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A review by ashleysills
La Vie de Guinevere by Paula Lafferty
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I had the absolute honor of reading an ARC of this book. If you haven’t already had the pleasure of hearing about it, let me introduce you to La Vie de Guinevere!
This book was a surprise in the best way—I haven’t read much Arthurian fiction or lore, so I wasn’t sure how invested I would be in this story, but let me tell you, I was HOOKED from the beginning, and it only got better and better as the story progressed.
La Vie de Guinevere opens on Vera, a young adult living her ordinary 21st-century life, when she learns that she is actually Queen Guinevere. THE Queen Guinevere. As would be expected, Vera is a little hesitant to turn her entire life upside down at this revelation, but she agrees to travel back to the 5th century to try and regain her memories.
Besides being a fresh take on King Arthur’s and Guinevere’s story, this book was gripping, exciting, heartwarming, and brilliantly funny. I was always eager to find out what would happen next, I fell in love with all of the characters, and I was obsessed with Guinevere and Arthur’s budding romance.
Speaking of romance, Lafferty promised tension and swoon-worthy moments and she DELIVERED. The slow burn in this book is unmatched and the last few chapters are absolute gold. I have to say that I desperately wanted to know what was going on in Arthur’s head some of the time (we only get one POV in this one) but I felt satisfied with what we learned in the end.
The world building was so well-done as well — it was so effective without needing to be overly descriptive. I felt like I was right there with the characters and now have a burning desire to visit Glastonbury during Christmastime.
All of Lafferty’s characters are so intriguing, relatable, and loveable (or hateable). They each have a distinct voice and personality, and even better, they’re flawed and complex. I just want to be friends with Lancelot and Gawain and Matilda and Percival, train with Arthur, prank Merlin with Vera… I think you’ll really fall in love with this motley crew.
By the way, If you’ve been needing to hear someone tell you that you are worthy just for existing, read this book. Vera’s character growth is centered around this theme and it was really healing to watch her learn that she doesn’t exist solely to serve a useful purpose, even a noble one.
There were a few instances where I felt a little confused about a few of the characters’ actions and how different plot threads were being pulled around, but for how much emotion I felt while reading — the tension, the peril, the angst, the tenderness, the plot twists! — I’m happy to forgive any minor confusions, and I’m sure the series will only get better from here.
It’s hard to believe that this is Lafferty’s debut novel. She is such a good storyteller and I’m excited to see how she grows and how this series progresses (I think there'll be at least three books?)
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC! I'm eagerly awaiting book two!
This book was a surprise in the best way—I haven’t read much Arthurian fiction or lore, so I wasn’t sure how invested I would be in this story, but let me tell you, I was HOOKED from the beginning, and it only got better and better as the story progressed.
La Vie de Guinevere opens on Vera, a young adult living her ordinary 21st-century life, when she learns that she is actually Queen Guinevere. THE Queen Guinevere. As would be expected, Vera is a little hesitant to turn her entire life upside down at this revelation, but she agrees to travel back to the 5th century to try and regain her memories.
Besides being a fresh take on King Arthur’s and Guinevere’s story, this book was gripping, exciting, heartwarming, and brilliantly funny. I was always eager to find out what would happen next, I fell in love with all of the characters, and I was obsessed with Guinevere and Arthur’s budding romance.
Speaking of romance, Lafferty promised tension and swoon-worthy moments and she DELIVERED. The slow burn in this book is unmatched and the last few chapters are absolute gold. I have to say that I desperately wanted to know what was going on in Arthur’s head some of the time (we only get one POV in this one) but I felt satisfied with what we learned in the end.
The world building was so well-done as well — it was so effective without needing to be overly descriptive. I felt like I was right there with the characters and now have a burning desire to visit Glastonbury during Christmastime.
All of Lafferty’s characters are so intriguing, relatable, and loveable (or hateable). They each have a distinct voice and personality, and even better, they’re flawed and complex. I just want to be friends with Lancelot and Gawain and Matilda and Percival, train with Arthur, prank Merlin with Vera… I think you’ll really fall in love with this motley crew.
By the way, If you’ve been needing to hear someone tell you that you are worthy just for existing, read this book. Vera’s character growth is centered around this theme and it was really healing to watch her learn that she doesn’t exist solely to serve a useful purpose, even a noble one.
There were a few instances where I felt a little confused about a few of the characters’ actions and how different plot threads were being pulled around, but for how much emotion I felt while reading — the tension, the peril, the angst, the tenderness, the plot twists! — I’m happy to forgive any minor confusions, and I’m sure the series will only get better from here.
It’s hard to believe that this is Lafferty’s debut novel. She is such a good storyteller and I’m excited to see how she grows and how this series progresses (I think there'll be at least three books?)
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC! I'm eagerly awaiting book two!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Blood
Moderate: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail
🌶 Tension, mild innuendos, one brief open-door scene in chapter 46
⚠️ semi-frequent swearing (f*ck, sh*t, etc.) attempted r*pe, death, blood, injury, loss of loved one