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Of Crowns and Legends #1
Of Crowns and Legends
Camelot's power hangs by a thread, but no one yet knows it. Its fate is tied to the children King Arthur was never supposed to have... Anwil and Ariadne Pendragon are twins, best friends, and nothing alike. While Anwil pores over books in the library, Ariadne is training to be a Knight of the Round Table. Yet they are both haunted by the same their late father, the legendary King Arthur. It's been nearly twenty years since Arthur died in the Battle of Camlann, and peace has since prospered under the regency reign of Queen Guinevere. Camelot has grown into a bustling trading hub and Briton is flourishing. But not everyone is happy with Camelot's growing power. When abbeys start burning and relics go missing, a war like no other looms over Camelot, and Anwil and Ariadne are forced to face the harsh realities and lies their mother has tried so hard to shield them from.
382 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2022
227 people are currently reading
3233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 12, 2022
This book hits that ‘sweet spot’ in fantasy. Exciting story and a relaxing read. Comforting yet engaging. The ideal amount of action and dialogue. Heck, even the chapter sizes are perfect.
A huge nod to the classics but it feels young and original- just like characters themselves ( children of King Arthur).
Ooh- a wedding scene! A joust competition! Court room drama! Yes a bit of magic too. SUPER FUN READ. I can’t wait for another book from this promising author.
A huge nod to the classics but it feels young and original- just like characters themselves ( children of King Arthur).
Ooh- a wedding scene! A joust competition! Court room drama! Yes a bit of magic too. SUPER FUN READ. I can’t wait for another book from this promising author.
December 24, 2025
Miss Banning has developed characters that one can't help but care about deeply. While reading, I felt like I was watching the story unfold as if I was at court. Her ability to immerse you in the setting with details and naturally flowing conversations is awe inspiring.
TL;DR I can't wait for the rest of the series. Of all the Arthurian lore that I've read and listened to, Of Crowns and Legends was the most enjoyable literature I've read in ages.
TL;DR I can't wait for the rest of the series. Of all the Arthurian lore that I've read and listened to, Of Crowns and Legends was the most enjoyable literature I've read in ages.
November 1, 2025
Of crowns and Legends is an interesting and rich Arthurian retelling that follows the story after Arthur's demise at Camlann, leaving behind him his wife Guinevere and twins.
The twins, a boy and a girl, Anwil and Ariadne, could not be more different from each other, apart from the love and loyalty they share for their loved ones. As soon as I read Anwil's POV I fell in love with him! I adore him and connected with his struggles of being a bookish introvert while having to carry the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders. Ariadne is a stubborn and strong woman who only wants one thing: to be a knight and protect her kingdom. Sadly I connected with her POV less but I find it a good characterisation for a female character. Interestingly both are a superb twist on the Arthur Arhetype (stubborn knight and suffering under the weight of duty), making both of them very different from each other while holding a core part of their father(/Arthur archetype).
The strong point of this retelling is that it is rich in culture and diversity, you can tell the author put a lot of research into the world-building and the cultures of the people and the Fae. It was interesting to see a Camelot with so much knowledge and diversity (also hooray for lady knights!).
The plot itself though, felt a bit slow and the action parts didn't grip me as much. The writing was very detailed and I personally felt that it did overexplain, though this might add to experiencing the beauty of learning about the rich cultures and world-building. I personally just prefer more lyricism in writing. I think sometimes it was the reason why I didn't connect as much to other characters or emotional moments. There was also a lot of POVs but I understand it was needed for the author to tell the story they wanted to tell.
I'm rating this 3,5 but bumping it up to 4, I do plan to read the rest of the series and I want people who will appreciate this story to find it, because I think it is worth discovering.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an ARC to review!
