Reviews with content warning for War - Gwen and Art Are Not in Love

This was a fun read! It felt like a weird rom-com, found family book for about two-thirds of it, then turned quickly into a fast-paced espionage royalty novel as the ending picked up a whole lot of speed. This book isn’t set in Arthurian times, but a hundred years after, but it kind of resembles modern times in terms of attitudes and speech — minus, of course, the pretense of monarchy, knights, and tourneys. The cultists versus the Catholics, though, felt very relevant. I will say that I found Arthur unbearable for a lot of the book; his sarcasm, barbs, and general demeanor were just cruel, and the explanation of his abusive father didn’t do enough to make him sympathetic. I would have liked to have seen much more interaction between Arthur and Gwen, Gwen and Bridget, and Arthur and Gabriel, because all of their relationships felt just a bit rushed, but I enjoyed when they came together and the dialogue was witty and fun. The world building was sufficient for a YA novel, and did a great job of setting each scene. The ending wasn’t quite unexpected — it wasn’t a book that relied too heavily on mystery — but it was satisfying enough and I put the book down feeling as if it had delivered its promise. Overall a mostly light-hearted, very enjoyable book.

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carlyoc's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A cute Arthurian-inspired tale with a queer twist. Though the characters speak with such modern casual tones that I didn't quite feel immersed in ancient England 100 years after the reign of King Arthur. With all the witty banter, this reads a lot like a fan fiction and I was surprised when the plot got a little dark towards the end. Still, it is overall and uplifting story about overcoming cowardice to stand up for truth and love.
Gwen and Art (both named for the royals of legend) have been engaged since they were children. Gwen's father is king of a recently-united England made up of Catholics and Arthurian cultists. Art is said to be descended from the original Arthur, ans their union will help united the cultists with Gwen's family's reign.
Unfortunately, Gwen and Art hate each other and harbor secret feelings for people they can never be with. But once they realize they realize they have more in common than they thought, they become reluctant alibis for each other, slowly becoming true friends.

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shoohoob's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

I was really looking forward to this book and was let down :( For one, the narrator for Arthur’s chapters was not the most pleasant to listen to. I also couldn’t really discern when this book was supposed to take place in history. I also wasn’t super convinced about the romance between Arthur and Gabriel.

That being said, I LOVED Bridget and Gwendolyn. I honestly would love a whole book just on them. The narrator for Gwen’s chapters was much more captivating and I found myself wanting more Gwen chapters.

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theespressoedition's review against another edition

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3.5

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gondorgirl's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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felishacb's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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? No

4.0

Gwen & Art is a modern, queer retelling of King Arthur of Camelot including Guinevere (Gwen) and Merlin with a new knight (Bridget) and sidekicks. This YA story was quick-paced and fun. I really liked the story and all of the characters.

I also liked the reminder (through a revelation in the story) that queer people have existed forever, even if they weren't allowed to live their lives openly and that we have the power to change the future for others to be able to live as themselves.

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quinnpjd930's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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