In Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country by Rosalind Miles we about the old Author legend from the viewpoint of Princess (Queen) Guenevere. More depth is given in this story then normal in stories about Arthur to Guenevere and her mother’s kingdom.
There were a few things I did enjoy about this book. When viewed at as a fantasy novel there were all the ingredients that make a good one. Light magic and dark magic. Twists and turns, betrayals and true love. It was all there and the writing was good enough so that it flowed together easily.
Now, what I didn’t enjoy about the book. Instead of being a fascinating novel, the author felt the need to delve into harlequin-type descriptions in order to convey the depth of the love Lancelot and Guenevere had for one another. It made me take this book and the story held within it quite a bit less seriously. Miles description of Merlin and the relationship he had with Arthur was a believable one. I never have bought into the myth that he was a good man and only looking out for Arthur’s best interests and the story told here is a good counterpoint to the other stories of Merlin.
Overall, a solid three stars for this book. It wasn’t horrible, it didn’t make me want to put it down – it just wasn’t what I was hoping for.
