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Le Prince du Graal #1
Grail Prince
The wheel is turning and the world will change. . . . And a son of Lancelot, with a bloody sword and a righteous heart, shall renew the Light in Britain before the descent of savage dark. . . .
So spoke the Lady of the Lake. Now her grim prophecy is coming true. King Arthur lies dead, struck down along with Mordred, his son and heir, and the greatest knights of Camelot. Of that peerless company, only Lancelot survives, a broken man who has turned his back on Britain and his forbidden love of Guinevere. Yet one knight, scarcely more than a boy, fights amid the ruins to keep Arthur’s dream Galahad, the son of Lancelot.
Before his death, Arthur swore the young knight to undertake a a search for the scattered treasures of an ancient king. On the recovery of these powerful relics–a grail, a spear, and a sword–hinges the future of Britain. But it is the past that torments Galahad. He cannot forget or forgive his father’s betrayal of his king. Nor can he banish thoughts of the intoxicating Dandrane, sister of his friend Percival, from his mind. Yet only a man pure in heart can fulfill the prophecy of the Lady of the Lake.
Not since The Mists of Avalon has an author so brilliantly reimagined and brought to life the enduring Arthurian legends. Weaving back and forth through time, from Arthur’s mighty reign and commanding influence to Galahad’s ultimate quest to preserve the destiny of a nation, The Grail Prince is an unforgettable epic of adventure and romance, of clashing swords and hearts set in a magical world as deadly as it is beautiful.
So spoke the Lady of the Lake. Now her grim prophecy is coming true. King Arthur lies dead, struck down along with Mordred, his son and heir, and the greatest knights of Camelot. Of that peerless company, only Lancelot survives, a broken man who has turned his back on Britain and his forbidden love of Guinevere. Yet one knight, scarcely more than a boy, fights amid the ruins to keep Arthur’s dream Galahad, the son of Lancelot.
Before his death, Arthur swore the young knight to undertake a a search for the scattered treasures of an ancient king. On the recovery of these powerful relics–a grail, a spear, and a sword–hinges the future of Britain. But it is the past that torments Galahad. He cannot forget or forgive his father’s betrayal of his king. Nor can he banish thoughts of the intoxicating Dandrane, sister of his friend Percival, from his mind. Yet only a man pure in heart can fulfill the prophecy of the Lady of the Lake.
Not since The Mists of Avalon has an author so brilliantly reimagined and brought to life the enduring Arthurian legends. Weaving back and forth through time, from Arthur’s mighty reign and commanding influence to Galahad’s ultimate quest to preserve the destiny of a nation, The Grail Prince is an unforgettable epic of adventure and romance, of clashing swords and hearts set in a magical world as deadly as it is beautiful.
510 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
1 person is currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McKenzie
20 books85 followersNancy McKenzie is the author of several novels based on Arthurian tales. Guinevere’s Gift is her first novel for young adults. She lives in Danbury, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 21, 2023
I think that Nancy McKenzie is the best modern day novelist of Arthurian legend.
I thought Queen of Camelot was fantastic, and Grail Prince is just as wonderful, in this rich, intoxicating page turner.
This one takes up the narrative of Galahad, son of Lancelot King of Lanescol, who Arthur has chosen to find the Holy Grail, and the the redeeming spear and sword as the only way that Britain can be saved.
Galahad is absorbed by his hatred of his father who he believes to have cruelly treated his mother Elaine. He bears a hatred of Guinevere, who he see's as a wanton seducer and enchantress. His bitterness against his father and Guinevere have been planted by Elaine and the evil priest Aidan, who, unknown to Elaine, aims to destroy Lancelot and his family.
His quest is covered in various books with a shifting timeline, beginning with his journeys with his best friend Percival , Prince of Gwynedd and shifts to Galahad's childhood.
Later we follow his journey filled with people he meets and learns from, and his quest helps him to learn the truth, and see through his misguided contempt of women, lack of a merciful heart and bitterness, as well as to reunite him with his beloved Dandrane, who he has cruelly betrayed. Galahad slowly sees what his father has experienced, as well as the truth about Guinevere.
An enthralling page turner, focused much human nature and relationships, although the struggle against the invasion of Britain by the Saxons is also a part of the richly descriptive tapestry. Galahad's standard is described as the red cross on a white shield like the cross of St George. Filled with exciting characters and thrilling twists and turns,events and action. It is a fantastic read, which you genuinely will find hard to put down.
I thought Queen of Camelot was fantastic, and Grail Prince is just as wonderful, in this rich, intoxicating page turner.
This one takes up the narrative of Galahad, son of Lancelot King of Lanescol, who Arthur has chosen to find the Holy Grail, and the the redeeming spear and sword as the only way that Britain can be saved.
Galahad is absorbed by his hatred of his father who he believes to have cruelly treated his mother Elaine. He bears a hatred of Guinevere, who he see's as a wanton seducer and enchantress. His bitterness against his father and Guinevere have been planted by Elaine and the evil priest Aidan, who, unknown to Elaine, aims to destroy Lancelot and his family.
His quest is covered in various books with a shifting timeline, beginning with his journeys with his best friend Percival , Prince of Gwynedd and shifts to Galahad's childhood.
