In the second book the friendship bonds - which are formed in the first book between Guinevere and Brangien and Lancelot - are deepened.
For me, the book did only catch speed from around page 100 when the three women, accompanied by Sir Tristan, set out on a quest to rescue Isolde, Brangiens true love from her evil husband, King Mark.
Originally they were on their way to Dindrane‘s wedding. Guinevere had hoped that the trip would bring her and Arthur finally closer but unfortunately, they see each other rather less than more.
A second threat to Guinevere is her little sister Guinevach who comes unexpectedly for a visit. Guinevach acts like she recognizes Guinevere but being a changeling the queen has no memory whatsoever of the princess of Cameliard. As suspicion is her second name, Guinevere doesn‘t trust one sweet word out of the mouth of the fifteen year old girl. But no matter how hard she tries, Guinevere doesn‘t seem to be able to discover Guinevachs secret.
A large part of the book seemed to contain Guineveres doubts about herself, her identity, and her place in the world. Especially her place in the world and how deserving she is of it. Reading about how Guinevere questioned her status as a queen was somewhat frustrating because everyone could see what she seemingly didn‘t - that she already behaved like a perfectly fine queen who cares deeply about her people. But she saw herself always apart from everyone else. Because of this she only begins to claim her power in the last third or so of the book. But the last part of the story took me by surprise (again!) and really made up for the ever so many worry of Guinevere I had to read through. Kiersten White really has a thing for cliff hangers
