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Guardians of Camelot #1
The Twelfth Knight
To battle an ancient evil, the greatest weapon each hero will have is each other.
Hundreds of years ago, facing defeat, the witch Morgana sent monsters into the future to vanquish a humanity King Arthur wouldn’t be able to save. The King might have won the battle, but now, centuries later, a few chosen men will have to fight the war.
Merlin always hated being named after some mythological wizard. His dad had been obsessed with the magic man of King Arthur’s Court before his untimely death - a loss that had sent Mel reeling in a downward spiral. He is ill-prepared, to say the least, for the outrageous claims of a proper English knight bent on overcoming evil.
Born a commoner, Lancelot was never supposed to be a knight in his own time, never mind now in a modern world he is so woefully untrained to protect. Thrown into a battle centuries in the making, this flawed hero, and a young man too-used to battling monsters of the present day, will have to come together in a last desperate fight to save humanity.
Can Mel and Lance defeat the greatest enemy the world has ever known? Or in the midst of fighting evil, will they discover the real threat has always been a shattered heart?
And what if the one fight they cannot ever hope to win is with themselves?
Hundreds of years ago, facing defeat, the witch Morgana sent monsters into the future to vanquish a humanity King Arthur wouldn’t be able to save. The King might have won the battle, but now, centuries later, a few chosen men will have to fight the war.
Merlin always hated being named after some mythological wizard. His dad had been obsessed with the magic man of King Arthur’s Court before his untimely death - a loss that had sent Mel reeling in a downward spiral. He is ill-prepared, to say the least, for the outrageous claims of a proper English knight bent on overcoming evil.
Born a commoner, Lancelot was never supposed to be a knight in his own time, never mind now in a modern world he is so woefully untrained to protect. Thrown into a battle centuries in the making, this flawed hero, and a young man too-used to battling monsters of the present day, will have to come together in a last desperate fight to save humanity.
Can Mel and Lance defeat the greatest enemy the world has ever known? Or in the midst of fighting evil, will they discover the real threat has always been a shattered heart?
And what if the one fight they cannot ever hope to win is with themselves?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
196 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Sue
115 books1,013 followersBullets and Babies!
Victoria writes about guys loving other guys in between dodging bullets, kidnappers, and serial killers. She enjoys putting them through hell to get their happy ever after—it’s a character flaw she embraces.
She also believes that family is who you choose, that dogs are often much wiser than human beings, and that we’re steadily destroying the world we live in.
And if people read more books, they'd be much happier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
October 15, 2019
3 Stars
I’m a big fan of Camelot and I mean it! I love Camelot, King Arthur, Merlin and all the stories/movies of them. I wasn’t familiar with this author's works, I couldn’t ignore this book but unfortunately, it didn’t really work out for me. My major complaint was the writing; I wasn’t a big fan of it! After 70% I started skimming/skipping. Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Guardians of Camelot". Considering all the good reviews, it was just me and not the book. Overall, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
I’m a big fan of Camelot and I mean it! I love Camelot, King Arthur, Merlin and all the stories/movies of them. I wasn’t familiar with this author's works, I couldn’t ignore this book but unfortunately, it didn’t really work out for me. My major complaint was the writing; I wasn’t a big fan of it! After 70% I started skimming/skipping. Told in dual POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Guardians of Camelot". Considering all the good reviews, it was just me and not the book. Overall, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
August 27, 2019
I will state for the record, I am a huge Arthurian mythology nerd, to the extent that I have a website about it and I own around 100 books on the subject.
Having said that, this book takes the legends and gives them a whole new spin. Yes, some elements remain the same, we have Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, the Knights of Camelot, we have Merlin, Morgana and Mordred.
But very little else follows the traditional path and instead Victoria Sue gives the reader a headrush through New York with immortal knights, hideously twisted creatures of evil, and a new set of myths arises.
I'm not going to go into too much detail because it really needs to be experienced to get the full power of the unfolding narrative arcs, there are some obvious directions the road takes and some definite surprises.
The plot is a bit twisty, things move rapidly between action-adventure and a mix of histrom where we get flashbacks into the original lives of Lancelot and his fellow surviving knights Kay, Gawain, Lucan and Ali (the latter two are new creations who I am excited to get to know more about).
It never becomes overwhelming though. Things organically progress from the excitement of the opening scenes when we're thrown deep into the tale as Lancelot comes across a young man fighting off one of Morgan's creations.
We end up with a very satisfying opener which has all the elements I love and I'm seriously excited by this series and I can't wait to find out where Victoria Sue takes these myths next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Arthurian mythology nerding is all my own work.
Having said that, this book takes the legends and gives them a whole new spin. Yes, some elements remain the same, we have Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, the Knights of Camelot, we have Merlin, Morgana and Mordred.
But very little else follows the traditional path and instead Victoria Sue gives the reader a headrush through New York with immortal knights, hideously twisted creatures of evil, and a new set of myths arises.
I'm not going to go into too much detail because it really needs to be experienced to get the full power of the unfolding narrative arcs, there are some obvious directions the road takes and some definite surprises.
The plot is a bit twisty, things move rapidly between action-adventure and a mix of histrom where we get flashbacks into the original lives of Lancelot and his fellow surviving knights Kay, Gawain, Lucan and Ali (the latter two are new creations who I am excited to get to know more about).
