
The Bear’s Heart is a strong follow-up to Fil Reid’s tale of the modern Guinevere who is transported back in history to wed the legendary King Arthur. The “bear” of the title is Arthur, and the story fits the name: Gwen and Arthur’s relationship is front and center in this sequel to The Dragon Ring.
Guinevere: The Bear’s Heart opens where the first book left off, with Gwen’s choice to stay with Arthur in the fifth century. Now she’s committed. And that commitment of love thrusts her into political intrigues, familial conflicts, and outright warfare. There’s a lot of action in this volume, and it’s well done. Arthur, the warleader of the British, Dux Britanniarum, has to deal with the Saxon invaders as well as internal strife and betrayals among his own people. Gwen is right there with him, bringing her 21st-century skills and ethics to bear on the crises facing the realm.
At the same time, she must grapple with her concerns about what aspects of the Arthurian legends she knows are historically true – and what might have been changed by her own presence. Is baby Medraut – Mordred – really fated to slay her husband? What is the role of Arthur’s mother Eigr/Ygraine, and what can be done with the star-crossed lovers of the Tristan and Isolde story? The suspicion and unfaithfulness of the legends may be as great a threat to her own happiness as it is to the defense of the realm.
As always, Reid’s characters are vivid and genuine. Their struggles and their victories make this a second engrossing tale of love, war, and mystery.
Guinevere: The Bear’s Heart opens where the first book left off, with Gwen’s choice to stay with Arthur in the fifth century. Now she’s committed. And that commitment of love thrusts her into political intrigues, familial conflicts, and outright warfare. There’s a lot of action in this volume, and it’s well done. Arthur, the warleader of the British, Dux Britanniarum, has to deal with the Saxon invaders as well as internal strife and betrayals among his own people. Gwen is right there with him, bringing her 21st-century skills and ethics to bear on the crises facing the realm.
At the same time, she must grapple with her concerns about what aspects of the Arthurian legends she knows are historically true – and what might have been changed by her own presence. Is baby Medraut – Mordred – really fated to slay her husband? What is the role of Arthur’s mother Eigr/Ygraine, and what can be done with the star-crossed lovers of the Tristan and Isolde story? The suspicion and unfaithfulness of the legends may be as great a threat to her own happiness as it is to the defense of the realm.
As always, Reid’s characters are vivid and genuine. Their struggles and their victories make this a second engrossing tale of love, war, and mystery.
March 17, 2022
I received a pre-release copy of the book. This review honestly expresses my thoughts after having read it.
Gwen’s exciting saga continues as she chooses King Arthur and late fifth century Britain over a return to the comfort and safety of our twenty-first century. She is in love, they are in love, and no promise of central heating or high speed internet connectivity can sway her.
Gwen throws herself into her new roles of wife and queen. They visit Arthur’s mother who foretells Gwen will bring Arthur to a bloody death—in-laws can be the worst! But seriously, Gwen is kidnapped by Arthur’s enemies, then rescued. She is present at a battle whose name she remembers from stories of mythical King Arthur and is horrified by the reality of it, the blood and cries of the wounded, the stench of it all. She becomes pregnant and is both excited at the prospect of a child, Arthur’s child, and frightened out of her wits by the idea of giving birth in the medicine and hygiene free fifth century. Through all her challenges Gwen’s love for Arthur carries her on.
Again, as in The Dragon Ring, setting is a major part of the story. Details and descriptions immerse the reader in the primitive and half ruined land that was Britain in the Dark Ages. Places, people, and characters are vivid and memorable.
I recommend this second book in the Guinevere series highly.
Quincy Bragg
Author of “Prescient” and “the ant farm”.
Gwen’s exciting saga continues as she chooses King Arthur and late fifth century Britain over a return to the comfort and safety of our twenty-first century. She is in love, they are in love, and no promise of central heating or high speed internet connectivity can sway her.
Gwen throws herself into her new roles of wife and queen. They visit Arthur’s mother who foretells Gwen will bring Arthur to a bloody death—in-laws can be the worst! But seriously, Gwen is kidnapped by Arthur’s enemies, then rescued. She is present at a battle whose name she remembers from stories of mythical King Arthur and is horrified by the reality of it, the blood and cries of the wounded, the stench of it all. She becomes pregnant and is both excited at the prospect of a child, Arthur’s child, and frightened out of her wits by the idea of giving birth in the medicine and hygiene free fifth century. Through all her challenges Gwen’s love for Arthur carries her on.
Again, as in The Dragon Ring, setting is a major part of the story. Details and descriptions immerse the reader in the primitive and half ruined land that was Britain in the Dark Ages. Places, people, and characters are vivid and memorable.
I recommend this second book in the Guinevere series highly.
Quincy Bragg
Author of “Prescient” and “the ant farm”.
June 10, 2022
“The Bear’s Heart” is Part Two of a series. “The Dragon’s Ring” precedes this volume and should be read beforehand.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 18, 2022
Guinevere #2: the Bear’s Heart by Fil Reid
The second volume of the time-travel historical romance, depicting King Arthur as a dark-ages chieftain.
In fact this novel concentrates more on the historical background and Gwen’s adventures, with detailed descriptions of the Dark Ages settings and the people, than on the romance between Gwen and Arthur. The book is clearly very well researched and to immerse oneself in it is almost like being in the Dark Ages.
The storyline in this volume is somewhat episodic, detailing a series of battles and confrontations. The brutality and suffering of life in the Dark Ages is not glossed over, and Gwen is witness to violence and tragedy, and on occasion caught up in it herself.
Gwen encounters various people whom she recognizes from the Arthurian legends and is troubled by concerns over whether the legends will become true, or whether the immediate future is malleable. The descriptions of how Gwen feels about all this are very well done.
If you are looking for a page-turner historical adventure I recommend you read this - it's really good.
I received an advance copy of this novel.
The second volume of the time-travel historical romance, depicting King Arthur as a dark-ages chieftain.
In fact this novel concentrates more on the historical background and Gwen’s adventures, with detailed descriptions of the Dark Ages settings and the people, than on the romance between Gwen and Arthur. The book is clearly very well researched and to immerse oneself in it is almost like being in the Dark Ages.
The storyline in this volume is somewhat episodic, detailing a series of battles and confrontations. The brutality and suffering of life in the Dark Ages is not glossed over, and Gwen is witness to violence and tragedy, and on occasion caught up in it herself.
Gwen encounters various people whom she recognizes from the Arthurian legends and is troubled by concerns over whether the legends will become true, or whether the immediate future is malleable. The descriptions of how Gwen feels about all this are very well done.
If you are looking for a page-turner historical adventure I recommend you read this - it's really good.
I received an advance copy of this novel.
March 17, 2022
A great read that both entertained and educated.
Again, Fil Reid transported me back to life in King Arthur’s realm with her lifelike rendition of the horrors of Saxon battles, treachery, and village life in King Arthur’s realm. As her love for Arthur grows and she settles into the role of Queen Guinevere the feisty 21st Century Liberian, Gwen, is determined to make a difference. Sometimes with heart wrenching consequences.
Fil Reid’s knowledge of the Arthurian legends, her meticulous research and attention to detail brings the 5th Century to life.
Again, Fil Reid transported me back to life in King Arthur’s realm with her lifelike rendition of the horrors of Saxon battles, treachery, and village life in King Arthur’s realm. As her love for Arthur grows and she settles into the role of Queen Guinevere the feisty 21st Century Liberian, Gwen, is determined to make a difference. Sometimes with heart wrenching consequences.
Fil Reid’s knowledge of the Arthurian legends, her meticulous research and attention to detail brings the 5th Century to life.
March 16, 2022
Step into book two of this wonderful series and find yourself in fifth century Britain with Arthur and Guinevere.
Imagine reading about the Legend of King Arthur, and knowing a lot of the history, but then ending back in that time... Try to determine what of the legend is true and what is not. That is what Guinevere faces as she tries to support the man she loves when going into battle.
The beloved Excalibur comes into the picture and there is no telling where all this will lead!
Another enthralling step back in history, just as mesmerizing as the first in this series!!
