Camelot's Queen (Guinevere's Tale #2) by Nicole Evelina: A Book Review

Camelot’s Queen (Guinevere’s Tale #2)
Author: Nicole Evelina
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Lawson Gartner Publishing
Release Date: 2016
Pages: 450
Source: This book was given to me by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: History remembers Guinevere’s sin, but it was Arthur who transgressed first.

Forced into a marriage she neither anticipated nor desired, Guinevere finds herself High Queen, ruling and fighting alongside Arthur as they try to subdue the Saxons, Irish and Picts who threaten Britain from every direction. Though her heart still longs for her lost love, Guinevere slowly grows to care for her husband as they join together to defeat their enemies.

Meanwhile, within the walls of Camelot their closest allies plot against them. One schemes to make Guinevere his own, another seeks revenge for past transgressions, while a third fixes her eyes on the throne. When the unthinkable happens and Guinevere is feared dead, Arthur installs a new woman in her place, one who will poison his affections toward her, threatening Guinevere’s fragile sanity and eventually driving her into the arms of her champion.

Amid this tension a new challenge arises for the king and queen of Camelot: finding the Holy Grail, a sacred relic that promises lasting unity. But peace, as they will soon learn, can be just as dangerous as war. As the court begins to turn on itself, it becomes clear that the quest that was to be Arthur’s lasting legacy may end in the burning fires of condemnation.

This highly anticipated sequel to Daughter of Destiny proves there is much more to Guinevere’s story than her marriage and an affair. See the legend you think you know through her eyes and live the adventure of Camelot’s golden days yourself – but be prepared to suffer its downfall as well.

My Review: Camelot’s Queen begins with Guinevere’s marriage to Arthur. Guinevere must settle down to a marriage with a man she does not love. However, she is quickly won over by his kindness and finds a peaceful contentment with him. When she is suddenly kidnapped by King Maleagant that wants her as his queen, Guinevere finds herself abandoned and betrayed by Arthur. Hurt by Arthur’s betrayal, Guinevere begins to have an affair with Lancelot. When Guinevere’s affair becomes known to Arthur, she is put on trial for adultery. Can Guinevere save herself and Lancelot before she is sent to burn at the stake?

I did not like Guinevere in Daughter of Destiny. However, I found her to be more likable in Camelot’s Queen. I could empathize with her plight in trying to live with a man she did not love and trying to rule Camelot. She eventually grew to be an excellent military strategist and helped Arthur win many battles. I thought that Ms. Evelina did a wonderful job in portraying Guinevere’s trauma after being kidnapped by King Maleagant. I was heartbroken for Guinevere when she realized Arthur had betrayed her. I could see why her pain turned her eyes to Lancelot. Through these hardships Guinevere became a survivor and a stronger person. Thus, I rooted for Guinevere to find her happiness.

Besides Guinevere, there was not much character growth in the novel. The only secondary character I liked was Arthur’s female spy. Camelot’s Queen made me dislike King Arthur. He was weak and unfaithful. The only reason Arthur is made into an unlikable figure who betrays Guinevere’s love is to justify to Guinevere’s infamous affair with Lancelot. Lancelot seemed too perfect. Their love felt forced. It seemed that she did not really love Lancelot and only used him to get over Arthur’s betrayal.

Overall, this novel is about lost love, betrayal, and inner strength. Camelot’s Queen was a vast improvement over Daughter of Destiny. Unlike the first novel, she did not play a passive role. She played a more active role and was able to stand up for herself. The novel was also more fast-paced. There were more adventures and battles than in Daughter of Destiny. The novel was very well-written, and it seems that Ms. Evelina is very knowledgeable in Arthurian lore. I’m excited to see what’s next in store for Guinevere in the final novel, Mistress of Legend!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki: A Book Review

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post Author: Allison Pataki Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Ballantine Release Date: February 15, 2022 Pages: 381 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Mrs. Post, the President and First Lady are here to see you. . . . So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard—even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar’s treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweath

Tituba: The Intentional Witch of Salem by Dave Tamanini: A Book Review

Tituba: The Intentional Witch of Salem Author: Dave Tamanini Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: David F Tamanini Release Date: 2020 Pages: 317 Source: Publisher/Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: If you love historical fiction... come revisit Salem's terror in this provocative new telling of enslaved Tituba, no longer a caricature, but a fully human woman with magical powers. Come! Let Tituba cast its spell with a unique and tantalizing tale that explores the wild emotions driving accusations of witchcraft in 1692. A Promise and a Hope Enslaved Tituba has been faithful to a promise to her dying mama in Africa. She has appeased the masters from Barbados to Boston to Salem and waited for her magic. A Mother’s Agony When Tituba’s only son dies trying to escape slavery, her life changes forever. After enduring the crush only a mother can feel, she rages and turns to vengeance. Witches Tear into Salem The villagers see wi

Interview with Tessa Afshar

It was my honor to do an interview with Tessa Afshar! Ms. Afshar is one of the top-selling Christian fiction authors in the genre. Her books have won numerous awards in the field and her books show the love she has for the roots of Christianity. I asked Ms. Afshar about her latest work, Daughter of Rome . The novel focuses on Priscilla and Aquila, who had once brought Paul into their home for 18 months. I appreciate Ms. Afshar taking the time for my interview, and I hope you enjoy looking into the latest work by Tessa Afshar, Daughter of Rome ! What attracted you to the story of Aquila and Priscilla? Although we know little about this extraordinary couple, what we do know is spellbinding: they saved Paul’s life, set up house churches in different cities in the Roman Empire, shared the gospel with many Gentiles, and became influential spiritual leaders through some of the most harrowing years of the church’s history. Their marriage must have been remarkable! Ther

History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

Search This Blog