Queen of Camelot by Nancy McKenzie Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Queen of Camelot
Book Review: McKenzie brings Guinevere to life!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are interested in books about King Arthur, read this book. This is my favorite telling so far of the Arthurian tale, and I have read quite a few. It was a page turner, which is almost essential when reading a book of this size. But don't let the length deter you, the pages just fly by and leave you wanting more when the story is over. Truly Excellent! I can't recommend it enough, and I urge anyone who enjoys reading to give a try.Book Review: Mesmerizing
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm only half-way through this book and I felt I needed to say that this is one of the best Arthurian "woman-based" novels that I have ever read. In fact, I read Ms. McKenzie's newer novel about Galahad first, and then went back to Queen of Camelot. These are books that are meant to be savored from word to word. I have been a Marion Zimmer Bradley fan from the first time I picked up the Mists of Avalon and this is the first time I've felt that a book is even close to its equal in its understanding of the women of the Arthurian legend and their side of the conflict. Guenivere is portrayed here as a woman of the time with genuine frailties that she overcomes with courage and strength. She is as realistic to me as Morgaine was in the Mists of Avalon and yet this is an entirely different method of story-telling (and more historically accurate).I strongly recommend that anyone who has read the Mists of Avalon read this book as well. As I have said, it is written from a different perspective, but it is no less compelling in its own way.
Book Review: Mesmerizing, Compelling, and Beautiful Story
Summary: 5 Stars
"Queen of Camelot" by Nancy McKenzie, is an absolutely fabulous retelling of the classic Arthurian legend (and in my opinion history, not legend), told through the eyes of Arthur's beautiful, Queen Guenivere. The story is a summary of Guenivere's life, beginning at her birth, and continuing until she matures into a beautiful woman who has been faced with many challenges including death and heartache.
I rate my books on a scale from 1-5. Old favorites like "Little Women" and "War and Peace" fall into the 4 category. Those very special, once-in-a-lifetime books are reserved for the 5 category. "Queen of Camelot" is one of those books. Humorous yet touching, it has all the aspects that a good novel should own. It is also one of the strongest books that I have ever read. At one point I even threw my Kindle down because I was so angry at one of the characters. Upon completing the book, I burst into tears. The ending is extremely depressing, but the journey through Guenivere's life story is what makes it all worth it in the end. "Queen of Camelot" is an amazing and compelling story that can be enjoyed by anyone, and I would recommend to all, from those interested in King Arthur's story to those who are just looking for a good book.
WARNING: "Queen of Camelot" is a very graphic novel and deals with many "adult" subjects such as incest. I was eleven when I read "Queen of Camelot" for the first time last year, and I learned lots of new "stuff". DO NOT NOT READ THE BOOK BECAUSE OF THIS! If you are a young adult like me, then I would recommend having your parents edit the book before you read it. I doubt many teenagers will take this advice, but it's much better to shield yourself from the trash and ask your parents about it, than learn about it from a book (even a good book).
And for all the Arthur geeks out there like me, another great novel to explore is "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Mallory. Or you might consider "The Arthur Trilogy" by Kevin Crossley-Holland. They are both great reads.
Enjoy!!!
Book Review: Mixed, but enjoyable
Summary: 3 Stars
I had misgivings about this book, but overall, by the end I really really enjoyed it. At times I skipped whole chapters and didn't miss much, but the parts I read in depth were well told for the most. As has been said, the dialogue is...scary at times and the beginning drags but I liked it.
The book has a striking resemblance to "The Wicked Day" by Mart Stewart, which is one of my favorite arthurian retellings. From the whole Morgause murder to Arthur choosing a new puppy and naming it Cabal after his old dog, this book is basically a rewrite of Stewart's, which in turn took a lot of pointers from "Once and Future King". But, some new things are added, which keep it new, but I was disappointed in Mekenzie's lack of imagination especially on those point, even though she does say int he introduction that she was influenced by Stewart (to say the least).
My chief complaint is that Guinevere's actions do not match the other characters' supposed admiration of her. She's praised for being strong and beautiful, but every other page she's crying for some ridiculous reason and Arthur is telling her "you're so great, everyone loves you," or "I could never live without you, you make me a better man.." and of course, it always ends with him getting laid. Pretty predictable after a few chapters of the same crap.
BUT that aside, Mordred is pretty well played out, the intrigues with Morgause and Morgan are very interesting, and the Elaine subplot is well tied in. It's a nice read if you like Arthuriana, but if you're just looking for a well-rounded, nicely-developed book, then this probably isn't it.
Book Review: My copy is worn out!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book, desperate for just anything to read off the paperback table in my local bookstore, but what I found was so much more than that.
While you can hardly tell an Arthurian legend without an element of the mystical, this book relies primarily on the complexities of each character to carry the plot. Arthur constantly struggles to keep his kingdom (and household) from imploding. Gwen and Lancelot share a burning passion for eachother that they barely manage to quell for the sake of their even more powerful love for and loyalty to Arthur. Mordred tries to defeat his destiny, but so much and so many (including his own demons) stand in his path. And the jealousy of the queen's cousin, Elaine, will always get in the way.
Mckenzie has written a wonderful tale that while covering an already well-worn lore, somehow manages to engross the reader with her own spin on things. She has managed to make not only Guineviere a fully three-dimentional character, but even some of the more obscure members of the round table and royal court come alive to the reader.