Later we follow his journey filled with people he meets and learns from, and his quest helps him to learn the truth, and see through his misguided contempt of women, lack of a merciful heart and bitterness, as well as to reunite him with his beloved Dandrane, who he has cruelly betrayed. Galahad slowly sees what his father has experienced, as well as the truth about Guinevere.
An enthralling page turner, focused much human nature and relationships, although the struggle against the invasion of Britain by the Saxons is also a part of the richly descriptive tapestry. Galahad's standard is described as the red cross on a white shield like the cross of St George. Filled with exciting characters and thrilling twists and turns,events and action. It is a fantastic read, which you genuinely will find hard to put down.
May 26, 2010
(4.5) "There is no one left. Pendragon is no more."
The battle of Camlann is over, Arthur is dead and Britain is shattered into pieces once again. Guinevere has retired to a nunnery and a heart-broken Lancelot returns to his Kingdom across the sea. Lancelot's young son Galahad was charged by Arthur to find the buried treasures that can reunite Britain once again and is joined by his twelve-year-old cousin Percival, now King of Gwynedd upon his father's death (although his uncle rules as regent). The lads are soon following the clues and legends of the hill men, the *ancient ones*, hoping to find the grail and spear of Macsen Wledig that can reunite Britain and make it whole again.
"If I cannot love my fellow-men, however dirty their hands, how can I love the God who made them?"
The book then backtracks to Galahad's childhood, when he was raised by an embittered mother and a vicious priest with an agenda of his own to hate his father and Queen Guinevere (see more of Elen's story in the first book, Queen of Camelot). Lancelet eventually brings Galahad to Camelot to train for his knighthood and his hatred of Guinevere continues to grow and spreads to a disdain for all women, especially those who have been *cheapened* by unclean acts - including rape. The third part of the book backtracks to events leading up to the Battle of Camlann covered in the previous book in the series, albeit this time from Galahad's viewpoint.
The latter part of the book continues as Britain is rudderless upon the death of Arthur and the Saxon threat continues to grow. The wheel of fortune spins around once more and Galahad finds himself committing the very sin in the flesh that he has so loathed his father for desiring only in his heart, and in doing so dishonors his greatest friend and ally. Galahad continues to wander Britain without purpose until he can face his true self and turn the circle 'round again - will there be happiness or sorrow at the end of end of his quest? Can he find the grail and spear and reunite Britain?
This was a highly entertaining follow-up to the first in the series, Queen of Camelot, and I found it the perfect blend of myths and legends, dreams and just a *wee* bit of magic. Highly recommended for Arthurian fans, although I recommend you leave a goodly period of time between this and book one as there's a lot of story back-tracking in the middle. A solid four star read until the last 100 or so pages, I was riveted and needed the tissue box handy for a few of them. Despite this being part of a trilogy this book covers enough of the previous history that it could stand well enough on its own. The third book in the series is called Prince of Dreams: A Tale of Tristan and Essylte. 4.5/5 stars.
The battle of Camlann is over, Arthur is dead and Britain is shattered into pieces once again. Guinevere has retired to a nunnery and a heart-broken Lancelot returns to his Kingdom across the sea. Lancelot's young son Galahad was charged by Arthur to find the buried treasures that can reunite Britain once again and is joined by his twelve-year-old cousin Percival, now King of Gwynedd upon his father's death (although his uncle rules as regent). The lads are soon following the clues and legends of the hill men, the *ancient ones*, hoping to find the grail and spear of Macsen Wledig that can reunite Britain and make it whole again.
"If I cannot love my fellow-men, however dirty their hands, how can I love the God who made them?"
The book then backtracks to Galahad's childhood, when he was raised by an embittered mother and a vicious priest with an agenda of his own to hate his father and Queen Guinevere (see more of Elen's story in the first book, Queen of Camelot). Lancelet eventually brings Galahad to Camelot to train for his knighthood and his hatred of Guinevere continues to grow and spreads to a disdain for all women, especially those who have been *cheapened* by unclean acts - including rape. The third part of the book backtracks to events leading up to the Battle of Camlann covered in the previous book in the series, albeit this time from Galahad's viewpoint.
The latter part of the book continues as Britain is rudderless upon the death of Arthur and the Saxon threat continues to grow. The wheel of fortune spins around once more and Galahad finds himself committing the very sin in the flesh that he has so loathed his father for desiring only in his heart, and in doing so dishonors his greatest friend and ally. Galahad continues to wander Britain without purpose until he can face his true self and turn the circle 'round again - will there be happiness or sorrow at the end of end of his quest? Can he find the grail and spear and reunite Britain?
This was a highly entertaining follow-up to the first in the series, Queen of Camelot, and I found it the perfect blend of myths and legends, dreams and just a *wee* bit of magic. Highly recommended for Arthurian fans, although I recommend you leave a goodly period of time between this and book one as there's a lot of story back-tracking in the middle. A solid four star read until the last 100 or so pages, I was riveted and needed the tissue box handy for a few of them. Despite this being part of a trilogy this book covers enough of the previous history that it could stand well enough on its own. The third book in the series is called Prince of Dreams: A Tale of Tristan and Essylte. 4.5/5 stars.
