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claudiamacpherson's review
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Guinevere is back in Camelot with Arthur, but threats approach from all sides: the Dark Queen has returned and her wild magic is encroaching on Camelot, and the first Guinevere's sister, Guinevach, has arrived in the city and could reveal Guinevere as a fraud. Again, Guinevere must navigate her forbidden magic, her role as queen, and her desire to be useful for Camelot and those she cares about.
It's always a different experience to read a book (as I did with this one) than to listen to it (as I did with The Guinevere Deception—great reader, by the way) so I'm not sure how that changed my experience with this sequel. I still loved the characters (though sometimes I wanted to shake Guinevere for doubting herself!), and the love triangle (square??) still made me frustrated because I like all of them, damn it, how am I supposed to choose? The plot felt a little irregular, though—not necessarily in a bad way, but there were several ups and downs and mini rising action-climax-falling action sequences rather than one big one at the ending. I still enjoyed it a lot and am now very frustrated that I have to wait for the third book to come out later this year!
Okay, more on the love triangle/square because I'm genuinely so conflicted!! First of all, I love Arthur, I really do. I fall for the king trope every time: the James Potters and Peter Pevensies and Richard Ganseys who are just so noble and loyal and good all. the. time. And I loved the scene between Arthur and Guinevere in the greenhouse room and how she contrasts Arthur with Mordred by saying that Arthur would never take what isn't his (we love a respectful man!). But White did a really good job writing Mordred because even after the betrayal at the end of The Guinevere Deception, I still loved the scenes with him and Guinevere! Granted, White gave him a pretty good redemption arc in this book, but I'm usually tough to please with those. As if those two weren't enough, I'm still waiting for a Lancelot/Guinevere romance because that's what's in the original myth! And I'm obsessed with White's Lancelot! There were a few moments in this book where I thought maybe White was preparing for that eventuality, but they were fairly subtle except for the final scene, and even those declarations of love could potentially be read as platonic. This is why I hate love triangles!! If it's not a clear choice I get stressed and feel bad for whoever ultimately doesn't get chosen. Hopefully book 3 will make the decision easier... we'll see!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):Cliffhanger! Definitely not happy (but not sad either, just tense). I need the next book!!!
It's always a different experience to read a book (as I did with this one) than to listen to it (as I did with The Guinevere Deception—great reader, by the way) so I'm not sure how that changed my experience with this sequel. I still loved the characters (though sometimes I wanted to shake Guinevere for doubting herself!), and the love triangle (square??) still made me frustrated because I like all of them, damn it, how am I supposed to choose? The plot felt a little irregular, though—not necessarily in a bad way, but there were several ups and downs and mini rising action-climax-falling action sequences rather than one big one at the ending. I still enjoyed it a lot and am now very frustrated that I have to wait for the third book to come out later this year!
Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Murder, Violence, and Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Child abuse
melaniereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I could seriously read nothing but King Arthur retellings for the rest of my days and would probably be content.
This book is such an epic sequel to The Guinevere Deception. There are even more twists and mysteries surrounding who Guinevere is and why Merlin messed with her memories! I love the new characters that were added and the new development of familiar characters.
Guinevere's love interests are a decently large part of the story and I diagnose Guinevere with: Chaotic Pansexual. I know it doesn't say anywhere, but that's my diagnosis. I know who I want her to end up with, but even so I can't help but feel an attachment to all the characters she loves.
That ending was brutal! I didn't expect it at all and now I'm so sad I have to wait so long for the next book. Oh well, guess in the meantime I'll just have to reread the rest of Kiersten White's books...
This book is such an epic sequel to The Guinevere Deception. There are even more twists and mysteries surrounding who Guinevere is and why Merlin messed with her memories! I love the new characters that were added and the new development of familiar characters.
Guinevere's love interests are a decently large part of the story and I diagnose Guinevere with: Chaotic Pansexual. I know it doesn't say anywhere, but that's my diagnosis. I know who I want her to end up with, but even so I can't help but feel an attachment to all the characters she loves.
That ending was brutal! I didn't expect it at all and now I'm so sad I have to wait so long for the next book. Oh well, guess in the meantime I'll just have to reread the rest of Kiersten White's books...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
heytherekaity's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
First Read:
AMAZING
WONDERFUL
FANTASTIC
I LOVED IT
♥️♥️♥️
Second Read:
READY FOR THE EXCALIBUR CURSE!!!
AMAZING
WONDERFUL
FANTASTIC
I LOVED IT
♥️♥️♥️
Second Read:
READY FOR THE EXCALIBUR CURSE!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Death, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Murder
Minor: Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Alcohol
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