It never becomes overwhelming though. Things organically progress from the excitement of the opening scenes when we're thrown deep into the tale as Lancelot comes across a young man fighting off one of Morgan's creations.
We end up with a very satisfying opener which has all the elements I love and I'm seriously excited by this series and I can't wait to find out where Victoria Sue takes these myths next.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Arthurian mythology nerding is all my own work.
December 10, 2019
First of all, as a true nerd I am, I looooove “The Legend of Arthur” and am pretty much obsessed with Camelot. So when I heard we are getting a story with Lancelot and Merlin as love interests from my favorite author Victoria Sue, I was on cloud nine. 😍 And then I heard Greg Tremblay is the narrator, I thought I was flying. 🥰 The downside, I had to wait until the audio comes out and boy, was it long when you want the time to gone. But it was soooo worth the wait in the beginning.
Mel lives in a difficult life as someone who sells his body just to survive. But things got even worse when he was attacked by monsters in a back alley. Until a knight in shining amor and the armor (and the sword part is quite very literal 😛)came rescuing him from the monsters. Suddenly, things aren’t so bad anymore. Apparently, there’s a whole new world that Mel didn’t know exist and he’s the linchpin of this whole mess. Apparently, Camelot was real and Lancelot in front of his eyes is THE Camelot .. not just someone who’s named after the legendary knight. And also Lancelot and he are fated mates and that the world may end any time. Talk about information overload for a guy. However Mel believes in Lance and the beautiful future they could have together. If only Lance sees that as he does.
I love it when Miss Sue writes urban fantasy. Her way of thinking and world building on UF stories are always very unique and fresh. 💜👏 And I think this is a similar case of Talon/Finn situation from her another UF series “Enhanced” because I was really really frustrated with Lance in the beginning. I mean, my god, that man is even more stubborn than a bull. 🙄 And it took him almost losing Mel to see that they belong together. At least he made up for his shortcomings. And I’ll be honest, even though I knew the original story of King Arthur and Camelot, I was a bit lost in the beginning because it’s a completely different take on the story. But the world building and the background story really shone in this story. I wanted a bit more romance and swoony moments between Mel and Lance but since I believe the second book is also about these two, I’m sure we will get more romance in the sequel. 😌 And surprise, Greg sounded so young in the story when he played Mel’s part and I was very pleasantly surprised. 😱 Just when I thought I knew everything about Mr. Tremblay’s performances, he then went and surprised me with more refreshing tricks up his sleeve. Kudos to your performance sir. For now, it ended with a HFN and I’m dying to get next book in my grabby little hands! 👋
4.5 Forever isn’t so boring when I know you are mine stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Mel lives in a difficult life as someone who sells his body just to survive. But things got even worse when he was attacked by monsters in a back alley. Until a knight in shining amor and the armor (and the sword part is quite very literal 😛)came rescuing him from the monsters. Suddenly, things aren’t so bad anymore. Apparently, there’s a whole new world that Mel didn’t know exist and he’s the linchpin of this whole mess. Apparently, Camelot was real and Lancelot in front of his eyes is THE Camelot .. not just someone who’s named after the legendary knight. And also Lancelot and he are fated mates and that the world may end any time. Talk about information overload for a guy. However Mel believes in Lance and the beautiful future they could have together. If only Lance sees that as he does.
I love it when Miss Sue writes urban fantasy. Her way of thinking and world building on UF stories are always very unique and fresh. 💜👏 And I think this is a similar case of Talon/Finn situation from her another UF series “Enhanced” because I was really really frustrated with Lance in the beginning. I mean, my god, that man is even more stubborn than a bull. 🙄 And it took him almost losing Mel to see that they belong together. At least he made up for his shortcomings. And I’ll be honest, even though I knew the original story of King Arthur and Camelot, I was a bit lost in the beginning because it’s a completely different take on the story. But the world building and the background story really shone in this story. I wanted a bit more romance and swoony moments between Mel and Lance but since I believe the second book is also about these two, I’m sure we will get more romance in the sequel. 😌 And surprise, Greg sounded so young in the story when he played Mel’s part and I was very pleasantly surprised. 😱 Just when I thought I knew everything about Mr. Tremblay’s performances, he then went and surprised me with more refreshing tricks up his sleeve. Kudos to your performance sir. For now, it ended with a HFN and I’m dying to get next book in my grabby little hands! 👋
4.5 Forever isn’t so boring when I know you are mine stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
January 26, 2020
Lancelot in New York!
I had fun listening to Greg Boudreaux perform this urban fantasy! His performance was a solid 4.53 Stars!!
The story goes something like this: Lancelot and other knights were granted immortality at the final battle against Morgan and Mordred by Merlin. This was to prepare them for the final battle. To do this they had to give up half of their souls only to reunite with them in the future.
The last 1500 years they spent looking for their other half and fighting the evil that Morgan unleashed on the world.
In comes Mel (aka Merlin) who inexplicably can see the evil creatures the knights have been fighting (mere mortals cannot see them). Recognized as a “tresor,” another half of a knight’s soul, the knights take him home to protect him.
Lance tries to deny Mel is his tresor. Mel is insulted. This goes on for much of the story. Unfortunately, this gets boring because they build up no tension—they could have, or the author could have played with destined souls fighting against each other. This is where I had a problem with the story and made me 3 star it. I felt no sexiness from Lance nor Mel. Major miss here.
Aside from the lack of chemistry, I REALLY LIKED THE STORY and the take on the Aurthurian legend! I will definitely read/listen to the next one!!
I had fun listening to Greg Boudreaux perform this urban fantasy! His performance was a solid 4.53 Stars!!
The story goes something like this: Lancelot and other knights were granted immortality at the final battle against Morgan and Mordred by Merlin. This was to prepare them for the final battle. To do this they had to give up half of their souls only to reunite with them in the future.
The last 1500 years they spent looking for their other half and fighting the evil that Morgan unleashed on the world.
In comes Mel (aka Merlin) who inexplicably can see the evil creatures the knights have been fighting (mere mortals cannot see them). Recognized as a “tresor,” another half of a knight’s soul, the knights take him home to protect him.
Lance tries to deny Mel is his tresor. Mel is insulted. This goes on for much of the story. Unfortunately, this gets boring because they build up no tension—they could have, or the author could have played with destined souls fighting against each other. This is where I had a problem with the story and made me 3 star it. I felt no sexiness from Lance nor Mel. Major miss here.
Aside from the lack of chemistry, I REALLY LIKED THE STORY and the take on the Aurthurian legend! I will definitely read/listen to the next one!!
December 9, 2019
I'm a huge fan of Victoria Sue. And, I'm a huge fan of the legend of King Arthur so naturally, I preordered this bad boy.
This was an interesting take on the legend of the Knights of the Round Table. I liked the world building and the premise. Where it fell flat for me was the two mc's, Lance in particular. I was so sick and tired of his resistance and denial, I wanted to throw my iPad across the room. Why does it take to make him see the light and so late in the book? He felt the draw but was waiting for someone else. And then the whole thing had me rolling my eyes. Mel got on my nerves because I wanted him to either walk away or go after what he wanted. Quit just taking it. I hated how both misunderstood things instead of communicating. It was very frustrating.
I enjoyed it enough though, that I will read the next one provided Lucan doesn't keep resisting and denying Tom too. I'm hoping he'll come to his senses a little sooner than Lance. I'm also wondering of Ali will get a book since she's a woman.
This was an interesting take on the legend of the Knights of the Round Table. I liked the world building and the premise. Where it fell flat for me was the two mc's, Lance in particular. I was so sick and tired of his resistance and denial, I wanted to throw my iPad across the room. Why does it take to make him see the light and so late in the book? He felt the draw but was waiting for someone else. And then the whole thing had me rolling my eyes. Mel got on my nerves because I wanted him to either walk away or go after what he wanted. Quit just taking it. I hated how both misunderstood things instead of communicating. It was very frustrating.
I enjoyed it enough though, that I will read the next one provided Lucan doesn't keep resisting and denying Tom too. I'm hoping he'll come to his senses a little sooner than Lance. I'm also wondering of Ali will get a book since she's a woman.
dnf
November 10, 2019DNF at 29%
I'm already tired of Lance's stupidly willful denial and the information dump for the backstory was convoluted and confusing.
No rating because I didn't get far enough into it.
I'm already tired of Lance's stupidly willful denial and the information dump for the backstory was convoluted and confusing.
No rating because I didn't get far enough into it.
June 20, 2020
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Il Dodicesimo cavaliere fa da apripista alla serie Guardiani di Camelot, una trasposizione fantasy moderna in chiave male to male sui cavalieri di Re Artù. Una sanguinosa battaglia, la magia della terra e il potere oscuro di Morgana hanno portato Lancillotto e gli altri cavalieri a vagare sulla terra alla ricerca di qualcosa di prezioso e inestimabile: l'altra parte della propria anima, il proprio Trèsor. Una ricerca complicata e estenuante, tra incertezze e battaglie contro i mostri creati da Morgana. Una lotta sfiancante per il bene superiore, brancolando nel buio senza certezze, prendendo informazioni man mano, molte volte imparando da errori e troppe perdite. Nulla è certo, tutto deve essere ancora chiarito su ciò che li attende. L'unica certezza è l'importanza di trovare la propria anima gemella e proteggerla ad ogni costo. Lance è un cavaliere esausto: schiacciato dal peso delle responsabilità, dai ricordi della vita passata, dalla tristezza per ciò che ha perduto lo tormentano. I ricordi si insinuano nel presente, il desiderio di un sogno idealizzato lo portano a non vedere la realtà che il proprio cuore gli dice. Lance è la rappresentazione vivida del cavaliere di altri tempi, stoico e rigido, tormentato e in conflitto con se stesso. Dal momento dell'incontro con Merlino, confusione e negazione lo perseguitano, l'ostinazione del rifiuto lo porta a ritrovarsi in una battaglia interiore senza scampo. Merlino è un sopravvissuto, un ragazzo abbandonato con tante debolezze emotive, ma è un combattente che va avanti con la sua indipendenza e il suo sarcasmo. Merlino è un mistero, è un enigma che viene fuori piano piano, svelando un segreto antico. L'autrice ci trasporta in un mondo fatto di magia e visioni, di battaglie contro il male e contro i propri demoni. Una storia complessa che si dipana tra i ricordi del passato, azione e combattimenti, introspezione emotiva e colpi di scena. Traspare l'incertezza dei protagonisti e l'alone di mistero che dovrà ancora essere svelato, lasciandoci curiosi su come evolverà la situazione per tutti i nostri eroi. Essendo il primo libro della serie ci sono tante informazioni e elementi che danno un ampio quadro del tutto, i tanti personaggi secondari sono caratterizzati benissimo e sono fondamentali, ognuno di loro con la propria storia e peculiarità arricchisce e getta le basi per i prossimi libri. Devo dire che l'evoluzione narrativa è veloce e appassionante ma ho trovato dei passaggi un po' ingarbugliati, altri non li ho capiti, e sono dovuta tornare indietro più volte su alcune cose. Ancora adesso non so se dipende dalla struttura narrativa o dalla trasposizione italiana, ma comunque la lettura non mi è risultata fluida almeno per buona parte della storia.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Il Dodicesimo cavaliere fa da apripista alla serie Guardiani di Camelot, una trasposizione fantasy moderna in chiave male to male sui cavalieri di Re Artù. Una sanguinosa battaglia, la magia della terra e il potere oscuro di Morgana hanno portato Lancillotto e gli altri cavalieri a vagare sulla terra alla ricerca di qualcosa di prezioso e inestimabile: l'altra parte della propria anima, il proprio Trèsor. Una ricerca complicata e estenuante, tra incertezze e battaglie contro i mostri creati da Morgana. Una lotta sfiancante per il bene superiore, brancolando nel buio senza certezze, prendendo informazioni man mano, molte volte imparando da errori e troppe perdite. Nulla è certo, tutto deve essere ancora chiarito su ciò che li attende. L'unica certezza è l'importanza di trovare la propria anima gemella e proteggerla ad ogni costo. Lance è un cavaliere esausto: schiacciato dal peso delle responsabilità, dai ricordi della vita passata, dalla tristezza per ciò che ha perduto lo tormentano. I ricordi si insinuano nel presente, il desiderio di un sogno idealizzato lo portano a non vedere la realtà che il proprio cuore gli dice. Lance è la rappresentazione vivida del cavaliere di altri tempi, stoico e rigido, tormentato e in conflitto con se stesso. Dal momento dell'incontro con Merlino, confusione e negazione lo perseguitano, l'ostinazione del rifiuto lo porta a ritrovarsi in una battaglia interiore senza scampo. Merlino è un sopravvissuto, un ragazzo abbandonato con tante debolezze emotive, ma è un combattente che va avanti con la sua indipendenza e il suo sarcasmo. Merlino è un mistero, è un enigma che viene fuori piano piano, svelando un segreto antico. L'autrice ci trasporta in un mondo fatto di magia e visioni, di battaglie contro il male e contro i propri demoni. Una storia complessa che si dipana tra i ricordi del passato, azione e combattimenti, introspezione emotiva e colpi di scena. Traspare l'incertezza dei protagonisti e l'alone di mistero che dovrà ancora essere svelato, lasciandoci curiosi su come evolverà la situazione per tutti i nostri eroi. Essendo il primo libro della serie ci sono tante informazioni e elementi che danno un ampio quadro del tutto, i tanti personaggi secondari sono caratterizzati benissimo e sono fondamentali, ognuno di loro con la propria storia e peculiarità arricchisce e getta le basi per i prossimi libri. Devo dire che l'evoluzione narrativa è veloce e appassionante ma ho trovato dei passaggi un po' ingarbugliati, altri non li ho capiti, e sono dovuta tornare indietro più volte su alcune cose. Ancora adesso non so se dipende dalla struttura narrativa o dalla trasposizione italiana, ma comunque la lettura non mi è risultata fluida almeno per buona parte della storia.
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
October 1, 2019
WOW! What a great start to a new series, and I hope Victoria Sue is writing as fast as she can for the next book in the series, because I think we're all going to be pleading for book 2 ASAP!
I've always been a big fan of Arthurian legends and all of the knights and people involved - but, OK, admittedly, I don't know a whole lot aside from a really bad movie and then a BBC show LOL, so I love that this is set in modern day time with many of the names we know and recognize, but it's still different enough that it stands well on its own. And it's gay, yes, let's not forget that.
There is a lot of action, storytelling and world building, and plot going on in this one. I thought that she did a great job building the history between the knights, them finding each other again, everything going on currently, and the monsters that they are fighting. However, I felt like there was also a solid amount of romance between Lance and Mel - they had some great chemistry together, some angst to keep them separated and to create some pain, but so much emotion when they were together. I was pleasantly surprised by the evenness of the romance to the plot, for me at least.
I don't want to say too much to give anything away, but I think if you are a fan of King Arthur and his knights, you want some mm romance, and some great world building, you should give this story a try.
I, for one, can't wait for Tom and Lucan's story. (I'm gonna need some crazy hot first time moments!)
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I've always been a big fan of Arthurian legends and all of the knights and people involved - but, OK, admittedly, I don't know a whole lot aside from a really bad movie and then a BBC show LOL, so I love that this is set in modern day time with many of the names we know and recognize, but it's still different enough that it stands well on its own. And it's gay, yes, let's not forget that.
There is a lot of action, storytelling and world building, and plot going on in this one. I thought that she did a great job building the history between the knights, them finding each other again, everything going on currently, and the monsters that they are fighting. However, I felt like there was also a solid amount of romance between Lance and Mel - they had some great chemistry together, some angst to keep them separated and to create some pain, but so much emotion when they were together. I was pleasantly surprised by the evenness of the romance to the plot, for me at least.
