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The Sword & The Stone
I was never supposed to be the one. Just an orphan with no memories of my parents, a heart full of secrets, and a life spent as a thief just to survive. I thought I had it all figured out—until I accidentally yanked Excalibur from the stone. Suddenly, I was bound to a destiny that could shatter my world into pieces I never wanted to uncover.
With Excalibur in hand and the weight of a kingdom pressing down on me, I was thrust into a quest for the Holy Grail—a relic rumored to hold the power to save us all or doom us to darkness. And let’s not forget the whispers about my half-fae, a child of ancient magic. That kind of power could either be my greatest blessing or my ultimate curse.
Then there were the knights—oh, the knights. Each one more dangerous and alluring than the last. And of course, there was Merlin, impossibly handsome and maddeningly secretive, who seemed to know more about my fate than he was letting on.
But as my quest spiraled deeper into darkness, I realized not all knights could be trusted. Mordred, the treacherous and illegitimate daughter of Uther Pendragon, was stalking us, determined to claim the Grail for herself. With every step closer, the lines between loyalty, love, and betrayal blurred, and I found myself questioning everything. Who could I trust when the shadows of my past threatened to swallow me whole?
A sword forged in legend. Five knights entwined by fate. A fae-born orphan with a kingdom to save—or destroy. And an ancient evil that would do anything to tear us apart.
These legends were never meant to be this twisted.
This is a standalone why-choose romantasy novel in which the heroine does not have to choose between her love interests.
With Excalibur in hand and the weight of a kingdom pressing down on me, I was thrust into a quest for the Holy Grail—a relic rumored to hold the power to save us all or doom us to darkness. And let’s not forget the whispers about my half-fae, a child of ancient magic. That kind of power could either be my greatest blessing or my ultimate curse.
Then there were the knights—oh, the knights. Each one more dangerous and alluring than the last. And of course, there was Merlin, impossibly handsome and maddeningly secretive, who seemed to know more about my fate than he was letting on.
But as my quest spiraled deeper into darkness, I realized not all knights could be trusted. Mordred, the treacherous and illegitimate daughter of Uther Pendragon, was stalking us, determined to claim the Grail for herself. With every step closer, the lines between loyalty, love, and betrayal blurred, and I found myself questioning everything. Who could I trust when the shadows of my past threatened to swallow me whole?
A sword forged in legend. Five knights entwined by fate. A fae-born orphan with a kingdom to save—or destroy. And an ancient evil that would do anything to tear us apart.
These legends were never meant to be this twisted.
This is a standalone why-choose romantasy novel in which the heroine does not have to choose between her love interests.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2024
195 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Penn Cassidy
47 books482 followersI spend 95% of my life huddled in my little office, at my little desk, vividly hallucinating about characters and scenarios that don't exist. Then I write it all down for you to enjoy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 26, 2025
The premise of this is right up my alley. However, it very much fell flat and was just not good. I caught many mistakes (which fine it happens but there was at minimum 5). What kind of gross nickname is Wart? Hated that.
I love a why choose that has 5+ men but only when its done right now. These guys all blended together and it was basically insta love for all of them. There was no angst or tension or build up.
The pacing was all off too. I felt like it could have been much longer if done right. Especially to really build the relationships with each of the guys.
I love a why choose that has 5+ men but only when its done right now. These guys all blended together and it was basically insta love for all of them. There was no angst or tension or build up.
The pacing was all off too. I felt like it could have been much longer if done right. Especially to really build the relationships with each of the guys.
January 20, 2025
As someone who loves the legend of King Arthur when I heard Penn Cassidy was doing a RH retelling with a female Arthur and throwing 'Fae' into the mix I was really excited and she didn't disappoint. This story was everything i hoped an more. Loveable knights and a story that had me hooked from the start. Absolutely brilliant. One of my favourite retellings.
December 31, 2024
Loved it!!!
I devoured this book! I love a STRONG FMC and the legend of Arthur has always been a fav of mine! I love love LOVED it!
I devoured this book! I love a STRONG FMC and the legend of Arthur has always been a fav of mine! I love love LOVED it!
