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A review by frantically
The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a satisfying, if not perfect conclusion to the story. I got transported right back into the magic (or lack thereof) of Camelot and, as with the previous books, I really enjoyed the "feel" of the book and the writing style.
At the end, the author write about perfect wrapped-up stories and myths, where we never get to see all the bad and terrible things that also happened. While that sentiment may be true, it is still unsatisfying how a lot of plot lines seemed to just be beginning — and suddenly the reader is cut out.
As a sapphic reader, yes, I was rooting for Lancelot most of all. And it is so so disappointing to see Guinevere share multiple kisses with Mordred, while we are even told that her love lies with Lancelot. I get hoping for something more than vague feelings and touches but we got nothing. Would a kiss or even just a declaration of love really been that much to ask for?
I did still really enjoy this series and while continue recommending it — just no longer as the queer retelling I was hoping it would be.
(Also, I read fantasy for a reason, reading about all these old magic users being destroyed almost made me sob ngl)
At the end, the author write about perfect wrapped-up stories and myths, where we never get to see all the bad and terrible things that also happened. While that sentiment may be true, it is still unsatisfying how a lot of plot lines seemed to just be beginning — and suddenly the reader is cut out.
As a sapphic reader, yes, I was rooting for Lancelot most of all. And it is so so disappointing to see Guinevere share multiple kisses with Mordred, while we are even told that her love lies with Lancelot. I get hoping for something more than vague feelings and touches but we got nothing. Would a kiss or even just a declaration of love really been that much to ask for?
I did still really enjoy this series and while continue recommending it — just no longer as the queer retelling I was hoping it would be.
(Also, I read fantasy for a reason, reading about all these old magic users being destroyed almost made me sob ngl)
Graphic: Violence and Death
Moderate: War, Misogyny, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt