*This is the middle novel in a trilogy.*
Guinevere stands in two worlds: one where she isn’t a queen
and the other the “not not-queen.”
She’s the Guinevere that she’s claimed to be in whose life she’s claimed, and
she’s Guinevere the Changeling. Her forced amnesia (by Merlin’s magic) means
she has no past memories to draw from, which, instead of seeing herself as a
blank slate that can be filled with all sorts of new knowledge, can leave her
vulnerable. Like what occurs when her younger sister, Guinevach, arrives in
Camelot unannounced. Guinevach is two years Guinevere’s junior, but she shines
in ways Guinevere does not. She knows how to be a princess, she’s more
charismatic, and everyone seems to love her with ease. What is Guinevach’s
agenda? Does she really recognize
Guinevere as her true sister when that should be impossible?
The Dark
Queen is a threat weighing heavily on Guinevere’s mind like a fog that won’t
disperse. She continues to trust Arthur, but her heart struggles with how she
feels about Mordred (who turns up at odd moments). There is a quest that is
also a twist on the “Tristan & Isolde” story, which brings Brangien
happiness, and a little more is learnt about Lancelot.
For those
who enjoy a strong feminist read, these two books out in the Camelot Rising trilogy may be for you.
You should also prefer that such a female-centric storyline finds itself in an
Arthurian landscape of intrigue, adventure and, yes, betrayal. The most obvious
betrayals are those steeped in lies, which Guinevere seems to be drowning in,
and she really hates bodies of water.
The dichotomy in the female-driven cast is Merlin. While never directly seen in
this story, his magical involvement affects Guinevere daily and drives Arthur’s
story. This entire trilogy may be epic, but it is so in a subtle way.
P.S. I
definitely should’ve adopted that dragon. (Pretty upset at Guinevere over
this.)
Book One:
The Guinevere Deception
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