The twins, a boy and a girl, Anwil and Ariadne, could not be more different from each other, apart from the love and loyalty they share for their loved ones. As soon as I read Anwil's POV I fell in love with him! I adore him and connected with his struggles of being a bookish introvert while having to carry the weight of a kingdom on his shoulders. Ariadne is a stubborn and strong woman who only wants one thing: to be a knight and protect her kingdom. Sadly I connected with her POV less but I find it a good characterisation for a female character. Interestingly both are a superb twist on the Arthur Arhetype (stubborn knight and suffering under the weight of duty), making both of them very different from each other while holding a core part of their father(/Arthur archetype).
The strong point of this retelling is that it is rich in culture and diversity, you can tell the author put a lot of research into the world-building and the cultures of the people and the Fae. It was interesting to see a Camelot with so much knowledge and diversity (also hooray for lady knights!).
The plot itself though, felt a bit slow and the action parts didn't grip me as much. The writing was very detailed and I personally felt that it did overexplain, though this might add to experiencing the beauty of learning about the rich cultures and world-building. I personally just prefer more lyricism in writing. I think sometimes it was the reason why I didn't connect as much to other characters or emotional moments. There was also a lot of POVs but I understand it was needed for the author to tell the story they wanted to tell.
I'm rating this 3,5 but bumping it up to 4, I do plan to read the rest of the series and I want people who will appreciate this story to find it, because I think it is worth discovering.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an ARC to review!
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April 30, 2024Hi all! I apologize for stepping into the review space, but I saw that one of the tags under the info is "Young Adult."
OF CROWNS AND LEGENDS is not Young Adult, it's Adult. I just don't want anyone to get confused, especially as the rest of the series will be darker. Obviously, it's up to you and your kids to know what is right for you to read or not, but as a Teen Librarian, who works with teens and teen/YA books I just want to be cautious.
Thank you,
Chelsea
OF CROWNS AND LEGENDS is not Young Adult, it's Adult. I just don't want anyone to get confused, especially as the rest of the series will be darker. Obviously, it's up to you and your kids to know what is right for you to read or not, but as a Teen Librarian, who works with teens and teen/YA books I just want to be cautious.
Thank you,
Chelsea
December 9, 2022
This book was a whole journey to read, and I was hooked since the prologue! The author, Chelsea Banning, did her research with the many cultures in this new and refreshing view of Camelot, as well as created a good magic system that we were familiar with in the Arthurian Legends, but had often trouble trying to understand. Her characters popped out of the pages, showing us familiar names with new attitudes and wants, new motives and new sides to themselves that I absolute LOVED. I mean, she gave us FERAL MAMA GUINEVERE, I was absolutely living for feral Guin while I was reading this. I sympathized so much with Ari and Anwil, and cried at the heartstring pulling emotional scenes, screamed when bigger names began to pop up in the story, and overall, it felt like a big adventure with old friends whom I have not seen in a while. The Joust scene was my favorite, reminding me of Renaissance faires that I so dearly love (and sadly miss, given that in Mexico we have none). I cannot recommend this book enough, and am so excited with the adventure that continues, and I am excited to see where Chelsea takes us next!
December 7, 2022
4.5 Stars
This review is WAY overdue as I finished the book back in September, but guys.... you gotta read this.
A story about the children King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were never supposed to have. That alone should hook you, and it sure hooked me! Anwil and Ari are twins, incredibly close but vastly different, struggling to live up to their father's legacy. Anwil would rather spend his days locked away in the library (same, bro) than rule the kingdom. Ari wants to be more than just a princess that's married off; she wants to be a knight of the round table. However, when it seems that an old foe might be back to seek revenge on the kingdom, they both have to put their own desires aside to save Camelot or lose everything their father fought for.
Chelsea Banning did a fantastic job weaving together different POVs and storylines throughout her book. The political intrigue kept me guessing till the very end (THAT ENDING THOUGH). You can tell Chelsea did her research with the combat scenes, and I felt like I was right there with the characters in the midst of each fight. The banter and humor was reminiscent of the BBC Merlin TV show, and the world building and descriptions allowed me to visualize everything that was happening as if I was watching the show again.
And I'm STILL thinking about that ending. Prepare yourselves; this will be the adventure of a lifetime, and I can't wait to see where the series goes!
This review is WAY overdue as I finished the book back in September, but guys.... you gotta read this.
A story about the children King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were never supposed to have. That alone should hook you, and it sure hooked me! Anwil and Ari are twins, incredibly close but vastly different, struggling to live up to their father's legacy. Anwil would rather spend his days locked away in the library (same, bro) than rule the kingdom. Ari wants to be more than just a princess that's married off; she wants to be a knight of the round table. However, when it seems that an old foe might be back to seek revenge on the kingdom, they both have to put their own desires aside to save Camelot or lose everything their father fought for.
Chelsea Banning did a fantastic job weaving together different POVs and storylines throughout her book. The political intrigue kept me guessing till the very end (THAT ENDING THOUGH). You can tell Chelsea did her research with the combat scenes, and I felt like I was right there with the characters in the midst of each fight. The banter and humor was reminiscent of the BBC Merlin TV show, and the world building and descriptions allowed me to visualize everything that was happening as if I was watching the show again.
And I'm STILL thinking about that ending. Prepare yourselves; this will be the adventure of a lifetime, and I can't wait to see where the series goes!
July 6, 2022
It is so difficult for someone to create a realistic portrait of what life during the time of King Arthur would have been like, but Chelsea Banning nailed it. It took me a few pages to get into the story, but from the detail she wrote into the first chapter, the introduction to character was amazing and her descriptions are A1. The book was also very easy to read and follow which can be difficult for some historical fiction novels. I can’t wait to read what comes next!
January 11, 2023
Fantastic!!!
I love Arthurian Legend! I have read many versions, but it has been a few years. When I saw Chelsea's viral Tweet about her failed 2 person book signing for Of Crowns and Legends, I immediately added it to my TBR!
This book did not disappoint! Set 20 years after Arthur's death we are reunited with old characters and introduced to new ones. If you're a fan of Arthurian Legend you have to add this series to your list. It will be hard waiting for the next book.
I love Arthurian Legend! I have read many versions, but it has been a few years. When I saw Chelsea's viral Tweet about her failed 2 person book signing for Of Crowns and Legends, I immediately added it to my TBR!
This book did not disappoint! Set 20 years after Arthur's death we are reunited with old characters and introduced to new ones. If you're a fan of Arthurian Legend you have to add this series to your list. It will be hard waiting for the next book.
September 28, 2022
I have fallen in love with this book! It’s not a King Arthur retelling as much as it’s a continuation retelling.
I can’t tell you what is true to old stories and what is this authors new twists. It feels as if this was always their story.
This story has several POV with Arthur and Guinevere’s twin children being front and center. Anwil is about to be King and Ariadne is trying her hardest to become a Knight.
This story follows them as they are coming into their own and finding themselves. Queen Guinevere has been guiding them along and supporting them in their journey.
You will find the Lady of the Lake, Merlin, Lancelot, Morgana, and many others in this story.
The struggles, magic, heartbreak… it’s a fabulous Camelot story and I’m so looking forward to her finishing the second book!
I can’t tell you what is true to old stories and what is this authors new twists. It feels as if this was always their story.
This story has several POV with Arthur and Guinevere’s twin children being front and center. Anwil is about to be King and Ariadne is trying her hardest to become a Knight.
This story follows them as they are coming into their own and finding themselves. Queen Guinevere has been guiding them along and supporting them in their journey.
You will find the Lady of the Lake, Merlin, Lancelot, Morgana, and many others in this story.
The struggles, magic, heartbreak… it’s a fabulous Camelot story and I’m so looking forward to her finishing the second book!
December 6, 2022
Wonderful follow up to Arthur legend
I love the Arthur legend, and this is such a wonderful follow up to it. It captivated me, and I was unable to put it down. I can't wait to read the next book.
I love the Arthur legend, and this is such a wonderful follow up to it. It captivated me, and I was unable to put it down. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 2, 2022
I've always loved the Arthurian legends of Merlin, Arthur, his Knights, and Avalon and this book take these well known characters and puts a fresh spin on them. The story pulls you in right away and so detailed you feel like you're actually watching a movie in your head instead of reading it from a book. Very well done!!
December 25, 2022
Spelling and punctuation errors are a distraction.
Story was good, writing was just ok. Hopeful for improvement in the future. Lots of spelling and punctuation errors, not sure if this was a publishing error, but I found it distracting.
Story was good, writing was just ok. Hopeful for improvement in the future. Lots of spelling and punctuation errors, not sure if this was a publishing error, but I found it distracting.
Want to read
September 25, 2025‧₊˚ ┊💌┊ ೀ୭ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝
I got the ARC for the second book so ofc i had to reread this one 😋😋
#SOEXCITED
I got the ARC for the second book so ofc i had to reread this one 😋😋
#SOEXCITED
January 2, 2023
This was my first adventure into the world of King Arthur and Camelot, and I have to say I rather enjoyed it.
Without really knowing too much about King Arthur, the Lady of the Lake, Camelot, etc., I still found the story to be easy to follow. I appreciate the fact that I didn't need to be an expert on the subject to fully understand and enjoy the story. There is a decent enough summary of what you need to know within this book to explain events of the past.
I came across this book thanks to the author posting on Twitter about a book signing where nobody showed up, and I'm glad that I took the chance in buying this book! I really enjoyed it, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Without really knowing too much about King Arthur, the Lady of the Lake, Camelot, etc., I still found the story to be easy to follow. I appreciate the fact that I didn't need to be an expert on the subject to fully understand and enjoy the story. There is a decent enough summary of what you need to know within this book to explain events of the past.
I came across this book thanks to the author posting on Twitter about a book signing where nobody showed up, and I'm glad that I took the chance in buying this book! I really enjoyed it, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
December 24, 2022
A great Arthurian adventure!
December 14, 2022
Fantastic story
I love this story, the author makes you feel like you are in Camelot. A well written novel that extends the Arthurian legend. A great read.
I love this story, the author makes you feel like you are in Camelot. A well written novel that extends the Arthurian legend. A great read.
January 14, 2023
I never rarely leave reviews for the books I read, but I was hooked! I could not put this book down. I am excited to see where it goes in the next book!
August 21, 2022
This is coming from the perspective of a dark ya fantasy lover who usually reads fast-paced, romantic-subplot stories.
The author really loves Arthurian legends, and you can definitely tell by her craft! It feels like you’ve stepped back into that time period.
The story dives into King Arthur’s children, Anwil and Ariadne, as they deal with the remnants of their parents’ history as they’re coming of age. The two do not fit into their projected destinies. The princess yearns to be a knight of the round table, while her brother would love nothing more than to sit in the library and pour over maps and stories. And while the two are very different, their relationship is strong, and the reader quickly wants to root for them.
I thought the story would be only from their perspectives, kind of like a compare and contrast, and I was surprised to find more pov’s within the narrative, though it’s necessary to the plot.
I definitely loved how likable the characters were. It was relaxing and felt wholesome, with a sword-wielding princess, a scholarly prince, and a rising enemy that threatens all that the characters hold dear. Though the book itself was slower-paced than what I usually read, with more narrative than dialogue at some points, I will say the author does not back down from dealing hard blows to the main characters. The last half of the book had me sitting more and more on the edge of my seat wondering what would befall our characters next. I found it super refreshing.
I definitely will be reading the rest of this series!
The author really loves Arthurian legends, and you can definitely tell by her craft! It feels like you’ve stepped back into that time period.
The story dives into King Arthur’s children, Anwil and Ariadne, as they deal with the remnants of their parents’ history as they’re coming of age. The two do not fit into their projected destinies. The princess yearns to be a knight of the round table, while her brother would love nothing more than to sit in the library and pour over maps and stories. And while the two are very different, their relationship is strong, and the reader quickly wants to root for them.
I thought the story would be only from their perspectives, kind of like a compare and contrast, and I was surprised to find more pov’s within the narrative, though it’s necessary to the plot.
I definitely loved how likable the characters were. It was relaxing and felt wholesome, with a sword-wielding princess, a scholarly prince, and a rising enemy that threatens all that the characters hold dear. Though the book itself was slower-paced than what I usually read, with more narrative than dialogue at some points, I will say the author does not back down from dealing hard blows to the main characters. The last half of the book had me sitting more and more on the edge of my seat wondering what would befall our characters next. I found it super refreshing.
I definitely will be reading the rest of this series!
August 20, 2022
An enthralling tale of post-Arthur Camelot, with easily relatable characters in a setting both familiar and with a fresh face. With deep imagery and lifelike overtones, it feels like the author has lived and walked in the footsteps of eon's old cultures, and the mix of the Welsh origins of the Arthurian mythology brings the retelling of Arthur's kingdom back towards its cultural beginnings. I look forward to seeing the continued story and what Ms. Banning brings next to the fields of historical fantasy and to fiction in general.
August 21, 2022
I have always love the legend of King Arthur and his knights. This book stayed true to the intrigue and legend of the time and had great female characters. The weavings of an awesome drama and twists. The world building and detailed description of life in the time was top notch. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
I was given an ARC of the story by the author and so grateful. Great story, Chelsea!
I was given an ARC of the story by the author and so grateful. Great story, Chelsea!
August 4, 2023
Let me just say this book took me the first few chapters to fully pull me in. Due to being a tamora pierce fanatic well all other works set in medieval times have to fully thrill me. Well this book did just that!!! Once thr book gets going it doesn't stop It takes you on a whirlwind of adventure and plotting. I love all the action in the last few chapters and I cannot wait for book 2 to be in my hands to continue the adventure.
Amazing job Chelsea Banning I am honored to have not only met you, chatted with you but to know I can support a local ohioan like myself.
Amazing job Chelsea Banning I am honored to have not only met you, chatted with you but to know I can support a local ohioan like myself.
January 8, 2023
This was a really good book! The author did a very good job of using existing characters from the stories of Arthur and Camelot while creating new, original characters. The plot was very interesting and fast paced and the characters were fun to read about and relatable. I liked that the story have a balance of action, internal problems, and political problems happening at the same time.
January 5, 2023
Enjoyable read. Stopped abruptly so I assume there's a sequel coming
The book could use a proofreader but the errors aren't distracting. Story is good and well told. Characters are well developed. I'd read the next one.
The book could use a proofreader but the errors aren't distracting. Story is good and well told. Characters are well developed. I'd read the next one.
July 27, 2022
Hello fair readers!
Straight out the gate, let’s talk base level positives.
If you are a novice or aficionado of Arthurian legend, you are going to fall in love with this book.
Each and every character has important and clear through line that makes it difficult to pick just one as a favorite. At one point you’re rooting for those considered the heroes, and then you’re switching to having sympathy for those who are considered villains.
Now let’s get into the meat of this work.
It’s easy to brush off a work of fantasy in literacy that is so saturated with it.
There are a few moments where in an effort to leave the reader wanting more it feels like the action is left up imagination in excess. That’s not to say that that’s a bad thing, however, it does leave room for someone who does not understand the world of Camelot in its simplest form to create a warped sense of thinking they know best in what should be coming. This could be considered a positive. There really is no right or wrong when you’re talking about a fictional world.
I do wish there was more time given to the Fae and other magical creatures surrounding the human side of the story. I really wanted to have more context as to the ideas, ideals, mysticism, daily life and more concerning the Lady of the Lake, Nimwe and the other Druids. Honestly, that could be a book on its own.
Let me depart from any constructive criticism and just say this… I freaking love the twins.
They are so different and yet so alike, it makes them seem as if they’re in the room with you as you read. Are they perfect? No. I believe that their characters are going to be flushed out more as the series progresses.
And I think Chelsea did a wonderful job in giving us just enough about them without putting all of the cards on the table.
The other thing I enjoyed was the decision on how to write Merlin. No spoilers, but having him not be a total focus wear in so many books on Camelot he is considered over and a Bhave important was such a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong though, I love Merlin. But I don’t like it when one character is so heavy and therefore eclipses the other players in a story.
As I don’t want to give away too many things and in someway write any spoilers in my review, I will end with a few bullet points. Number one, if you are in anyway a fan of action and suspense, you need to read this book. Number two, if you enjoy the attention to detail of a period in time that seems to be romanticize even in fantasy, this book is for you. Number three, if you love when an author takes painstaking time to use correct language, names, and details of chivalry/jousting/etc., this book is for you. Number four, if you are a novice in anyway to Arthurian legend, you will not be lost in reading this book and starting with a series because Chelsea has set up a wonderful world to enter into. And last but not least, number five… You as a reader will have the ability to place your self in all the action that happens as well as creates opinions, predictions, and other scenarios to make this story come alive.
Chelsea has done that. And her hard work is on every page.
But don’t take my word for it. ☺️
Straight out the gate, let’s talk base level positives.
If you are a novice or aficionado of Arthurian legend, you are going to fall in love with this book.
Each and every character has important and clear through line that makes it difficult to pick just one as a favorite. At one point you’re rooting for those considered the heroes, and then you’re switching to having sympathy for those who are considered villains.
Now let’s get into the meat of this work.
It’s easy to brush off a work of fantasy in literacy that is so saturated with it.
There are a few moments where in an effort to leave the reader wanting more it feels like the action is left up imagination in excess. That’s not to say that that’s a bad thing, however, it does leave room for someone who does not understand the world of Camelot in its simplest form to create a warped sense of thinking they know best in what should be coming. This could be considered a positive. There really is no right or wrong when you’re talking about a fictional world.
I do wish there was more time given to the Fae and other magical creatures surrounding the human side of the story. I really wanted to have more context as to the ideas, ideals, mysticism, daily life and more concerning the Lady of the Lake, Nimwe and the other Druids. Honestly, that could be a book on its own.
Let me depart from any constructive criticism and just say this… I freaking love the twins.
They are so different and yet so alike, it makes them seem as if they’re in the room with you as you read. Are they perfect? No. I believe that their characters are going to be flushed out more as the series progresses.
And I think Chelsea did a wonderful job in giving us just enough about them without putting all of the cards on the table.
The other thing I enjoyed was the decision on how to write Merlin. No spoilers, but having him not be a total focus wear in so many books on Camelot he is considered over and a Bhave important was such a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong though, I love Merlin. But I don’t like it when one character is so heavy and therefore eclipses the other players in a story.
As I don’t want to give away too many things and in someway write any spoilers in my review, I will end with a few bullet points. Number one, if you are in anyway a fan of action and suspense, you need to read this book. Number two, if you enjoy the attention to detail of a period in time that seems to be romanticize even in fantasy, this book is for you. Number three, if you love when an author takes painstaking time to use correct language, names, and details of chivalry/jousting/etc., this book is for you. Number four, if you are a novice in anyway to Arthurian legend, you will not be lost in reading this book and starting with a series because Chelsea has set up a wonderful world to enter into. And last but not least, number five… You as a reader will have the ability to place your self in all the action that happens as well as creates opinions, predictions, and other scenarios to make this story come alive.
Chelsea has done that. And her hard work is on every page.
But don’t take my word for it. ☺️
July 11, 2022
This book does a great job of both introducing the reader to the world of Camelot while also having something for all of the readers familiar with it already. The characters are compelling and unique and coupled with the world building it’s a great time! A refreshing fantasy story that’s action filled, fleshed out, and easy to read and be drawn into! I anxiously await the next installment! Huzzah!
July 11, 2022
Prepare yourself for an epic spin on the already epic world of Camelot! This story draws you in, and the characters are so well-written and realistic that you HAVE to stay to find out what happens to them. The author's attention-to-detail and evident understanding of natural-sounding dialogue gives it a clear edge. This book is magical, captivating and exciting! Dive in!!
June 23, 2022
What an amazing spin on the Arthur legend! I devoured this book and am already drooling for the next one in the series!!!!
January 19, 2023
Not a book for someone who loves the Arthurian legends. Modern morals in a medieval setting just don’t work. I could accept the mirrors for transport, but not the interpersonal relationships.
September 14, 2025
A fresh and enchanting take on Arthurian legend.
Of Crowns and Legends swept me away from the very first page. Chelsea Banning gives us Camelot not through the usual lens of Arthur and Merlin, but through the eyes of Arthur’s children — twins Anwil and Ariadne — who are complex, compelling, and instantly relatable.
What I loved most was how this story balances myth and humanity: the grandeur of abbeys, relics, and looming war sits side by side with moments of friendship, sibling bonds, and personal discovery. Ariadne’s determination to forge her own path as a knight and Anwil’s thoughtful, bookish nature make them a perfect counterpoint — I found myself rooting for them both.
The writing has a cinematic quality: you can almost see Camelot bustling with life, feel the tension in the shadows of old battles, and hear the echoes of Arthur’s legacy weighing on the next generation.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love historical fantasy. It honors the old legends while carving out something entirely new and imaginative. If you love stories filled with myth, magic, and heart, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
Highly recommended — I’ll be eagerly watching for what Chelsea Banning writes next!
Of Crowns and Legends swept me away from the very first page. Chelsea Banning gives us Camelot not through the usual lens of Arthur and Merlin, but through the eyes of Arthur’s children — twins Anwil and Ariadne — who are complex, compelling, and instantly relatable.
What I loved most was how this story balances myth and humanity: the grandeur of abbeys, relics, and looming war sits side by side with moments of friendship, sibling bonds, and personal discovery. Ariadne’s determination to forge her own path as a knight and Anwil’s thoughtful, bookish nature make them a perfect counterpoint — I found myself rooting for them both.
The writing has a cinematic quality: you can almost see Camelot bustling with life, feel the tension in the shadows of old battles, and hear the echoes of Arthur’s legacy weighing on the next generation.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love historical fantasy. It honors the old legends while carving out something entirely new and imaginative. If you love stories filled with myth, magic, and heart, you’ll be glad you picked this one up.
Highly recommended — I’ll be eagerly watching for what Chelsea Banning writes next!
September 16, 2025
As someone who doesn't often read the fantasy genre, let me tell you this book kept me engaged! From each and every character featured including favorites from Arthurian fantasy like Merlin, Gwen and several Knights of the Round. To new characters Anwil and Ariande twin children of Arthur , Sir Jabir and his daughter Mirah new mystical characters and friends and protectors of the royal family. Chelsea pens a story with twists turns and "I can't believe that happened" moments throughout. And as I said in the beginning I don't typically read fantasy but I absolutely need to read more of this franchise. You actually get to know the characters and you can feel the energy of the setting with each page turned. The battles feel familiar but not cliche they remind me very much of playing a fantasy RPG game and that is definitely a compliment as I am a huge nerd haha. Each character seems fresh and you could see them in each of their roles, no one seems out of place. Again as someone that doesn't read fantasy this book kept me interested the entire read. If you like Fantasy, you like King Arthur or you just want to try something new, Of Crowns and Legends is worth your time. I promise.
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