Imagine reading about the Legend of King Arthur, and knowing a lot of the history, but then ending back in that time... Try to determine what of the legend is true and what is not. That is what Guinevere faces as she tries to support the man she loves when going into battle.
The beloved Excalibur comes into the picture and there is no telling where all this will lead!
Another enthralling step back in history, just as mesmerizing as the first in this series!!
March 17, 2022
(Review of an ARC)
A must-read for fans of Arthurian legend and time-travel romance. Some of my favourite parts: the parts inspired by lesser-known legends like Melwas's abduction of Guinevere, the contrast between the past and the present (I love the part where Gwen teaches Eigr to use Arabic numerals), and how well-researched it is, especially about the difficulties a modern woman would face in the Dark Ages.
A must-read for fans of Arthurian legend and time-travel romance. Some of my favourite parts: the parts inspired by lesser-known legends like Melwas's abduction of Guinevere, the contrast between the past and the present (I love the part where Gwen teaches Eigr to use Arabic numerals), and how well-researched it is, especially about the difficulties a modern woman would face in the Dark Ages.
March 17, 2022
Fil Reid takes us on another exhilarating adventure to the Dark Ages alongside Gwen and Arthur as they try to survive in a medieval world with foes looking to overthrow Britain and steal their lands. A must read for lovers of historical fiction and adventure.
March 28, 2022
This story is rooted in the Arthurian legend and the history of the “yellow hairs” of the Saxon wars. Book One left us hanging, breathless, and Book Two resumes this exciting tale. The Medieval landscape, foods, and characters are richly portrayed with intense visuals, sounds, and aromas. The dialog seems realistic for each character. And the drama keeps building, keeping the reader on the edge of her seat.
Well-written! Satisfying! And highly recommended!
Well-written! Satisfying! And highly recommended!
April 3, 2022
This is a great follow-up to the first book. Gwen is faced with plenty of new challenges and conflicts, and there are a lot of interesting side characters that bring the cast to life. It was also rewarding to see the central romantic relationship continue to grow and develop over the course of the story. All in all, a wonderful second installment!
March 18, 2022
The Bear's Heart by Fil Reid finds Gwen at the portal back to her own time when she realizes she can't leaver Arthur: she loves him. She runs to find him and is greeted with open arms. They settle into their loves together and she settles into the Dark Ages, with its brutality as well as its need for brutality. She finds herself pregnant and waffles for several days about ending the pregnancy but between the danger involved and the growing love for her child, she chooses to continue with the pregnancy. It is then she gets kidnapped by evil Melwas and spends three days into terror of being raped by him, until Arthur's army arrives to retrieve her. Not too long after this, Arthur's mother summons them to Tintangel. Arthur doesn't want to go but Cei convinces him so off they go, seeing both wonders and horrors on their trip. It is so easy for Gwen to forget where she is and how things work.
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. I was worried I had placed to high an expectation on it as I loved the first one, but as I read on I became engrossed. I love the legend of Arthur and his Round Table Knights and am prepared to believe this as one possibility of the reality. Gwen continues to try to match her reality to the legend and in some cases that makes everything worse. She loves Arthur more and more and Reid has written that emotion so it is palpable to the reader. So often her words convey heartbreak. Gwen and Arthur are happy much of the time and normal relationships develop for Gwen, but in the background, tragedy lurks. She never knows and the reader feels that to their bones. What a good story.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Bear's Heart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #filreid #thebearsheart
At first, I wasn't sure about this book. I was worried I had placed to high an expectation on it as I loved the first one, but as I read on I became engrossed. I love the legend of Arthur and his Round Table Knights and am prepared to believe this as one possibility of the reality. Gwen continues to try to match her reality to the legend and in some cases that makes everything worse. She loves Arthur more and more and Reid has written that emotion so it is palpable to the reader. So often her words convey heartbreak. Gwen and Arthur are happy much of the time and normal relationships develop for Gwen, but in the background, tragedy lurks. She never knows and the reader feels that to their bones. What a good story.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Bear's Heart by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #filreid #thebearsheart
April 20, 2022
Gwen has chosen to remain in the fifth century, to fulfill her role as the “real” Queen Guinevere to her husband King Arthur. The choice cements the bond between the two lovers and for a time it appears they couldn’t be happier or more inseparable. All Gwen has to do is avoid cheating on her husband with his best friend and warn him away from the Battle of Camlann, where he is destined to die at the hand of his nephew Medraut. Easy, peasy, right?