January 29, 2025
this book ate down
Hands down one of my favorite romantasy I've read to date. This book had it all. Character development, spice, adventure, plot, humor. Like the development of each person in her harem was done so well. The batter was done real. The relationship between Arthur and Merlin was done well. And I absolutely love every single person in her harem. Her five knights Lancelot , Percival, Galahad,Tristian and Gawain and let's not forget her sorcerer Merlin. 5 start read only complaint is I want more
Hands down one of my favorite romantasy I've read to date. This book had it all. Character development, spice, adventure, plot, humor. Like the development of each person in her harem was done so well. The batter was done real. The relationship between Arthur and Merlin was done well. And I absolutely love every single person in her harem. Her five knights Lancelot , Percival, Galahad,Tristian and Gawain and let's not forget her sorcerer Merlin. 5 start read only complaint is I want more
April 21, 2025
4⭐️ 3.5🌶️
~ MFMMMMM Romantasy
~ Holy Grail Retelling
~ Gender Bent Arthur
~ Epic Quest Vibes
~ Childhood Friends to Lovers
~ Fae, Druids, Gods, & Magic
~ Multiple POVs
I really enjoyed this one! It was candid, angsty, and full of action. The dialogue was impeccable.
I would definitely say this book was the on the fast-burning side of things, since it’s a standalone. I personally loved how fast paced everything was, it kept me engaged and locked into the story.
~ MFMMMMM Romantasy
~ Holy Grail Retelling
~ Gender Bent Arthur
~ Epic Quest Vibes
~ Childhood Friends to Lovers
~ Fae, Druids, Gods, & Magic
~ Multiple POVs
I really enjoyed this one! It was candid, angsty, and full of action. The dialogue was impeccable.
I would definitely say this book was the on the fast-burning side of things, since it’s a standalone. I personally loved how fast paced everything was, it kept me engaged and locked into the story.
March 29, 2025
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Spice: 3/5🌶️
The Catalog: MFMMMMM, gender bent Arthur, Holy Grail retelling, heir apparent & her knights, forced proximity (quest), prophecy & fate, fae, druids, magic, childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, 🔥 banter, quest plot
Spice: DVP
Spoiler-free Summary:
Arthur has survived by the skin of her teeth in an unforgiving Camelot. If it weren’t for her best friend, Merlin, she’d surely have been imprisoned by now. Then on one fateful night, in order to save herself and Merlin, she pulls Excalibur from the stone, setting forth a centuries long prophecy that lands her a seat at the Round Table. Now, as the heir apparent, she must embark on a quest for the Holy Grail with Merlin and her five knights in tow. As fate drives her toward her destiny, she finds its golden threads weaving her together with her companions as well.
Thoughts:
I am obsessed with this book. I have been on a serious Arthurian kick lately, and this really hit the spot. I truly loved the plot, as I tend to really enjoy quests! I adored the retelling of the quest for the Holy Grail and thought it was really clever how the author wrote in all the classic characters and made them new. I am also extremely into the gender-bent Arthur!
As for the romance itself, there really fun banter and tension-filled lead up to the development of the different relationships. Each of the MMCs brought something interesting to both their relationships and the quest. Arthur is such a sassy character and I loved seeing her put these Fae warriors on the knees.
And best of all, IMO, this is a standalone!
I think fans of other polyam books such as Bonds That Tie or the Tate James series will enjoy this one as well.
SPOILER
SPOILER
SPOILER
I do wish there had been just a teensy different outcome for when Arthur bonded with them all. I think it would have been more emotional if it had been a longer scene that allowed for each individual MMC to have their own moment, even if they were all still together.
Spice: 3/5🌶️
The Catalog: MFMMMMM, gender bent Arthur, Holy Grail retelling, heir apparent & her knights, forced proximity (quest), prophecy & fate, fae, druids, magic, childhood friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, 🔥 banter, quest plot
Spice: DVP
Spoiler-free Summary:
Arthur has survived by the skin of her teeth in an unforgiving Camelot. If it weren’t for her best friend, Merlin, she’d surely have been imprisoned by now. Then on one fateful night, in order to save herself and Merlin, she pulls Excalibur from the stone, setting forth a centuries long prophecy that lands her a seat at the Round Table. Now, as the heir apparent, she must embark on a quest for the Holy Grail with Merlin and her five knights in tow. As fate drives her toward her destiny, she finds its golden threads weaving her together with her companions as well.
Thoughts:
I am obsessed with this book. I have been on a serious Arthurian kick lately, and this really hit the spot. I truly loved the plot, as I tend to really enjoy quests! I adored the retelling of the quest for the Holy Grail and thought it was really clever how the author wrote in all the classic characters and made them new. I am also extremely into the gender-bent Arthur!
As for the romance itself, there really fun banter and tension-filled lead up to the development of the different relationships. Each of the MMCs brought something interesting to both their relationships and the quest. Arthur is such a sassy character and I loved seeing her put these Fae warriors on the knees.
And best of all, IMO, this is a standalone!
I think fans of other polyam books such as Bonds That Tie or the Tate James series will enjoy this one as well.
SPOILER
SPOILER
SPOILER
I do wish there had been just a teensy different outcome for when Arthur bonded with them all. I think it would have been more emotional if it had been a longer scene that allowed for each individual MMC to have their own moment, even if they were all still together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
So what if King Arthur was Queen Arthur and she wound up falling in love with ALL the knights of the round table AND Merlin? This is the first RH version of Camelot and the King Arthur story that I had read and I really had a good time with this book. Orphan and thief Arthur pulls Excalibur from the stone and is sent on a quest for the holy grail to prove she is capable of being Queen. The Knights of the Round Table and her childhood friend Merlin tag along but can only help a bit here and there as it is her quest. We meet and loathe her half sister Morgana along the way and find out Melin knew a lot more than he told Arthur. One thing that the author did well was making sure that The men were all quite distinct not only in their personalities but in the way they behaved with Arthur. This can be a problem with RH books. Merlin had the most differences which only makes sense. In the end they all fall for her but the knights also have to get the pants scared off them to realize that they want to stay with her. I think that it was the right call to make this a standalone but I do wish that it was a little longer to allow for more character development and backstories for the guys. I feel like we only got the barest info on their backgrounds and I would have liked more. A bit more banter too.
August 30, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Penn Cassidy’s reimagining of the King Arthur legend—with Arthur as a woman—is bold, refreshing, and full of heart. The story moves at a great pace, with humor woven throughout that keeps things light and engaging. Galahad was easily my favorite character. He’s witty, unpredictable, and brings a chaotic charm that perfectly complements Arthur’s strength and leadership. Their dynamic is one of the highlights of the book. One thing I really appreciated was the inclusion of romance. It adds emotional depth and gives the characters more dimension, especially in a story where power and legacy are central themes. Seeing a female Arthur navigate both leadership and love brings a fresh perspective to the legend—it’s not just about swords and destiny, but also about vulnerability and connection. If you enjoy clever fantasy with a twist on classic mythology, The Sword and the Stone is definitely worth picking up.
August 25, 2025
Loved it!
I loved this story and the characters! This was my first time reading this author and I quickly got into her writing style. It did feel like she was building toward a series at first, but then changed direction. A few plotlines could’ve gone deeper and maybe even stretched into a second book. The ending felt a little rushed—quest finished, the end. I definitely could’ve kept reading more. Hopefully the author decides to give us a sequel one day. Either way, still 5 stars from me!
I loved this story and the characters! This was my first time reading this author and I quickly got into her writing style. It did feel like she was building toward a series at first, but then changed direction. A few plotlines could’ve gone deeper and maybe even stretched into a second book. The ending felt a little rushed—quest finished, the end. I definitely could’ve kept reading more. Hopefully the author decides to give us a sequel one day. Either way, still 5 stars from me!
October 14, 2025
An Arthur By Any Other Name….
So a very interesting spin on one of my all time favorite legends. While it stays true to the main tenets of the Arthur story, Merlin, Excalibur and the knights of the round table on an epic quest for the Grail, it also contains unexpected twists and spice not for the faint of heart. 😉
It’s a passionate retelling with compelling characters, heart wrenching backstories, decent lore, epic love stories, good pacing, appropriate tension and overall, a tale well worth the read.
So a very interesting spin on one of my all time favorite legends. While it stays true to the main tenets of the Arthur story, Merlin, Excalibur and the knights of the round table on an epic quest for the Grail, it also contains unexpected twists and spice not for the faint of heart. 😉
It’s a passionate retelling with compelling characters, heart wrenching backstories, decent lore, epic love stories, good pacing, appropriate tension and overall, a tale well worth the read.
January 7, 2025
As a certified "Merlin" & "Camelot" addict & general lover of all things King Arthur, I promise this is one re-telling of their tale that you can't miss!!
With one heck of a strong take no cr^p FMC (Arthur) and the knights who love her. Arthur herself hooked from the first chapter.
The world building was also beautifully twined within in the story and that's a huge must for me with fantasy romances!
With one heck of a strong take no cr^p FMC (Arthur) and the knights who love her. Arthur herself hooked from the first chapter.
The world building was also beautifully twined within in the story and that's a huge must for me with fantasy romances!
February 2, 2025
A fantastic spicy Arthur and the knight of the round table retelling!
I loved the fact that Arthur is our FMC, we have fae knights, and there are multiple worlds at stake. As this is a spicy retelling, you can rest assured that there are many moments between the daring challenges of the quest for relationships to grow, and they really do develop very quickly.
This book was fast paced with adventure and romance and exactly what I needed it to be!
I loved the fact that Arthur is our FMC, we have fae knights, and there are multiple worlds at stake. As this is a spicy retelling, you can rest assured that there are many moments between the daring challenges of the quest for relationships to grow, and they really do develop very quickly.
