A review by bookishreadsandme
The Cleaving by Juliet E. McKenna

adventurous dark medium-paced

3.5

Give me an historical fantasy book that has a feminist spin on it and I am interested. That’s exactly why I jumped at the chance of reading this book based around the women who were part of the legend of King Arthur. 

The book is written from the perspective of Nimue who serves the other women at different points in the story. She has magic that she tries to use to help the other women through some dangerous situations, but magic cannot solve everything. There is evil within the court and with a sorcerer such as Merlin lurking around, Nimue needs to be careful. 

There is murder, abuse, adultery and jealousy that these women have to fight against and obeying the men who rule. 

I found the story very readable and I really liked the women characters. I felt at times there was not enough time spent with each one due to so many jumps forward in time. 

However it is engaging and enjoyable and very refreshing to have the women of this famous legend tell their own story.