I don't want to say too much to give anything away, but I think if you are a fan of King Arthur and his knights, you want some mm romance, and some great world building, you should give this story a try.
I, for one, can't wait for Tom and Lucan's story. (I'm gonna need some crazy hot first time moments!)
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2022
I think I enjoyed this more than I would have If I had read it because of Greg B's narration.
This is based on Arthurian Lore... and out first MC is Lancelot.
All.in all, I liked this. Definitely moving to book 2.
This is based on Arthurian Lore... and out first MC is Lancelot.
All.in all, I liked this. Definitely moving to book 2.
April 8, 2020
4.5 stars! Oh I loved this! <3 I'm a huge history nerd and the medieval period is my absolute favorite, along with all the legends and mythology that surround it, so this book was a total win for me.
All of the relationships are intense, the brotherhood is real and a little bit tragic, and the story is filled with magic, monsters and knights, which for me is almost as good as dragons, LOL.
There were a few quirks that kept me from giving it five stars. Maybe the romance is a sort of quick but circumstances made it happen like that, so it wasn't too much of an issue for me. And Mel's tendency to run away plucked my nerves somewhat but I had to make allowances, given the impossibilities that turned his world topsy-turvy so instantly. I loved Lance, and all of the knights, but until he got over his reluctance to explain himself fully to Mel, I couldn't blame Mel for his own initial hot-and-cold. But all these things were mostly momentary irritations for me, and then the story would pull me along and I loved it.
Awesome start to a series and I'm really looking forward to more!
All of the relationships are intense, the brotherhood is real and a little bit tragic, and the story is filled with magic, monsters and knights, which for me is almost as good as dragons, LOL.
There were a few quirks that kept me from giving it five stars. Maybe the romance is a sort of quick but circumstances made it happen like that, so it wasn't too much of an issue for me. And Mel's tendency to run away plucked my nerves somewhat but I had to make allowances, given the impossibilities that turned his world topsy-turvy so instantly. I loved Lance, and all of the knights, but until he got over his reluctance to explain himself fully to Mel, I couldn't blame Mel for his own initial hot-and-cold. But all these things were mostly momentary irritations for me, and then the story would pull me along and I loved it.
Awesome start to a series and I'm really looking forward to more!
August 6, 2023
I don't know exactly how I feel about this.
I'm not well-versed about the actual legend of Lancelot and Merlin but I find this take on rebirth/reincarnation quite interesting. However, it felt a bit more heavy on the history and world-building and lacked a little in romance? The constant switch on present and past was a little jarring, too. Especially when Lance reminisced quite a lot of their history. It would take some time to get used to.
I'm not well-versed about the actual legend of Lancelot and Merlin but I find this take on rebirth/reincarnation quite interesting. However, it felt a bit more heavy on the history and world-building and lacked a little in romance? The constant switch on present and past was a little jarring, too. Especially when Lance reminisced quite a lot of their history. It would take some time to get used to.
October 17, 2020
I'm not sure why I only rated and didn't review this the first time around because it was really good! I LOVE Arthurian legend retellings, in any form, and VS did a great job with this one. Greg also nailed the narration. (But then again, when does he not?)
I loved that Mel wasn't a typical protagonist, that he was a sex-worker and while it wasn't his first choice of jobs (and how he came by it was heart-breaking) he made no excuses for it. VS could have chosen anyone, with any profession, and picked that. Much appreciation.
The info dump near the beginning was a bit frustrating and confusing - even for someone who's read this previously - and I kept rewinding to catch the origins, connections & history. But at least it's done conversationally.
The audiobook was so well done, I'm torn between waiting to see if Book 2 gets an audio vs. starting Book 2 ASAP because Tom & Lucan!
I loved that Mel wasn't a typical protagonist, that he was a sex-worker and while it wasn't his first choice of jobs (and how he came by it was heart-breaking) he made no excuses for it. VS could have chosen anyone, with any profession, and picked that. Much appreciation.
The info dump near the beginning was a bit frustrating and confusing - even for someone who's read this previously - and I kept rewinding to catch the origins, connections & history. But at least it's done conversationally.
The audiobook was so well done, I'm torn between waiting to see if Book 2 gets an audio vs. starting Book 2 ASAP because Tom & Lucan!
October 16, 2019
2 stars...?
This was interesting in the beginning but it couldn’t keep my attention. I believe it’s more of a it’s-me-not-you problem because I haven’t had any books that have held on to my attention for a few days now. What?!?! 😱
Sigh... I don’t know what’s wrong with me. For all intents and purposes, this book should have held my unwavering attention. But alas, nothing is holding on to my attention past 5 chapters at most 🤦🏻♀️
This was interesting in the beginning but it couldn’t keep my attention. I believe it’s more of a it’s-me-not-you problem because I haven’t had any books that have held on to my attention for a few days now. What?!?! 😱
Sigh... I don’t know what’s wrong with me. For all intents and purposes, this book should have held my unwavering attention. But alas, nothing is holding on to my attention past 5 chapters at most 🤦🏻♀️
June 13, 2020
3.5🌟🌟🌟✨
June 14, 2020
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui: https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
October 12, 2019
I liked this book, Mel was awesome and the whole Authurian mythology/legend come to life with a twist was great content which was great even when the story got "info-dumpy" at some points. I took it all in stride as it was because an it was very enjoyable.
However, and that's a big HOWEVER, I wish the MCs(Lancelot and Mel) simply communicated. There was a whole lot of jumping to conclusions for which I wasn't amused by in the least. Lance was also so frustrating to read about. I don't think I fully warmed up to him but at least he was honest. I'll give him that . I just wished he had spoken to Mel about all the issues before they got out of control.
So overall, this book had pretty strong writing and the world building was good but definitely could've really knocked it out of the park had it had the "more" factor. Also,this book detailed great backbone of what could be a good series if set up right.
I Will definitely be reading the next books in the series
However, and that's a big HOWEVER, I wish the MCs(Lancelot and Mel) simply communicated. There was a whole lot of jumping to conclusions for which I wasn't amused by in the least. Lance was also so frustrating to read about. I don't think I fully warmed up to him but at least he was honest. I'll give him that . I just wished he had spoken to Mel about all the issues before they got out of control.
So overall, this book had pretty strong writing and the world building was good but definitely could've really knocked it out of the park had it had the "more" factor. Also,this book detailed great backbone of what could be a good series if set up right.
I Will definitely be reading the next books in the series
March 5, 2023
3.5 stars for the story, 5 for the narration.
Interesting take on the Aurthurian legends with Merlin and the knights of the Round Table (well, some of them anyway) in 21st Century New York facing off against a diabolical foe. A few creaky plot points but it's entertaining overall. The romance between Lance and Mel fell a bit flat though - Mel is strong and sassy, but Lance is a bit wishy-washy, and spends too long in willful (and stupid) denial. Greg Boudreaux's narration is, of course, excellent (despite a couple of accent slippages!)
Interesting take on the Aurthurian legends with Merlin and the knights of the Round Table (well, some of them anyway) in 21st Century New York facing off against a diabolical foe. A few creaky plot points but it's entertaining overall. The romance between Lance and Mel fell a bit flat though - Mel is strong and sassy, but Lance is a bit wishy-washy, and spends too long in willful (and stupid) denial. Greg Boudreaux's narration is, of course, excellent (despite a couple of accent slippages!)
December 1, 2019
Okay, I so wanted to love this book... I mean what's not to love about Merlin and Lancelot's love story....
I loved the plot but, I really struggled to "get" the characters. For me there were a lot that did not make sence and a lot of talking in circles without getting a lot of information.
I loved the plot but, I really struggled to "get" the characters. For me there were a lot that did not make sence and a lot of talking in circles without getting a lot of information.
August 17, 2021
Audiobook: ***5 Stars***
Story: ***3.5 Stars***
Story: ***3.5 Stars***
October 14, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Mel hasn’t had an easy life. In his own words, life started going down hill when he was 10, and it’s just gotten worse since then. He’s been in the system and out of it, homeless, hustling, but always his own person — even when he didn’t want to be. Mel feels as though he’s always been not quite enough. He wasn’t a good enough son for his mother, wasn’t ever anyone’s first choice, and when Lance is reluctant to accept him, Mel takes that as proof that it’s his fault. Something wrong with him. Even as he holds out hope that it might simply be that another Knight is coming for him, there’s a part of him that knows no one, Knight or not, will catch his heart the way Lance does.
Lance is tired. It’s been such a long time of living and killing, of failure after failure. Knights have died, friends have died, and his life has had precious little happiness in it. Fifteen hundred years is a long time to live when every night is a battle. His hope died when his king did, and every passing year is another weight bearing down on his shoulders, and he must do so with only half his soul. He’s given honest thought to just putting down the sword and letting one of the others lead; not that they’d let him. But it’s a thought he’s been having more and more often.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Mel hasn’t had an easy life. In his own words, life started going down hill when he was 10, and it’s just gotten worse since then. He’s been in the system and out of it, homeless, hustling, but always his own person — even when he didn’t want to be. Mel feels as though he’s always been not quite enough. He wasn’t a good enough son for his mother, wasn’t ever anyone’s first choice, and when Lance is reluctant to accept him, Mel takes that as proof that it’s his fault. Something wrong with him. Even as he holds out hope that it might simply be that another Knight is coming for him, there’s a part of him that knows no one, Knight or not, will catch his heart the way Lance does.
Lance is tired. It’s been such a long time of living and killing, of failure after failure. Knights have died, friends have died, and his life has had precious little happiness in it. Fifteen hundred years is a long time to live when every night is a battle. His hope died when his king did, and every passing year is another weight bearing down on his shoulders, and he must do so with only half his soul. He’s given honest thought to just putting down the sword and letting one of the others lead; not that they’d let him. But it’s a thought he’s been having more and more often.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
November 25, 2019
An awesome start to a new series. I started the book & tried to stay up all night to read it but fell asleep cause I can't stay up all night any longer. We have knights, actual knights from the round table yes those knights!! A big battle happened and Merlin had cast a spell to make them immortal so they could fight Morgana in the future, he does this by splitting their souls. So now they have to not only fight the monsters that Morgana created but find their soulmates known as a Tresor. Once accepted, if the Tresor dies so does the Knight. It's all way cool what Merlin did. Though not for anyone that dies. So our MC's. Lance, yes Lancelot, was given the Guardian Sword which makes him the de facto leader, even though he was just a commoner. When Lance meets, and saves, Mel there is a spark but Lance denies him as he is foolishly waiting for Guinevere thinking for some reason that she will show up as his Tresor. Yeah it's still a thing thousands of years later. But Lance finally gets his head out of his a&& & accepts Mel only to have another surprise pop up. Didn't see that one coming. Mel has secrets, that he didn't even know he had, that gives this a lovely turn. And a forbidden love comes to light. I love all of the secondary characters and can't wait to read their books. I need the next book in the series ASAP!!!
Audio arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
Audio arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2019
*A copy of this book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I loved this take on Arthurian legend. It was so interesting and the world building is done well. The part that lost me, is the "romance". I just don't believe it given the events of the plot. I don't know WHY they're together. There's so many awkward misunderstandings, insecurity, and hurtful moments. I feel like the romance was an afterthought, I need to know why these two characters are destined for each other, beyond just the fact that they are destined. And I didn't really get that. I really liked Mel. I loved that he had standards and stood up for himself. He didn't take any crud from anyone, especially Lance. Lance was a bit of a douche, but it makes sense and he kind of owns how ridiculous he was by the end so I don't hold it against him. I am interested to read the rest of the books in the series, especially Lucan/Tom.
I loved this take on Arthurian legend. It was so interesting and the world building is done well. The part that lost me, is the "romance". I just don't believe it given the events of the plot. I don't know WHY they're together. There's so many awkward misunderstandings, insecurity, and hurtful moments. I feel like the romance was an afterthought, I need to know why these two characters are destined for each other, beyond just the fact that they are destined. And I didn't really get that. I really liked Mel. I loved that he had standards and stood up for himself. He didn't take any crud from anyone, especially Lance. Lance was a bit of a douche, but it makes sense and he kind of owns how ridiculous he was by the end so I don't hold it against him. I am interested to read the rest of the books in the series, especially Lucan/Tom.
October 30, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. Disappointing. Love all the Arthurian stuff, and it was a great idea...just not executed that well for me. Didn't feel much of a connection between the 'fated' mates Lance [who was an absolute arse mostly] and his Tresor Mel [the modern day Merlin]. Aalardin? Called it, and also the identity of the mysterious boy lurking around in the background. I don't think I'm invested enough in the characters to continue with the series. Hey ho, onwards and upwards...I hear Reindeer Games calling my name.
June 22, 2020
Ah, i cavalieri della Tavola Rotonda hanno sempre esercitato su di me un loro fascino. Che si parli di Re Artù, Lancillotto, Ginevra o, del mitico e potente mago Merlino, sono sempre pronta ad immergermi in una nuova avventura, che sia letteraria o cinematografica, poco importa, l’importante è che ci siano loro: i mitici cavalieri di re Artù. E questa volta ne incontreremo un bel po’ perché 1500 anni prima, sul punto di perdere la battaglia con la perfida Morgana, il potente Merlino ha orchestrato un piano che un giorno avrebbe portato tutti i cavalieri a combattere la battaglia finale e sconfiggere il male, una volta per tutte. Per farlo, ognuno di loro avrebbe dovuto trovare il proprio “Tresor” l’altra metà della propria anima e riunirla. Certo Merlino non ha dato molte indicazioni, stava per morire, quindi, nessuno dei cavalieri sa a cosa andrà incontro. Sono passati molti secoli da quel giorno fatale, ed è nella New York dei giorni nostri che incontriamo nuovamente Lancillotto e alcuni dei suoi fidanti compagni d’arme. Purtroppo, pur essendo passati molti secoli, fino ad ora, quasi nessuno dei cavalieri ha avuto la fortuna di incontrare la propria anima gemella. Lancillotto, che ha assunto il ruolo di capo, ha nutrito la speranza, per molti secoli, che il suo “Tresor” sarebbe stato qualcun altro, e quindi, quando si ritrova di fronte uno splendido ragazzo, con un nome particolare quasi quanto il suo e, la strana capacità di vedere i mostri creati da Morgana, non si rende conto di nulla, anzi! Ma il destino ha deciso diversamente e lui e Mel, al secolo Merlino, dovranno venire rapidamente a patti con quello che sono stati e quello che potrebbero essere. Perché il tempo scorre, ormai, inesorabilmente e la grande battaglia potrebbe essere proprio dietro l’angolo. Lancillotto e Mel dovranno scoprirsi e riscoprirsi se vorranno vincere e, per farlo, dovranno ammettere delle verità a lungo taciute. Soprattutto Lancillotto, per il quale, fin da subito, non ho nutrito una grande simpatia. Troppo ancorato al suo passato e ai suoi sogni di un amore cavalleresco non si rende conto della bellezza che ha davanti se non quando potrebbe essere troppo tardi. Per Mel, al contrario, ho sentito subito una certa empatia. Quello che ha sofferto, quello che l’ha portato a fare scelte anche discutibili me lo ha reso sempre più caro. Ma sarete voi a giudicare il loro operato. Per quanto mi riguarda devo ammettere che questa storia aveva tutti i presupposti per dare vita ad un romanzo bellissimo e intenso. C’erano cavalieri dalla scintillante armatura, un’anima gemella da trovare per sentirsi completi, magie e malefici più antichi del mondo, due personaggi che hanno fatto sognare tantissime persone nel corso dei secoli, eppure, ci sono stati momenti in cui mi sono ritrovata ad annaspare per cercare di entrare in empatia con la storia e a faticare molto per portare a termine la lettura. A distanza di qualche giorno devo ammettere che non sono riuscita a capire se le mie perplessità dipendessero solo dall’intreccio ingarbugliato della storia o se ci fosse anche qualche problema di traduzione. In effetti, pur essendo consapevole che si tratta di un romanzo corale dove, oltre ai due protagonisti, ci sono tanti altri personaggi, facevo fatica a capire “chi diceva cosa” e “chi faceva cosa” costringendomi, più e più volte alla rilettura di una frase, per capire chi stava parlando e chi ascoltava. Peccato, perché la storia per come è stata concepita aveva un altissimo potenziale. Vi invito comunque a leggere questo primo capitolo perché potrei essere stata io a non averne compreso tutto. Ogni libro ha un suo momento per essere letto e forse non era ancora arrivato quello giusto per me. Sono comunque curiosa di leggere gli altri libri della serie nella speranza che questo primo volume sia stato solo un inizio un po’ traballante.
