Scan barcode
a_strix_named_strix's review against another edition
1.0
I have never read a more boring book. Honestly.
Guinevere was very melancholic. Okay. She also had no real inner life beyond endless cycles of "Arthur... not real queen... not Guinevere (despite the narration calling her Guinevere???)... evil stuff...".
Everyone here (besides maybe Mordred) were boring. You have her friends, Hot Not-Husband, and Evil Lady So Boring She Is Literally Just A Looming Threat.
There are THREE (3) times I can remember where any threats actually encroached on Camelot/Arthur, the rest of the time not-Guin angsted a lot with her friends. Great for her, not so great for me. I ended up skimming the last third (two thirds? Can't remember) just to get it over with.
See, this book is really a 330 page prologue to book 2. We see all the important players and why they're there, but it's pretty much filler otherwise. A good ending sequence doesn't justify 300 pages of prologue and meander.
Guinevere was very melancholic. Okay. She also had no real inner life beyond endless cycles of "Arthur... not real queen... not Guinevere (despite the narration calling her Guinevere???)... evil stuff...".
Everyone here (besides maybe Mordred) were boring. You have her friends, Hot Not-Husband, and Evil Lady So Boring She Is Literally Just A Looming Threat.
Spoiler
Magic is forbidden. Does Arthur have any conflict about having basically a magic bodyguard wife who he knows is impersonating a dead girl? Who knows! Why does Guinevere call herself Guinevere in her narration if she seems a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing, or at least views herself as NOT Guinevere?There are THREE (3) times I can remember where any threats actually encroached on Camelot/Arthur, the rest of the time not-Guin angsted a lot with her friends. Great for her, not so great for me. I ended up skimming the last third (two thirds? Can't remember) just to get it over with.
See, this book is really a 330 page prologue to book 2. We see all the important players and why they're there, but it's pretty much filler otherwise. A good ending sequence doesn't justify 300 pages of prologue and meander.
charlieteuthis's review against another edition
2.0
The strongest aspect of this book were the characters, though probably more in relation to everyone but Guinevere herself. There were a lot of interactions I absolutely adored and were a delight to read! The author has a great grasp on how to write compelling character interactions and dialog. However, I could not tell you one of Guinevere’s personality traits without having to think hard about her.
Another issue about this story was that a lot of it felt like set up to the main plot. Most of the book felt like waiting around for things to happen. Even a lot of the character dynamics felt like set up for something more important. Some of the dynamic I feel like benefitted from the slow pace, but others felt odd to not to address much, especially in the love triangle.
There are a lot of really bold and creative choices the author makes, yet many of them fall flat. At times they shine because of those fantastic character interactions I mentioned, but when examined overall they’re just a bit strange, especially in the context of the story drawing upon arthurian legends. Part of the issue with this is that the author seems to struggle to fully commit to these strong choices.
I honestly wish that the last 65 pages were what the rest of the story was like. This is where things got really interesting. Even then, there were some odd choices that I felt like somewhat contradicted things that were previously established. The villain is also set up to be super evil and I found myself…kind of rooting for her, or at least having no moral problems with her. The explanation of who she is and what she’s like doesn’t feel that bad to me. I even agree with some of her points. I can’t tell what moral angle the story is going for in decisions people make in relation to the villain, but it doesn’t seem like an intentional lack of clarity. It was at this point that I also realized that the villain’s goals are a little unclear. I can barely tell you what she wants and I could not tell you why.
Overall, while this book did get some pretty strong reactions from me from great character moments, the plot is poorly paced and suffers from a lack of commitment.
Another issue about this story was that a lot of it felt like set up to the main plot. Most of the book felt like waiting around for things to happen. Even a lot of the character dynamics felt like set up for something more important. Some of the dynamic I feel like benefitted from the slow pace, but others felt odd to not to address much, especially in the love triangle.
There are a lot of really bold and creative choices the author makes, yet many of them fall flat. At times they shine because of those fantastic character interactions I mentioned, but when examined overall they’re just a bit strange, especially in the context of the story drawing upon arthurian legends. Part of the issue with this is that the author seems to struggle to fully commit to these strong choices.
I honestly wish that the last 65 pages were what the rest of the story was like. This is where things got really interesting. Even then, there were some odd choices that I felt like somewhat contradicted things that were previously established. The villain is also set up to be super evil and I found myself…kind of rooting for her, or at least having no moral problems with her. The explanation of who she is and what she’s like doesn’t feel that bad to me. I even agree with some of her points. I can’t tell what moral angle the story is going for in decisions people make in relation to the villain, but it doesn’t seem like an intentional lack of clarity. It was at this point that I also realized that the villain’s goals are a little unclear. I can barely tell you what she wants and I could not tell you why.
Overall, while this book did get some pretty strong reactions from me from great character moments, the plot is poorly paced and suffers from a lack of commitment.
thebookedpath's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting take on the Arthurian legend. I am still unsure who the MC really is (although she is disguised as Guinevere). I was surprised to see Lancelot as a woman, but I actually liked it. I wonder if this choice will result in a sapphic romance later in the books? I was not really sure if I liked this book or not. I gave it 3 stars more on the notion that it kept me intrigued enough to finish it and I could see how it could be a good read for someone who allows more liberties with Arthurian tales than I do.
hellobookbird's review against another edition
3.0
That was not a finite or controlled magic. It was a wild and dark and dangerous magic. It was a violent magic, undoing the record of a life and giving it to someone else.
Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom's borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution--send in Guinevere to be Arthur's wife...and his protector from those who want to see the young king's idyllic city fail. The catch? Guinevere's real name--and her true identity--is a secret. She is a changeling, a girl who has given up everything to protect Camelot.
To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old--including Arthur's own family--demand things continue as they have been, and the new--those drawn by the dream of Camelot--fight for a better way to live. And always, in the green hearts of forests and the black depths of lakes, magic lies in wait to reclaim the land. Arthur's knights believe they are strong enough to face any threat, but Guinevere knows it will take more than swords to keep Camelot free.
Kiersten White won me over with her retelling of Vlad the Impaler...as a woman in [b: And I Darken|27190613|And I Darken (The Conqueror's Saga, #1)|Kiersten White|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1449153532l/27190613._SY75_.jpg|41682914]. So when I found out she was writing an Arthurian retelling--usually a miss for me--I was intrigued enough to pre-order it (at the least, even if I hated it, I'd have a pretty cover).
If you came to get a powerful, gritty, dark Arthurian tale, pass this one by. White takes a more...younger? lighter? approach on this one. And unlike her Conquerer's Saga, there was very little to capture the feeling of the time and place...aside from the fact that she has a handmaiden. While I had been hoping for a more mature and gritty read, I didn't come in with any real expectations (and I've never been a huge stickler if it deviates from the period) so those were non-issues. I can definitely see them being a problem for other White fans, however.
The problem with being a lady was that a lady had a lady’s maid, and a lady’s maid never left.
Guinevere is wholesome and kind. While I had to suspend belief that she could fit in as well as she could, having been raised in a cottage in the forest with only Merlin for company, she was a likable character. She was devoted entirely to finding ways to protect Arthur and I liked that the magic required real physical cost that taxed her.
Brangian, her handmaiden, is also a likable character and they pair well together (which is good, since a majority of the book is through their interactions).
Merlin is a conundrum. His presence is mostly felt through his interactions with others and it's a confusing question of whether he is good or whether he falls too far into the morally grey area the further the story progresses.
The majority of the book is fairly even-paced, but requires a patient reader as I think it keeps us in the dark for way too long. While this usually does nothing but frustrate me (and will definitely frustrate others), I think it worked in this case because it ties in so strongly with Guinevere's development as being an unknown. There are holes in the why because those are the holes that need to be discovered about who Guinevere is herself.
I think my two largest issues were that Arthur is bland and boring and I didn't feel a lot of tension with the plot. We're not told the when the supposed big bad is going to come, so it's a lot of poking in different directions without a ticking clock to discover the next step in how to protect Arthur from something.
Despite that, I still rather enjoyed it. While this certainly isn't a huge re-imagining, it's a nice, light read with familiar concepts that was well-written. Don't think too hard about it, just let it unfold, and you'll do okay.
