*This is the final novel in a trilogy.*
She thought they were coming to attack Camelot, so Guinevere
formed a magical barrier (in a land which bans magic, though Arthur knows of
her magic and expects her to use it discreetly) to keep the enemy army out. It
turns out the Picts (or northern people), led by King Nechtan, and accompanied
by the sorceress Morgana and her son, Mordred, want Guinevere. They had been
coming for her. To take her to the
Dark Queen. Arthur isn’t near Camelot, having been lured away on a false
promise, so Guinevere takes matters into her own hands. Mordred is with her,
but whether he’s a help or a hindrance remains to be seen. She’s found a new
friend in bold Fina, the younger daughter of Nechtan, and a fierce warrior like
her sister, Nectudad. Guinevere is determined to discover the truth of her past
by freeing Merlin. Just why is she so
afraid of water? What she’ll find out will turn her mind on its axis, so she’ll
vow to right the wrong. Even if it means unraveling who she is now, leaving
behind Lancelot, Brangien, Dindrane, Lily … Arthur, Mordred. But can she leave
them behind?
This novel
wraps up the Camelot Rising trilogy.
It is powerful and consuming, but not without passages that are indicative of
Guinevere’s youth, despite her angst definitely being existential as opposed to
the regular, run-of-the-mill teen. Not only this story, but the entire trilogy,
has been a female-led Arthurian adventure, which has been remarkably
satisfying. The characters are all wondrously distinct, whether protagonist or
antagonist or a gray area in between. Guinevere grapples with passion, duty,
love and family. She’s battling her own internal war, even as an outward
physical battle is certain to ensue. The conclusion closes the curtain on White’s
interpretation of Arthurian legend, and it is satisfying, though a little
bittersweet.
Favorite
piece of [heated] conversation:
Morgana: “Hush, you
wretched girl, or I will make all your hair fall out using my magic.”
Fina: “Try it and I
will make all your blood fall out. Using my ax.” (p. 52)
Book One:
The Guinevere Deception
Book Two:
The Camelot Betrayal
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