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elexa's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I can't quite justify pushing it up to 4. There are A LOT of issues in plotting and I found the romance completely unbelievable. But the novel is very atmospheric and there are some really good characters.
thadzic's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
acornett99's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
Mixed feelings about this one. I like the concept, but my only familiarity with Arthurian Legend is The Once and Future King, which I found much more engaging. I feel like the romance could’ve been written better, but the side characters are where this truly shines. Loved the ongoing conflict between Christians and Druids (sorry, Wisdom Keepers), but the last battle between the family members felt somewhat convoluted. Finally, although the author was trying to showcase a powerful woman lost to history, I feel like Languoreth just doesn’t do much to affect the course of events
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
crisis_dilemma's review against another edition
5.0
Loved loved loved this book!!! Reading about a real queen whose legacy was buried in history, this story was inspiring and tragic. I picked this up because it was about the people who inspired the Arthurian legends and that seemed like something right up my alley. I never knew Merlin had a twin sister and reading about her made me think about the ways a woman has her fate decided for her but how they can excerpt their power in their own ways. A great read and I cannot wait for book two!
knittyreader's review against another edition
5.0
Some books are so great that it makes me actually sad that I reach the end. This is one of those books.
I love books in a historical setting like this one, but only few of them can actually pull it off while portraying the characters as real people instead of ideological or one-dimensional props. This is one of those books that does. There is no way I as a reader could not root for Languoreth, Lailoken, or honestly any of the characters. Except perhaps Mungo. I wanted to kick him in the shins for being a totally sleazy a-hole, but like Languoreth I sat rooted in my chair, unable to do anything. There is no way to feel the total exasperation of a character for not being able to do something but being a reader, right? So, apart from the writing style being beautiful, the plot being great, and the setting being wonderful, the characters and their development were again what kept me glued to my chair with this book.
In a couple of days the second installment will be released. It won't be difficult to convince myself I need more books this time.
I received a free copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I love books in a historical setting like this one, but only few of them can actually pull it off while portraying the characters as real people instead of ideological or one-dimensional props. This is one of those books that does. There is no way I as a reader could not root for Languoreth, Lailoken, or honestly any of the characters. Except perhaps Mungo. I wanted to kick him in the shins for being a totally sleazy a-hole, but like Languoreth I sat rooted in my chair, unable to do anything. There is no way to feel the total exasperation of a character for not being able to do something but being a reader, right? So, apart from the writing style being beautiful, the plot being great, and the setting being wonderful, the characters and their development were again what kept me glued to my chair with this book.
In a couple of days the second installment will be released. It won't be difficult to convince myself I need more books this time.
I received a free copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
sarahanne8382's review
I was given a free copy of this for an honest review quite awhile ago. I tried, but I just couldn't finish this. Early medieval Britain seems like something that would be right up my alley, but the writing was ... not great. The main character is 10 at the beginning of the book, but doesn't feel 10. It's all just slightly off and I quite frankly couldn't do it for 500-ish pages.
savannnah_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
Currently crying (actually) because this book is over. It hurts. The ending HURTS.
Languoreth gave up everything she cared about over and over and over for her entire life, only for her ending to be heart wrenching. I know this book takes creative liberties, but it feels so plausible that I’m just…slightly devastated.
Fiction or real life, Languoreth is a new all-time favorite FMC. She’s so human and brave and steadfast and earnest.
The way this book made me cry wasn’t in big huge sobs like others have, but small little tears throughout the book because her losses and deep important interpersonal moments felt so relatable and achy.
I need to marinate on this more but it’s one of my new favorite books.
I think it is important to go into it knowing that the story is rooted in historical events and is trying to relay a biography as much as it is trying to entertain you in a fantasy world. The FMC isn’t my usual brand of favorite badass protagonists, but it works because the author puts us in a world that is just as complex and uncertain as the real world. It’s long and sometimes dry, but it still pulled me in.
Languoreth gave up everything she cared about over and over and over for her entire life, only for her ending to be heart wrenching. I know this book takes creative liberties, but it feels so plausible that I’m just…slightly devastated.
Fiction or real life, Languoreth is a new all-time favorite FMC. She’s so human and brave and steadfast and earnest.
The way this book made me cry wasn’t in big huge sobs like others have, but small little tears throughout the book because her losses and deep important interpersonal moments felt so relatable and achy.
I need to marinate on this more but it’s one of my new favorite books.
I think it is important to go into it knowing that the story is rooted in historical events and is trying to relay a biography as much as it is trying to entertain you in a fantasy world. The FMC isn’t my usual brand of favorite badass protagonists, but it works because the author puts us in a world that is just as complex and uncertain as the real world. It’s long and sometimes dry, but it still pulled me in.
kmdbookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-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? No
4.5
lemonlaiime's review against another edition
5.0
I was reminded a lot of The Mists of Avalon as I read this book. I’ve always been intrigued by Arthurian legends and this is a wonderful story that adds more layers. I actually forgot that it ties to Merlin more than it does to Arthur, so I spent a good part of the book being just okay with it. But that “twist” that my forgetful mind realized got me so much more into what was happening.
I’m excited for Book 2!
I’m excited for Book 2!
angreads727's review against another edition
4.0
I love Arthurian legend and this one tells the story of Merlin’s twin sister. It tells of her childhood, marriage and adulthood. I’m so intrigued and excited to see where these stories go.