Scan barcode
mom2three's review against another edition
5.0
I'm so excited about this series, and I loved this book. It's another amazingly written historical romance that I couldn't put down. I know this might make me sound like a broken record when it comes of one of Cooper-Posey's books, but the research time that she must have put into this story is awe-inspiring. Her writing always makes me feel like I'm reading a true story more than just a fantastical romance. The blend between fact and fiction is flawless. From the first pages I was transported back in time to when knights still battled with swords and rode horses that were so large they were horrifying. Back before King Arthur and his round table. Back before Merlin was even a thought. When life wasn't particularly easy for anyone, but women and poor seemed to have it the worst. Unlike a lot of authors who write during this time period, the historical accuracy doesn't sugar-coat life at this time. You live all the gritty details along with the characters. There is magic, adventure, danger, drama, pain, passion, and many twists in this one, and I can't wait to see where the story goes.
amenalf53's review against another edition
4.0
great story but some loose ends
I thought this was a fascinating and original retelling of the origins of Camelot, and I really enjoyed it, even as it made me uncomfortable. The 4 stars is for loose ends about the characters (like why Lynette was even in the south in the first place).
I thought this was a fascinating and original retelling of the origins of Camelot, and I really enjoyed it, even as it made me uncomfortable. The 4 stars is for loose ends about the characters (like why Lynette was even in the south in the first place).
tinyelfarcanist's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is part of a series of historical romances set in an Arthurian setting. They share some notable characters while following different storylines with minor ones. I'm glad I had forgotten what this book was about when I started it so I could be surprised by the reveals.
Many characters are named on the first pages and it was hard to keep track of them. There's so much lore packed in this short book, foretelling an epic series.
I only found our protagonist and a secondary character likeable. The love interest is justified in his toxicity because he lost everyone he loved. He is sexist, violent, and impulsive. Their relationship develops too fast, and for an enemies-to-lovers arc, I found it lacking.
One character promises another to teach them how to write so they can send an urgent letter. I would’ve loved to see how that went.
I loved the writing style and it’s clear there was effort put into the world-building. The issue is the focus was somewhere else. I would've liked for it to be a little longer so every element had the deserved attention.
Many characters are named on the first pages and it was hard to keep track of them. There's so much lore packed in this short book, foretelling an epic series.
I only found our protagonist and a secondary character likeable. The love interest is justified in his toxicity because he lost everyone he loved. He is sexist, violent, and impulsive. Their relationship develops too fast, and for an enemies-to-lovers arc, I found it lacking.
One character promises another to teach them how to write so they can send an urgent letter. I would’ve loved to see how that went.
I loved the writing style and it’s clear there was effort put into the world-building. The issue is the focus was somewhere else. I would've liked for it to be a little longer so every element had the deserved attention.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Xenophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Pregnancy, Grief, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Death, and Alcoholism
Minor: Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, and War
More...