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kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
5.0
The Idylls of the Queen is one of my favorite, if not my absolute favorite, Arthurian novel. Undoubtably this is due to the fact that it is told from the point of view of Sir Kay, whom I always felt sorry for (it's a elder sibling thing). Karr, however, does know the medieval tradition upon which she is drawing. If you have read the old Arthurian stories (de Troyes, Malory and so on) there are wonderful gems in the off hand comments that some characters make. If you haven't read any of the Arthurian stories upon which Karr draws, it doesn't matter; the book is accessible to newbies. The plot of the novel is a mystery taken from Arthurian tradition; Karr, however, puts Kay in the role of detective.
raanve's review against another edition
4.0
This is really more "A Tale of Sir Kay & His Never-ending Snark", but I suppose Guenevere's name sells more books. I loved Kay & his banter with Mordred, and the book was a light, entertaining read throughout. Excellent voice & nice plotting, even if you might already know some of what gets revealed. (Though you can't necessarily predict the who-dunnit.)
christinecc's review
5.0
Dear King Arthur (or more specifically, the Morte Dartur) fans, you will love this book.
So here's the deal: this book is a genre blend. The narrator, Kay, is the closest we ever get to a jaded noir detective, and quite frankly he plays the role to grumpy perfection. Next, the book takes its characters straight from the human level: everyone has a problem, a grudge, a secret, and it all stems from Thomas Malory's source material! But best of all, it doesn't fall into the stereotypical portrayal of arthurian characters. Sure, I don't completely love how Gareth doesn't seem to be a favourite of the author's, but this version of him was still well-written and made sense given the other Orkney brothers' characterization. Also I just love how Kay's perspective makes everything just a bit less glamorous and ideal in an "The Office" way. No matter how dramatic Mordred gets, Kay remains down to earth and stuck in the mud (I say this with affection, it's not Kay's fault he's so practical!).
Finally, this is just a great mystery with a compelling cast and engaging writing. If you're a fan of the middle ages, King Arthur, or just love a fun adventure-mystery, you deserve to have a good time while reading this book.
So here's the deal: this book is a genre blend. The narrator, Kay, is the closest we ever get to a jaded noir detective, and quite frankly he plays the role to grumpy perfection. Next, the book takes its characters straight from the human level: everyone has a problem, a grudge, a secret, and it all stems from Thomas Malory's source material! But best of all, it doesn't fall into the stereotypical portrayal of arthurian characters. Sure, I don't completely love how Gareth doesn't seem to be a favourite of the author's, but this version of him was still well-written and made sense given the other Orkney brothers' characterization. Also I just love how Kay's perspective makes everything just a bit less glamorous and ideal in an "The Office" way. No matter how dramatic Mordred gets, Kay remains down to earth and stuck in the mud (I say this with affection, it's not Kay's fault he's so practical!).
Finally, this is just a great mystery with a compelling cast and engaging writing. If you're a fan of the middle ages, King Arthur, or just love a fun adventure-mystery, you deserve to have a good time while reading this book.
coffeeandink's review
3.0
Arthurian murder mystery, narrated by Sir Kay, who is in love with Guenevere; nicely done unreliable narrator (within strict and easily parseable limits), decent Mordred.
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