March 9, 2019
The Grail Prince is McKenzie's sequel to her Guinevere novel, but it is mostly placed in the last years of Arthur and the years after the king's death. The most peculiar thing about this book is that Nancy McKenzie despises Galahad as a character, and she decided to take this book as a challenge to write about a protagonist that she does not like. Sadly, the novel is not about finding the balance with Galahad, or managing to explore a character she hates, to be able to understand him, but simply a character exploration of a guy who does not change that much and remains quite unpleasant at the end of the novel too.
There is some growth, and my favourite part is how the author focuses on Galahad's feelings towards Lancelot.
In general, I had to skim read some parts, especially after Camlann, when the focus of the book returned to the present (under Constantine's rule). I would have probably appreciated the novel more if I had read it immediately after "Queen of Camelot", or if I did not love the character of Galahad quite a lot (the opposite of the author's preference).
The worst part, in my opinion, was how
There is some growth, and my favourite part is how the author focuses on Galahad's feelings towards Lancelot.
In general, I had to skim read some parts, especially after Camlann, when the focus of the book returned to the present (under Constantine's rule). I would have probably appreciated the novel more if I had read it immediately after "Queen of Camelot", or if I did not love the character of Galahad quite a lot (the opposite of the author's preference).
The worst part, in my opinion, was how
April 17, 2011
Beautiful read and whether it officially is a sequel to Queen of Camelot - it should be. This is the story of Lancelot's son, Galahad who we met in Queen of Camelot. We read about him in Guenevere's words as she so beautifully tells the story of Arthur, her beloved husband, and Lancelot, her first and always love. Queen of Camelot is my favorite of the Arthur legend books I have read, and Nancy McKenzie wrote of true and unselfish love like I have never experienced in this wonderful legend.
Galahad came into the previous book as the five year old son of Lancelot brought to Camelot after he had five years at the hands of a mother who hated both Lancelot and Guenevere and who was aided by an evil priest bent on destroying Lancelot through his son. There we see Galahad as a talented youngster devoted to Arthur, hating his father, a religious fanatic who looks upon women as evil. In the previous book we experience Arthur's last campaign and death through Guenevere's eyes as she waits in Camelot for word. On to Grail Prince where we experience some of that same story from Galahad's perspective who was there and witnessed it all. I learned more of the things I had wondered about, and I loved that in this book it was the same Arthur and Lancelot that I knew from the other book. They are definitely not portrayed the same by all authors.
But I skip ahead. This book is not written in the first person, and we see Galahad's life and his quest for the grail in several sections of this story. I was comfortable with the way the book went at times from one era and then back to an earlier time. The author did a fine job with this, because part of this story is understanding the complexities of Galahad. In many books I find myself irritated with the main character and impatient with them when they do things I don't like or don't understand. Galahad is a very troubled young man, driven by demons that were put into his mind by manipulative people all through in his young life. How he deals with them, the sometimes terrible mistakes he makes, all make for an amazing story. This is a story about love - a lot of different kinds of love. Galahad who has sworn himself to chastity and to never marrying of course does fall in love, but he is not ready for it and his actions almost cause him to lose the amazing woman he knows he will love forever.
I could go on but just let me say, read Queen of Camelot first, and then in this book you will find out answers to some of the things you wondered about because that story is through one participant's eyes. If you love the Arthur legend, there are no better books out there and that includes the Crystal Cave series and the Mists of Avalon series, both of which I love. In these books I found out just what a truly great King would be, what loyalty to that king would mean, and a whole lot about real love between man and woman and between men who are comrades at arms. I will read these books again.
Galahad came into the previous book as the five year old son of Lancelot brought to Camelot after he had five years at the hands of a mother who hated both Lancelot and Guenevere and who was aided by an evil priest bent on destroying Lancelot through his son. There we see Galahad as a talented youngster devoted to Arthur, hating his father, a religious fanatic who looks upon women as evil. In the previous book we experience Arthur's last campaign and death through Guenevere's eyes as she waits in Camelot for word. On to Grail Prince where we experience some of that same story from Galahad's perspective who was there and witnessed it all. I learned more of the things I had wondered about, and I loved that in this book it was the same Arthur and Lancelot that I knew from the other book. They are definitely not portrayed the same by all authors.
But I skip ahead. This book is not written in the first person, and we see Galahad's life and his quest for the grail in several sections of this story. I was comfortable with the way the book went at times from one era and then back to an earlier time. The author did a fine job with this, because part of this story is understanding the complexities of Galahad. In many books I find myself irritated with the main character and impatient with them when they do things I don't like or don't understand. Galahad is a very troubled young man, driven by demons that were put into his mind by manipulative people all through in his young life. How he deals with them, the sometimes terrible mistakes he makes, all make for an amazing story. This is a story about love - a lot of different kinds of love. Galahad who has sworn himself to chastity and to never marrying of course does fall in love, but he is not ready for it and his actions almost cause him to lose the amazing woman he knows he will love forever.
I could go on but just let me say, read Queen of Camelot first, and then in this book you will find out answers to some of the things you wondered about because that story is through one participant's eyes. If you love the Arthur legend, there are no better books out there and that includes the Crystal Cave series and the Mists of Avalon series, both of which I love. In these books I found out just what a truly great King would be, what loyalty to that king would mean, and a whole lot about real love between man and woman and between men who are comrades at arms. I will read these books again.
April 2, 2013
**Before starting: I marked this book as -read- but the truth is..I've come very close to the end of this book, but I don't think I'm gonna EVER finish it. Sorry, I just couldn't.**
This is the typical example of how a mediocre* writer should not write about a character she/he hates.
McKenzie has declared that she strongly disliked Galahad's character. And believe me, I didn't need to be told that, it's clearly shown in the book. You can tell she doesn't like him by the amount of hate for Galahad who is in this book. Basically, almost every single character in 'Grail Prince' hates/insults/mistreats Galahad. And for no reason, to make things worse.
Yes, he's a very bad fellow (this is another reason why I disliked this book: Jerkass Galahad is not my cup of tea, and considering that Galahad is my favourite knight, I don't want to read a book in which he's not the character I like), yes, he deserves what he gets in some occasion... but did he deserve to be threathened with death by his father just because he dared to call Guinevere a slut? He hasn't been nice to Guinevere, okay... but...recieve a death threath BY HIS GODDAM FATHER?
Or still, did he deserve to be bashed and insulted because he hated his father for abandoning him? Did he deserve to be bashed and insulted because he believed his father was implied in Gareth's death? Did he deserve to be bashed by arthur himself cause he thought bad of Guinevere? There was a scene in which Arthur was acting like a bully with Galahad...a grown up man behaving so with a 14 years old child. It was sickening. SICKENING.
Mckenzie clearly couldn't be able to not let her feelings towards Galahad interfer with her story. And excuse me, but this is poor storytelling. I don't think you must like every character you write about.. but please, do not let your feelings for them show.
Anyway, Grail Prince has been an average reading with some moments in which I just wanted to throw the book against a wall to vent out my frustration. I had to schedule 10 pages a day to get myself to read through the book..and it's only thanks to that that I've almost finished it. This because...the book fell somehow flat for me. No fireworks, no special effects. I've enjoyed the flashbacks from when Arthur was still alive -even if most of the bashing happened there-... but not so much to redeem the book.
Another bad thing about this book is that if we think about the overall idea, of a Galahad that needs to become more human in order to achieve the grail and of a grail that's not just the object, is not bad at all...it's the execution (and the characters) that is poor.
If only Mckenzie was a little bit more talented this book could have been 10 thousand times better.
*Sorry, but McKenzie is not a nobel prize for literature. She's an average storyteller, hence the word "mediocre". It just means she's neither an horrible writer nor a noble prize. Not a bad thing, it's just..what she is.
This is the typical example of how a mediocre* writer should not write about a character she/he hates.
McKenzie has declared that she strongly disliked Galahad's character. And believe me, I didn't need to be told that, it's clearly shown in the book. You can tell she doesn't like him by the amount of hate for Galahad who is in this book. Basically, almost every single character in 'Grail Prince' hates/insults/mistreats Galahad. And for no reason, to make things worse.
Yes, he's a very bad fellow (this is another reason why I disliked this book: Jerkass Galahad is not my cup of tea, and considering that Galahad is my favourite knight, I don't want to read a book in which he's not the character I like), yes, he deserves what he gets in some occasion... but did he deserve to be threathened with death by his father just because he dared to call Guinevere a slut? He hasn't been nice to Guinevere, okay... but...recieve a death threath BY HIS GODDAM FATHER?
Or still, did he deserve to be bashed and insulted because he hated his father for abandoning him? Did he deserve to be bashed and insulted because he believed his father was implied in Gareth's death? Did he deserve to be bashed by arthur himself cause he thought bad of Guinevere? There was a scene in which Arthur was acting like a bully with Galahad...a grown up man behaving so with a 14 years old child. It was sickening. SICKENING.
Mckenzie clearly couldn't be able to not let her feelings towards Galahad interfer with her story. And excuse me, but this is poor storytelling. I don't think you must like every character you write about.. but please, do not let your feelings for them show.
Anyway, Grail Prince has been an average reading with some moments in which I just wanted to throw the book against a wall to vent out my frustration. I had to schedule 10 pages a day to get myself to read through the book..and it's only thanks to that that I've almost finished it. This because...the book fell somehow flat for me. No fireworks, no special effects. I've enjoyed the flashbacks from when Arthur was still alive -even if most of the bashing happened there-... but not so much to redeem the book.
Another bad thing about this book is that if we think about the overall idea, of a Galahad that needs to become more human in order to achieve the grail and of a grail that's not just the object, is not bad at all...it's the execution (and the characters) that is poor.
If only Mckenzie was a little bit more talented this book could have been 10 thousand times better.
*Sorry, but McKenzie is not a nobel prize for literature. She's an average storyteller, hence the word "mediocre". It just means she's neither an horrible writer nor a noble prize. Not a bad thing, it's just..what she is.
