Helpful Score: 1
I've been a fan of Mercedes Lackey for a long time (but have actually managed to read few of her more recent books), as well as a fan of Arthurian-age novels since I first read The Once and Future King way back in my teenage years.
So when I spotted this book in the "new" section of the library, I picked it up to see Lackey's take on an old familiar story.
She did a great job. Taking the point of view of Guinevere led to a wonderful narrative, and following her from her childhood through Arthur's death was an excellent storytelling strategy.
There is lots of evil in Lackey's Britain: both in the traditional evil of Mordred and Morgana, as well as within her own family. Life is never easy, despite the honor and righteousness that Gwen consistently demonstrates. That tension truly helps to propel the story, and makes for a great read.
4/5 stars.
So when I spotted this book in the "new" section of the library, I picked it up to see Lackey's take on an old familiar story.
She did a great job. Taking the point of view of Guinevere led to a wonderful narrative, and following her from her childhood through Arthur's death was an excellent storytelling strategy.
There is lots of evil in Lackey's Britain: both in the traditional evil of Mordred and Morgana, as well as within her own family. Life is never easy, despite the honor and righteousness that Gwen consistently demonstrates. That tension truly helps to propel the story, and makes for a great read.
4/5 stars.
Not one of her best. It was almost as if she took the character of Kerowyn from the Valdemar series and set her in the Arthurian legend. It was an ok read, but I will probably not add this one to my collection.
I enjoyed this book very much. I love Mercedes Lackey's writing style. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. It seemed a bit rushed- not fully fleshed out. But I'm still looking forward to the sequel, if there is one. Her characters are very engaging as always!
Lackey has taken an old Welsh legendclaiming King Arthur had not one, but three wives whose names were some variation on the modern Guenevere, and has made one of them the main character of this lively retelling of the legend.
