I have a weak spot for every form of fairy tale and legend re-telling and the story of Arthur and Excalibur makes no exception. „The Guinevere Deception“ varied in the fact that the book continues after Arthur claimed Camelot and had to banish Merlin from his lands because people grew afraid of magic.
But now, few years later, a new thread is growing at the doors of Camelot. Because Merlin himself can‘t protect Arthur this time, he sends his daughter. Only sixteen years old, she takes the place of the deceased princess of the south, Guinevere, who is supposed to marry Arthur. It is the perfect disguise for a witch in a world where magic is banished. Feeling lost in a world she knows so little, Guinevere completely concentrates on her task: keeping King Arthur safe. But while she uses magic to protect Arthur and thus his kingdom, it turns out that magic is also used to deceive Guinevere. As the threat comes closer to Camelot, Guinevere begins to fear that it comes from those closest to her and even from inside the castle itself.
„There was nothing in the world as magical and terrifying as a girl“.
Struggling to see through the web of magic, Guinevere has to fight to defend her position as queen at Arthurs side. But it is a hindrance that she feels lost in a world of stone and men, knowing half her life only the woods and learning magic from Merlin. Her only constant is Arthur, who has a kingdom to rule and therefore is seldom at home. Feeling she doesn‘t belong she justifies her existence at Arthurs side with her mission to keep any attacks from him. But this task as well gets more and more complicated when Guinevere sees her feelings torn between two men…
I loved Guinevere so much as a character because she is very fierce and determined yet soft and yearning to be loved and acknowledged. Although denied to be herself she finds ways to stay true to her nature.
This story is not only intriguing to all fans of the Arthurian Legends but to all lovers of books with witch power, sorceress, hidden secrets, strong knights and powerful kings.
Kiersten White built event on event which leaves your head spinning. And despite something feeling off throughout the whole read I was surprised with a turn of events I have not foreseen. That‘s why I can‘t wait to get my hands on the books completing the Camelot Rising Trilogy! I can‘t wait to discover the dark secrets laying underneath these beautiful book covers of a fearless sorceress/ queen.
