The Guinevere Deception (Camelot Rising #1) by Kiersten White

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Book Summary

Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom’s borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution—send in Guinevere to be Arthur’s wife…and his protector from those who want to see the young king’s idyllic city fail. The catch? Guinevere’s real name—and her true identity—is a secret. She is a changeling, a girl who has given up everything to protect Camelot.

To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old—including Arthur’s own family—demand things continue as they have been, and the new—those drawn by the dream of Camelot—fight for a better way to live. And always, in the green hearts of forests and the black depths of lakes, magic lies in wait to reclaim the land.

Deadly jousts, duplicitous knights, and forbidden romances are nothing compared to the greatest threat of all: the girl with the long black hair, riding on horseback through the dark woods toward Arthur. Because when your whole existence is a lie, how can you trust even yourself?

Book Details

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
Camelot Rising #1
Published November 5th 2019 by Delacorte Press
Young Adult Fantasy, Arthurian, Retellings
Hardcover, 352 pages
My Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Review

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White is an Arthurian reimagining featuring forbidden magic, dangerous jousts, enchanted forests and questing knights—only this is a tale spun from Guinevere’s own voice.

When I discovered that White was releasing a new series inspired by Arthurian legend with the emphasis on Guinevere’s viewpoint, I knew I wanted to read it. 

The story opens with Guinevere on her way to Camelot to wed King Arthur. The twists given is the fact that she is not the true Guinevere raised in a convent awaiting to make her alliance and marriage to Arthur, but an impostor—a Changling sent in secret by Merlin to protect him.

Guinevere’s past is shrouded in a cloak of mystery, with her memories of Merlin unclear, yet she feels an undeniable need to protect King Arthur, leaving readers wondering if there is more to this deception. 

I was intrigued. Not only did we have Guinevere’s perspective, but now because of the twist, we are questioning her reliability as narrator. Readers get an behind the scenes look of Camelot as she maneuvers herself in court life while battling wits with an unseen force that seems intent on harming Arthur.

What about the magic? Well, magic is outlawed in Camelot, resulting in Merlin’s banishment from court. But it remains still, seeped into the land and water. 

White creates dangerous settings of enchanted forests and lakes where magic is wild and untamed. Some of my favorite passages centered on quests that involved these places. 

There also is a strong vibe of magic/nature versus religion/man, yet there is no simple answer for Guinevere as she remains a part of both worlds. This duality plays a critical role later in her character development. 

I also thought it was brilliant to use something as inconspicuous as knot magic and Guinevere’s practice of it to protect Arthur. Creating a sense of supernatural and witchery to the story, while remaining believable that she could hide its use from everyone.

King Arthur and Modred offered plenty of moments of romantic tension. Each has their flaws, but both are charismatic in their own unique way. The court is populated by familiar characters from the Arthurian legend adding to its overall feel. 

The main issue I had with the book is how long it took for any real action to take place and move the plot along.

The plot meanders a lot in the beginning. Readers know of the deception but are left feeling as if everything is on hold. Then there is a big reveal, and the story really comes together.

It became nearly unputdownable for me at the end. Although the setting, magic and Guinevere won me over, the slow, slow movement hampered my overall enjoyment.

The last third of the book ensured that I will reading the next installment—I love the direction the story is leading to. I’m looking forward to finding out more about Guinevere’s past, the fate of Arthur and his court, and which romance will continue to evolve.

In the End

Recommended to readers looking for a feminine inspired YA retelling of the Arthurian legend.