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hannahellen's review
2.0
My hunger for anything Arthurian sometimes leads me to very meh places.
This was so tiresome to read. I read the first 2 books 3 years ago and I remember feeling disappointed and that the characters and the whole story was very forgettable. This book did not change that. I finished it out of spite more than anything lol.
None of the characters felt real. Way too many things felt too easy and convenient. Guinevere was SO annoying. Sometimes a character is so “good” that it makes them DULL. We have to read their self-deprecation and guilt every other page and it just ends up feeling much more narcissistic than wholesome and kind. The love triangle made it worse. I wasn’t rooting for any “ships” because I just couldn’t care. Lancelot’s blind devotion to Guinevere felt forced and way too intense. Arthur had no personality at all beyond the whole, "I will do whatever is best for Camelot and also I am compassionate and strong and The Chosen One" trope. The whining and waffling from Guinevere was boring. All the ruminating was exhausting. I just wanted it to end so badly. I could see the ending from the beginning and the stakes and danger were way too high for the end to be so happy and tidy.
Sometimes I think maybe I should stop reading about teenagers now that it’s been nearly 10 years since I was one. I mean, I was also whiny and inconstant and self-centered as a teenager. But then I remember that there are so many fictional teenagers that I absolutely love and connect with. This trilogy was just not great and the protagonist was the worst part.
I appreciate the attempt at a feminist spin, but it fell extremely flat for me.
This was so tiresome to read. I read the first 2 books 3 years ago and I remember feeling disappointed and that the characters and the whole story was very forgettable. This book did not change that. I finished it out of spite more than anything lol.
None of the characters felt real. Way too many things felt too easy and convenient. Guinevere was SO annoying. Sometimes a character is so “good” that it makes them DULL. We have to read their self-deprecation and guilt every other page and it just ends up feeling much more narcissistic than wholesome and kind. The love triangle made it worse. I wasn’t rooting for any “ships” because I just couldn’t care. Lancelot’s blind devotion to Guinevere felt forced and way too intense. Arthur had no personality at all beyond the whole, "I will do whatever is best for Camelot and also I am compassionate and strong and The Chosen One" trope. The whining and waffling from Guinevere was boring. All the ruminating was exhausting. I just wanted it to end so badly. I could see the ending from the beginning and the stakes and danger were way too high for the end to be so happy and tidy.
Sometimes I think maybe I should stop reading about teenagers now that it’s been nearly 10 years since I was one. I mean, I was also whiny and inconstant and self-centered as a teenager. But then I remember that there are so many fictional teenagers that I absolutely love and connect with. This trilogy was just not great and the protagonist was the worst part.
I appreciate the attempt at a feminist spin, but it fell extremely flat for me.
laura_keoski's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kristinecanwrite's review against another edition
4.0
A good end to the trilogy, though the girl-power message of the end felt a bit flat considering that the story isn't really over, as we know. I found the main internal conflict, which takes up most of the middle of the story, far more compelling than the last book. I actually felt like it and the quieter parts of the ending more engaging than the big battle, and it's what's stuck with me since finishing the story.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Camelot Rising series has a special place in my heart. From getting to know all the characters to going on their adventures. I honestly had the time of my life diving into these retellings of King Arthur. It also doesn't hurt that I got each and every book within this series as an ARC and loved every single page.
I was never fully prepared for The Excalibur Curse mentally. Mostly because I didn't want to say goodbye to anyone but I really wanted answers when it came to Merlin and the Dark Queen. Seriously - these two were on my mind since the very first page in the first book. So, when I got more clues, information, and then some huge reveals. Well, my mind was prepared one freaking bit.
It was a lot to take in and I devoured this all within one sitting. The romance, the betrayals, and everything in between kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm still not a fan of little love shapes that took place but I also had no idea who to ship who with. Of course, I enjoyed Arthur and Guinevere from the very beginning but I know some people wanted her with Mordred. Those people are wrong but details.
In the end, I'm loved every second I spent on these books and I'm just in awe of Kiersten's writing. Not sure what's her next book idea will be but I can't wait to dive into it. Seriously, go read this series people. Fall in love with every little thing.
The Camelot Rising series has a special place in my heart. From getting to know all the characters to going on their adventures. I honestly had the time of my life diving into these retellings of King Arthur. It also doesn't hurt that I got each and every book within this series as an ARC and loved every single page.
I was never fully prepared for The Excalibur Curse mentally. Mostly because I didn't want to say goodbye to anyone but I really wanted answers when it came to Merlin and the Dark Queen. Seriously - these two were on my mind since the very first page in the first book. So, when I got more clues, information, and then some huge reveals. Well, my mind was prepared one freaking bit.
It was a lot to take in and I devoured this all within one sitting. The romance, the betrayals, and everything in between kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm still not a fan of little love shapes that took place but I also had no idea who to ship who with. Of course, I enjoyed Arthur and Guinevere from the very beginning but I know some people wanted her with Mordred. Those people are wrong but details.
In the end, I'm loved every second I spent on these books and I'm just in awe of Kiersten's writing. Not sure what's her next book idea will be but I can't wait to dive into it. Seriously, go read this series people. Fall in love with every little thing.
peachypygmypuff's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
gggina13's review
5.0
It's over :((((
I think I may have given books 1 and 2 4 stars each, but this is definitely a 5 star series overall.
The character development of Guinevere alone is worth 5 stars, let alone the way her friendships and romantic relationships develop along the way. The way we have seen her grow from scared and untrusting to open and brave ugh... I almost cannot form coherent thoughts because I have too many feelings lol
I don't know, there's just something relatable about a girl who doesn't know who she is, who doesn't know how to fit in but is going to try her best, who doesn't really know the socially acceptable ways to act around people and is just winging it. She can't pick between love interests and doesn't really even bother to try, she has moments of weakness but the thought of her loved ones keeps her pushing firmly on, and she has a soft heart for people and can't stand when her line of duty keeps her from treating people they way she thinks she ought to.
This book starts off right where book 2 ended, and it just goes from there. Just when I thought Guinevere couldn't meet more people and make more connections, she picks up another fast friend who is a GREAT side character. We're a little deep into spoiler territory at this point in the series, but just know she's still trying to find out who she truly is, she's trying to find out what she truly wants, and also keep Camelot from falling into the wrong hands.
My ship.... my ship I spent two and a half books telling myself could never be real...... let's just say I got validation at the very least and god bless Ms White for doing that for me and me alone
The way this entire story ends... man, all my favorite characters just deserve the world and my leasties deserve to burn and I kinda feel like everything happened that I would have wanted to!! I mean, I think I would have said that either way, because I had no clue what I wanted to happen. But I'm happy!!! And sad it's over!!!! And demanding a fourth novel!!! (I'm very satisfied with the ending but I'm going to miss my comfort characters dearly)
I love Kiersten White's writing... I have issues visualizing books (I literally just see darkness in my head, yall people who picture books in your head like you're watching a movie I'm actually so jealous) but Kiersten White's writing is so accessible that it's really like I'm seeing it all :') there aren't many writers who make me feel like their books are movies so I relish the ones I find and I plan on reading lots more from Kiersten White in the future!!!
I think I may have given books 1 and 2 4 stars each, but this is definitely a 5 star series overall.
The character development of Guinevere alone is worth 5 stars, let alone the way her friendships and romantic relationships develop along the way. The way we have seen her grow from scared and untrusting to open and brave ugh... I almost cannot form coherent thoughts because I have too many feelings lol
I don't know, there's just something relatable about a girl who doesn't know who she is, who doesn't know how to fit in but is going to try her best, who doesn't really know the socially acceptable ways to act around people and is just winging it. She can't pick between love interests and doesn't really even bother to try, she has moments of weakness but the thought of her loved ones keeps her pushing firmly on, and she has a soft heart for people and can't stand when her line of duty keeps her from treating people they way she thinks she ought to.
This book starts off right where book 2 ended, and it just goes from there. Just when I thought Guinevere couldn't meet more people and make more connections, she picks up another fast friend who is a GREAT side character. We're a little deep into spoiler territory at this point in the series, but just know she's still trying to find out who she truly is, she's trying to find out what she truly wants, and also keep Camelot from falling into the wrong hands.
My ship.... my ship I spent two and a half books telling myself could never be real...... let's just say I got validation at the very least and god bless Ms White for doing that for me and me alone
The way this entire story ends... man, all my favorite characters just deserve the world and my leasties deserve to burn and I kinda feel like everything happened that I would have wanted to!! I mean, I think I would have said that either way, because I had no clue what I wanted to happen. But I'm happy!!! And sad it's over!!!! And demanding a fourth novel!!! (I'm very satisfied with the ending but I'm going to miss my comfort characters dearly)
I love Kiersten White's writing... I have issues visualizing books (I literally just see darkness in my head, yall people who picture books in your head like you're watching a movie I'm actually so jealous) but Kiersten White's writing is so accessible that it's really like I'm seeing it all :') there aren't many writers who make me feel like their books are movies so I relish the ones I find and I plan on reading lots more from Kiersten White in the future!!!
firefox's review against another edition
3.0
This was... disappointing to say the least. I loved the previous two but this end was not as enjoyable to read. Ah well, you win some you lose some.
cathyatratedreads's review
3.0
In this conclusion to Kiersten White’s reimagining of the tale of Camelot, Arthur and Guinevere, a girl with no history or claims to a throne, with just some minor magical ability, has to figure out what is right for those she loves, for the kingdom she wants to protect, and how much she deserves from a life that was stolen. It is definitely a feminist remaking, with female characters of all personalities and abilities playing important roles in making their world not just safe but a better place. The Excalibur Curse in particular is very “girl power” and turns the legend around in various ways to rewrite the story and give recognition and rights to women. It sometimes felt a bit heavy-handed with White’s eagerness to make Camelot more equal between the sexes, but overall I enjoyed the story and how it came together.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/the-excalibur-curse-camelot-rising-3-young-adult-book-review/
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/the-excalibur-curse-camelot-rising-3-young-adult-book-review/
pucks_pups's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pantsreads's review against another edition
4.0
4.5/5
I love this series so much. Absolutely the kind of Arthurian reimagining we need in this modern era!
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.
I love this series so much. Absolutely the kind of Arthurian reimagining we need in this modern era!
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult.