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shoohoob's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The book is….fine. I’m honestly not the target demographic for this but it’s still just okay. The book is slow to read and is just a prolonged setup for the rest of the series. I would have loved it if it had all happened in one book rather than 3. I won’t be finishing the rest of the series :/
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Blood, and Kidnapping
sarahmreads's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My friend Haley keeps praising about this series and I was kind of unsure about picking it up. However, the impulse decision to pick this one up on my kindle was one I don't regret.
Guinevere is off to be married to King Arthur, ruler of the legendary Camelot and wielder of Excalibur. It's the medieval tale we all know and love. However, there's just one catch: Guinevere isn't the person she says she is.
The world-building is simple in the sense that a lot of people already know about the King Arthur stories, so it was really quick to pick up on. Another minor caveat of the King Arthur stories is that we already know a lot of it, so it has to be done in a way that is still nice and refreshing for the readers. And honestly I thought it was done really well! There were twists I wasn't expecting that had me gasping at the end of chapters. One of them I did guess but I'm here for it regardless. All I will say is that I shipped Guinevere with everyone and I will stick with that statement.
Also the magic was so good! I liked that it had a cost with everything you wanted to do. Want to do blindness and confusion? Cool, but prepare to be confused and be blind yourself. It's stuff like that that limits our main character and makes the author find other ways to make her powerful in her own right.
I'm a sucker for King Arthur stories and this book is no exception. The Guinevere Deception is an underrated, decently paced novel and I cannot wait for the next installment!
Guinevere is off to be married to King Arthur, ruler of the legendary Camelot and wielder of Excalibur. It's the medieval tale we all know and love. However, there's just one catch: Guinevere isn't the person she says she is.
The world-building is simple in the sense that a lot of people already know about the King Arthur stories, so it was really quick to pick up on. Another minor caveat of the King Arthur stories is that we already know a lot of it, so it has to be done in a way that is still nice and refreshing for the readers. And honestly I thought it was done really well! There were twists I wasn't expecting that had me gasping at the end of chapters. One of them I did guess but I'm here for it regardless. All I will say is that I shipped Guinevere with everyone and I will stick with that statement.
Also the magic was so good! I liked that it had a cost with everything you wanted to do. Want to do blindness and confusion? Cool, but prepare to be confused and be blind yourself. It's stuff like that that limits our main character and makes the author find other ways to make her powerful in her own right.
I'm a sucker for King Arthur stories and this book is no exception. The Guinevere Deception is an underrated, decently paced novel and I cannot wait for the next installment!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Sexism
allyhoo811's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Disclaimer: I wanted to start this review off by giving a disclaimer for how I rate YA novels. I don't want to imply that I go easier on my YA rankings; however, I do let certain things slide that I wouldn't in a novel written for an adult audience. Specifically, I won't penalize a YA novel for doing the things it has to do to appeal to and be accessible to a younger audience (and be deemed appropriate by that audience's parents). As such you may seem me mention certain aspects of YA books that do not personally appeal to me in my reviews, but I do not let these things affect my ratings the way I might otherwise with adult fiction.
I was drawn to The Guinevere Deception because I love Arthurian retellings (really I just love retellings in general), and I thought it was a very solid addition to the genre (4 Stars). In my opinion, I think you will have an easier time enjoying/following this story if you already have a general knowledge base regarding Arthurian Legends that extends beyond Disney's "The Sword in the Stone." You definitely don't need to know everything about the mythology surrounding Camelot , in fact, if you have too much knowledge you might be prone to find certain changes annoying. But knowing the basic stories of characters like Guinevere, Lancelot, Mordred, The Lady of the Lake, Tristan and Iseult, Uther Pendragon, Morgan le Fay, etc. certainly adds to the novel. If you don't know anything about these characters already, their book versions may come off underdeveloped. I feel like a lot rests on the fact that these characters are basically archetypes at this point, who the audience should already know.
I will try to keep the rest of my review spoiler free (or mark spoilers for the novel accordingly), but I will probably spoil at least some of the source material in my commentary. So if you don't know anything about Arthurian Legends and don't want to...Don't read further.
The Love Triangle:
What fantasy YA series would be complete without a love triangle? The Guinevere Deception follows the trope of the female protagonist having to chose between the loyal and noble (often powerful) man she is promised to and the more mysterious, brooding man she is deeply attracted too. Luckily, this trope has always appealed to me and the soap opera loving teenage girl I once was. The Arthur/Guinevere/Mordred triangle worked for me; this trope almost always works for me even in fantasy novels geared toward adults. It always reminds me of the Game of Thrones idea that "duty is the death of love" or "love being the death of duty". If you don't like this trope, this story isn't for you. I on the other hand found myself rooting for Mordred and wondering if/how he was going to turn evil like in the original legend.
The Plot:
The overall plot is good. The fast-paced chapters (typical of YA fantasy) kept me interested and wanting to read more. However, I will say it felt very much like a setup novel -- when I was done reading, it felt like not a lot had really happened until the very end, and ironically that part -- Mordred "being dark side" the Dark Queen returning -- felt too quick, like it happened to early in the story. Save that twist for the end of Book 2. But it was still an enjoyable ride.
The Lancelot Twist:
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I did not like how the Lancelot Twist was handled. This is one of the aforementioned areas where knowing a good deal about Arthurian Legends might hinder your enjoyment. Lancelot turning out to be a woman is fine, I even kind of like the gender-swap idea at first pass, but then I started thinking about all the aspects of the original characters past that will be left out (his connection to the Lady of the Lake, Galahad and Elaine, etc.), and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Honestly, I think the twist would have worked better for me if the Patchwork Knight part hadn't been a thing, and the character just called themselves Lancelot while in disguised in the tournament, but actually had another name. In part, because Lancelot is just not a women's name and mainly because it was obvious from the first mention that the Patchwork Knight was Lancelot. You didn't need the double reveal that the Patchwork Knight was *gasp* Lancelot and *gasp* a woman. Maybe more will be revealed about Lancelot's past in the rest of the series and I will be okay with it once that happens.
Character Ages:
Arthur is way too young. I get this is YA, but Arthur being 18 doesn't make sense. He's been king for maybe 2 years and has already had time to do a ridiculous amount of stuff for Camelot (usurping a title, securing borders, building a stone church, setting up a functioning economy, having how many knights join through long difficult tournament processes). Again, I get why he needed to be 18, but it makes no sense.
Generic Fantasy Setting:
Small thing, but the story should take place in the late 4th-early 5th century, and based on a few historical references it seems to, but the setting described feels too "modern" in most instances to really be that early in British History.
Use of Lore:
I like a lot of the changes made to the lore and the plot of Guinevere being a "changeling." I'm not loving the few scenes we've seen with Merlin though, but I can't really explain why.
The Realistic Treatment (or lack there of) of Sex/Violence/War:
The handling of many mature topics in the book is very watered down. And it is a YA novel, so that makes sense. I'm not going to harp much on this point, because I get the why, but I will say I hate that Guinevere is made out to be so terribly naïve when it comes to matters of reproduction and sexuality. It is given an explanation (or we are at least building toward that explanation) in the novel, which is something you can't say about most YA novels in this area, but I still hate it in YA. Tying the female character's virtue to naivety and virginity is just not a message I like being sent to teen girls. I mean Guinevere doesn't even know what her period is -- that was usually the tell-tale sign a woman was old enough to marry at that time and Guinevere hasn't had hers yet and thinks she's dying??? Even though it does make sense for this story (i.e. she doesn't remember losing teeth as a child), I still don't like it's inclusion as a plot point in a YA novel (happens too often without reasons). *steps off soapbox*
Overall, really enjoyed and will be continuing on in the series.
I was drawn to The Guinevere Deception because I love Arthurian retellings (really I just love retellings in general), and I thought it was a very solid addition to the genre (4 Stars). In my opinion, I think you will have an easier time enjoying/following this story if you already have a general knowledge base regarding Arthurian Legends that extends beyond Disney's "The Sword in the Stone." You definitely don't need to know everything about the mythology surrounding Camelot , in fact, if you have too much knowledge you might be prone to find certain changes annoying. But knowing the basic stories of characters like Guinevere, Lancelot, Mordred, The Lady of the Lake, Tristan and Iseult, Uther Pendragon, Morgan le Fay, etc. certainly adds to the novel. If you don't know anything about these characters already, their book versions may come off underdeveloped. I feel like a lot rests on the fact that these characters are basically archetypes at this point, who the audience should already know.
I will try to keep the rest of my review spoiler free (or mark spoilers for the novel accordingly), but I will probably spoil at least some of the source material in my commentary. So if you don't know anything about Arthurian Legends and don't want to...Don't read further.
The Love Triangle:
What fantasy YA series would be complete without a love triangle? The Guinevere Deception follows the trope of the female protagonist having to chose between the loyal and noble (often powerful) man she is promised to and the more mysterious, brooding man she is deeply attracted too. Luckily, this trope has always appealed to me and the soap opera loving teenage girl I once was. The Arthur/Guinevere/Mordred triangle worked for me; this trope almost always works for me even in fantasy novels geared toward adults. It always reminds me of the Game of Thrones idea that "duty is the death of love" or "love being the death of duty". If you don't like this trope, this story isn't for you. I on the other hand found myself rooting for Mordred and wondering if/how he was going to turn evil like in the original legend.
The Plot:
The overall plot is good. The fast-paced chapters (typical of YA fantasy) kept me interested and wanting to read more. However, I will say it felt very much like a setup novel -- when I was done reading, it felt like not a lot had really happened until the very end, and ironically that part --
The Lancelot Twist:
Character Ages:
Arthur is way too young. I get this is YA, but Arthur being 18 doesn't make sense. He's been king for maybe 2 years and has already had time to do a ridiculous amount of stuff for Camelot (usurping a title, securing borders, building a stone church, setting up a functioning economy, having how many knights join through long difficult tournament processes). Again, I get why he needed to be 18, but it makes no sense.
Generic Fantasy Setting:
Small thing, but the story should take place in the late 4th-early 5th century, and based on a few historical references it seems to, but the setting described feels too "modern" in most instances to really be that early in British History.
Use of Lore:
I like a lot of the changes made to the lore and the plot of Guinevere being a "changeling." I'm not loving the few scenes we've seen with Merlin though, but I can't really explain why.
The Realistic Treatment (or lack there of) of Sex/Violence/War:
The handling of many mature topics in the book is very watered down. And it is a YA novel, so that makes sense. I'm not going to harp much on this point, because I get the why, but I will say I hate that Guinevere is made out to be so terribly naïve when it comes to matters of reproduction and sexuality. It is given an explanation (or we are at least building toward that explanation) in the novel, which is something you can't say about most YA novels in this area, but I still hate it in YA. Tying the female character's virtue to naivety and virginity is just not a message I like being sent to teen girls. I mean Guinevere doesn't even know what her period is -- that was usually the tell-tale sign a woman was old enough to marry at that time and Guinevere hasn't had hers yet and thinks she's dying??? Even though it does make sense for this story (i.e. she doesn't remember losing teeth as a child), I still don't like it's inclusion as a plot point in a YA novel (happens too often without reasons). *steps off soapbox*
Overall, really enjoyed and will be continuing on in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Abandonment, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Animal death, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, and Rape
malloryfitz's review
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Death, Infidelity, Kidnapping, and Sexism
Minor: Homophobia
house_of_hannah's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I am really surprised at how much I liked this book ! I really don't even understand what it is I enjoy so much ? I suppose I just have a thing for an Arthurian tale. I also just loved all the characters and their personalities. Everyone felt different and real, and I don't think I found anyone boring.
There were a few scenes that I thought were out of place or strange.Like King Arthur only being 18, but supposedly had a lover who died giving birth to his child years ago. Like how many years ago are we talking here !?!? It was just kind of a punch in the gut of wtf ?
I'm quite invested in the story though, so I'm definitely planning on continuing the series, and I am so happy to see that the second book is out, and the third one will be published at the end of this year.
There were a few scenes that I thought were out of place or strange.
I'm quite invested in the story though, so I'm definitely planning on continuing the series, and I am so happy to see that the second book is out, and the third one will be published at the end of this year.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit
waffles's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Blood
claudiamacpherson's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Guinevere has come to Camelot to marry King Arthur. Merlin has been exiled along with all other forms of magic. But Guinevere is not Guinevere, and the marriage is a ruse so that not-Guinevere can protect Arthur from a magical attack Merlin warned them of. But magic lives on in secret in Camelot, and Guinevere must determine what—or who—is a threat to the kingdom without her own powers being exposed.
Wow, I loved this book! I initially picked it up because I have always loved myths and legends, and the Arthurian stories hold a special place in my heart because my grandmother (and favorite person!) is named Guinevere. White's writing style was engaging and the magical world-building was fascinating. I really loved the characters; Arthur reminded me of Gansey from The Raven Cycle, and we know I love that archetype, and don't even get me started on Lancelot!! I usually don't care for love triangles, and the one in this book was okay, but the one I foresee (based on what I know of Arthurian legends) coming up in the next book(s) is going to be a tough one (which is to say, not a clear superior choice)!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):Happy-ish, but pretty cliffhanger-y too! I have to wait 3 weeks for the next book, pray that I don't go crazy (or cave and buy the book in the meantime)!
Wow, I loved this book! I initially picked it up because I have always loved myths and legends, and the Arthurian stories hold a special place in my heart because my grandmother (and favorite person!) is named Guinevere. White's writing style was engaging and the magical world-building was fascinating. I really loved the characters; Arthur reminded me of Gansey from The Raven Cycle, and we know I love that archetype, and don't even get me started on Lancelot!! I usually don't care for love triangles, and the one in this book was okay, but the one I foresee (based on what I know of Arthurian legends) coming up in the next book(s) is going to be a tough one (which is to say, not a clear superior choice)!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Animal death, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Self harm and Suicidal thoughts
angelareads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Vomit
Minor: Death and Suicidal thoughts
There is some cutting in this book, not for the purposes of self harm but as part of the magic system. This could be triggering for some readers.melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I absolutely love this retelling of King Arthur. The magic, the courtly politics, the deception and the betrayal all have me on the edge of my seat, even as a reread. I love all the characters and even though this is a retelling, I still don't know what's coming! I love it.
first review:This
This was so good! I love King Arthur retellings and this is my favorite so far! Guinevere is a treasure and I'm in love with Lancelot! This is such an amazing book and I can't wait for the sequel!
first review:This
This was so good! I love King Arthur retellings and this is my favorite so far! Guinevere is a treasure and I'm in love with Lancelot! This is such an amazing book and I can't wait for the sequel!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Violence
heytherekaity's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
2nd Read: Okay. I have a solid theory on who Guinevere might be now. And I'm terrified that I'm right. Going to jump immediately into book two (thanks NetGalley!) and hopefully find out the answer..... and also hopefully get some good Guinevere/ Lancelot!!!
1st Read: I'm... so... confused???
I've never wanted to be wrong more than I did with this book. But at the same time I need to do a LOT more research because I WILL figure this out. Maybe. Full review to be published as soon as I wrap my head around everything at http://kaitplusbooks.com!
1st Read: I'm... so... confused???
I've never wanted to be wrong more than I did with this book. But at the same time I need to do a LOT more research because I WILL figure this out. Maybe. Full review to be published as soon as I wrap my head around everything at http://kaitplusbooks.com!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal death, Blood, Death, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, and Violence