October 11, 2018
For a long time, I did not touch this book. Its predecessors, The Child Queen and The High Queen (later combined into The Queen of Camelot), had been my favorite books since high school when they were first released. I read them numerous times throughout the years, but then did not return to them for a long time while my life was busy with other things. Recently, I read them again and it felt like coming home. I had always been afraid that reading this book about Galahad, one of my least favorite characters, would sully them somehow.
But, I took a chance after finishing the others and desiring not to leave Nancy McKenzie's world just yet and I must say how wrong I was to ever doubt McKenzie! She is still a master storyteller, weaving magic with every word. Truly underrated as far as authors go.
The character development where Galahad is concerned was natural and meaningful and painful as lessons are learned. We get to see the end of everything from Arthur's/Lancelot's/Galahad's view, where the previous two books are from the Guinevere's view back at Camelot--really a lot of fun. Old favorite characters return in this reminiscing, but also in parts that are added on during Galahad's travels after Camlann. Not only that, but new characters are added and come into their own in a seamless way, as you watch a new generation struggle with the aftermath of Arthur's death and the battle at Camlann (which basically killed all men but twelve from Arthur's Camelot). It was fascinating to see a glimpse of Galahad's childhood and, therefore, a glimpse into the life that Lancelot and Elaine had together.
A very well-rounded book with a very lovely ending, which has quickly become a favorite of mine. I feel silly to have waited so long to read it!
I desperately want this series of books to be made into movies.
But, I took a chance after finishing the others and desiring not to leave Nancy McKenzie's world just yet and I must say how wrong I was to ever doubt McKenzie! She is still a master storyteller, weaving magic with every word. Truly underrated as far as authors go.
The character development where Galahad is concerned was natural and meaningful and painful as lessons are learned. We get to see the end of everything from Arthur's/Lancelot's/Galahad's view, where the previous two books are from the Guinevere's view back at Camelot--really a lot of fun. Old favorite characters return in this reminiscing, but also in parts that are added on during Galahad's travels after Camlann. Not only that, but new characters are added and come into their own in a seamless way, as you watch a new generation struggle with the aftermath of Arthur's death and the battle at Camlann (which basically killed all men but twelve from Arthur's Camelot). It was fascinating to see a glimpse of Galahad's childhood and, therefore, a glimpse into the life that Lancelot and Elaine had together.
A very well-rounded book with a very lovely ending, which has quickly become a favorite of mine. I feel silly to have waited so long to read it!
I desperately want this series of books to be made into movies.
August 3, 2016
Ho letto Queen of Camelot nel 2012 (le mie prime recensioni, ossia abbastanza tempo fa per ricordarmi le seguenti cose: che l'Arthur della McKenzie era notevole, che ha la tendenza a fare dei suoi protagonisti delle Mary Sue stranamente sopportabili, e che - nonostante tutto - il libro mi era piaciuto.
Per il resto è passato troppo tempo perchè riesca a ricordare i dettagli precisi, e ho affrontato il seguito con un po' di confusione su un paio di dettagli: è l'autrice che si è contraddetta, o sono io che attribuisco al retelling sbagliato una determinata scena?
Propendo per la seconda, ma andiamo avanti: questo libro è uno di quelli che mi mette un po' in crisi perchè i difetti fanno pari coi pregi, e quindi non riesco a dire né che non mi è piaciuto, né che mi è piaciuto. Lo consiglierei? Se si è fan di Galahad sicuramente sì, a tutti gli altri...boh.
Partiamo coi pregi: è scritto bene. Lo stile della McKenzie mi è piaciuto prima e mi è piaciuto adesso, riesce a mettere a suo agio il lettore e a costruire un'ambientazione crudele senza sottolinearne troppo la violenza. In più a questo giro ha dimostrato che, se ci si mette, riesce anche a scrivere personaggi complessi: Ginevra era una santa - né più né meno - e Galahad assolutamente no. Il che è intrigante, visto che stando al mito il ragazzo è così perfettamente perfetto e puro che non solo trova il Graal, ma lo può pure toccare. Insomma, può essere complicato rendere interessante uno come lui.
Il Galahad della McKenzie è virtuoso e puro, ma è anche inqudrato come pochi e vive le conseguenze del terribile matrimonio tra Elaine e Lancelot. Troppo giovane per capire le complesse ed autolesioniste dinamiche tra i due, da bambino si trova con una madre che soffre perennemente a causa di un padre che non c'è mai (e quando c'è peggiora le cose), la cui mancanza si spiega con il suo voler essere assieme all'altra. Galahad è la vittima inconsapevole ed incolpevole in una relazione che non può essere terminata, e in cui è troppo facile trovare un caprio espiatorio - anzi, due.
Lancillotto e Ginevra, e quelli che il prezzo del loro amore lo pagano anche dopo Camlann e la caduta di Camelot.
La cerca del Graal, a sorpresa, non è al centro della storia: al centro c'è questo ragazzo, poco più che un bambino quando il sogno è finito nel sangue, che in qualche modo cerca di farlo rivivere, e attraverso di lui vediamo il declino della Britannia, e quello che è venuto dopo Arthur. Il buio attraverso gli occhi di chi ha visto la luce, e la storia di un ragazzo che diventa uomo cercando di comprendere i traumi della sua infanzia, di fare pace col suo passato e guadagnarsi così il futuro.
La McKenzie, tra l'altro, ne approfitta per fare anche un'altra cosa: nel precedente libro la caduta di Camelot era tutta dal punto di vista di Ginevra, e Camlann direttamente per sentito dire. Questo libro, invece, si muove su due linee temporali: gli anni dopo Artù, e quelli che hanno preceduto la sua morte, ed essendo stavolta il punto di vista qualcuno che sul campo di battaglia non c'è proprio stato, ma quasi... finalmente possiamo vedere l'altro lato. E sì, la McKenzie scrive delle grandi Mary Sue, e sì, la caduta di Camelot l'ha ripresa paro paro dalla Stewart... ma cavolo se non sa scrivere Arthur. Lo scrive così bene che la cosa più assurda è che a Ginevra piaccia pure Lancillotto.
Ma ora occorre passare alle noti dolenti: la prima è che, nonostante tutto, non si capisce quale sia il punto del libro. Cosa vuole raccontare? È solo in minima parte un retelling della cerca del Graal, e come seguito per vedere dove sono i personaggi che abbiamo imparato a conoscere... beh, vista la mattanza con cui si chiude il ciclo arturiano sarebbero bastate 100 pagine a stare larghi.
Aggiunge retroscena ad una sottotrama che - leggendo il primo volume - non sembrava averne bisogno, ed è troppo concentrato sul protagonista per essere un'espediente con cui narrare quello che succede nell'ambientazione intera dopo la morte di Artù.
Quanto al protagonista, beh, è uno che si vedeva poco e di cui importava poco, motivo per cui - come dicevo prima - non è un libro per persone che non hanno mai letto niente di questo particolare mito o che non gli interessa niente di Galahad.
Poi c'è stato lo scarso uso di Parcival e Dandrane: lui adorabile patatino che però perde tutta la sua importanza, lei... beh, diciamo che se la protagonista era Dandrane il libro finiva in tre capitoli, con lei incoronata regina della Britannia e non per matrimonio. La fanciulla riesce a:
- mandare a Camlann suo fratello nonostante il parere contrario del padre (che era un re, mica il primo scemo del villaggio)
- capire le implicazioni politiche della lunga reggenza dello zio, e soprattutto dell'ambiziosa zia
- fare il contropiano
- mettere suo fratello sul trono senza spargimenti di sangue
- dire a Galahad che sua madre non era una santa e suo padre non è il demonio
E nonostante tutto il suo ruolo è il love interest, e le sue azioni servono solo a renderla all'altezza di Galahad.
Per andare - però - ai due punti che mi ha fatto alzare gli occhi al cielo e scadere il libro, devo entrare nel magico regno dello spoiler.
Per il resto è passato troppo tempo perchè riesca a ricordare i dettagli precisi, e ho affrontato il seguito con un po' di confusione su un paio di dettagli: è l'autrice che si è contraddetta, o sono io che attribuisco al retelling sbagliato una determinata scena?
Propendo per la seconda, ma andiamo avanti: questo libro è uno di quelli che mi mette un po' in crisi perchè i difetti fanno pari coi pregi, e quindi non riesco a dire né che non mi è piaciuto, né che mi è piaciuto. Lo consiglierei? Se si è fan di Galahad sicuramente sì, a tutti gli altri...boh.
Partiamo coi pregi: è scritto bene. Lo stile della McKenzie mi è piaciuto prima e mi è piaciuto adesso, riesce a mettere a suo agio il lettore e a costruire un'ambientazione crudele senza sottolinearne troppo la violenza. In più a questo giro ha dimostrato che, se ci si mette, riesce anche a scrivere personaggi complessi: Ginevra era una santa - né più né meno - e Galahad assolutamente no. Il che è intrigante, visto che stando al mito il ragazzo è così perfettamente perfetto e puro che non solo trova il Graal, ma lo può pure toccare. Insomma, può essere complicato rendere interessante uno come lui.
Il Galahad della McKenzie è virtuoso e puro, ma è anche inqudrato come pochi e vive le conseguenze del terribile matrimonio tra Elaine e Lancelot. Troppo giovane per capire le complesse ed autolesioniste dinamiche tra i due, da bambino si trova con una madre che soffre perennemente a causa di un padre che non c'è mai (e quando c'è peggiora le cose), la cui mancanza si spiega con il suo voler essere assieme all'altra. Galahad è la vittima inconsapevole ed incolpevole in una relazione che non può essere terminata, e in cui è troppo facile trovare un caprio espiatorio - anzi, due.
Lancillotto e Ginevra, e quelli che il prezzo del loro amore lo pagano anche dopo Camlann e la caduta di Camelot.
La cerca del Graal, a sorpresa, non è al centro della storia: al centro c'è questo ragazzo, poco più che un bambino quando il sogno è finito nel sangue, che in qualche modo cerca di farlo rivivere, e attraverso di lui vediamo il declino della Britannia, e quello che è venuto dopo Arthur. Il buio attraverso gli occhi di chi ha visto la luce, e la storia di un ragazzo che diventa uomo cercando di comprendere i traumi della sua infanzia, di fare pace col suo passato e guadagnarsi così il futuro.
