A review by emoses82
Half Sick of Shadows by Laura Sebastian

5.0

Where do I even begin.... the "Legend of King Arthur" meets the "Lady of Shallot." While I have always enjoyed Arthurian Legend, this retelling comes from Elaine's, the oracle's, point of view. The beginning was the rough as there was a lot of switching between past, present, and future tense, making it difficult to follow to at times. Once King Uther dies though, and Arthur returns to Camelot to claim the throne, there isn't much in the way of switching. And that is where everything sucks you in. We all know the legend of King Arthur. We've all heard of the Evil Witch Morgan, how Lancelot and Guinevere betray Arthur, how Mordred fatally wounds Arthur in battle. Elaine has seen all of these things happen, in a million different ways, but she has also seen a happily ever after and it is that tiny spark of hope that keeps her moving forward. She is Arthur's main advisor and will always put his needs first, he must become King. He must take the throne and claim his birthright, and she will do what is necessary to get him there.
I haven't cried towards the end of the book in a very, very, long time, but I did with one. The author does a great job of building hope, of making you think that maybe, just maybe, that thin shred of hope will be the path this time, but as I said in the beginning, we all know the story of Arthur and what happens in the end. And it was a slap in the face.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Arthurian Legend, or even enjoyed reading the Mists of Avalon. You won't be disappointed.