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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I enjoyed the story but it seemed to drag a little. And even though I knew how it was kind of going to end I was still a bit disappointed. The characters have good personality and are described well but I felt a sense of disappointment after I finished this book.
Also, on a separate note, I really hated listening to whoever narrated the audio book.
Also, on a separate note, I really hated listening to whoever narrated the audio book.
Exactly as you might expect from Mercedes Lackey, a well-researched look into the noriom of 3 Guineveres and a false queen informed by prechristian Welsh societak structures and the Mabinogion. a fabulous read, and a welcome look into the queen's view of the legend.
Lackey has been writing Mary-Sues in fantasy crack-fic for decades now, so this book came as a surprise to me. She's clearly put in research into early Celtic life and tales--her Gwenhwyfar serves mead and ale with her own hands in a great hall filled with dog shit. This is probably the best book she's ever written--certainly it's the most controlled. But still, sadly disappointing. If you tackle Arthurian legend after centuries of people messing with it, you'd better have something new and interesting to say. Lackey definitely doesn't, but it's not a complete failure as a book. The world felt possible, and neither the "Old Ways" nor the "White Christ" felt demonized (a common pitfall of the Arthurian tales). Most of the story is about Gwen becoming a warrior--she doesn't even meet Arthur until 3/4ths of the way into the novel. I'd ordinarily really enjoy this feminist twist on what makes Gwen important--that it's her skills, rather than her marriage--except that what Gwen is involved in is pretty boring. Even the training montage doesn't have the same vitality as, say, in [b:Arrows of the Queen|13986|Arrows of the Queen (Heralds of Valdemar, #1)|Mercedes Lackey|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166575459s/13986.jpg|834071]. By controlling the worst of her Mary-Sue-creating tendencies, Lackey has removed a lot of the fun in her writing style.
Which is not to say that Lackey has learned to write reasonable characters. Her Gwen is perfect in a very well-worn way: she's beautiful, but doesn't pay attention to clothes or makeup! she's more gifted with magic than anyone else! she's the best rider and scout in the army! the fey do as she bids, and come when she calls! she still looks 16 in her late twenties! (Lackey emphasizes how preternaturally young Gwen looks, in nearly every chapter. Why is this important?) She's an unbelievable character, but less so than the Evil Characters. Why do people do mean things? Because they are Evil! From the very moment they are born, they are Evil. Constantly, irredeamably, in every possible situation, Evil. Arthur's kingdom falls not because the Saxons are invading, or because he didn't leave a good infrastructure in place, or because he was a bad king--but instead, because a character is Evil and so does all sorts of Evil things. (In case you weren't sure he was Evil, he rapes the main character repeatedly. I am so, so, so over rape-as-marker-of-evil in fantasy novels.) It's frustrating!
This is better than Lackey's usual fare, but isn't anything special. If you're looking for Arthurian legends with a strong female heroine, I highly recommend Jo Walton's [b:The King's Peace|1391321|The King's Peace (Tir Tanagiri, #1)|Jo Walton|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1256714763s/1391321.jpg|1381448] instead.
Which is not to say that Lackey has learned to write reasonable characters. Her Gwen is perfect in a very well-worn way: she's beautiful, but doesn't pay attention to clothes or makeup! she's more gifted with magic than anyone else! she's the best rider and scout in the army! the fey do as she bids, and come when she calls! she still looks 16 in her late twenties! (Lackey emphasizes how preternaturally young Gwen looks, in nearly every chapter. Why is this important?) She's an unbelievable character, but less so than the Evil Characters. Why do people do mean things? Because they are Evil! From the very moment they are born, they are Evil. Constantly, irredeamably, in every possible situation, Evil. Arthur's kingdom falls not because the Saxons are invading, or because he didn't leave a good infrastructure in place, or because he was a bad king--but instead, because a character is Evil and so does all sorts of Evil things. (In case you weren't sure he was Evil, he rapes the main character repeatedly. I am so, so, so over rape-as-marker-of-evil in fantasy novels.) It's frustrating!
This is better than Lackey's usual fare, but isn't anything special. If you're looking for Arthurian legends with a strong female heroine, I highly recommend Jo Walton's [b:The King's Peace|1391321|The King's Peace (Tir Tanagiri, #1)|Jo Walton|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1256714763s/1391321.jpg|1381448] instead.
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have a friend who is an avid Mercedes Lackey reader. Ever since we were young students in university, she's been trying to persuade me to try one of her books. "No, thank you", I always said, looking at the cheesy, pseudo - medieval covers. Definitely not my cup of tea. Then, one day, I saw her holding this novel. The name "Gwenhwyfar" brought my beloved The Mists of Avalon to mind. "You won't like it", she said. Okay, so challenge accepted. The female Eowyn-like warrior image definitely picked my interest and I started reading it. Despite certain problems with the characters and the story, I can say that my overall impression was positive.
I don't want to say much about the plot, because this is the greatest surprise, in my opinion. Lackey has taken a few of the numerous versions of Arthur's legend and combined them to create her own vision. Is it successful? For the most part, I'd say it is. We have a young woman, whose life we witness from an early age, trying to balance her position as a noble daughter with all the duties and obligations, and as the first and foremost warrior of her father and leader of his army. Seeing her struggle and her wish for independence unfolding was exciting.
The writing has many moments of beauty and a clear vision conveyed. There is attention to detail regarding the setting. There is a successful balance of political and strategic issues and the depictions of the daily life during the Dark Ages. The image of Gwenhwyfar as the White Spirit is haunting and quite original. For me, the part where Lackey really excels has to do with the references to Religion. Naturally, there is the duality of the Old Religion and the New, but not in a fight against each other. It's rather an attempt to have them co-exist and understand the differences and the unavoidable similarities. Gwenhwyfar respects both choices and finds the positive elements of each system of beliefs and I think this was refreshing. Even in " Mists of Avalon" the polemic against one side turns out a bit too much, becoming almost a propaganda. Here, Lackey creates a balanced narrative. I'm not aware of her personal beliefs but as a reader, I consider her approach mature and professional.
Gwenhwyfar is a brilliant character. She is mature, bright, confident and brave with a deep sense of loyalty for her lineage and an unshaken belief in her abilities. She is able to understand her duty as a royal daughter and is far from obnoxious or petulant. I couldn't find a single dark spot in her character and I consider her one of the most well-written heroines in Historical Fantasy Fiction. The problem is that all the other characters- with the exception of her mother- are one-dimensional and completely uninteresting. Her sisters, her father, even the main antagonist and her love interest are flat and not particularly developed. Arthur is, perhaps, the worst of all. He comes across as a man completely unfit to be an absolute ruler. I couldn't see why he'd be so readily obeyed by all.
Along with the poor characterization, there are certain parts of the story that make it slow and confusing. I didn't see the point in having so many women named "Gwenhwyfar". The focus on our heroine's training slows the narration down and the inclusion of a magical, river race makes it a bit silly and childish. And not in a positive way.
Perhaps I was prepared to hate it, my expectations were lower than low and this is why I ended up enjoying it. I was impressed by the faithful depiction of the Dark Ages, the haunting atmosphere and the vivid, inspired dialogue. Don't expect the myth of Arthur and his knights, don't expect Guinevere and Lancelot or Morgan and Mordred. At least, not in the ways they have become known. This is an entirely version. Whether it is successful or not is obviously subjective but I'd suggest you give it a try. It's not "The Mists of Avalon", but it is entertaining and has one of the finest heroines you'll ever meet in the pages of a book.
I don't want to say much about the plot, because this is the greatest surprise, in my opinion. Lackey has taken a few of the numerous versions of Arthur's legend and combined them to create her own vision. Is it successful? For the most part, I'd say it is. We have a young woman, whose life we witness from an early age, trying to balance her position as a noble daughter with all the duties and obligations, and as the first and foremost warrior of her father and leader of his army. Seeing her struggle and her wish for independence unfolding was exciting.
The writing has many moments of beauty and a clear vision conveyed. There is attention to detail regarding the setting. There is a successful balance of political and strategic issues and the depictions of the daily life during the Dark Ages. The image of Gwenhwyfar as the White Spirit is haunting and quite original. For me, the part where Lackey really excels has to do with the references to Religion. Naturally, there is the duality of the Old Religion and the New, but not in a fight against each other. It's rather an attempt to have them co-exist and understand the differences and the unavoidable similarities. Gwenhwyfar respects both choices and finds the positive elements of each system of beliefs and I think this was refreshing. Even in " Mists of Avalon" the polemic against one side turns out a bit too much, becoming almost a propaganda. Here, Lackey creates a balanced narrative. I'm not aware of her personal beliefs but as a reader, I consider her approach mature and professional.
Gwenhwyfar is a brilliant character. She is mature, bright, confident and brave with a deep sense of loyalty for her lineage and an unshaken belief in her abilities. She is able to understand her duty as a royal daughter and is far from obnoxious or petulant. I couldn't find a single dark spot in her character and I consider her one of the most well-written heroines in Historical Fantasy Fiction. The problem is that all the other characters- with the exception of her mother- are one-dimensional and completely uninteresting. Her sisters, her father, even the main antagonist and her love interest are flat and not particularly developed. Arthur is, perhaps, the worst of all. He comes across as a man completely unfit to be an absolute ruler. I couldn't see why he'd be so readily obeyed by all.
Along with the poor characterization, there are certain parts of the story that make it slow and confusing. I didn't see the point in having so many women named "Gwenhwyfar". The focus on our heroine's training slows the narration down and the inclusion of a magical, river race makes it a bit silly and childish. And not in a positive way.
Perhaps I was prepared to hate it, my expectations were lower than low and this is why I ended up enjoying it. I was impressed by the faithful depiction of the Dark Ages, the haunting atmosphere and the vivid, inspired dialogue. Don't expect the myth of Arthur and his knights, don't expect Guinevere and Lancelot or Morgan and Mordred. At least, not in the ways they have become known. This is an entirely version. Whether it is successful or not is obviously subjective but I'd suggest you give it a try. It's not "The Mists of Avalon", but it is entertaining and has one of the finest heroines you'll ever meet in the pages of a book.
Would I have continued to read this book were it not for COVID-19 lockdown? It was deeply researched and incorporated a more feudal political angle for the Arthur tale that was more entrenched in reality. However the book was mostly about the daily tasks and horse chores and the action seemed confined to the last fourth of the book. Not particularly narrative and just matter of fact.
Following in the footsteps of Bradley, Lackey has written the Arthurian legends from Gwenhwyfar's point of view. She takes her story from some bits of the Welsh tradition and crafts a story that, while good, doesn't have the same life as early Valdemar and Elemental Masters books. I couldn't really connect with Gwen who seemed to be sometimes overly male and at others a girl longing to break free of her warrior path.
Annotation: Gwenhwyfar is the third of four daughters of King Lleudd, and while her sisters find paths in traditional female roles of wife and Lady, Gwen follows the warrior path, becoming her father's commander. But when King Arthur's second wife dies, the Ladies call on Gwen to become his third. Gwen is uncomfortable as a "lady-wife" and trouble brews as Medraut and Gwenhwyfach (Gwen's younger sister) plot against Arthur.
Annotation: Gwenhwyfar is the third of four daughters of King Lleudd, and while her sisters find paths in traditional female roles of wife and Lady, Gwen follows the warrior path, becoming her father's commander. But when King Arthur's second wife dies, the Ladies call on Gwen to become his third. Gwen is uncomfortable as a "lady-wife" and trouble brews as Medraut and Gwenhwyfach (Gwen's younger sister) plot against Arthur.
A re-telling of the Arthurian legend. In this one, Gwen is actually Arthur's 3rd wife (all of whom are named Gwenhwyfar/Gueneviere) as a means of making sense of all the various legends floating around out there. She is a warrior, and definitely a fighter to the very end.
An interesting variation on all the Arthurian stuff out there, but not Lackey's best.
An interesting variation on all the Arthurian stuff out there, but not Lackey's best.
Lackey has never impressed me as much as she's done here. I found out early on that she was mentored by the late and great Marion Zimmer Bradley. Knowing this, I tried to remind myself that she is NOT Bradley, and will more than likely see the Arthurian legends differently.
And I was right. The names were spelled differently, and she took her work based on poems, rather than too many legends. I'm very impressed with how she wrote the story.
I love the story of the three Queen Gueneveres. I rather liked hearing a bout Little Gwen, even if I did not like the character much myself. Lackey has done it again. Once again, she has proven why she is on the top of my favorite authors' list for all time.
There were many factors that were exposed that I did not hear about in the Bradley books, and those were fascinating to me. I think seeing the legend from the famed Guenevere's point of view was intriguing, and full of magic. Bravo, Lackey. You now have another Bestseller under your belt.
And I was right. The names were spelled differently, and she took her work based on poems, rather than too many legends. I'm very impressed with how she wrote the story.
I love the story of the three Queen Gueneveres. I rather liked hearing a bout Little Gwen, even if I did not like the character much myself. Lackey has done it again. Once again, she has proven why she is on the top of my favorite authors' list for all time.
There were many factors that were exposed that I did not hear about in the Bradley books, and those were fascinating to me. I think seeing the legend from the famed Guenevere's point of view was intriguing, and full of magic. Bravo, Lackey. You now have another Bestseller under your belt.
I love the twist of Arthur having three Queens, would have loved more on what the last did after the war.