Recommended for the patient reader that loves a light, if somewhat circuitous, read.
sarahpreno's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this magical retelling of King Arthur! The plot was gripping from the very first page and kept me wanting to read more the entire time. I can’t wait for the the story to continue in the next book!
darrowsmuse's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jnishi's review against another edition
4.0
I agree with what is said about this book to an extent, it is a slower read. That being said this book is all about character development and setting up what will most likely be a kickass battle full of badass women in the next book. Solid good read and an interesting new take on Arthurian legend.
denali_epub's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many things to say about this book and not enough words to properly express the emotions I felt while reading, and I'll genuinely have to keep this review short to keep from spewing at the seams. [a:Kiersten White|3027554|Kiersten White|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1254205920p2/3027554.jpg] truly created a rippling masterpiece of magic in the exposition of the Guinevere Deception. This book had me catching my breath with the turn of every page, and anxiously searching for extra pages when it was over.
It's been a long time since a book had my questioning everything. And I do mean everything. Whatever you think you know while you're reading, you're probably wrong. Kiersten White expertly wove in tricks and clues, heroes and villains and the very gray in between's to create a web of a story that caught me unawares and pulled me into a tight cocoon of spider silk. I could not escape this book. While it certainly branches away from the basic Arthurian Literature I've come to know, I loved this new take on Camelot. There was so much life to what I was reading; so many questions that I still yearn for answers to.
As someone utterly obsessed with King Arthur, I loved Kiersten's taken on his youth. She created a boy trapped inside the burdens of a king, awash in secret longing and tugging on my heartstrings. As if I didn't already love him enough already... The newfound portrayals she executed for Guinevere, Lancelot, and Mordred were excellently rendered, leaving me on my toes to figure out who truly belongs in Camelot and what secrets they might be hiding. While I certainly missed Gawain and some of the legendary quests that came along with him, I still loved this story. I loved the fresh face given to an ancient story, how what I already knew became twisted in my hands into something entirely new to examine.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel with shaking hands. My heart is still in my throat, my soul longing towards the answers I know Guinevere herself still seeks.
It's been a long time since a book had my questioning everything. And I do mean everything. Whatever you think you know while you're reading, you're probably wrong. Kiersten White expertly wove in tricks and clues, heroes and villains and the very gray in between's to create a web of a story that caught me unawares and pulled me into a tight cocoon of spider silk. I could not escape this book. While it certainly branches away from the basic Arthurian Literature I've come to know, I loved this new take on Camelot. There was so much life to what I was reading; so many questions that I still yearn for answers to.
As someone utterly obsessed with King Arthur, I loved Kiersten's taken on his youth. She created a boy trapped inside the burdens of a king, awash in secret longing and tugging on my heartstrings. As if I didn't already love him enough already... The newfound portrayals she executed for Guinevere, Lancelot, and Mordred were excellently rendered, leaving me on my toes to figure out who truly belongs in Camelot and what secrets they might be hiding. While I certainly missed Gawain and some of the legendary quests that came along with him, I still loved this story. I loved the fresh face given to an ancient story, how what I already knew became twisted in my hands into something entirely new to examine.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel with shaking hands. My heart is still in my throat, my soul longing towards the answers I know Guinevere herself still seeks.
snoopydoo77's review against another edition
2.0
I received a free copy from the publisher via Netgalley and chose to leave a voluntary review. Thank you!*
DNFed at 50%
I was super excited when I received this book from Netgalley, sadly this book was not for me. I normally really like her books and her retellings but this was just fell short for me.
It just didn’t hold my interest at all and I finally DNFed it at around 50%.
For one it just felt like the story or Guinevere, who by the way bot really Guinevere (not a spoiler it states it right in the beginning) ll over the place, we bounce around a lot in the story. It also was a bit on the slow site and it felt like never ending.
I also had a hard time connecting with the characters, Arthur who was not there a lot but mentioned and talked about I liked but again it was hard for me to connect to him if he is hardly there.
Guinevere seemed lost herself and all over the place with no real direction so I had a even harder time to connect to her.
Of course there were another people but most just were meh….. I had some thoughts about what is about to come and will be a plot twist so I asked a friend who read it all how it ends and such. But I was not surprised and basically everything I thought would happen did happen.
Overall, meh book for me. I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get into it this time around. I’m sure there will be plenty of people who will love it.
I rate it 2 ★
maryrayneee's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0