Publisher's Weekly Review
Prolific writer Lackey (The Phoenix Endangered) tackles the complex legend of King Arthur's queens in this compelling and heart-wrenching retelling. When warrior-woman Braith announces that the Young Princess Gwen is marked by Epona, the goddess of horses, Gwen's father allows her to train on the warrior path. Although Gwen is deep into training, in the background of her life lay the tales of two other women with the same name-Gwenhwyfar the Golden-both of whom were married to King Arthur. The story of Arthur's kingdom unfolds as Gwen's path as a warrior involves Lancelin, Arthur's closest Companion, and Medraut, the illegitimate and magic-born child of Arthur and his half-sister, Anna Morgause. Lackey places the story in the early dark ages, rather than in the romanticized Camelot of the later Romances. She creates a vibrant world where the old religion and culture of the Celts vies with the invading traditions of the White Christ's followers and Roman influence. Gwen is an independent and formidable woman, determined to follow her dreams, but also dedicated to her duty and to the good of Arthur's kingdom. Though the ending of Arthur's story comes as no surprise, the way that Lackey reweaves old tales to create something new and powerful, with a compelling and sympathetic heroine, is this retelling's strength. (Oct.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
Booklist Review
Lackey bases her character-driven Arthurian saga on a Welsh legend to the effect that Arthur had three queens named Gwenhwyfar. The third, the daughter of King Lleudd, is gifted by two competing goddesses with the mystical power of the Ladies as well as the power of a warrior. As Arthur seeks to unify Britain under the White Christ, his reign threatened by political intrigue and magical treachery, Gwen relinquishes much of her magic to become an indispensable tactician in the war against the Saxons. When Arthur's second wife dies, the Ladies ask Gwen to become the third, believing she has the best chance to keep the throne from the cunning Medraut and his poisonous wife, Gwen's sister Gwenhwyfach. At Gwen's remove from Arthur's court, the complex forces battling over the king take the form of ominous rumors, warnings, and visions that created suspense and leave the outcome for Gwen and Arthur uncertain to the very end. As Gwen grows from child to warrior to queen, she proves a courageous and resolute heroine.--Hutley, Krista Copyright 2009 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Using the Welsh legend that suggests Arthur of Britain had three wives, all named Guinevere (or Gwenhwyfar), Lackey pieces together a complex, multitextured story of the rise and fall of King Arthur through the life of the young warrior maiden who became the third Gwenhwyfar. Inspired by her close friend and mentor, Marion Zimmer Bradley, whose seminal Mists of Avalon turned Arthurian legend on its head, the author of the popular "Valdemar" series displays her talent for creating a new and surprising story from familiar material. Verdict Portraying the complexities of a religious civilization that treads cautiously between the path of the White Christ and the Goddess-based old religion, this retelling of the Arthurian legend should attract widespread fans. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.