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Guinevere #2
Queen of the Summer Stars
"Once again we are captivated by the magic of the legend that has long fed our appetite for pageantry and romantic adventure."
-Washington Post
In a country still reeling from the collapse of the Roman Empire, the young King Arthur and his wife Guinevere struggle to keep the barbarians at bay even as they establish the Fellowship of the Round Table. The spirited and outspoken Guinevere skillfully combats an accusation of planning to poison Arthur in a country simmering with unrest and scandal. But Guinevere's greatest battles are dangers Arthur cannot see-ones she'll have to fight on her own. And all the while, she must reconcile her thirst for freedom with her duties as queen, and her growing love for Lancelot with her loyalty to her husband. Vibrantly human and touchingly real, Guinevere reigns as a woman poised to discover the true peril and promise of the human heart.
Praise for Persia Woolley's Guinevere Trilogy
"In Queen of the Summer Stars, Woolley employs the same sensitive revelation of character and attention to cultural detail that made Child of the Northern Spring such an enchantment."
-San Francisco Chronicle
"Richly textured, evoking the sights and sounds of castle and countryside, the qualities of knight and servant. Highly recommended."
-Library Journal
"A marvelous sense of daily life...the details of tribal differences among Briton, Saxon, and Pict, as well as the uneasy mixture of pagan and Christian ritual and belief. Enjoyable for all fans of Arthurian romance."
-Booklist
"Persia Woolley is a born storyteller. Her love and enthusiasm for Guinevere and her times shimmers from every page."
-Parke Godwin, author of Beloved Exile and The First Rainbow
-Washington Post
In a country still reeling from the collapse of the Roman Empire, the young King Arthur and his wife Guinevere struggle to keep the barbarians at bay even as they establish the Fellowship of the Round Table. The spirited and outspoken Guinevere skillfully combats an accusation of planning to poison Arthur in a country simmering with unrest and scandal. But Guinevere's greatest battles are dangers Arthur cannot see-ones she'll have to fight on her own. And all the while, she must reconcile her thirst for freedom with her duties as queen, and her growing love for Lancelot with her loyalty to her husband. Vibrantly human and touchingly real, Guinevere reigns as a woman poised to discover the true peril and promise of the human heart.
Praise for Persia Woolley's Guinevere Trilogy
"In Queen of the Summer Stars, Woolley employs the same sensitive revelation of character and attention to cultural detail that made Child of the Northern Spring such an enchantment."
-San Francisco Chronicle
"Richly textured, evoking the sights and sounds of castle and countryside, the qualities of knight and servant. Highly recommended."
-Library Journal
"A marvelous sense of daily life...the details of tribal differences among Briton, Saxon, and Pict, as well as the uneasy mixture of pagan and Christian ritual and belief. Enjoyable for all fans of Arthurian romance."
-Booklist
"Persia Woolley is a born storyteller. Her love and enthusiasm for Guinevere and her times shimmers from every page."
-Parke Godwin, author of Beloved Exile and The First Rainbow
512 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
27 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 67 reviews
December 29, 2011
Perhaps it's mostly the comparison with Sharan Newman's books, which I forced myself through yesterday, but Persia Woolley's books were like a breath of fresh air. I genuinely didn't want to put them down, even if I'm technically being bribed to read them. I'm going to quite happily go back and immerse myself in the third book of the trilogy, and there'll be no skimming. This is a Guinevere I can like and admire -- even a Lancelot I can like. She and Arthur and Lancelot are all human, with their own failings, vulnerabilities... The narration, by Guinevere, is so open-hearted and honest, and her love for both men comes through.
I think the way Persia Woolley plays the various episodes from Arthurian myth is very good -- I liked her version of Gawain and Ragnell, for example, and though her Tristan and Isolde are pathetic, there's something compelling about their story and how it touches on Guinevere. It's irritating to find that, once again, Morgause and Morgan are powerful, in charge of their own sexualities... and evil. It's a trope in Arthurian fiction I could do without -- although this Guinevere is positive toward sex, and there's a vitality and life in her relationship with Arthur that's refreshing.
Looking forward to reading the third book.
I think the way Persia Woolley plays the various episodes from Arthurian myth is very good -- I liked her version of Gawain and Ragnell, for example, and though her Tristan and Isolde are pathetic, there's something compelling about their story and how it touches on Guinevere. It's irritating to find that, once again, Morgause and Morgan are powerful, in charge of their own sexualities... and evil. It's a trope in Arthurian fiction I could do without -- although this Guinevere is positive toward sex, and there's a vitality and life in her relationship with Arthur that's refreshing.
Looking forward to reading the third book.
September 7, 2024
Queen of the Summer Stars was written by Persia Woolley and published in 1991. It is the third book in the Guinevere trilogy. A trilogy that retells the King Arthur legends from Guinevere’s point of view.
In this installment Guinevere really grows into her role as Queen and Arthur’s wife. Yet also begins to grapple with her feelings for Lancelot.
I’m really liking this portrayal of Guinevere. She seems so human and so likeable. In this version Guinevere has love for both Arthur and Lancelot in different ways. Both are understandable as her story unfolds. So far she has made honorable, although difficult choices. Although we all know what leads to the downfall of Camelot! It remains to be seen what happens in the third book. It’s always such a difficult triangle because both Arthur and Lancelot are such admirable men. Yet in this portrayal what they offer Gwen is so different. Arthur is wonderful in many ways. His respect for Gwen is clear. His devotion is present, yet silent. This leaves a void in Gwen that the eloquent and romantic Lancelot fills. He is there for Gwen with affection, love and emotions that don’t come naturally to Arthur. Yet Lancelot and Gwen are portrayed to have a strong sense of duty in this novel, which is admirable.
I love how all the other characters of Camelot are intertwined in the story as well. Woolley really stayed true to all the different character’s stories while creating her own spin on it. The love triangle between King Mark, Tristan and Isolde was included. The ‘ Lady of Shallot’ Elaine with her unrequited love for Lancelot. Morgan Le Fey. All the different knights of the round table. Merlin and his pupil/love interest Nimue. The back story of Arthur’s parents Uther and Igraine was also touched on. The infamous Mordred makes his first appearance.
I am a longtime fan of the stories of King Arthur and Camelot, so all of these stories are familiar to me. I’ve read the classic Le Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Mallory, Tennyson’s Idylls of the King poems and T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. I’ve also seen many movie adaptations although honestly the only one of those I really love is the 1967 musical Camelot. It’s a pleasure to find another retelling in this Guinevere trilogy. So far it’s definitely turning into a new favorite. I ate this up from start to finish.
It was so hard to put this down. I was so invested in the lives of these characters and let’s be honest I’ll take any chance to become absorbed in the legends of Camelot.
I highly recommend this trilogy to any King Arthur legend fan.
In this installment Guinevere really grows into her role as Queen and Arthur’s wife. Yet also begins to grapple with her feelings for Lancelot.
I’m really liking this portrayal of Guinevere. She seems so human and so likeable. In this version Guinevere has love for both Arthur and Lancelot in different ways. Both are understandable as her story unfolds. So far she has made honorable, although difficult choices. Although we all know what leads to the downfall of Camelot! It remains to be seen what happens in the third book. It’s always such a difficult triangle because both Arthur and Lancelot are such admirable men. Yet in this portrayal what they offer Gwen is so different. Arthur is wonderful in many ways. His respect for Gwen is clear. His devotion is present, yet silent. This leaves a void in Gwen that the eloquent and romantic Lancelot fills. He is there for Gwen with affection, love and emotions that don’t come naturally to Arthur. Yet Lancelot and Gwen are portrayed to have a strong sense of duty in this novel, which is admirable.
I love how all the other characters of Camelot are intertwined in the story as well. Woolley really stayed true to all the different character’s stories while creating her own spin on it. The love triangle between King Mark, Tristan and Isolde was included. The ‘ Lady of Shallot’ Elaine with her unrequited love for Lancelot. Morgan Le Fey. All the different knights of the round table. Merlin and his pupil/love interest Nimue. The back story of Arthur’s parents Uther and Igraine was also touched on. The infamous Mordred makes his first appearance.
I am a longtime fan of the stories of King Arthur and Camelot, so all of these stories are familiar to me. I’ve read the classic Le Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Mallory, Tennyson’s Idylls of the King poems and T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. I’ve also seen many movie adaptations although honestly the only one of those I really love is the 1967 musical Camelot. It’s a pleasure to find another retelling in this Guinevere trilogy. So far it’s definitely turning into a new favorite. I ate this up from start to finish.
It was so hard to put this down. I was so invested in the lives of these characters and let’s be honest I’ll take any chance to become absorbed in the legends of Camelot.
I highly recommend this trilogy to any King Arthur legend fan.
December 5, 2015
Avendo deciso di leggere la trilogia tutta in una volta la prima cosa che posso dire è che qui vediamo la naturale evoluzione dei personaggi. Avevamo lasciato Ginevra e Artù poco più che adolescenti, due ragazzini con delle responsabilità enormi e quella forza di volontà tutta giovanile che, un po', deriva anche dall'inesperienza.
Il sogno di Merlino che era ancora in maggior parte il suo sogno invece che la causa di Artù.
Ginevra più incuriosita dal marito che dal suo popolo.
Quasi due bambini, in retrospettiva.
In questo libro li ritroviamo qualche anno dopo, più adulti, più maturi, cresciuti nei loro ruoli: Artù, il Grande Re, l'uomo con una visione che riesce ad ispirare il meglio negli altri, e la sua regina, simbolo di bellezza e di virtù. Entrambi forti e capaci nei loro ruoli, entrambi soddisfatti e - apparentemente - appagati.
E poi si cominciano a notare le prime piccole crepe, vuoti che non si possono riempire ma in cui puoi mettere uno scalpello e, se non distruggere tutto, fare molti danni.
I primi capitoli del libro traggono in inganno: è il tramonto di Igraine, madre naturale di Arthur, amante e moglie di Uther. Lei muore, e lascia a Guinevere un racconto di amore e rimpianto, l'ammonimento su quale prezzo si può pagare per la passione. Una cosa che sembra così lontana, così remota e solo alla fine capisci quanto ha influito, e influisce, su tutto: bambini lasciati senza madre.
Morgan e Morgause esiliate, sole a coltivare la rabbia, l'ambizione, la voglia di rivalsa verso il figlio di coloro che - per avere tutto - le hanno buttate via.
Arthur e la ferita dell'abbandono mai del tutto affrontata o guarita, che lo rende così vulnerabile ai tradimenti delle sorelle. Un uomo incapace di lasciarsi andare completamente, che ha eretto dei muri che Guinevere, pur con tutta la volontà e l'amore possibile, non può abbattere. Costretta ad accontentarsi di quello che il marito riesce a darle e che, nei momenti peggiori, non è abbastanza: il sostegno di Arthur dopo la violenza di Maelgwn pare limitarsi a un 'tranquilla, non ti ripudierò'. Quello per la maternità mancata è completamente assente: lui non vuole figli e non si sforza di capire il dolore della moglie, né prova il benchè minimo interesse per la successione nel regno di Guinevere, il cui governo passerà al vicino-nemico storico se lei non avrà eredi naturali.
A questo si aggiunge che Gwen è perfettamente consapevole del fatto che Arthur dovrà sempre dare la precedenza alla Britannia, e non soffre per quello: soffre perchè non sembra che - per il marito - questo sia un sacrificio.
È qui, in queste piccole grandi crepe, che si insinua Lancillotto: l'idea di una vita dedicata al compagno, di essere al primo posto e di poterlo mettere al primo posto, ha un'attrattiva enorme per la regina... eppure è un sogno senza speranza, perchè entrambi amano Arthur e non riescono a tradirlo, non anche loro.
Ho apprezzato come è stato reso il famoso triangolo, in modo così umano e così triste: non ci sono buoni o cattivi. Arthur non è un uomo (o un marito) malvagio, Lancillotto non è un traditore e Ginevra è bloccata in una situazione impossibile
Sono così irrazionali nei loro sentimenti: Lance che scappa sperando di dimenticare, Gwen che non riesce a lasciarlo andare pur sapendo quanto è ingiusto trattenerlo, ed Arthur che non si accorge di niente - o fa finta di niente.
Ma non c'è solo l'inizio del famoso triangolo, in questo libro: Persia Woolley è un'autrice che, pur avendo optato per l'ambientazione storica, cerca di inserire più 'storie' possibili dei vecchi miti. E quindi ci sono Gawain e Ragnell, dove la donzella è a capo di una tribù nomade e viene percepita dalla corte come rozza e brutta. Elaine di Astolat è rivisitata in un modo originale e tristissimo (non è poco per una che si lascia letteralmente morire d'amore), ed Elaine di Corbenic non è completamente negativa (c'è da dire che - su di lei - il punto di vista non è parziale).
Tuttavia il premio 'Personaggi Secondari' spetta a Tristano ed Isotta.
Ho sempre trovato interessante che nel ciclo arturiano si trovino due triangoli così simili, e mi piace quando nei retelling se ne tiene conto: qui Lancillotto e Ginevra guardano ai due amanti come ad un monito, ciò che rischiano di diventare se non riusciranno a controllarsi. Oltre al fatto che la risoluzione per la loro storia è molto innovativa, ed Isotta cresce tantissimo: inizia che la vorresti battere contro un muro, e finisce che nessuno là dentro la merita... tranne forse Palomides.
Ma non è solo tristezza e dramma: ci sono le feste, c'è la gioia dei personaggi per aver costruito qualcosa, ci sono le epiche amicizie, c'è la grande battaglia contro Cedric, c'è Nimue che è così discreta che ti coglie di sorpresa quando ti rendi conto di quanto ti sta a cuore, c'è l'esilarante momento in cui a Ginevra portano le dame di compagnia e lei si aspetta delle mezze bambine... e si ritrova con un gruppo di adolescenti in overdose da zucchero e ha una reazione in stile "OMG cosa ci devo fare con loro?!"
E c'è Mordred, negli ultimi capitoli: un bambino che Ginevra vede imprigionato nella stessa rete che ha distrutto sua madre e il resto della loro famiglia, e che vuole disperatamente salvare. Il bambino che avrebbe dovuto essere suo, e che Arthur assolutamente non vuole.
Ovviamente il libro, per quanto mi sia piaciuto da impazzire, non è esente da difetti: il primo è la linea temporale: mancano i flashback folli del primo volume, ma è quasi impossibile capire quanto tempo passi tra un evento e l'altro, e alla fine sei quasi stupito quando ti rendi conto che sono passati poco meno di dieci anni dalla prima pagina all'ultima (aiuta molto che dicano chiaramante che Mordred ha quasi undici anni quando entra in scena, ed è stato concepito circa un anno prima del matrimonio tra Arthur e Guinevere), e la gestione di Morgan non mi convince del tutto: capisco da dove viene e perchè fa quello che fa... però è un po' troppo relegata sullo sfondo per i miei gusti.
In compenso Morgause è fantastica: one scene wonder alla massima potenza.
Il sogno di Merlino che era ancora in maggior parte il suo sogno invece che la causa di Artù.
Ginevra più incuriosita dal marito che dal suo popolo.
Quasi due bambini, in retrospettiva.
In questo libro li ritroviamo qualche anno dopo, più adulti, più maturi, cresciuti nei loro ruoli: Artù, il Grande Re, l'uomo con una visione che riesce ad ispirare il meglio negli altri, e la sua regina, simbolo di bellezza e di virtù. Entrambi forti e capaci nei loro ruoli, entrambi soddisfatti e - apparentemente - appagati.
E poi si cominciano a notare le prime piccole crepe, vuoti che non si possono riempire ma in cui puoi mettere uno scalpello e, se non distruggere tutto, fare molti danni.
I primi capitoli del libro traggono in inganno: è il tramonto di Igraine, madre naturale di Arthur, amante e moglie di Uther. Lei muore, e lascia a Guinevere un racconto di amore e rimpianto, l'ammonimento su quale prezzo si può pagare per la passione. Una cosa che sembra così lontana, così remota e solo alla fine capisci quanto ha influito, e influisce, su tutto: bambini lasciati senza madre.
Morgan e Morgause esiliate, sole a coltivare la rabbia, l'ambizione, la voglia di rivalsa verso il figlio di coloro che - per avere tutto - le hanno buttate via.
Arthur e la ferita dell'abbandono mai del tutto affrontata o guarita, che lo rende così vulnerabile ai tradimenti delle sorelle. Un uomo incapace di lasciarsi andare completamente, che ha eretto dei muri che Guinevere, pur con tutta la volontà e l'amore possibile, non può abbattere. Costretta ad accontentarsi di quello che il marito riesce a darle e che, nei momenti peggiori, non è abbastanza: il sostegno di Arthur dopo la violenza di Maelgwn pare limitarsi a un 'tranquilla, non ti ripudierò'. Quello per la maternità mancata è completamente assente: lui non vuole figli e non si sforza di capire il dolore della moglie, né prova il benchè minimo interesse per la successione nel regno di Guinevere, il cui governo passerà al vicino-nemico storico se lei non avrà eredi naturali.
A questo si aggiunge che Gwen è perfettamente consapevole del fatto che Arthur dovrà sempre dare la precedenza alla Britannia, e non soffre per quello: soffre perchè non sembra che - per il marito - questo sia un sacrificio.
È qui, in queste piccole grandi crepe, che si insinua Lancillotto: l'idea di una vita dedicata al compagno, di essere al primo posto e di poterlo mettere al primo posto, ha un'attrattiva enorme per la regina... eppure è un sogno senza speranza, perchè entrambi amano Arthur e non riescono a tradirlo, non anche loro.
Ho apprezzato come è stato reso il famoso triangolo, in modo così umano e così triste: non ci sono buoni o cattivi. Arthur non è un uomo (o un marito) malvagio, Lancillotto non è un traditore e Ginevra è bloccata in una situazione impossibile
Sono così irrazionali nei loro sentimenti: Lance che scappa sperando di dimenticare, Gwen che non riesce a lasciarlo andare pur sapendo quanto è ingiusto trattenerlo, ed Arthur che non si accorge di niente - o fa finta di niente.
Ma non c'è solo l'inizio del famoso triangolo, in questo libro: Persia Woolley è un'autrice che, pur avendo optato per l'ambientazione storica, cerca di inserire più 'storie' possibili dei vecchi miti. E quindi ci sono Gawain e Ragnell, dove la donzella è a capo di una tribù nomade e viene percepita dalla corte come rozza e brutta. Elaine di Astolat è rivisitata in un modo originale e tristissimo (non è poco per una che si lascia letteralmente morire d'amore), ed Elaine di Corbenic non è completamente negativa (c'è da dire che - su di lei - il punto di vista non è parziale).
Tuttavia il premio 'Personaggi Secondari' spetta a Tristano ed Isotta.
Ho sempre trovato interessante che nel ciclo arturiano si trovino due triangoli così simili, e mi piace quando nei retelling se ne tiene conto: qui Lancillotto e Ginevra guardano ai due amanti come ad un monito, ciò che rischiano di diventare se non riusciranno a controllarsi. Oltre al fatto che la risoluzione per la loro storia è molto innovativa, ed Isotta cresce tantissimo: inizia che la vorresti battere contro un muro, e finisce che nessuno là dentro la merita... tranne forse Palomides.
Ma non è solo tristezza e dramma: ci sono le feste, c'è la gioia dei personaggi per aver costruito qualcosa, ci sono le epiche amicizie, c'è la grande battaglia contro Cedric, c'è Nimue che è così discreta che ti coglie di sorpresa quando ti rendi conto di quanto ti sta a cuore, c'è l'esilarante momento in cui a Ginevra portano le dame di compagnia e lei si aspetta delle mezze bambine... e si ritrova con un gruppo di adolescenti in overdose da zucchero e ha una reazione in stile "OMG cosa ci devo fare con loro?!"
E c'è Mordred, negli ultimi capitoli: un bambino che Ginevra vede imprigionato nella stessa rete che ha distrutto sua madre e il resto della loro famiglia, e che vuole disperatamente salvare. Il bambino che avrebbe dovuto essere suo, e che Arthur assolutamente non vuole.
Ovviamente il libro, per quanto mi sia piaciuto da impazzire, non è esente da difetti: il primo è la linea temporale: mancano i flashback folli del primo volume, ma è quasi impossibile capire quanto tempo passi tra un evento e l'altro, e alla fine sei quasi stupito quando ti rendi conto che sono passati poco meno di dieci anni dalla prima pagina all'ultima (aiuta molto che dicano chiaramante che Mordred ha quasi undici anni quando entra in scena, ed è stato concepito circa un anno prima del matrimonio tra Arthur e Guinevere), e la gestione di Morgan non mi convince del tutto: capisco da dove viene e perchè fa quello che fa... però è un po' troppo relegata sullo sfondo per i miei gusti.
In compenso Morgause è fantastica: one scene wonder alla massima potenza.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2021
За настроєм та людяністтю вона схожі на трилогію про Мерліна, Мері Стюарт.
Поволі, день за днем і з року в рік ми бачимо перше десятиліття царстування Гвеневери. І трохи сумну історію її стосунків з чоловіком, попри любов та повагу незручність шлюбу з людиною, у якої Справа на першому місці в тому, що це завжди виходить на зовні у складних ситуаціях. Артур не має часу порятувати дружину від викрадення чи бути поруч коли вона приходить до тями після згвалтування, він не може бути з нею коли вона ховає батька, котрого дуже любила. Це досить сумна історія, як на мене.
Крім того, це перша книга де історія викрадення та згвалтування Гвеневери написана з глибоким співчуттям до неї і з правдоподібним зображенням глибокої психологічної травми у наслідок.
Поволі, день за днем і з року в рік ми бачимо перше десятиліття царстування Гвеневери. І трохи сумну історію її стосунків з чоловіком, попри любов та повагу незручність шлюбу з людиною, у якої Справа на першому місці в тому, що це завжди виходить на зовні у складних ситуаціях. Артур не має часу порятувати дружину від викрадення чи бути поруч коли вона приходить до тями після згвалтування, він не може бути з нею коли вона ховає батька, котрого дуже любила. Це досить сумна історія, як на мене.
Крім того, це перша книга де історія викрадення та згвалтування Гвеневери написана з глибоким співчуттям до неї і з правдоподібним зображенням глибокої психологічної травми у наслідок.
June 21, 2011
This is the second book in Ms. Woolley's Guinevere trilogy. Sourcebooks is reprinting them and I, for one am very glad. These books, unlike most that give us the Arthurian legend, tell the story from Guinevere's point of view.
It is just so very refreshing!
The second book picks up with Guinevere settled into her marriage and while maybe not feeling like a Queen of her peoples, starting to feel less like that Child of the Northern Spring. She and Arthur are compatible and have even fallen a bit in love with each other. The book opens with the death of Arthur's mother Igraine and Guinevere learns the backstory of Arthur's birth. She begins to understand the family dynamics.
Arthur and Guinevere travel around the land making alliances, getting to know the people and attending the wedding of a very young and appallingly spoiled Isolde to and old King Mark. Arthur's knight Tristan has fetched her and we all know what will happen...
This book also delves more into Lancelot; his past, his personality and how Guinevere interacts with him. From his cold manner at the start to her love for him at the end. But this book ends with her hiding that love setting up the third book and her downfall at the hands of Arthur's son Mordred - a character I never liked.
The book is very well written as was the first. It is a revelation reading such a well known tale from a feminine viewpoint. I have to admit that I like it. The small details that don't occur when Arthur is the main focus - the accent on feelings, on atmosphere adds a new depth to the old legend. Ms. Woolley's writing style flows easily from page to page and she draws you in to time and place so that you don't want to leave. I will look forward to the third book but not to the end of the trilogy.
While I know the end of the story I am looking forward to seeing how Ms. Woolley tells it through Guinevere's words. Camelot was, after all, inhabited by more than just the Once and Future King.
It is just so very refreshing!
The second book picks up with Guinevere settled into her marriage and while maybe not feeling like a Queen of her peoples, starting to feel less like that Child of the Northern Spring. She and Arthur are compatible and have even fallen a bit in love with each other. The book opens with the death of Arthur's mother Igraine and Guinevere learns the backstory of Arthur's birth. She begins to understand the family dynamics.
Arthur and Guinevere travel around the land making alliances, getting to know the people and attending the wedding of a very young and appallingly spoiled Isolde to and old King Mark. Arthur's knight Tristan has fetched her and we all know what will happen...
This book also delves more into Lancelot; his past, his personality and how Guinevere interacts with him. From his cold manner at the start to her love for him at the end. But this book ends with her hiding that love setting up the third book and her downfall at the hands of Arthur's son Mordred - a character I never liked.
The book is very well written as was the first. It is a revelation reading such a well known tale from a feminine viewpoint. I have to admit that I like it. The small details that don't occur when Arthur is the main focus - the accent on feelings, on atmosphere adds a new depth to the old legend. Ms. Woolley's writing style flows easily from page to page and she draws you in to time and place so that you don't want to leave. I will look forward to the third book but not to the end of the trilogy.
While I know the end of the story I am looking forward to seeing how Ms. Woolley tells it through Guinevere's words. Camelot was, after all, inhabited by more than just the Once and Future King.
March 13, 2018
http://leiturasdelaura.blogspot.com.b...
Acabei escolhendo a trilogia da autora Persia Woolley sobre a Guinevere para o tema do desafio literário de março, que pede livros sobre uma estação ou com uma estação no título. Como eu já gosto de versões da história do Rei Arthur e a trilogia foi indicada por uma amiga minha, não tinha muita dúvida.
A trilogia chegou a ser publicada também em português, mas está esgotada e agora só procurando muito em sebos.
Apesar de eu ter achado o primeiro livro da trilogia interessante, mas deixando a desejar em alguns aspectos (para detalhes, leia aqui), resolvi ler os demais livros da série. E valeu a pena! O segundo livro, "Rainha das Estrelas de Verão" (em tradução livre), é bem mais interessante que o primeiro em termos técnicos. Ainda não é uma obra prima literária, mas a leitura incomoda menos com relação aos problemas do primeiro volume. Mas aviso que o livro também é em primeira pessoa, para quem não gosta desse estilo já ficar sabendo de antemão.
Além disso, aqui Guinevere já é rainha, e já está se mostrando mais esperta nas questões diplomáticas da corte, apesar de cometer uns deslizes de vez em quando, como qualquer pessoa. Alguns com consequências maiores, outros menores. É nesse volume que ela desabrocha como mulher, rainha e personagem, ganhando mais profundidade e finalmente surgindo passagens bastante clássicas nas lendas arturianas. Como a questão entre Artur, Guinevere e Lancelote. E, eu não sabia que era uma passagem clássica, mas descobri na introdução do livro, a questão do rapto e desfecho desse rapto de Guinevere (como eu não sabia, vou supor que outros também não sabem e manter o suspense).
Diversos outros marcos militares estão nesse volume da trilogia, e nesse sentido o livro não entra em tantos detalhes justamente porque o ponto de vista da história continua sendo da Guinevere, que não participa pessoalmente das grandes batalhas, apesar dela testemunhar algum grau de violência, claro. Outra opção da autora pelo clássico, é a forma como ela retrata a Morgana das Fadas, que não lembra em quase nada a famosa descrição da personagem em Brumas de Avalon.
Nesse sentido, a quantidade de personagens femininas más me incomodou um pouco. Apesar do livro ter lá a sua leva de personagens masculinos maldosos, na maioria das vezes eles são violentos ou conquistadores de terras, não exatamente maus. Com uma grande exceção que talvez compense o desequilíbrio final das coisas. Pelo menos até o final do segundo livro da trilogia, vai que no terceiro as coisas voltem a se nivelar?
No mais, a leitura é agradável e tem passagens de grande suspense que não dá para parar de ler, o que é sempre um bom sinal num livro. A escrita melhorou, apesar de ainda ter algumas questões, especialmente os erros de digitação, que eu não sei como estão nas versões impressas ou traduzidas, visto que li no kindle.
Acabei escolhendo a trilogia da autora Persia Woolley sobre a Guinevere para o tema do desafio literário de março, que pede livros sobre uma estação ou com uma estação no título. Como eu já gosto de versões da história do Rei Arthur e a trilogia foi indicada por uma amiga minha, não tinha muita dúvida.
A trilogia chegou a ser publicada também em português, mas está esgotada e agora só procurando muito em sebos.
Apesar de eu ter achado o primeiro livro da trilogia interessante, mas deixando a desejar em alguns aspectos (para detalhes, leia aqui), resolvi ler os demais livros da série. E valeu a pena! O segundo livro, "Rainha das Estrelas de Verão" (em tradução livre), é bem mais interessante que o primeiro em termos técnicos. Ainda não é uma obra prima literária, mas a leitura incomoda menos com relação aos problemas do primeiro volume. Mas aviso que o livro também é em primeira pessoa, para quem não gosta desse estilo já ficar sabendo de antemão.
Além disso, aqui Guinevere já é rainha, e já está se mostrando mais esperta nas questões diplomáticas da corte, apesar de cometer uns deslizes de vez em quando, como qualquer pessoa. Alguns com consequências maiores, outros menores. É nesse volume que ela desabrocha como mulher, rainha e personagem, ganhando mais profundidade e finalmente surgindo passagens bastante clássicas nas lendas arturianas. Como a questão entre Artur, Guinevere e Lancelote. E, eu não sabia que era uma passagem clássica, mas descobri na introdução do livro, a questão do rapto e desfecho desse rapto de Guinevere (como eu não sabia, vou supor que outros também não sabem e manter o suspense).
Diversos outros marcos militares estão nesse volume da trilogia, e nesse sentido o livro não entra em tantos detalhes justamente porque o ponto de vista da história continua sendo da Guinevere, que não participa pessoalmente das grandes batalhas, apesar dela testemunhar algum grau de violência, claro. Outra opção da autora pelo clássico, é a forma como ela retrata a Morgana das Fadas, que não lembra em quase nada a famosa descrição da personagem em Brumas de Avalon.
Nesse sentido, a quantidade de personagens femininas más me incomodou um pouco. Apesar do livro ter lá a sua leva de personagens masculinos maldosos, na maioria das vezes eles são violentos ou conquistadores de terras, não exatamente maus. Com uma grande exceção que talvez compense o desequilíbrio final das coisas. Pelo menos até o final do segundo livro da trilogia, vai que no terceiro as coisas voltem a se nivelar?
No mais, a leitura é agradável e tem passagens de grande suspense que não dá para parar de ler, o que é sempre um bom sinal num livro. A escrita melhorou, apesar de ainda ter algumas questões, especialmente os erros de digitação, que eu não sei como estão nas versões impressas ou traduzidas, visto que li no kindle.
November 3, 2023
This is, in some ways, a difficult and frustrating read. It deals with some very heavy subject matter (as in, potentially triggering for some people), as well as a lot of miscommunication, manipulation, and just general poor decision-making from basically everyone. This interpretation of Gwen is definitely flawed - selfish and dramatic and impulsive, with a tendency to meddle in others’ lives and then get angry when other people treat her the same way. But she’s also warm, loving, and determined, and what flaws she and the other characters have help to make them feel very real and vibrant. When combined with the rich, beautiful writing and the attention to detail present in every aspect, it makes for a gripping and immersive book. And there are light, even satisfying, moments scattered throughout. (This marks the first time I’ve ever liked how the Lancelot and Gwen relationship is written and handled, for one.)
Although I’m expecting it to be as good, I’m somewhat nervous about starting the last book, since I know enough about Arthurian legend to know that things are about to get extra depressing. So for now, I’m really savoring the fact that I’ve gotten as far as I have.
“Between the tiny bird song so close at hand and the vast, echoing spaces within the firmament, stood the human dream. Whether it is for a good harvest or the making of treaties, the return of a love or the prayer for a live birth, every heart moves toward a goal that weaves into the fabric of time, adding threads of gold or coarse wool, twisting, knotting, becoming part of a pattern too big for mortals to comprehend.”
“The wordless lament wove a shelter around us - a lullaby of sorrow sung by every mother who has ever mourned. Together we cried for the whole of humankind, born to dream of eternities, waking to find the grave. Slowly, gradually, my anguish was absorbed by that of generations past and made more bearable with this sharing.”
Although I’m expecting it to be as good, I’m somewhat nervous about starting the last book, since I know enough about Arthurian legend to know that things are about to get extra depressing. So for now, I’m really savoring the fact that I’ve gotten as far as I have.
“Between the tiny bird song so close at hand and the vast, echoing spaces within the firmament, stood the human dream. Whether it is for a good harvest or the making of treaties, the return of a love or the prayer for a live birth, every heart moves toward a goal that weaves into the fabric of time, adding threads of gold or coarse wool, twisting, knotting, becoming part of a pattern too big for mortals to comprehend.”
“The wordless lament wove a shelter around us - a lullaby of sorrow sung by every mother who has ever mourned. Together we cried for the whole of humankind, born to dream of eternities, waking to find the grave. Slowly, gradually, my anguish was absorbed by that of generations past and made more bearable with this sharing.”
September 17, 2010
Guinevere tells of her early married life with Arthur(450-550AD?)Battle of Badon Hill was King Arthur's greatest triumph, the Celts over the Saxons. This almost total defeat of the Saxon invaders brought about an extended period of peace to Britain. may have occurred at Bath Hill.
All invading Germanic tribes are referred to as Saxons, although the northern settlers were predominatly Angles and those in the south included Jutes and Franks. The britons called them all Saxons.Saxon gods lived in the sky. Celtic gods lived under the water.
Albion was the ancient name for Britain.
Anastasius Bowl, a silver tray found in the Sutton Hoo ship buriel.The silversmith mark comes from Constantinople.Center of the basin depicts a woman's head.
Cerne Abbas Giant, figure cut into the hilside near Dorchester,the 60-meter tall Cerne giant and the Maypole mound above his head have marked a fertility power place since ancient times. The deep trenches (cut into the chalk rock of the hillside) outlining the giant's form have been maintained by generation after generation of local inhabitants since at least the 2nd millennium BC.
Historical eveidence that there was a King Ambrosius. Supposedly, Merlin was his illegitimate son.
Defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early sixth century and unification of britain, the first since the downfall of the Romans.
Lady of Shalot Elaine of Astolat is the woman who dies of unrequited love for Lancelot
Mordred has become the villain in the Arthurian legends. Described as nephew of King Arthur by some, and by others as the bastard son of King Arthur by his half-sister Morgause.
In legend, Uther Pendragon was brother to Ambrosius and became King of Britain on his brother's death.
Vortigern could have ruled Britain during the early to mid 400s, having grabbed the British throne from Constantine, the father of Ambrosius Aurelianus and Uther Pendragon.
Geoffrey of Monmouth, Archdeacon of Monmouth and later Bishop of St. Asaphs, first popularized King Arthur's story, around 1136, in his "History of the Kings of Britain". Though he was writing some six hundred years after Arthur's death, there is no reason to suppose that Geoffrey's history was "made up.He claimed he had taken most of his information from an earlier British source (he referred to it as "a certain, very ancient book written in the British language"; ed.), unknown to us today.
Sir Thomas Malory's 15th century work, "Le Morte d'Arthur" is better known than Geoffrey. He took their stories and retold them with an epic unity, creating the Romantic Age of Chivalry. With one stroke of his pen, he transformed Arthur's Court from Dark Age obscurity to the height of medieval pageantry. Being written in English and printed by William Caxton, "Le Morte d'Arthur" was instantly available to the masses, and it remains highly popular, even today, as a classic work of literature. Malory's work, however, is just that: a work of literature. There is little history left amongst his pages.
King Mark of Cornwall, his wife Isolde and the hero Tristan. The legend of Tristan and Isolde is one of the most influential medieval romances, which was about a love triangle between the hero, his uncle and his uncle's wife. This page contained full story from the...
Tristan and Isolde
The story of Tristan and Isolde that takes place during Arthurian times. This romance is a fascinating Arthurian legend.
The tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde has been told and retold through various stories and manuscripts. It takes place during medieval times during the reign of King Arthur.
Isolde of Ireland, also known as Isolt, Isold, Iseult, or Ysolde, was the daughter of Angwish, King of Ireland. She was betrothed to King Mark of Cornwall. King Mark sent his nephew, Tristan, to Ireland to escort Isolde back to Cornwall.
Before leaving Ireland, Isolde's mother gave a love potion to Isolde's handmaiden, Brangraine, with strict instructions to keep it safe until they reached Cornwall. It was then to be given to Isolde on her wedding night. Sometime during the voyage, Isolde and Tristan drank the potion by accident and fell forever in love.
Isolde did marry Mark of Cornwall, but could not help but love Tristan. The love affair continued after the marriage. When King Mark finally learned of the affair, he forgave Isolde, but Tristan was banned from Cornwall. Tristan moved to King Arthur's court and later went to Brittany. There he met Iseult of Brittany (also known as Iseult of White Hands). He was attracted to her because of the similarity of her name to his true love. He married her, but did not consummate the marriage because of his love for the "true" Isolde. After falling ill, he sent for Isolde in hopes that she would be able to cure him. If she agreed to come, the returning ship's sails would be white, or the sails would be black if she did not agree. Iseult, seeing the white sails, lied to Tristan and told him that the sails were black. He died of grief before Isolde could reach him. Isolde died soon after of a broken heart. Iseult regretted her actions after she saw the love that the two had for each other.
All invading Germanic tribes are referred to as Saxons, although the northern settlers were predominatly Angles and those in the south included Jutes and Franks. The britons called them all Saxons.Saxon gods lived in the sky. Celtic gods lived under the water.
Albion was the ancient name for Britain.
Anastasius Bowl, a silver tray found in the Sutton Hoo ship buriel.The silversmith mark comes from Constantinople.Center of the basin depicts a woman's head.
Cerne Abbas Giant, figure cut into the hilside near Dorchester,the 60-meter tall Cerne giant and the Maypole mound above his head have marked a fertility power place since ancient times. The deep trenches (cut into the chalk rock of the hillside) outlining the giant's form have been maintained by generation after generation of local inhabitants since at least the 2nd millennium BC.
Historical eveidence that there was a King Ambrosius. Supposedly, Merlin was his illegitimate son.
Defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early sixth century and unification of britain, the first since the downfall of the Romans.
Lady of Shalot Elaine of Astolat is the woman who dies of unrequited love for Lancelot
Mordred has become the villain in the Arthurian legends. Described as nephew of King Arthur by some, and by others as the bastard son of King Arthur by his half-sister Morgause.
In legend, Uther Pendragon was brother to Ambrosius and became King of Britain on his brother's death.
Vortigern could have ruled Britain during the early to mid 400s, having grabbed the British throne from Constantine, the father of Ambrosius Aurelianus and Uther Pendragon.
Geoffrey of Monmouth, Archdeacon of Monmouth and later Bishop of St. Asaphs, first popularized King Arthur's story, around 1136, in his "History of the Kings of Britain". Though he was writing some six hundred years after Arthur's death, there is no reason to suppose that Geoffrey's history was "made up.He claimed he had taken most of his information from an earlier British source (he referred to it as "a certain, very ancient book written in the British language"; ed.), unknown to us today.
Sir Thomas Malory's 15th century work, "Le Morte d'Arthur" is better known than Geoffrey. He took their stories and retold them with an epic unity, creating the Romantic Age of Chivalry. With one stroke of his pen, he transformed Arthur's Court from Dark Age obscurity to the height of medieval pageantry. Being written in English and printed by William Caxton, "Le Morte d'Arthur" was instantly available to the masses, and it remains highly popular, even today, as a classic work of literature. Malory's work, however, is just that: a work of literature. There is little history left amongst his pages.
King Mark of Cornwall, his wife Isolde and the hero Tristan. The legend of Tristan and Isolde is one of the most influential medieval romances, which was about a love triangle between the hero, his uncle and his uncle's wife. This page contained full story from the...
Tristan and Isolde
The story of Tristan and Isolde that takes place during Arthurian times. This romance is a fascinating Arthurian legend.
The tragic love story of Tristan and Isolde has been told and retold through various stories and manuscripts. It takes place during medieval times during the reign of King Arthur.
Isolde of Ireland, also known as Isolt, Isold, Iseult, or Ysolde, was the daughter of Angwish, King of Ireland. She was betrothed to King Mark of Cornwall. King Mark sent his nephew, Tristan, to Ireland to escort Isolde back to Cornwall.
Before leaving Ireland, Isolde's mother gave a love potion to Isolde's handmaiden, Brangraine, with strict instructions to keep it safe until they reached Cornwall. It was then to be given to Isolde on her wedding night. Sometime during the voyage, Isolde and Tristan drank the potion by accident and fell forever in love.
Isolde did marry Mark of Cornwall, but could not help but love Tristan. The love affair continued after the marriage. When King Mark finally learned of the affair, he forgave Isolde, but Tristan was banned from Cornwall. Tristan moved to King Arthur's court and later went to Brittany. There he met Iseult of Brittany (also known as Iseult of White Hands). He was attracted to her because of the similarity of her name to his true love. He married her, but did not consummate the marriage because of his love for the "true" Isolde. After falling ill, he sent for Isolde in hopes that she would be able to cure him. If she agreed to come, the returning ship's sails would be white, or the sails would be black if she did not agree. Iseult, seeing the white sails, lied to Tristan and told him that the sails were black. He died of grief before Isolde could reach him. Isolde died soon after of a broken heart. Iseult regretted her actions after she saw the love that the two had for each other.
July 13, 2011
This review first appeared on my blog, Laura's Reviews at http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2011/...
Queen of the Summer Stars is the second book in Persia Woolley’s Guinevere series. Guinevere and Arthur are the young recently married High King and Queen of Britain. Arthur has a dream to unite the Kingdom and Guinevere is an efficient Celtic Queen who works hard to keep the dream alive. King Ban’s son, Lancelot, joins the round table. He quickly becomes Arthur’s right hand man, but exhibits coldness towards Guinevere. Slowly, the two become friends, and realize that they have feelings for each other beyond friendship. Will Guinevere risk it all for love as her friends Isolde and Tristan did? Or will she remain a true Celtic Queen and stay with Arthur?
I love, love, love the Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot love triangle. I’ve never seen it written more movingly then in Queen of the Summer Stars. Arthur is Lancelot’s best friend, a man he genuinely respects and cares for. Loving Guinevere is heart wrenching for him, but even more so for Guinevere. Guinevere loves and respects Arthur, but has come to realize that he will always care for Britain more than he will for her. They have a good relationship, but are missing the intensity of true love. Guinevere and Lancelot are kindred spirits and love each other, but can’t act on that love for their mutual love of Arthur. It is a gripping read and a truly wonderful love triangle.
I also enjoy that this story is told from Guinevere’s perspective. Guinevere is no silly, fickle queen as portrayed in other versions of the legend. She is a strong queen who is very much a co-ruler with Arthur. She also gets her hands dirty, be it helping out in the kitchen, or getting different castles set up to live in or host visitors.
Persia Woolley writes the Guinevere trilogy in a historical fiction setting. Her novels are very well researched and are set in the period after the Romans have occupied Britain. There is a power void in Britain and Arthur has stepped in to fill that void and bring the various people of Britain together to fight against invaders. Her writing is superb and gives one a real sense of being in Britain during the early middle ages.
I love Arthurian legends by Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley, but Persia Woolley’s Guinevere trilogy is my favorite version of the legend. I wish Starz would have made this trilogy into a series rather than their quite terrible Camelot series!
Overall, Queen of the Summer Stars is a wonderful book with a great historical fiction background and a very romantic love triangle. It is quite simply, the best version of the Arthurian legend that I have read.
Queen of the Summer Stars is the second book in Persia Woolley’s Guinevere series. Guinevere and Arthur are the young recently married High King and Queen of Britain. Arthur has a dream to unite the Kingdom and Guinevere is an efficient Celtic Queen who works hard to keep the dream alive. King Ban’s son, Lancelot, joins the round table. He quickly becomes Arthur’s right hand man, but exhibits coldness towards Guinevere. Slowly, the two become friends, and realize that they have feelings for each other beyond friendship. Will Guinevere risk it all for love as her friends Isolde and Tristan did? Or will she remain a true Celtic Queen and stay with Arthur?
I love, love, love the Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot love triangle. I’ve never seen it written more movingly then in Queen of the Summer Stars. Arthur is Lancelot’s best friend, a man he genuinely respects and cares for. Loving Guinevere is heart wrenching for him, but even more so for Guinevere. Guinevere loves and respects Arthur, but has come to realize that he will always care for Britain more than he will for her. They have a good relationship, but are missing the intensity of true love. Guinevere and Lancelot are kindred spirits and love each other, but can’t act on that love for their mutual love of Arthur. It is a gripping read and a truly wonderful love triangle.
I also enjoy that this story is told from Guinevere’s perspective. Guinevere is no silly, fickle queen as portrayed in other versions of the legend. She is a strong queen who is very much a co-ruler with Arthur. She also gets her hands dirty, be it helping out in the kitchen, or getting different castles set up to live in or host visitors.
Persia Woolley writes the Guinevere trilogy in a historical fiction setting. Her novels are very well researched and are set in the period after the Romans have occupied Britain. There is a power void in Britain and Arthur has stepped in to fill that void and bring the various people of Britain together to fight against invaders. Her writing is superb and gives one a real sense of being in Britain during the early middle ages.
I love Arthurian legends by Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley, but Persia Woolley’s Guinevere trilogy is my favorite version of the legend. I wish Starz would have made this trilogy into a series rather than their quite terrible Camelot series!
Overall, Queen of the Summer Stars is a wonderful book with a great historical fiction background and a very romantic love triangle. It is quite simply, the best version of the Arthurian legend that I have read.
July 20, 2011
The Guinevere in Queen of the Summer Stars takes on the role of a bridge between the young girl, innocent version of Guinevere from the first book and the Guinevere who is involved in the downfall of Camelot. Given that role, this Guinevere is more worldly and mature than her predecessor. She is actively involved in political discussions with Arthur and his men. She comes into her own as a lover, queen and a friend, as well as deals with issues of motherhood. We really see her relationship with Arthur grow into something much more solid than their early marriage showed. We see her torn between love and duty – something that is much more strained as she identifies her relationship with Lancelot.
I have to say that her relationships with Arthur and Lancelot were different than how I had imagined them prior to this book. I always believed that she belonged with Arthur and hated her for running off with Lancelot in the legends – but Woolley creates the relationship with Lancelot from the bottom up. You really get a sense of why she could be torn between these two great men and the emotions and decisions that impacted both Lancelot and Guinevere. I am very happy that Woolley took time to carve out Lancelot’s character – this allows the reader to identify with him more. The relationship between these characters felt like it developed naturally and by the end I was moved to their side. This book is certainly much more emotionally developed than the previous book in this series and very much appreciated by this reader.
When the narrative isn’t focused on Guinevere’s relationships it shifts focus to the politics of the time – and there is a lot of it here. Arthur is striving to bring together many different people and bring them under one law. We get to meet many of these groups of people and understand the difficulties in doing this.
The one story thread that I now really want to explore more is the story of Tristan and Isolde. Woolley brought their story to the forefront for a short period and I loved reading Guinevere’s reaction to their forbidden love.