Well, first there are details and enemies in the fifth century that she has no inkling of, as the details have been (rightfully) lost in time. Secondly, Gwen can’t help but flex her twenty first century ideas and sensibilities anachronistically in Dark Ages Britain. *sigh* All the reasons it’s called the Dark Ages is making sense now …
While Gwen has been introducing Maths, and hygiene, and altruism to her new subjects, she finds herself uncertain as to the future she thought she knew would come to pass. Then, one of her good will projects backfires in spectacularly tragic fashion and pushes her marriage into a crisis of doubt. Gwen doesn’t know anything anymore. Will Gwen and Arthur make it past their next battle, much less all the way to Camlann?
I loved Book 2 as much as I did Book 1. This is time travel done the right way. Nothing is for certain. Each action or inaction can have unintended consequences. Gwen doesn’t really know what happens in the future anymore and neither do we. This is brilliantly written and emotionally gripping! And, it ends on yet another cliffhanger.
Well, first there are details and enemies in the fifth century that she has no inkling of, as the details have been (rightfully) lost in time. Secondly, Gwen can’t help but flex her twenty first century ideas and sensibilities anachronistically in Dark Ages Britain. *sigh* All the reasons it’s called the Dark Ages is making sense now …
While Gwen has been introducing Maths, and hygiene, and altruism to her new subjects, she finds herself uncertain as to the future she thought she knew would come to pass. Then, one of her good will projects backfires in spectacularly tragic fashion and pushes her marriage into a crisis of doubt. Gwen doesn’t know anything anymore. Will Gwen and Arthur make it past their next battle, much less all the way to Camlann?
I loved Book 2 as much as I did Book 1. This is time travel done the right way. Nothing is for certain. Each action or inaction can have unintended consequences. Gwen doesn’t really know what happens in the future anymore and neither do we. This is brilliantly written and emotionally gripping! And, it ends on yet another cliffhanger.
March 22, 2022
Fil Reid’s exciting series, “Guinevere”, continues with Book 2, The Bear’s Heart.
In this book, the reader is quickly engaged with well-written action, romance, and heart-stopping tension right through to the last page. Fil Reid doesn’t hold back when it comes to portraying the horrors of war, it’s futility and dreadful aftermath. For that is the world our twenty-first century heroine, Gwen, experiences in fifth century England. Legend becomes real-life for Gwen, as King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere. She encounters evil enemies who will stop at nothing to gain power and kill Arthur. And in that time period, women are mere chattels, one of the spoils of war…
Fil Reid creates believable, in-depth characters who portray a wide range of behavioural traits and motivations. Her captivating writing is not for the faint-hearted as her protagonist, Gwen, faces real danger as well as dealing with the aftermath of severe trauma experienced by other women, as befits a rendition of some historical accuracy.
I strongly recommend Fil Reid’s ‘The Bear’s Heart’ for any reader who likes action, suspense, drama, romance, history, a hint of magic, and the mysteries of Arthurian legend. This book has it all.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review is a frank evaluation of its merits.
In this book, the reader is quickly engaged with well-written action, romance, and heart-stopping tension right through to the last page. Fil Reid doesn’t hold back when it comes to portraying the horrors of war, it’s futility and dreadful aftermath. For that is the world our twenty-first century heroine, Gwen, experiences in fifth century England. Legend becomes real-life for Gwen, as King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere. She encounters evil enemies who will stop at nothing to gain power and kill Arthur. And in that time period, women are mere chattels, one of the spoils of war…
Fil Reid creates believable, in-depth characters who portray a wide range of behavioural traits and motivations. Her captivating writing is not for the faint-hearted as her protagonist, Gwen, faces real danger as well as dealing with the aftermath of severe trauma experienced by other women, as befits a rendition of some historical accuracy.
I strongly recommend Fil Reid’s ‘The Bear’s Heart’ for any reader who likes action, suspense, drama, romance, history, a hint of magic, and the mysteries of Arthurian legend. This book has it all.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review is a frank evaluation of its merits.
March 29, 2022
I loved Fil Reid's second book about Gwen and King Arthur!!
Some of my favorite parts (spoiler alert) are: Melwas, one of the most evil people in the book, has a sweet mother that you can't help but care about. You'd think she'd be a horrible monster since her son is, but she isn't.
There are two daughters who have been gang-raped. Gwen met them before that happens, then sees them afterwards. Seeing the changes in the girls through Gwen's eyes is so well written that it feels like you're there with them. Made me sick to my stomach, but in a way that made me want to keep reading and see if the girls get justice.
There are several other times in the book where we get to feel Gwen's horror at the ways the Dark Ages are different than today. It made me appreciate my time period more than I did before reading the book.
And I also enjoyed getting to see Gwen have a son, her first baby. And to see how fatherhood and marriage soften Arthur and make him a better, deeper man.
I really enjoyed getting to read about more of Gwen and Arthur's lives and journey together. Again, the book is extremely well-written, which is hard to find today, IMO. I loved how real everything in the book felt. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!!
Some of my favorite parts (spoiler alert) are: Melwas, one of the most evil people in the book, has a sweet mother that you can't help but care about. You'd think she'd be a horrible monster since her son is, but she isn't.
There are two daughters who have been gang-raped. Gwen met them before that happens, then sees them afterwards. Seeing the changes in the girls through Gwen's eyes is so well written that it feels like you're there with them. Made me sick to my stomach, but in a way that made me want to keep reading and see if the girls get justice.
There are several other times in the book where we get to feel Gwen's horror at the ways the Dark Ages are different than today. It made me appreciate my time period more than I did before reading the book.
And I also enjoyed getting to see Gwen have a son, her first baby. And to see how fatherhood and marriage soften Arthur and make him a better, deeper man.
I really enjoyed getting to read about more of Gwen and Arthur's lives and journey together. Again, the book is extremely well-written, which is hard to find today, IMO. I loved how real everything in the book felt. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!!
March 17, 2022
Gwen factually fell from the twenty first century into the Dark Ages and the world of King Arthur. Leaving behind her job, boyfriend, and her twin brother. All she wanted to do was spread the ashes of her father, a well-known Arthur Historian, on the top of Glastonbury Tor in Somerset England. We journey back with her as she adjusts to the dark ages and becomes King Arthur’s queen Guinevere. For real or as real as it can be this is an interesting quest. The time is mystifying in recorded history, and she finds that her worst fear is that things really might be as they seem. I love history and this truly pulls you into the day-to-day survival of the people she meets. Is what we know of recorded history and the legends told to us the same? I found this hard to put down wondering what could and would happen next to the people that she meets. Would she ever get home, or would she stay with Arthur? I am ready for the next adventure.
February 28, 2024
Uncaged Review: The second book in this series stands the test of a sequel. In most of this story, Gwen is pregnant, and the battles rage on with Arthur being the Drux. A lot of betrayals, and battles, and losses. The author does this re-telling of King Arthur and Guinevere well, with descriptions that take you into the lives of medieval Britain. Gwen is settling in nicely and the love between Arthur and her is unmistakable. She still dreads the legendary battle in Camlann that Arthur is destined to die as the other battles that she read about are coming true. Her goal is to save Arthur and rewrite the history books. This sequel may even top the first book and the author takes you through the trenches, the good, bad and ugly of the times.
Highly recommended series, I doubt I can read another re-telling of this story that would match the masterful way Fil Reid has written this one.
Reviewed by Cyrene
Highly recommended series, I doubt I can read another re-telling of this story that would match the masterful way Fil Reid has written this one.
Reviewed by Cyrene
February 17, 2025
Legend or fiction, this story has me completely fascinated with King Arthur and his queen Guinevere. I enjoyed book 2 just as much as book 1 and I'm really loving how Fil Reid writes, her description of what little is known of the Dark Ages (5th century) combined with her imagination makes it hard to put the book down! One thing, though, is that we only hear Gwen's thoughts and not Arthur's so that got some getting use to.
In book 1, Gwen, a 21st century woman, finds herself traveling back in time and marrying King Arthur. When she decides to stay and not go back to her own century, life becomes quite complicated. In book 2, there is never a dull moment, some scenes had me heartbroken and in others I felt the hope. Plenty of danger, battles, worries, a pregnancy, uncertainties, jealousy and curses abound.
Now on to book 3!!!
In book 1, Gwen, a 21st century woman, finds herself traveling back in time and marrying King Arthur. When she decides to stay and not go back to her own century, life becomes quite complicated. In book 2, there is never a dull moment, some scenes had me heartbroken and in others I felt the hope. Plenty of danger, battles, worries, a pregnancy, uncertainties, jealousy and curses abound.
Now on to book 3!!!
March 30, 2022
A captivating sequel full of surprise and emotion!
I'm usually wary of sequels; I worry they'll never be as good as Book 1.
Well, I was pleasantly proven wrong with the Bear's Heart.
Twists and turns pave the road to King Arthur's rise to fame, and we're in the very front seat from Gwen's point of view. But it's not just Arthur's choices that determine his future; Gwen's proactive nature has a strong steer on the events. You'd think that her having a picture of Arthur's future, albeit blurry, would be a great advantage ... Well, think again.
The great, realistic portrayal of life in the 5th century coupled with a cast of characters jumping off the page won't let you put this book down at night. It sure didn't let me.
I'm usually wary of sequels; I worry they'll never be as good as Book 1.
Well, I was pleasantly proven wrong with the Bear's Heart.
Twists and turns pave the road to King Arthur's rise to fame, and we're in the very front seat from Gwen's point of view. But it's not just Arthur's choices that determine his future; Gwen's proactive nature has a strong steer on the events. You'd think that her having a picture of Arthur's future, albeit blurry, would be a great advantage ... Well, think again.
The great, realistic portrayal of life in the 5th century coupled with a cast of characters jumping off the page won't let you put this book down at night. It sure didn't let me.
March 19, 2022
Once again, Fil Reid dazzles us with this incredible and enchanting follow up to the 'The Dragon Ring.' If you enjoyed the first novel of this series, you're bound to love this sequel. From the very beginning where Gwen struggles between staying in the fifth century or returning to her own time, to her growing love for Arthur, being kidnapped by his enemies, making it back to Arthur in one piece, and Arthur's concerns at the end of the novel. This story will keep you turning the page.
If you're either a fan of historical fantasy or romance, this second installment is sure to make you a fan of both genres. I highly recommend it.
If you're either a fan of historical fantasy or romance, this second installment is sure to make you a fan of both genres. I highly recommend it.
March 17, 2022
Author Fil Reid's second book in this series is just as exciting as the first one. I couldn't put it down.
The twenty-first-century heroine, Gwen, continues to juggle her knowledge of the myths of her era with the real life of fifth-century Britain.
Given the choice of going back to the future or remaining with Arthur, she stays, only to be kidnapped by one of his enemies, witnessing the atrocities of his tyrannical rule and waiting alone while Arthur goes into battle.
As with the first book, Reid's story is peopled with characters that are real and believable in the realistic and well-researched background. I recommend this book to all lovers of history and magic.
I have received an advanced review copy of this book and this review is a frank evaluation of its merits. Martha Leonard
The twenty-first-century heroine, Gwen, continues to juggle her knowledge of the myths of her era with the real life of fifth-century Britain.
Given the choice of going back to the future or remaining with Arthur, she stays, only to be kidnapped by one of his enemies, witnessing the atrocities of his tyrannical rule and waiting alone while Arthur goes into battle.
As with the first book, Reid's story is peopled with characters that are real and believable in the realistic and well-researched background. I recommend this book to all lovers of history and magic.
I have received an advanced review copy of this book and this review is a frank evaluation of its merits. Martha Leonard
June 7, 2022
Entertaining time travel history part two.