La McKenzie, tra l'altro, ne approfitta per fare anche un'altra cosa: nel precedente libro la caduta di Camelot era tutta dal punto di vista di Ginevra, e Camlann direttamente per sentito dire. Questo libro, invece, si muove su due linee temporali: gli anni dopo Artù, e quelli che hanno preceduto la sua morte, ed essendo stavolta il punto di vista qualcuno che sul campo di battaglia non c'è proprio stato, ma quasi... finalmente possiamo vedere l'altro lato. E sì, la McKenzie scrive delle grandi Mary Sue, e sì, la caduta di Camelot l'ha ripresa paro paro dalla Stewart... ma cavolo se non sa scrivere Arthur. Lo scrive così bene che la cosa più assurda è che a Ginevra piaccia pure Lancillotto.
Ma ora occorre passare alle noti dolenti: la prima è che, nonostante tutto, non si capisce quale sia il punto del libro. Cosa vuole raccontare? È solo in minima parte un retelling della cerca del Graal, e come seguito per vedere dove sono i personaggi che abbiamo imparato a conoscere... beh, vista la mattanza con cui si chiude il ciclo arturiano sarebbero bastate 100 pagine a stare larghi.
Aggiunge retroscena ad una sottotrama che - leggendo il primo volume - non sembrava averne bisogno, ed è troppo concentrato sul protagonista per essere un'espediente con cui narrare quello che succede nell'ambientazione intera dopo la morte di Artù.
Quanto al protagonista, beh, è uno che si vedeva poco e di cui importava poco, motivo per cui - come dicevo prima - non è un libro per persone che non hanno mai letto niente di questo particolare mito o che non gli interessa niente di Galahad.
Poi c'è stato lo scarso uso di Parcival e Dandrane: lui adorabile patatino che però perde tutta la sua importanza, lei... beh, diciamo che se la protagonista era Dandrane il libro finiva in tre capitoli, con lei incoronata regina della Britannia e non per matrimonio. La fanciulla riesce a:
- mandare a Camlann suo fratello nonostante il parere contrario del padre (che era un re, mica il primo scemo del villaggio)
- capire le implicazioni politiche della lunga reggenza dello zio, e soprattutto dell'ambiziosa zia
- fare il contropiano
- mettere suo fratello sul trono senza spargimenti di sangue
- dire a Galahad che sua madre non era una santa e suo padre non è il demonio
E nonostante tutto il suo ruolo è il love interest, e le sue azioni servono solo a renderla all'altezza di Galahad.
Per andare - però - ai due punti che mi ha fatto alzare gli occhi al cielo e scadere il libro, devo entrare nel magico regno dello spoiler.
May 16, 2022
Galahad's story. Twisted by his bitter mother and a vengeful priest, Galahad hates his father and his loyalty to Guinevere--no affair. He vows to have nothing to do with women and is very proud and unbending. Arthur sends him to find the Grail and Spear. The adventures of that quest, as well as the fall of Camelot, cause him to mature and re-evaluate his views. As does falling in love with Dane, Percival's twin and a woman he is not supposed to have. In the end, he reconciles with Lancelot, finds peace with himself, and is reunited with Dane--and his daughter. He also does achieve the Grail, just not as he expects.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2019
I spent a fair amount of this book thinking Galahad is a giant twat. He definitely is. But it's an interesting character trait and I ended up LOVING him. Dandrane is my #1 though.
April 13, 2024
As with her others, a tour de force and the only media that has ever made me feel fond of Guinevere. Emotional, haunting, and transports you to its world immediately. Couldn't put it down.
December 5, 2010
I decided to read this after all, and really enjoyed it. Galahad, of course, was insufferably pompous and stubborn for about the first 75% of the book, but luckily Percival was around for a lot of that time, and he was delightful. Galahad's stupid insistence that he knew better than everyone else actually started being humorous after awhile-- the number of times he said "Mordred is abdomination" was ridiculous and (probably unintentionally) entertaining. Even better, much of the middle of the book is an extended flashback, which gives us more Arthur. Ahh, what a guy... I appreciated the chance to revisit the lead-up to his doom, because it wasn't entirely clear from the previous book what exactly had happened. So although huge flashback sections in the middle of the book usually frustrate me, it was a welcome interlude here. I could have done without so many random instances of innocent maidens being captured and/or raped by wild bandits (and I'm sorry to say I sort of cheered Galahad's "dishonorable" treatment of the first such "bandit" he encountered). Aside from that, it was nice to see Galahad change his ways gradually, and nice to see poor Lancelot finally get his redemption. The outcome with Dane was obvious from early on, but it was still satisfying. I was glad I gave this one a chance (despite the mildly embarrassing cover image and title).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2015
I read this book because I had heard Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot book was really good, but my library didn't have that one. The Grail Prince was a very well-thought out story about the son of Lancelot, Galahad. He is raised by a weird mother and an absent father. Needless to say, he has some issues.
McKenzie keeps switching to different periods of Galahad's life, not writing them in order. When the book first starts he is 15 and then we learn about things that happened when he was 5 and so on. It is a little tricky to keep up with, but I kind of liked how it flowed. He meets his true love, Dane, near the beginning, and you can tell they will probably end up together. She does not reappear for a LONG time though, so that was a little sad. I love to have a little romance :)
Overall, I think you can really see Galahad's character grow and change and learn many lessons throughout the book. He is a dark man for a while and then he finally learns mercy and love and forgiveness. I think the book had a wonderful message and a happy ending. I was very pleased with it. It is a tad long, but well worth the time spent reading.
McKenzie keeps switching to different periods of Galahad's life, not writing them in order. When the book first starts he is 15 and then we learn about things that happened when he was 5 and so on. It is a little tricky to keep up with, but I kind of liked how it flowed. He meets his true love, Dane, near the beginning, and you can tell they will probably end up together. She does not reappear for a LONG time though, so that was a little sad. I love to have a little romance :)
Overall, I think you can really see Galahad's character grow and change and learn many lessons throughout the book. He is a dark man for a while and then he finally learns mercy and love and forgiveness. I think the book had a wonderful message and a happy ending. I was very pleased with it. It is a tad long, but well worth the time spent reading.
February 25, 2010
I think I like this one better than Queen of Camelot, if that is possible!!! Nancy Mckenzie brings Galahad to life! I was however quite surprised of how much of this book is a "retelling" of Queen of Camelot in Galahad's point of view.
I enjoyed the way McKenzie went back and forth through Galahad's childhood and adulthood. I also love her short chapters and how she divides up her books in smaller "books." Her vivid descriptions bring sooo much to life. An example of her creative imagery,
"Bare hardwoods raked leaden skies with naked fingers while dark pines spread green skirts to catch the swirling flakes, and the earth settled grudgingly to sleep under her cold blanket." (p10)
I am sad to finish this book, luckily there is a 3rd book in the series which I will start ASAP! Oh don't let the silly cover fool you, it is not a romance novel at all, as the other reviewers have noted is more a story of Galahad and his self discovery.. Beautiful story!
I enjoyed the way McKenzie went back and forth through Galahad's childhood and adulthood. I also love her short chapters and how she divides up her books in smaller "books." Her vivid descriptions bring sooo much to life. An example of her creative imagery,
"Bare hardwoods raked leaden skies with naked fingers while dark pines spread green skirts to catch the swirling flakes, and the earth settled grudgingly to sleep under her cold blanket." (p10)
I am sad to finish this book, luckily there is a 3rd book in the series which I will start ASAP! Oh don't let the silly cover fool you, it is not a romance novel at all, as the other reviewers have noted is more a story of Galahad and his self discovery.. Beautiful story!
June 5, 2013
This is second in part of a trilogy, I've discovered, with "Queen of Camelot" first and the Tristan and Isolde story last. I don't know that "Grail Prince" would be that interesting by itself, b/c it seems a main function (in addition to the grail quest, obviously) is to fill in the blanks from "Queen of Camelot," so that book should definitely be read first, so this one makes sense. I did like the themes of redemption throughout, both for Galahad himself, Lancelot, Guinevere, etc. And the "trials" of the quest were handled very well, a couple of them snuck up on me as they weren't obvious trials (which was the point), so I liked that. All in all, if you enjoy Arthurian tales you will like this one, but make sure to read "Queen of Camelot" first.
July 20, 2012
ASnother great Arthurian story :) I may not like Galahad as much as I liked Guenivere's story, but that is mainly because he is so pompous and evil in the beginning. By the end of the book I really enjoyed him as was happy that he ended up with Dane and their daughter. I also loved the twist on the holy grail and his last conversation with Arthur. All in all a really long read, but so nice to hear Guenievere's story and Britains story after Arthur and Mordrid's deaths. Lancelots was a bit missing in this one, and the whole being buried with Athur and Guenivere was a bit odd but well hey maybe they enjoyed thier threesome
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2010
I loved this book! This is not a sequel to "Queen of Camelot" but I think you will enjoy it WAY more having read "Queen of Camelot" first! (There's a lot that happens in this book that correlates with the other and adds more depth to what's going on). It's the type of book that you love and then hate and then love and then hate and then love...it has an excellent message and is very well written. I do have to say - I hate the cover...that is not how I pictured him at all! : )
Read
March 22, 2009Although Mckenzie is a wonderful writer and creates very vivid reinterpretations of Arthurian legends, Galahad is an almost unreadable character. I found I did not wish to finish the book on several occasions on account of the main character's attitudes and behaviours.
July 27, 2014
I really did not like Galahad for two-thirds of this book. He was self-righteous and a huge jerk. But he redeemed himself towards the end, and I found myself liking him and cheering his search for the Grail,despite his failings.
November 19, 2008
Not as strong as Queen of Camelot, but still very good.
August 31, 2009
Another great book by Nancy McKenzie. Not as good as Queen of Camelot, but five stars in its own right.
April 20, 2013
A nice re-read. A story about Galahad (Lancelot's son), set before and after Arthur dies.
July 27, 2014
I love this book! It's a wonderfully unique and original take on the Arthurian legends. Galahad's journey is one I won't ever forget. This is Arthurian fantasy at its finest!
October 9, 2014
Missing
May 11, 2008
not nearly as good as queen of camelot.
Read
June 10, 2013Sorry, never finished :(
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