I am now looking forward to Book 3 – Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn (releasing in November 2011) more than I was for Book 2. Queen of the Summer Stars is an overall better read in my mind than Child of the Northern Spring and I hope that Book 3 continues to build on that trend.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
I have to say that her relationships with Arthur and Lancelot were different than how I had imagined them prior to this book. I always believed that she belonged with Arthur and hated her for running off with Lancelot in the legends – but Woolley creates the relationship with Lancelot from the bottom up. You really get a sense of why she could be torn between these two great men and the emotions and decisions that impacted both Lancelot and Guinevere. I am very happy that Woolley took time to carve out Lancelot’s character – this allows the reader to identify with him more. The relationship between these characters felt like it developed naturally and by the end I was moved to their side. This book is certainly much more emotionally developed than the previous book in this series and very much appreciated by this reader.
When the narrative isn’t focused on Guinevere’s relationships it shifts focus to the politics of the time – and there is a lot of it here. Arthur is striving to bring together many different people and bring them under one law. We get to meet many of these groups of people and understand the difficulties in doing this.
The one story thread that I now really want to explore more is the story of Tristan and Isolde. Woolley brought their story to the forefront for a short period and I loved reading Guinevere’s reaction to their forbidden love.
I am now looking forward to Book 3 – Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn (releasing in November 2011) more than I was for Book 2. Queen of the Summer Stars is an overall better read in my mind than Child of the Northern Spring and I hope that Book 3 continues to build on that trend.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
July 7, 2015
Most King Arthur stories tend to have the main character – be it Arthur or Guinevere or Merlin or Mordred or Morgan or anyone of the regulars – standing around, rubbing temples in exasperation, moaning about being surrounded by barbaric idiots.
Here it is Guinevere playing the part of only-sane-one-here, but not doing a lot about it, probably because she realizes there isn’t much one can do.
The book covers a solid ten years, but there’s no sense of time passing. That, and with the amount of name dropping and character-pairing on and off, it feels very much like the kind of soap opera where nothing changes season-to-season and people standing around talking about all the other characters and gossiping about who’s dating who.
Um, Gwenny, don’t you have, like, western civilization to save? Are we still talking about Tris and Issy?
December 10, 2025
This is the middle book of a trilogy, and works as a standalone, but to get the FULL story, reading all three is recommended.
Britain had been united under the influence of the Roman Empire, but in the years since the Romans departed, alliances have been splintering, factions are vying for dominance - and the Saxons are coming! Can Guinevere help her husband, Arthur the young High Queen, reunite Britain? Also, can she get over her dislike of his new bestie, Lancelot? (Spoiler alert, she does.)
Guinevere is very much in love with her husband, distressed by her infertility, but comes to term with it, especially after discovering Arthur does already have a son. She can raise him!
Arthur isn't too keen on the idea, as Mordred is the result of an unknowing (on his part) illicit liaison with his own half-sister. There's also conflict as he does respect his other half-sister, Morgan, Lady of the Lake, and Guin trusts the spooky healer/Priestess as far as she could throw the lintels of Stonehenge.
She's a Celtic queen, and Celtic queens are free to take whomever they like into their beds, but she and Lancelot hold back, because this could cause division among the fragile alliances of Knights and minor kings. Some are pagan, some worship Mithras, and many are coming to a belief in the White Christ. (Yes, we all know Jesus was brown, but that's how works at that time referred to him.) Anyway, no one wants to upset the apple carts.
Much horse riding, some battling, some rituals and friendships and betrayals.
Britain had been united under the influence of the Roman Empire, but in the years since the Romans departed, alliances have been splintering, factions are vying for dominance - and the Saxons are coming! Can Guinevere help her husband, Arthur the young High Queen, reunite Britain? Also, can she get over her dislike of his new bestie, Lancelot? (Spoiler alert, she does.)
Guinevere is very much in love with her husband, distressed by her infertility, but comes to term with it, especially after discovering Arthur does already have a son. She can raise him!
Arthur isn't too keen on the idea, as Mordred is the result of an unknowing (on his part) illicit liaison with his own half-sister. There's also conflict as he does respect his other half-sister, Morgan, Lady of the Lake, and Guin trusts the spooky healer/Priestess as far as she could throw the lintels of Stonehenge.
She's a Celtic queen, and Celtic queens are free to take whomever they like into their beds, but she and Lancelot hold back, because this could cause division among the fragile alliances of Knights and minor kings. Some are pagan, some worship Mithras, and many are coming to a belief in the White Christ. (Yes, we all know Jesus was brown, but that's how works at that time referred to him.) Anyway, no one wants to upset the apple carts.
Much horse riding, some battling, some rituals and friendships and betrayals.
March 4, 2023
Queen of the Summer Stars by Persia Woolley c1990
This is the second novel in Woolley’s trilogy about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, and follows her growth into queenhood. Gwen narrates giving us a personal view of Arthur’s Round Table. They spend much time riding around meeting and uniting the various Dark Age kings, after the fall of the Roman Empire. She is strong and gracious and a diplomat, not only supporting her king but at times standing in for him. Here are the great heroes mingled with historical figures – Agricola, Geraint, Mark of Cornwall, his nephew Tristan. The author deftly blends historical fact with high romance capturing the drama of the legend. It is a time of great change, the Goddess religion dying out and the new Christian faith emerging. There is the passionate love story of Tristan and Isolde and the beginnings of passion between Lancelot and Guinevere. There is the woman torn between her affection and respect for Arthur and her romantic love for her soulmate, Lancelot. Sadly Guinevere cannot have a child – “Britain was the only child we’d ever have.” (p 183) It is a fluid and engrossing read.
November 27, 2016
Oh dear. I was becoming a little dubious by the end of book one but I am completely sure at the end of book 2 that I will pass on the final volume of the series. Too many historical errors and anachronisms, poor characterisation that actually got worse in book 2 (or maybe I became less kind) and a simplistic style of writing that seemed aimed at YA not adults - even though apparently this was not so. After reading Gillian Bradshaw's really excellent version of the Arthurian story, this paled by comparison - nay, it dwindled.
*Drops book 3 back to the library*
*Drops book 3 back to the library*
July 13, 2017
The second book in the trilogy. Goes up to Gwen and Arthur's 10th anniversary and Mordred's arrival at court. She and Lancelot have declared their love, it it hasn't been consummated. Morgause has been killed, Accolon has challenged Arthur, Tristan and Isolde, Elaine of Astolat. Kevin returns as a priest. Leodegrance dies. Saxons defeated at Mt. Badon. Gwen abducted by Maelgwn. Merlin dies, having taught his skills to Nimue.
Incorporates major aspects of the corpus and adds the twist of Gwen being a pagan Celtic queen, but nothing new. Doesn't really move me.
Incorporates major aspects of the corpus and adds the twist of Gwen being a pagan Celtic queen, but nothing new. Doesn't really move me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
Always ever so interesting to see how folks can add variations on this theme. Gwen's fertility, her marriage and the kidnapping and whether or not there was an affair with Lance. In book two, the L and G pair have realized they love each other but do not do the deed. Still very little of the Elaine character. The M and M sisters are both major baddies in this version, one more subtle than the other but both evil. And through it all, travels through the British countryside and the workings of building a empire after the Romans have deserted the isle. Very good read.
June 27, 2017
The relationships of Arthur, Gwendolyn, and Lancelot are throughly humanized in this tale, making them accessible in a new way. For example, Gwen says of Arthur, "I'll never cease to love you, I thought, though I may starve to death in the process." (303)
November 22, 2018
I hate not finishing books or series, so I kept reading . . .
July 25, 2019
Loved the first book in the series, it was about Gwen. The second book is about the men in the round table, not as interesting. I won't read the third in the series.
March 19, 2025
A great historical approach (rather than fantasy) to the tale of Guinevere and Arthur. I look forward to the concluding novel and hope that it can give this tale a happy end.
August 9, 2013
I liked this one way better than its prequel. This is a very nice book, with a good plot, good characters and, finally, nice twists on many things. This installment added to the whole story the originality it needed -not only to earn another star in my review xD-, since the main flaw of its prequel was the lack of originality in many points. Now, this book has something that makes it stand among the other retellings.
THE PLOT
The plot follows roughly the first 10 years of Arthur's kingdom, and what happens during this period of time. It's FULL of events, and the author puts in it many many storylines from the tradition -many even not so common to find in retellings, blending all them together in a wonderful way, so that the book doesn't look like crowded with unlinked and irrelevant events. Also, every event has its twist which makes it fresh and interesting for the reader (even if... a couple times I would have preferred some twist more adherent to the sense of the original story, but I'll explain myself later).
There is the loathy lady storyline, there is Tristan and Isolde's love, there is Guinevere's abduction by Meleagant (WHY, WHY does it always have to end up in rape? There is no rape in the original story!), the battle of Badon hill, and the forging of the round table into something more than a gathering of warriors and chiefs. Also, there is also the blooming of Lancelot and Guinevere's love, in one of the most realistic and interesting versions I've ever read.
WHAT I LIKED
-Tristan and Isolde's story: I adored how Isolde grows up here. She starts like a spoiled child all captured in her love for Tristan, untill she realizes how destructive this love is, and that the best thing for her is to let it be, and focusing on her duties as a queen. it's a really nice twist, considering that usually this particular story ends up very badly.
-Lancelot and Guinevere's relationship: Gosh, it has never been more realistic than in here. Here you can really understand why Guinevere turns to Lancelot. Guinevere deeply love Arthur, but there are things -like tenderness, some level of intimacy, of sweetness- that she knows he can't give her, but nevertheless, she longs for them. Arthur keeps pushing her away, even if he loves her really much..and that's what turns her to Lancelot.
-Guinevere's love for Mordred
-Arthur's reaction towards Mordred: so realistic!
-There is the loathy lady storyline, and that's good, but I'd have liked to have the sense of "the choice is yours" that is the basis of the original story.
-Gawain is *.*
- I like how Woolley's sympathetic to Elaine of Carbonek (it won't last long, but let's not remember the POV is Guinevere's...you can't have sympathy for Poor Sweet Elaine)
-Elaine has a domestic cat. Yay for Elaine
-The lily maid's storyline was brilliant. I usually don't like Elaine of Astolat's story -it's useless and steals the space that should be Elaine of Corbenic's-... but here the twist was really interesting
-I still like the sense of historical accuracy (it might be not entirely historically accurate but...it gives you the feel of those years)...and even the religion gets better (she remembered celts venerated also male gods! YAY!)
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-Morgan: I can't understand her. Really, I can't. She has no real motivations behind her actions, and this bugs me a lot. If you want to have a realistic villain, then give him/her realistic reasons. Morgan doesn't really seem to have reasons, unless you don't count unexplained lust for power (but then how do you explain her behaviour towards Guinevere? She hates her...for apparently no reasons).
-Morgause: OMFG I'm tired of sexual predator!Morgause! Please, give me some other interpretation, PRETTY PLEASE!
-As I said, I would have had preferred the loathy lady story to stay more true to the original sense of the story
-Geraint is a good guy?! ARE WE SERIOUS?! I like him way better like this but...why do we have to erase his faults like this?
(well, at least I'm spared horrible!Geraint!
THE PLOT
The plot follows roughly the first 10 years of Arthur's kingdom, and what happens during this period of time. It's FULL of events, and the author puts in it many many storylines from the tradition -many even not so common to find in retellings, blending all them together in a wonderful way, so that the book doesn't look like crowded with unlinked and irrelevant events. Also, every event has its twist which makes it fresh and interesting for the reader (even if... a couple times I would have preferred some twist more adherent to the sense of the original story, but I'll explain myself later).
There is the loathy lady storyline, there is Tristan and Isolde's love, there is Guinevere's abduction by Meleagant (WHY, WHY does it always have to end up in rape? There is no rape in the original story!), the battle of Badon hill, and the forging of the round table into something more than a gathering of warriors and chiefs. Also, there is also the blooming of Lancelot and Guinevere's love, in one of the most realistic and interesting versions I've ever read.
WHAT I LIKED
-Tristan and Isolde's story: I adored how Isolde grows up here. She starts like a spoiled child all captured in her love for Tristan, untill she realizes how destructive this love is, and that the best thing for her is to let it be, and focusing on her duties as a queen. it's a really nice twist, considering that usually this particular story ends up very badly.
-Lancelot and Guinevere's relationship: Gosh, it has never been more realistic than in here. Here you can really understand why Guinevere turns to Lancelot. Guinevere deeply love Arthur, but there are things -like tenderness, some level of intimacy, of sweetness- that she knows he can't give her, but nevertheless, she longs for them. Arthur keeps pushing her away, even if he loves her really much..and that's what turns her to Lancelot.
-Guinevere's love for Mordred
-Arthur's reaction towards Mordred: so realistic!
-There is the loathy lady storyline, and that's good, but I'd have liked to have the sense of "the choice is yours" that is the basis of the original story.
-Gawain is *.*
- I like how Woolley's sympathetic to Elaine of Carbonek (it won't last long, but let's not remember the POV is Guinevere's...you can't have sympathy for Poor Sweet Elaine)
-Elaine has a domestic cat. Yay for Elaine
-The lily maid's storyline was brilliant. I usually don't like Elaine of Astolat's story -it's useless and steals the space that should be Elaine of Corbenic's-... but here the twist was really interesting
-I still like the sense of historical accuracy (it might be not entirely historically accurate but...it gives you the feel of those years)...and even the religion gets better (she remembered celts venerated also male gods! YAY!)
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-Morgan: I can't understand her. Really, I can't. She has no real motivations behind her actions, and this bugs me a lot. If you want to have a realistic villain, then give him/her realistic reasons. Morgan doesn't really seem to have reasons, unless you don't count unexplained lust for power (but then how do you explain her behaviour towards Guinevere? She hates her...for apparently no reasons).
-Morgause: OMFG I'm tired of sexual predator!Morgause! Please, give me some other interpretation, PRETTY PLEASE!
-As I said, I would have had preferred the loathy lady story to stay more true to the original sense of the story
-Geraint is a good guy?! ARE WE SERIOUS?! I like him way better like this but...why do we have to erase his faults like this?
(well, at least I'm spared horrible!Geraint!
October 2, 2016
This is the second in a trilogy about Guenevere, Arthur's queen. Informative yet mysterious it teases the reader as to just how far Lancelot and Guenevere will go, all the while outlining their honorable natures. A worthy tale.
January 4, 2014
n the second installment of Persia Woolley's Arthurian trilogy, the author employs the same sensitive revelation of character and attention to cultural detail that made the first book so beguiling.
Having settled into the role of High Queen, "Gwen" now faces a more complicated destiny (moira) in her growing attachment to the Breton knight, Lancelot. But as Woolley explores the effects of romantic entanglements on affairs of state, it's clear that Gwen is only one of the Celtic queens "caught in a web of the Old Gods' making."
Igraine, Arthur's estranged mother, tells Gwen she went willingly to the conqueror, Uther Pendragon, on the night Arthur was conceived (scoffing at the popular myth that Uther was somehow magically "disguised" as her husband), responding to "a moira beyond my comprehension."
Young Queen Isolde goes a step further: newly married to clumsy, self-indulgent but besotted old King Mark, she excuses her very public love affair with the dashing knight, Tristan, with the story that they mistakenly drank a love potion—a convenient way to side-step any responsibility for their actions.
Guinevere is far less self-serving, which makes her a sympathetic heroine. Her relationship with Lancelot is no typical explosion of romance-novel passion; they find common ground in their shared devotion to Arthur and his dream of uniting all the tribes of Britain. Which is also, ultimately, the only thing that keeps them apart.
That Gwen and Arthur love each other is never in doubt. They, and Lancelot, are all drawn with such strength and humanity, and their dilemma is so poignant, that the reader's opinion of what Gwen should do changes from page to page.
This is a second-act book, and something of a tease. All the seeds of future drama are sown, but few will bear fruit until the third and last book.
Meanwhile, Woolley sketches an absorbing portrait of the Arthurian world, an age of dwindling magic, rival tribes, and competing gods, all evolving into a "modern" state.
Having settled into the role of High Queen, "Gwen" now faces a more complicated destiny (moira) in her growing attachment to the Breton knight, Lancelot. But as Woolley explores the effects of romantic entanglements on affairs of state, it's clear that Gwen is only one of the Celtic queens "caught in a web of the Old Gods' making."
Igraine, Arthur's estranged mother, tells Gwen she went willingly to the conqueror, Uther Pendragon, on the night Arthur was conceived (scoffing at the popular myth that Uther was somehow magically "disguised" as her husband), responding to "a moira beyond my comprehension."
Young Queen Isolde goes a step further: newly married to clumsy, self-indulgent but besotted old King Mark, she excuses her very public love affair with the dashing knight, Tristan, with the story that they mistakenly drank a love potion—a convenient way to side-step any responsibility for their actions.
Guinevere is far less self-serving, which makes her a sympathetic heroine. Her relationship with Lancelot is no typical explosion of romance-novel passion; they find common ground in their shared devotion to Arthur and his dream of uniting all the tribes of Britain. Which is also, ultimately, the only thing that keeps them apart.
That Gwen and Arthur love each other is never in doubt. They, and Lancelot, are all drawn with such strength and humanity, and their dilemma is so poignant, that the reader's opinion of what Gwen should do changes from page to page.
This is a second-act book, and something of a tease. All the seeds of future drama are sown, but few will bear fruit until the third and last book.
Meanwhile, Woolley sketches an absorbing portrait of the Arthurian world, an age of dwindling magic, rival tribes, and competing gods, all evolving into a "modern" state.
June 30, 2010
I read this series several years ago when it was first published. I loved it then and I love it just as much now. I am very pleased that Sourcebooks has chosen to reprint this classic tale with the gorgeous covers that just add to my enjoyment (again) of the story. Arthurian tales are one of my favorite sub-genres. My mom started me on The Knights of the Round Table at a very young age and I have never been able to pass up one of these stories.
Persia Woolley began her trilogy with Child of the Northern Spring. In that book we meet Gwen while she is remembering her childhood as she is riding to her wedding. We learn about this independent and intelligent girl ~ one who is really rather far ahead of the times.
As we join Guinevere in this second installment, she is dealing with the impending death of Igraine, Arthur's mother. We are with her through loss and battles that are both personal and Britain's. The author brings to us in vivid, living color a woman who tried to balance who she was on the inside with who the King and country needed her to be on the outside.
I love that these books are written from Guinevere's point of view. It is refreshing to see the female side of this epic tale. The fact that this Gwen is portrayed as anything but the simpering twit that so many of the versions make her out to be is a treat. Woolley uses a more modern speech than some might expect for a historical fiction. I found this to be helpful as it is easy to get bogged down in the correct dialogue and phrasing when reading these type of stories. The tale moves along a very nice pace due in part to this change of verbiage.
I won't go too much more into the details of the plot. It's a treat to be enjoyed yourself. This series is on my all time favorite list and I think it will be on yours as well. I highly recommend it. Sourcebooks will be coming out soon with the third book: The Legend in Autumn - keep your eyes open for it.
Persia Woolley began her trilogy with Child of the Northern Spring. In that book we meet Gwen while she is remembering her childhood as she is riding to her wedding. We learn about this independent and intelligent girl ~ one who is really rather far ahead of the times.
As we join Guinevere in this second installment, she is dealing with the impending death of Igraine, Arthur's mother. We are with her through loss and battles that are both personal and Britain's. The author brings to us in vivid, living color a woman who tried to balance who she was on the inside with who the King and country needed her to be on the outside.
I love that these books are written from Guinevere's point of view. It is refreshing to see the female side of this epic tale. The fact that this Gwen is portrayed as anything but the simpering twit that so many of the versions make her out to be is a treat. Woolley uses a more modern speech than some might expect for a historical fiction. I found this to be helpful as it is easy to get bogged down in the correct dialogue and phrasing when reading these type of stories. The tale moves along a very nice pace due in part to this change of verbiage.
I won't go too much more into the details of the plot. It's a treat to be enjoyed yourself. This series is on my all time favorite list and I think it will be on yours as well. I highly recommend it. Sourcebooks will be coming out soon with the third book: The Legend in Autumn - keep your eyes open for it.
January 6, 2024
I really liked the first book of this series, thinking it had great potential to finally be a good tale that focuses on Guinevere, but unfortunately Child of the Northern Spring was the best of the trilogy, and it began going downhill here in the second book.
Woolley’s focus on Gwen starts slipping during Queen of the Summer Stars, as the queen’s perspective starts taking a back seat to the author’s desire to instead relate all the adventures of Arthur and his Companions, while Gwen stays behind in whatever town or city they happen to be in and twiddles her thumbs for ninety percent of the story. Occasionally the narrative allows Gwen to be involved in something of her own, but these moments are limited to star-crossed scenes with Lancelot, her multiple attempts to have a child, and her , which I felt all the characters moved past too quickly.
Morgan and Morgause are given more page time here, but only to be shown as one-note enemies of Arthur and Gwen.
The author states in each book’s foreword that she has chosen to use modern place names for contemporary readers, and after finishing this book I think it was a poor choice. It becomes too jarring to read about York, Exeter, Winchester and the like while trying to immerse yourself in the time period, especially compared to the many other Arthurian novels which use the more historic names. The other anachronisms in the writing began to bother me as well, with references to the bed’s “comforter”, Gwen’s “glass of water”, and the “nobles” and “aristocrats” of Britain’s 5th century kingdoms.
Woolley’s focus on Gwen starts slipping during Queen of the Summer Stars, as the queen’s perspective starts taking a back seat to the author’s desire to instead relate all the adventures of Arthur and his Companions, while Gwen stays behind in whatever town or city they happen to be in and twiddles her thumbs for ninety percent of the story. Occasionally the narrative allows Gwen to be involved in something of her own, but these moments are limited to star-crossed scenes with Lancelot, her multiple attempts to have a child, and her , which I felt all the characters moved past too quickly.
Morgan and Morgause are given more page time here, but only to be shown as one-note enemies of Arthur and Gwen.
The author states in each book’s foreword that she has chosen to use modern place names for contemporary readers, and after finishing this book I think it was a poor choice. It becomes too jarring to read about York, Exeter, Winchester and the like while trying to immerse yourself in the time period, especially compared to the many other Arthurian novels which use the more historic names. The other anachronisms in the writing began to bother me as well, with references to the bed’s “comforter”, Gwen’s “glass of water”, and the “nobles” and “aristocrats” of Britain’s 5th century kingdoms.
June 14, 2011
QUEEN OF THE SUMMER STARS (A QUEEN BLOSSOMS) by Persia Woolley is an interesting reissue of historical fiction and the recreation of the tale of Arthur and Guinevere. It is the second in the "Arthurian" triology(Guinevere Trilogy),but can be read as a stand alone. It is told from the perspective of Guinevere,who deserved to become a legend. It is a story of romance,myths of the round table, witchcraft, treachery,danger not seen,evil,unholy alliances,King Arthur,Lancelot,Merlin,and the perils of the human heart. While Guinevere joins forces with her dear husband King Arthur,she must also battle her heart and evil forces. This is a lively recreation of an old tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.It also shows us the difference between the castle life of old.The differences among the Saxon,Pict,Briton.The mixture of pagan and Christian beliefs and riturals. And the qualities of knights and servants during this time period.It is an must read for any historical,Arthurian and romance readers. This is a very vivid story that will have you wanting more. A wonderful story of Guinevere,who deserved to be a legend herself.This book was received from the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Sourcebooks Landmark,a division of Sourcebooks,Inc. and My Book Addiction Reviews.
March 5, 2014
This is the second book in Persia Woolley's Guinevere series and I have enjoyed it every bit as much as the first. The world that Woolley has created feels very much like the world of Author and Guinevere would have been and it feels so alive its easy to get lost in.
In this second installment we find a much more mature Guinevere. She wants to move on to the next stage of her relationship with Author and start a family. Things do go as she always expected them to and she is dealing with the heartache of infertility. There is intrigue and treachery at court as Author's sister, Morgan, works against her at every turn. And later, when she learns Author's secret, there is even more heartache.
I love the relationships that have grown between the characters. Guinevere and Lancelot are both torn between the love of each other and the love for Author and their country. Relationships between other characters and complicated as well and all contribute well to the story. You find yourself immersed in the feelings of these characters and you want to know what's happening to these side stories.
Overall, its a great read full of great characters and woven in a way that draws you in and makes it hard to put down. If you enjoy tales of the round table or even just a good historical fiction than you should pick up this series.
In this second installment we find a much more mature Guinevere. She wants to move on to the next stage of her relationship with Author and start a family. Things do go as she always expected them to and she is dealing with the heartache of infertility. There is intrigue and treachery at court as Author's sister, Morgan, works against her at every turn. And later, when she learns Author's secret, there is even more heartache.
I love the relationships that have grown between the characters. Guinevere and Lancelot are both torn between the love of each other and the love for Author and their country. Relationships between other characters and complicated as well and all contribute well to the story. You find yourself immersed in the feelings of these characters and you want to know what's happening to these side stories.
Overall, its a great read full of great characters and woven in a way that draws you in and makes it hard to put down. If you enjoy tales of the round table or even just a good historical fiction than you should pick up this series.
July 11, 2016
The second book in the trilogy about the life of Guinevere, bride of King Arthur. A stated by the author in the preface this is the story of Arthur, Guinevere and Camelot written in a realistic manner without fantasy and sorcery. The characters are of course the subjects of legend but presented in an historical manner. She has quite ably woven together the cultures that existed at that time- the old Celtic religion, Saxon Druids, and a emerging Christianity.
In this book Guinevere settles down to becoming the wife of Arthur and manager of his Court and home. Their marriage was presented as one of political necessity but becomes one of respect and love. In this book, the character of Sir Lancelot is introduced as well as his relationship with both of the royal couple. Included in this book are the stories of the lives of the various Companions (members of the Round Table). The treachery and machinations of Arthur's half sisters, Morgause and Morgan Le Fey is part of the darker setting of the novel. Even though I know this story so well, I found myself at the end of this book excited about reading the final part of the trilogy.
The characters are wonderfully written and the dialogue is remarkable. A truly enjoyable experience.
In this book Guinevere settles down to becoming the wife of Arthur and manager of his Court and home. Their marriage was presented as one of political necessity but becomes one of respect and love. In this book, the character of Sir Lancelot is introduced as well as his relationship with both of the royal couple. Included in this book are the stories of the lives of the various Companions (members of the Round Table). The treachery and machinations of Arthur's half sisters, Morgause and Morgan Le Fey is part of the darker setting of the novel. Even though I know this story so well, I found myself at the end of this book excited about reading the final part of the trilogy.
The characters are wonderfully written and the dialogue is remarkable. A truly enjoyable experience.
February 9, 2013
This is the sequel to CHILD OF THE NORTHERN SPRING. Gwen comes of age as a queen, and treachery is everywhere. Not only is Morgan, Arthur's half-sister, plotting against her, but her own heart seems content to lead her astray.
I didn't like this book as much as its predecessor, but I loved the beautiful language and the way Woolley brings this world to life. Every character is rich and imbued with humanity, good or bad. The ones I hated, I really hated, especially Morgan and Maelgwn, which is a testament to Woolley's excellent writing.
I liked the way Woolley developed Gwen's illicit romance with Lance, but I regret that Arthur was portrayed as a bit of a clueless boob (though it explains why Gwen turns to Lance). I was surprised how much I liked Queen Igraine, and I almost wish Woolley would write a novel on her love affair with Uther Pendragon. While this book was more episodic than the previous one, it was a satisfying read, and recommended to fans of Arthurian romance. This is definitely a transitional novel and I can see how Woolley is setting up the players that will bring about Camelot's--and Arthur's--inevitable fall.
I didn't like this book as much as its predecessor, but I loved the beautiful language and the way Woolley brings this world to life. Every character is rich and imbued with humanity, good or bad. The ones I hated, I really hated, especially Morgan and Maelgwn, which is a testament to Woolley's excellent writing.
I liked the way Woolley developed Gwen's illicit romance with Lance, but I regret that Arthur was portrayed as a bit of a clueless boob (though it explains why Gwen turns to Lance). I was surprised how much I liked Queen Igraine, and I almost wish Woolley would write a novel on her love affair with Uther Pendragon. While this book was more episodic than the previous one, it was a satisfying read, and recommended to fans of Arthurian romance. This is definitely a transitional novel and I can see how Woolley is setting up the players that will bring about Camelot's--and Arthur's--inevitable fall.
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