The second instalment of the Guinevere series sees Gwen coming to terms with her place in the fifth century. Fil Reid convincingly portrays the challenges of life in the Dark Ages while developing the relationship between Arthur and Gwen in interesting ways. This is a strong sequel that draws the reader deeper into a world of legend made real. It is flawlessly written, manging to be both realistic, entertaining, romantic and exciting. I have already bought the third book – Guinevere: The Sword!
The second instalment of the Guinevere series sees Gwen coming to terms with her place in the fifth century. Fil Reid convincingly portrays the challenges of life in the Dark Ages while developing the relationship between Arthur and Gwen in interesting ways. This is a strong sequel that draws the reader deeper into a world of legend made real. It is flawlessly written, manging to be both realistic, entertaining, romantic and exciting. I have already bought the third book – Guinevere: The Sword!
March 14, 2024
Gripping book, it was fast paced and contained so much action that I couldn’t put it down. Great angsty moments through out and the ending is so annoying but In a good way because I wanna read the next book already (it’s only arriving Saturday 🥹).
Gwen and Arthur’s relationship is further explored and the problems that rise give us insight into their dynamic as king and queen, husband and wife but also mother and father. It’s also intriguing to see how certain stories within the Arthurian legends are being weaved into this story.
Gwen and Arthur’s relationship is further explored and the problems that rise give us insight into their dynamic as king and queen, husband and wife but also mother and father. It’s also intriguing to see how certain stories within the Arthurian legends are being weaved into this story.
January 26, 2025
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title. (Audible)
Author and Genevieve have a lot to get through, with a lot of people willing to stab them in the back.
They had faced the need Genevieve had felt to return to her familiar world, but Author's attraction for her kept in the dark ages.
Can they overcome the latest attacks on their mental well-being.
Can a Curse actually cause the things you are Cursed with? Has the lecherous kidnapper sowed seeds of distrust with his final words before death?
Author and Genevieve have a lot to get through, with a lot of people willing to stab them in the back.
They had faced the need Genevieve had felt to return to her familiar world, but Author's attraction for her kept in the dark ages.
Can they overcome the latest attacks on their mental well-being.
Can a Curse actually cause the things you are Cursed with? Has the lecherous kidnapper sowed seeds of distrust with his final words before death?
January 27, 2023
3 stars. DNF at 50%. Although I did not finish the book, I'm giving it 3 stars because it was well written and, because it was really written in the same manner as Book #1, I guess I should have expected what I got. It provided a very detailed look into 5th century Britain and a good take on Arthurian legend. But I thought it was boring and the MC was a very passive character. But clearly YMMV.
September 23, 2023
We are back in the Dark Ages with King Arthur and Queen Guinevere.
We follow them through good and bad times, which I don’t want to say much about as I don’t want to give any spoilers.
I will say that you can sense the author’s love of history in these stories. Each chapter left me with an inability to put the book down, I had to carry on to the next one, every chapter left me riveted.
This series is a joy to read and I cannot wait to read The Sword, the third in the series.
We follow them through good and bad times, which I don’t want to say much about as I don’t want to give any spoilers.
I will say that you can sense the author’s love of history in these stories. Each chapter left me with an inability to put the book down, I had to carry on to the next one, every chapter left me riveted.
This series is a joy to read and I cannot wait to read The Sword, the third in the series.
March 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book in this wonderful series. The adventures of Gwen and Arthur continued in a seamless line, and ended with another cliffhanger. Great descriptions, authentic settings and dialogue and events of the Arthurian era. Exciting and suspenseful scenes and moving, emotional moments as well. I'm excited to see what comes of Gwen and Arthur in the next book!
July 8, 2023
A really enjoyable book 2
Action and adventure continue in book 2 of The Guinevere series by Fil Reid! The writing is lyrical and poetic, giving a rich and well-researched tapestry of the Arthur and Guinevere story plus some new drama that's still in keeping with the legends and myths. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next two as well!
Action and adventure continue in book 2 of The Guinevere series by Fil Reid! The writing is lyrical and poetic, giving a rich and well-researched tapestry of the Arthur and Guinevere story plus some new drama that's still in keeping with the legends and myths. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next two as well!
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