December 5, 2020
This was such a surprise for me! I don’t know that much about King Arthur, the bare minimum really, but I followed along with everything easily thanks to the way Victoria Sue wrote this.
The world created to combine with the story of King Arthur and his knights was brilliant. The way the knights need to find their tresor’s and be ready for the final battle. Each knight seems to be getting a story and this was about Lance (Lancelot) and Mel (Merlin). Merlin and his magic is well known and the way the past and present came together was interesting and made the story exciting. Lance does not want to accept that Mel is his tresor since he always thought he was waiting for Guinevere. There is some push and pull between Lance and Mel and I thought there could have been more communication and less deciding to leave, especially with the dangers outside their home. Everything came full circle though and was not dragged out.
I am very excited to read the rest of the series.
The world created to combine with the story of King Arthur and his knights was brilliant. The way the knights need to find their tresor’s and be ready for the final battle. Each knight seems to be getting a story and this was about Lance (Lancelot) and Mel (Merlin). Merlin and his magic is well known and the way the past and present came together was interesting and made the story exciting. Lance does not want to accept that Mel is his tresor since he always thought he was waiting for Guinevere. There is some push and pull between Lance and Mel and I thought there could have been more communication and less deciding to leave, especially with the dangers outside their home. Everything came full circle though and was not dragged out.
I am very excited to read the rest of the series.
October 26, 2019
DNF at 76%
I usually like stories about soulmates, but I just really didn’t feel a connection between the MCs and the other characters felt flat. Lance’s disappointment felt like a contrived way to add drama and just ended up making me wish he was right and Mel was meant for someone that would appreciate him.
I usually like stories about soulmates, but I just really didn’t feel a connection between the MCs and the other characters felt flat. Lance’s disappointment felt like a contrived way to add drama and just ended up making me wish he was right and Mel was meant for someone that would appreciate him.
July 30, 2021
Nice story and an excellent audio, narrated by Greg Boudreaux.
I liked all the adaptations of Lancelot, Merlin and other people from the Arthurian saga.
Unfortunately the romance part didn't really convince me.
3.5 stars
I liked all the adaptations of Lancelot, Merlin and other people from the Arthurian saga.
Unfortunately the romance part didn't really convince me.
3.5 stars
October 13, 2019
Meh...
I’m not going to lie.... a lot of people are probably going to love this book, hell a few years ago I probably would have loved this book. Now on the other hand, I did not love this book. In fact I almost DNFd it.
Let’s start with what I love... I love the Arthurian twist. Like seriously who doesn’t love Camelot...
What I didn’t like was the continuous hetero drama involved in MM writhing, which unfortunately I’ve come to realize is always included in Sues writing. Don’t get me wrong, this probably doesn’t bother most people, but it really irks the shit, and considering I’ve already been in a slump it was almost an ending point for me. Not only was there hetero drama, but there was also a complete lack of communication, which imo, should never drive a plot.
I probably will not continue with the next in the series no matter how much I enjoyed Tom... because I hate the whole “I love you but I’m not good enough for you” drama.... which is way worse than the unnecessary hetero drama....
I’m not going to lie.... a lot of people are probably going to love this book, hell a few years ago I probably would have loved this book. Now on the other hand, I did not love this book. In fact I almost DNFd it.
Let’s start with what I love... I love the Arthurian twist. Like seriously who doesn’t love Camelot...
What I didn’t like was the continuous hetero drama involved in MM writhing, which unfortunately I’ve come to realize is always included in Sues writing. Don’t get me wrong, this probably doesn’t bother most people, but it really irks the shit, and considering I’ve already been in a slump it was almost an ending point for me. Not only was there hetero drama, but there was also a complete lack of communication, which imo, should never drive a plot.
I probably will not continue with the next in the series no matter how much I enjoyed Tom... because I hate the whole “I love you but I’m not good enough for you” drama.... which is way worse than the unnecessary hetero drama....
March 21, 2021
This was so good!!!! This was a cool take on Lancelot and Merlin and the knights. I loved how they are living in current times and how there is a big shape up of massive war coming. The story was so intriguing. I normally read quickly, but this made me take it slow because there were a lot of details and intricacies in the story. Really enjoyed it and can’t wait for Lucan and Tom’s book. More of a 4.5 star read.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
December 22, 2019
WOW!! This was totally mind-blowing. I don't do spoilers and can't say too much without giving something away. What I will say is that this is contemporary and a huge twist on the Knights of the Roundtable legends. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. Can't wait for the next book in this new series.
***RECOMMENDED***
***RECOMMENDED***
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