This book was fast paced with adventure and romance and exactly what I needed it to be!
October 26, 2025
Magic spicy romantsy
I'm so glad I finally had the chance to read this book! It's been in my library and turned for awhile now. I admit at first I was confused and thought Arthur was a male which is my fault because I didn't read the blurb. I love that it's why choose and even though Arthur has 6 mates their personalities all shine and stand out. I love the magic of it all. I'm not sure what book to move on too after this because my heart is still stuck in this one!
I'm so glad I finally had the chance to read this book! It's been in my library and turned for awhile now. I admit at first I was confused and thought Arthur was a male which is my fault because I didn't read the blurb. I love that it's why choose and even though Arthur has 6 mates their personalities all shine and stand out. I love the magic of it all. I'm not sure what book to move on too after this because my heart is still stuck in this one!
January 4, 2025
This was a great RH fantasy romance based on the King Arthur legends. I loved the mix of the legend with a female lead. The ties between the knights of the round table, portrayed as fae in this version, are obvious and each character is well written as individuals, their abilities based on the original tales as well.
I really enjoyed the plot line with Mordred and Uther. Overall, a wonderful light-ish fantasy romance. 5/5
Spice: 5/5
I really enjoyed the plot line with Mordred and Uther. Overall, a wonderful light-ish fantasy romance. 5/5
Spice: 5/5
January 3, 2025
I Honestly am in love with this retelling of Arthur ❤️ I love the Characters, The spice, The mystery, I honestly enjoyed reading I couldn’t put book down ❤️😊 Penn Cassidy you did an amazing job on this book!! ❤️❤️❤️ I recommend reading this if you haven’t already because honestly I feel you all will love it!!! ❤️❤️❤️
September 17, 2025
DNF at 84%. I don’t know why there were 6 MMCs they were all the same guy with no personality / history, no chemistry with the FMC other than fated mates and therefore inevitable attraction. Plot got more and more sidelined as it went, I’ve never seen a quest get predictable and boring. The villain was more interesting than the FMC.
November 23, 2025
I did enjoy this book a lot. I do however feel that the ending was incredibly rushed. I thought the battle between her and her sister would have been more intense. And I wish that after she found out that they were going back home, then changed their minds, that she made them work for her heart again.
January 4, 2025
I absolutely fell in love with this FMC. What a power house!! Penn Cassidy is such an incredible author and I always jump at the chance to read their books!!! It's rare that I don't love a retelling but this one is one of the best I've ever read!!!
April 13, 2025
Great retelling
Really cool story that uses the lore of King Arthur really well. All the key points of the original story were their, told from the authors own unique perspective, and as a fan of the lore I really enjoyed reading thus take.
Really cool story that uses the lore of King Arthur really well. All the key points of the original story were their, told from the authors own unique perspective, and as a fan of the lore I really enjoyed reading thus take.
Read
November 4, 2025i was fine reading it except the writing was terrible and at one point there was a parent reveal that was such a cliche crutch nightmare-ly done that i had to stop before i threw my kindle out the window
January 3, 2025
I love Penn Cassidy and I love Arthurian legend, this is an absolute recommendation!
January 5, 2025
I love that Arthur is a woman in this book. Penn always kills it with retelling and this one is action packed from beginning to end. The spice is 🔥 and the plot is so good and moves.
January 27, 2025
King author retelling with author being a woman. Why choose edge of you seat kind of book
February 1, 2025
Honestly pretty enjoyable, a few grammatical errors here and there but I really like Penn's writing style! Neat take on the classic tale of Arthur and the sword and the stone.
February 25, 2025
Such an underrated book
May 6, 2025
Loved it!
I loved this book! The only thing I would change is that it could be longer. Add more to the fight scene and more at the end, maybe an extended epilog.
I loved this book! The only thing I would change is that it could be longer. Add more to the fight scene and more at the end, maybe an extended epilog.
May 6, 2025
yep. still have an unhealthy attachment to merlin, Camelot, pendragon stories.
July 4, 2025
Simply lovely
Magic, adventure and a bunch of gorgeous guys. What else could a woman want? Set in one of my favorite mystical places ..Camelot
Magic, adventure and a bunch of gorgeous guys. What else could a woman want? Set in one of my favorite mystical places ..Camelot
Read
August 4, 2025DNFed at 50ish%
I really wanted to like this, but it’s just not working for me.
I really wanted to like this, but it’s just not working for me.
August 11, 2025
Good read
Glad I read this spin on an ancient take. Loved the adventure. One chapter had wrong POV with name but figured it out quickly. Definitely worth the read.
Glad I read this spin on an ancient take. Loved the adventure. One chapter had wrong POV with name but figured it out quickly. Definitely worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews