What do you think?
Rate this book
Guinevere #3
Guinevere: The Legend in Autumn
Britain's spirited Queen Guinevere recounts the last dramatic years of Camelot, describing Arthur's reign, the Knights of the Round Table, the quest for the Holy Grail, her relationship with Mordred, and more. Reprint.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
15 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews
April 27, 2008
Woolley's trilogy is almost unknown in the U.S., which is a pity. These are sweeping, engrossing tellings of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of Guinevere. Ignore the "bodice-ripper" covers - that's how they appeared in the U.S. The British editions (Woolley is British) are gorgeous. These are books I never lend - for fear they won't come back and I'll never find them again.
February 21, 2012
Giving a new viewpoint to the Arthur legend, Persia Woolley creates an enchanting and believable tale. Guinevere, The Legend In Autumn is told from Guinevere's perspective. I did not get to read the first two books in the trilogy, but I am familiar with the Arthur legend, and I was able to follow along quite well. The story in this last installment of the trilogy details the Arthur legend, it describes the search for the Holy Grail and how Guinevere comes to be tried for treason. All the basic elements of the traditional Arthur legend are present in the book from Excalibur, the round table, and the popular characters as well.
I have always enjoyed different variations of the Arthur legend. There is a combination of magic, destiny, and chivalry that make this legend stand out. What I loved about Guinevere, the Legend in Autumn was that the story was believable. This is not a fanciful, whimsical fairy tale or legend. Persia Woolley wrote a highly engaging story that provides explanation for the discord in King Arthur's family and the blood feuds that constantly simmer under the surface of a refined Camelot. Through Guinevere's prospective, Arthur is portrayed as a man. He is a man dedicated to his vision, a noble and worthy vision, but that same dedication to his cause makes Arthur falter in some of his relationships and decisions. Even the destined King makes mistakes.
The relationship between Guinevere and Lancelot was not what I expected. Persia Woolley gives both characters a strong moral compass and shows their dedication to their King and their cause. I was very pleased by the depth of character both Lancelot and Guinevere showed. I did not always agree with their actions, but I was able to understand why they acted in certain ways.
I have said that this book is a believable story. That is very true, but that does not mean that Persia Woolley left out magic and myth altogether. There are references to the fae, celtic rituals, and the magic of the old ways. A big part of the story is the "old ways," clashing with the new religion and the "white christ." The new ways challenge the perceptions of women, at least that is how Guinevere perceives some of the changes. As the new religion grows stronger, Guinevere's place as High Queen holds less respect. All of this, combined with blood feuds and old resentments, comes down to how Camelot, Arthur, Guinevere, and the round table fall and deteriorate to legend.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I enjoyed seeing the world of King Arthur through Guinevere's perspective. Readers who enjoy Arthurian legend or historical fantasy will also like this book and the series. King Arthur fans, while I enjoyed this book without reading the first two books in the series, I would recommend reading the entire series to get the full effect of the story. The Reading order of the trilogy is: Book 1-Child of the Northern Spring. Book 2- Queen of the Summer Stars. Book 3- Guinevere, Legend in Autumn.
*I received this book for review*
I have always enjoyed different variations of the Arthur legend. There is a combination of magic, destiny, and chivalry that make this legend stand out. What I loved about Guinevere, the Legend in Autumn was that the story was believable. This is not a fanciful, whimsical fairy tale or legend. Persia Woolley wrote a highly engaging story that provides explanation for the discord in King Arthur's family and the blood feuds that constantly simmer under the surface of a refined Camelot. Through Guinevere's prospective, Arthur is portrayed as a man. He is a man dedicated to his vision, a noble and worthy vision, but that same dedication to his cause makes Arthur falter in some of his relationships and decisions. Even the destined King makes mistakes.
The relationship between Guinevere and Lancelot was not what I expected. Persia Woolley gives both characters a strong moral compass and shows their dedication to their King and their cause. I was very pleased by the depth of character both Lancelot and Guinevere showed. I did not always agree with their actions, but I was able to understand why they acted in certain ways.
I have said that this book is a believable story. That is very true, but that does not mean that Persia Woolley left out magic and myth altogether. There are references to the fae, celtic rituals, and the magic of the old ways. A big part of the story is the "old ways," clashing with the new religion and the "white christ." The new ways challenge the perceptions of women, at least that is how Guinevere perceives some of the changes. As the new religion grows stronger, Guinevere's place as High Queen holds less respect. All of this, combined with blood feuds and old resentments, comes down to how Camelot, Arthur, Guinevere, and the round table fall and deteriorate to legend.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I enjoyed seeing the world of King Arthur through Guinevere's perspective. Readers who enjoy Arthurian legend or historical fantasy will also like this book and the series. King Arthur fans, while I enjoyed this book without reading the first two books in the series, I would recommend reading the entire series to get the full effect of the story. The Reading order of the trilogy is: Book 1-Child of the Northern Spring. Book 2- Queen of the Summer Stars. Book 3- Guinevere, Legend in Autumn.
*I received this book for review*
September 15, 2024
Guinevere The Legend in Autumn was written by Persia Woolley and published in 1993. It is the third book in the Guinevere trilogy retelling the legends of King Arthur and the knights of the round table from Guinevere’s point of view.
In this final book of the trilogy the final years of the round table are covered and the fall of Camelot. The knights go on the quest for the holy grail in this one. Searching for spiritual meaning that is different to each individual. Arthur’s son Mordred comes into his own and we see the tensions leading to him turning on his father. Guinevere is put on trial. Her relationship with Lancelot fully blossoms. Then there is the downfall of Camelot and Arthur’s (most likely) death and journey to Avalon. Everything is here that I remember from the classic King Arthur legends. What I love is the fleshing out of the characters and the exploration of their various choices. I felt like this was the most sympathetic portrayal of Mordred I have read thus far. Guinevere and Lancelot are portrayed much more sympathetically as well. They have a much higher moral compass in this version than I expected. Only finally succumbing to being with each other long after I expected. Both Arthur and Lancelot offer different types of love to Guinevere and it makes sense for her to have feelings for both of them. Arthur is a wonderful partner, co ruler and visionary. He has trouble expressing his emotions though. Lancelot is a lot more romantic and expressive. Not only that, but he truly is a knight in shining armor, showing up for Gwen when she really truly needs help. It’s easy to admire both of them. I always feel for Arthur and feel bad Guinevere isn’t loyal to him. Yet in this version I really loved Lance too. I mean who doesn’t love an emotionally expressive, passionate knight in shining armor?
It’s interesting to see the shift in England as well around the time of the fall of round table. There are more saxons than before. Christianity is starting to be the most dominant belief rather than the pagan ones. This seems to contribute to the judgement of Guinevere around the time of her trial. Something interesting explored in these books is that Celtic Queens had more power around this time than women would have later on. You see the shift in the treatment of Guinevere through these three books.
Overall I adored this trilogy. I love all things Camelot and this was a truly wonderful addition. It was wonderful getting Guinevere’s point of view. I highly recommend this trilogy to anybody else who loves all things King Arthur and Camelot.
In this final book of the trilogy the final years of the round table are covered and the fall of Camelot. The knights go on the quest for the holy grail in this one. Searching for spiritual meaning that is different to each individual. Arthur’s son Mordred comes into his own and we see the tensions leading to him turning on his father. Guinevere is put on trial. Her relationship with Lancelot fully blossoms. Then there is the downfall of Camelot and Arthur’s (most likely) death and journey to Avalon. Everything is here that I remember from the classic King Arthur legends. What I love is the fleshing out of the characters and the exploration of their various choices. I felt like this was the most sympathetic portrayal of Mordred I have read thus far. Guinevere and Lancelot are portrayed much more sympathetically as well. They have a much higher moral compass in this version than I expected. Only finally succumbing to being with each other long after I expected. Both Arthur and Lancelot offer different types of love to Guinevere and it makes sense for her to have feelings for both of them. Arthur is a wonderful partner, co ruler and visionary. He has trouble expressing his emotions though. Lancelot is a lot more romantic and expressive. Not only that, but he truly is a knight in shining armor, showing up for Gwen when she really truly needs help. It’s easy to admire both of them. I always feel for Arthur and feel bad Guinevere isn’t loyal to him. Yet in this version I really loved Lance too. I mean who doesn’t love an emotionally expressive, passionate knight in shining armor?
It’s interesting to see the shift in England as well around the time of the fall of round table. There are more saxons than before. Christianity is starting to be the most dominant belief rather than the pagan ones. This seems to contribute to the judgement of Guinevere around the time of her trial. Something interesting explored in these books is that Celtic Queens had more power around this time than women would have later on. You see the shift in the treatment of Guinevere through these three books.
Overall I adored this trilogy. I love all things Camelot and this was a truly wonderful addition. It was wonderful getting Guinevere’s point of view. I highly recommend this trilogy to anybody else who loves all things King Arthur and Camelot.
December 16, 2015
Nel mito arturiano ci sono tante cose: maghi e streghe, cavalieri e dame. Epiche quest, e quest epicamente idiote. Riti pagani e cristianesimo. Amori tormentati, triangoli, prove di lealtà e tradimenti crudeli.
Ma il lieto fine... quello non c'è mai. Non importano i successi, le gioie, le vittorie: la fine sarà sempre lì, a Camlann, dove Artù e Mordred moriranno l'uno sull'arma dell'altro.
Persia Woolley questo lo sa, e non ci lascia molte illusioni: non si apre con il giorno fatale, perchè sarebbe ingiusto dedicare il prologo ad Arthur in una trilogia su Ginevra, bensì al punto più basso della regina: in cella, in attesa di essere messa al rogo per tradimento.
La prima parte del libro è un flashback, per vedere come sia stato possibile arrivare a questo punto: il libro scorso, pur tra alti e bassi, si era chiuso con Arthur e Guinevere insieme, Lancelot in quel piccolo inferno privato che è anche fonte della sua più grande gioia (ossia essere a fianco di Arthur, suo migliore amico, e di Gwen, la donna che ama).
Ed è complicato capire come tutto sia andato a rotoli, perchè l'autrice è molto - ma veramente molto - brava nel mostrare come la caduta di Camelot nasca da tanti piccoli eventi che vanno a creare una valanga in grado di travolgere tutto.
La relazione tra Ginevra e Lancillotto, che nel corso degli anni diventa sempre più difficile da credere solo platonica, e che si incastra in un contesto politico e culturale in mutamento: lei, come regina celtica, avrebbe il diritto di prendersi per amante chi vuole, ma con il cristianesimo che avanza la sua condotta viene sempre più percepita come immorale e barbara.
La decisione dei sovrani di non schierarsi ufficialmente per una religione, che porta l'ostilità della Chiesa, da l'impressione che a loro non importi o che non siano forti abbastanza per farlo e lascia al cristianesimo campo aperto: sono i sacerdoti più umili e dalla mentalità più aperta a portare le conversioni, ma è l'atteggiamento da schiacciasassi dei più importanti prelati a soffocare quanto resta del paganesimo, e ciò porta ad un situazione che non piace a nessuno e ad un vago senso di malessere che tutti sembrano imputare ai sovrani.
In questo libro gli anni passano, e in un certo senso sono loro il nemico peggiore: le cose che cambiano, e non riuscire a cambiare in fretta quanto loro.
Gli alleati e compagni storici che muoiono di vecchiaia, semplicemente, e la naturale diffidenza verso un successore che non ti ha mai provato il suo valore, a cui non hai mai affidato la tua vita. Che non ha mai lottato per te, perchè era un bambino quando le grandi battaglie che ti hanno segnato sono state combattute.
Ginevra e Arthur sono quasi sorpresi, quando si rendono conti di essere "i vecchi" e della presenza di una nuova generazione a Camelot. Ma soprattutto di una generazione che vede Camelot e la Tavola Rotonda come il presente in cui sono nati e vissuti: Arthur è il re, punto. E i suoi sogni sono la realtà che vogliono cambiare.
Il disagio diffuso che porta alla ricerca del Graal, concretizzata in una cerca personale dei cavalieri: partiti per anni in un'avventura solitaria il cui oggetto non è materiale ma spirituale. Messi di fronte a sé stessi e alla propria natura, i cavalieri tornano - quelli che tornano - con risposte sul proprio io, piuttosto che sul Graal. Ma quelli che pensano di aver trovato davvero una risposta... dopo l'iniziale gioia iniziano dissapori e diffidenze, perchè tutte le religioni in gioco vogliono reclamare il Graal come loro.
Altra crepa che porta al disastro è l'incapacità di Arthur e di Morgan di lasciarsi alle spalle il passato: per il re la presenza di Mordred è quasi intollerabile. Si rifiuta non solo di legare con lui come padre, ma anche di trattarlo come gli altri nipoti, e il ragazzo ne è prima confuso e poi ferito. Quando scopre il loro legame di parentela (nel peggior modo possibile), il dolore aumenta fino a diventare rancore: qualunque cosa Mordred faccia, non riceve mai da Arthur il riconoscimento che chiunque altro avrebbe. Verso Lancelot arriva a provare invidia e odio (invidia, perchè ha un figlio concepito con l'inganno ma con cui cerca un rapporto, e odio perchè - in un contorto senso di lealtà - sta pugnalando alle spalle suo padre), e l'affetto per Ginevra - sua madre adottiva - non basta a bloccare la sua discesa nell'oscurità.
È li che nasce il complotto per distruggere Lancelot, per mettere il tradimento sotto gli occhi di tutti e obbligare Arthur all'azione. La fine della Tavola Rotonda, il salvataggio di Gwen che porta alla faida tra Lancelot e Gawain, e la spirale di violenza che nessuno - neanche chi l'ha messa in moto - riesce a fermare. Ma ho apprezzato moltissimo che il motivo principale per cui Mordred riesce a trovare un esercito in primo luogo sia da ricercare dell'atteggiamento di Artù: al di là di quanto abbia calpestato emotivamente il figlio, la questione dei Sassoni è di vitale importanza.
È per contrastare loro che ha messo insieme il regno, è contro di loro che ha combattuto le sue grandi battaglie, è per mano loro che ha perso compagni e amici.
Ma sono decenni che i Sassoni hanno perso quelle guerre e che vivono in Britannia pacificamente, sottostando alle leggi di Arthur e venendo considerati stranieri da guardare con sospetto, in una situazione dove essere trattati come cittadini di seconda categoria sarebbe un miglioramento perchè - ora come ora - non li considerano neanche cittadini.
Quando Mordred si fa portavoce del desiderio dei giovani Sassoni nati e cresciuti in Britannia di essere considerati alla pari, di voler far parte della vita politica del paese, di permettere ai loro guerrieri di entrare nella Tavola Rotonda, Arthur esplode: ha l'antico odio impresso nell'anima con ferro e sangue, e per quanto Ginevra chieda tempo per permettere al marito di venire a patti con giovani di ambo gli schieramenti che non hanno vissuto quelle esperienze, è troppo tardi: quelle voci che avrebbero voluto (e potuto) mitigare i pregiudizi sono ormai diventati i ribelli pronti a prendersi con la forza quello che considerano un loro diritto.
La battaglia di Clamann qui fa malissimo, perchè Arthur ha capito dove ha sbagliato ma non riesce a fare ammenda, mentre Mordred cerca un riconoscimento almeno nella morte.
Tutti perdono, in questa versione più che mai: anche sopravvivere non è garanzia di un lieto fine, e quello che resta è un regno nel caos.
Eppure la Woolley riesce a mitigare il senso di vuoto ed inutilità che dovrebbe riempire il lettore: i personaggi hanno perso tutto ma la leggenda e il ricordo di quanto hanno costruito e vissuto rimane, e rimarrà per sempre.
Maghi e streghe, cavalieri e dame. Epiche quest, e quest epicamente idiote. Riti pagani e cristianesimo. Amori tormentati, triangoli, prove di lealtà e tradimenti crudeli.
E quel finale che riesce ad essere dolce, oltre che amaro, che mai come in questo retelling mi ha commossa.
Ma il lieto fine... quello non c'è mai. Non importano i successi, le gioie, le vittorie: la fine sarà sempre lì, a Camlann, dove Artù e Mordred moriranno l'uno sull'arma dell'altro.
Persia Woolley questo lo sa, e non ci lascia molte illusioni: non si apre con il giorno fatale, perchè sarebbe ingiusto dedicare il prologo ad Arthur in una trilogia su Ginevra, bensì al punto più basso della regina: in cella, in attesa di essere messa al rogo per tradimento.
La prima parte del libro è un flashback, per vedere come sia stato possibile arrivare a questo punto: il libro scorso, pur tra alti e bassi, si era chiuso con Arthur e Guinevere insieme, Lancelot in quel piccolo inferno privato che è anche fonte della sua più grande gioia (ossia essere a fianco di Arthur, suo migliore amico, e di Gwen, la donna che ama).
Ed è complicato capire come tutto sia andato a rotoli, perchè l'autrice è molto - ma veramente molto - brava nel mostrare come la caduta di Camelot nasca da tanti piccoli eventi che vanno a creare una valanga in grado di travolgere tutto.
La relazione tra Ginevra e Lancillotto, che nel corso degli anni diventa sempre più difficile da credere solo platonica, e che si incastra in un contesto politico e culturale in mutamento: lei, come regina celtica, avrebbe il diritto di prendersi per amante chi vuole, ma con il cristianesimo che avanza la sua condotta viene sempre più percepita come immorale e barbara.
La decisione dei sovrani di non schierarsi ufficialmente per una religione, che porta l'ostilità della Chiesa, da l'impressione che a loro non importi o che non siano forti abbastanza per farlo e lascia al cristianesimo campo aperto: sono i sacerdoti più umili e dalla mentalità più aperta a portare le conversioni, ma è l'atteggiamento da schiacciasassi dei più importanti prelati a soffocare quanto resta del paganesimo, e ciò porta ad un situazione che non piace a nessuno e ad un vago senso di malessere che tutti sembrano imputare ai sovrani.
In questo libro gli anni passano, e in un certo senso sono loro il nemico peggiore: le cose che cambiano, e non riuscire a cambiare in fretta quanto loro.
Gli alleati e compagni storici che muoiono di vecchiaia, semplicemente, e la naturale diffidenza verso un successore che non ti ha mai provato il suo valore, a cui non hai mai affidato la tua vita. Che non ha mai lottato per te, perchè era un bambino quando le grandi battaglie che ti hanno segnato sono state combattute.
Ginevra e Arthur sono quasi sorpresi, quando si rendono conti di essere "i vecchi" e della presenza di una nuova generazione a Camelot. Ma soprattutto di una generazione che vede Camelot e la Tavola Rotonda come il presente in cui sono nati e vissuti: Arthur è il re, punto. E i suoi sogni sono la realtà che vogliono cambiare.
Il disagio diffuso che porta alla ricerca del Graal, concretizzata in una cerca personale dei cavalieri: partiti per anni in un'avventura solitaria il cui oggetto non è materiale ma spirituale. Messi di fronte a sé stessi e alla propria natura, i cavalieri tornano - quelli che tornano - con risposte sul proprio io, piuttosto che sul Graal. Ma quelli che pensano di aver trovato davvero una risposta... dopo l'iniziale gioia iniziano dissapori e diffidenze, perchè tutte le religioni in gioco vogliono reclamare il Graal come loro.
Altra crepa che porta al disastro è l'incapacità di Arthur e di Morgan di lasciarsi alle spalle il passato: per il re la presenza di Mordred è quasi intollerabile. Si rifiuta non solo di legare con lui come padre, ma anche di trattarlo come gli altri nipoti, e il ragazzo ne è prima confuso e poi ferito. Quando scopre il loro legame di parentela (nel peggior modo possibile), il dolore aumenta fino a diventare rancore: qualunque cosa Mordred faccia, non riceve mai da Arthur il riconoscimento che chiunque altro avrebbe. Verso Lancelot arriva a provare invidia e odio (invidia, perchè ha un figlio concepito con l'inganno ma con cui cerca un rapporto, e odio perchè - in un contorto senso di lealtà - sta pugnalando alle spalle suo padre), e l'affetto per Ginevra - sua madre adottiva - non basta a bloccare la sua discesa nell'oscurità.
È li che nasce il complotto per distruggere Lancelot, per mettere il tradimento sotto gli occhi di tutti e obbligare Arthur all'azione. La fine della Tavola Rotonda, il salvataggio di Gwen che porta alla faida tra Lancelot e Gawain, e la spirale di violenza che nessuno - neanche chi l'ha messa in moto - riesce a fermare. Ma ho apprezzato moltissimo che il motivo principale per cui Mordred riesce a trovare un esercito in primo luogo sia da ricercare dell'atteggiamento di Artù: al di là di quanto abbia calpestato emotivamente il figlio, la questione dei Sassoni è di vitale importanza.
È per contrastare loro che ha messo insieme il regno, è contro di loro che ha combattuto le sue grandi battaglie, è per mano loro che ha perso compagni e amici.
Ma sono decenni che i Sassoni hanno perso quelle guerre e che vivono in Britannia pacificamente, sottostando alle leggi di Arthur e venendo considerati stranieri da guardare con sospetto, in una situazione dove essere trattati come cittadini di seconda categoria sarebbe un miglioramento perchè - ora come ora - non li considerano neanche cittadini.
Quando Mordred si fa portavoce del desiderio dei giovani Sassoni nati e cresciuti in Britannia di essere considerati alla pari, di voler far parte della vita politica del paese, di permettere ai loro guerrieri di entrare nella Tavola Rotonda, Arthur esplode: ha l'antico odio impresso nell'anima con ferro e sangue, e per quanto Ginevra chieda tempo per permettere al marito di venire a patti con giovani di ambo gli schieramenti che non hanno vissuto quelle esperienze, è troppo tardi: quelle voci che avrebbero voluto (e potuto) mitigare i pregiudizi sono ormai diventati i ribelli pronti a prendersi con la forza quello che considerano un loro diritto.
La battaglia di Clamann qui fa malissimo, perchè Arthur ha capito dove ha sbagliato ma non riesce a fare ammenda, mentre Mordred cerca un riconoscimento almeno nella morte.
Tutti perdono, in questa versione più che mai: anche sopravvivere non è garanzia di un lieto fine, e quello che resta è un regno nel caos.
Eppure la Woolley riesce a mitigare il senso di vuoto ed inutilità che dovrebbe riempire il lettore: i personaggi hanno perso tutto ma la leggenda e il ricordo di quanto hanno costruito e vissuto rimane, e rimarrà per sempre.
Maghi e streghe, cavalieri e dame. Epiche quest, e quest epicamente idiote. Riti pagani e cristianesimo. Amori tormentati, triangoli, prove di lealtà e tradimenti crudeli.
E quel finale che riesce ad essere dolce, oltre che amaro, che mai come in questo retelling mi ha commossa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2012
Persia Woolley’s Guinevere trilogy is a fascinating look into the Arthurian legend through the eyes of his (vastly misunderstood) queen, Guinevere. In the third and final novel in the trilogy, Guinevere, The Legend in Autumn, Guinevere is waiting for her execution by burning at the stake. As her final evening stretches out before her, Guinevere reminisces with a knight of the round table, Gareth, about the last years of her rein with King Arthur.
Those final years were mostly good for Guinevere and Arthur, although items were set into motion that would eventually bring down Camelot. Guinevere and Arthur shared a partnership and friendship that together helped them to lead a nation. Guinevere’s passions were stirred by her champion, Lancelot, but he was Arthur’s best friend and the two shared a chaste, but passionate love. Torn by his love for Guinevere, Lancelot sought solace in Christianity and by leaving Camelot to be away from his temptation.
Unable to have children of her own, Guinevere helped to raise her husband Arthur’s son, Mordred, and thought of him as her own. Called the son of Lot by everyone, Mordred did not know his true parentage until later in his teenage years. Discovering he was the unwanted child of an incestuous relationship between his mother Morgause (Arthur’s half-sister) and Arthur, was more than a bit shocking to Mordred. More than that, Mordred was hurt that Arthur would never acknowledge him or at least treat him as a son. Mordred helped to ease relations with the Saxons that had invaded and settled on England’s shores, but he couldn’t help wanting more than what his lot in life had given him.
Several of the standard Arthurian legends are in Guinevere, The Legend in Autumn. Sir Gawain goes in search of the Green Knight. And of course all of the members of the round table go on the hunt for the Holy Grail. I really liked this section of the novel. It presented the grail as meaning something different to each member of the round table depending on their faith and stage in life. It was very interesting. It was also shown as something that ultimately helped to bring down the round table by splintering and killing off many of the loyal members.
I first read Persia Woolley’s Guinevere trilogy as a teenager and I have vastly enjoyed reading again now that I’m in my thirties. I must admit that it is as good as or even better than I remember it from my youth. I love reading tales of Arthurian legend and this trilogy is among the best I’ve read. I’ll admit that I even love it better than my other favorites, Mary Stewart’s Merlin series and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
I love that the series tells the legend from Guinevere’s point of view. So many other tales have Guinevere as a weak willed and even a trampy woman. I greatly approve of her love for Arthur and Lancelot being defined in different ways. Having Lancelot and Guinevere as chaste lovers, is very passionate, and intriguing. Especially at the very exciting end of this novel that I can’t explain without giving away the plot.
My other favorite part of the series is that Persia Woolley did so much research to put the legends into historical context, and to find the “reality behind the myth.” The books take place after the fall of the Roman empire with Britain at threat from the invading hordes of Saxons.
This review was first published on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...
Those final years were mostly good for Guinevere and Arthur, although items were set into motion that would eventually bring down Camelot. Guinevere and Arthur shared a partnership and friendship that together helped them to lead a nation. Guinevere’s passions were stirred by her champion, Lancelot, but he was Arthur’s best friend and the two shared a chaste, but passionate love. Torn by his love for Guinevere, Lancelot sought solace in Christianity and by leaving Camelot to be away from his temptation.
Unable to have children of her own, Guinevere helped to raise her husband Arthur’s son, Mordred, and thought of him as her own. Called the son of Lot by everyone, Mordred did not know his true parentage until later in his teenage years. Discovering he was the unwanted child of an incestuous relationship between his mother Morgause (Arthur’s half-sister) and Arthur, was more than a bit shocking to Mordred. More than that, Mordred was hurt that Arthur would never acknowledge him or at least treat him as a son. Mordred helped to ease relations with the Saxons that had invaded and settled on England’s shores, but he couldn’t help wanting more than what his lot in life had given him.
Several of the standard Arthurian legends are in Guinevere, The Legend in Autumn. Sir Gawain goes in search of the Green Knight. And of course all of the members of the round table go on the hunt for the Holy Grail. I really liked this section of the novel. It presented the grail as meaning something different to each member of the round table depending on their faith and stage in life. It was very interesting. It was also shown as something that ultimately helped to bring down the round table by splintering and killing off many of the loyal members.
I first read Persia Woolley’s Guinevere trilogy as a teenager and I have vastly enjoyed reading again now that I’m in my thirties. I must admit that it is as good as or even better than I remember it from my youth. I love reading tales of Arthurian legend and this trilogy is among the best I’ve read. I’ll admit that I even love it better than my other favorites, Mary Stewart’s Merlin series and The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
I love that the series tells the legend from Guinevere’s point of view. So many other tales have Guinevere as a weak willed and even a trampy woman. I greatly approve of her love for Arthur and Lancelot being defined in different ways. Having Lancelot and Guinevere as chaste lovers, is very passionate, and intriguing. Especially at the very exciting end of this novel that I can’t explain without giving away the plot.
My other favorite part of the series is that Persia Woolley did so much research to put the legends into historical context, and to find the “reality behind the myth.” The books take place after the fall of the Roman empire with Britain at threat from the invading hordes of Saxons.
This review was first published on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...
April 16, 2021
Це історія про жінку, що працювала королевою, і це біло головне впродовж усіх трьох томів її життєпису. Не кохання, не шлюб, а її обов'язки перед народом і країною. Вона, часом, побавалась через Артурові пріорітеті (спершу британська державність, а все інше, разом із шлюбом - потім). Але сама вона діяла й думала так само, навіть якщо хотіла б мати змогу вести інший спосіб життя.
В третьому томі образ Артура трохи розпадається - то він вірить наклепам, замість прямо спитати в дружини, чи вона планує скинути його з трону і навіть планує для неї пастку. То нарешті зізнається що сумнівався, згвалтуання було 20 років тому, чи вона "сама хотіла" (при тому що після цього "сама хотіла" вона лежала хвора місяць і ледь не померла). Але, мабуть, чийсь образ таки має постраждати щоб історія була такою, як ми її знаємо. Просто зазвичай автори поступаються добрим іменем та здоровим глуздом королеви.
Що до всієї трилогії - вона розмірна і затишна, авторка поклала собі на мету примирити всі артуріанські легенди в одному тексти, а не обрати щось одне, і це в неї виходить дуже красиво і логічно. Мені подобаються "ориалістичнені" історії Гавейеа та Рагнель і Трістана з Ізольдою. Обідві дуже сумні.
В третьому томі образ Артура трохи розпадається - то він вірить наклепам, замість прямо спитати в дружини, чи вона планує скинути його з трону і навіть планує для неї пастку. То нарешті зізнається що сумнівався, згвалтуання було 20 років тому, чи вона "сама хотіла" (при тому що після цього "сама хотіла" вона лежала хвора місяць і ледь не померла). Але, мабуть, чийсь образ таки має постраждати щоб історія була такою, як ми її знаємо. Просто зазвичай автори поступаються добрим іменем та здоровим глуздом королеви.
Що до всієї трилогії - вона розмірна і затишна, авторка поклала собі на мету примирити всі артуріанські легенди в одному тексти, а не обрати щось одне, і це в неї виходить дуже красиво і логічно. Мені подобаються "ориалістичнені" історії Гавейеа та Рагнель і Трістана з Ізольдою. Обідві дуже сумні.
December 29, 2011
The third book of the trilogy is just as compelling as the other two. I'm surprised now that I was so ambivalent about the first book, considering how wholly it won me over. I like what Persia Woolley did with all the disparate threads of the Arthurian mythos, weaving them together ably -- the grail quest, in particular, was quite nicely resolved: instead of picking a side and choosing one religion over another, she represented a lot of possible interpretations in one. I liked what she did with Gawain and his son, too, and the story of the Green Knight.
I think I found this less compelling than the second book, because I ached for Guinevere and Lancelot to continue the kind of relationship they already had, and instead they withdrew into a rural idyll, and tried to forget about what the kingdom needed. It didn't ring quite true, somehow.
Anyway, it's a lovely trilogy and absolutely the closest thing to a positive portrayal of Guinevere I've come across. It's a celebration of life and different kinds of love -- it only falls down, for me, in how bitter and broken Morgan and Morgause are.
I think I found this less compelling than the second book, because I ached for Guinevere and Lancelot to continue the kind of relationship they already had, and instead they withdrew into a rural idyll, and tried to forget about what the kingdom needed. It didn't ring quite true, somehow.
Anyway, it's a lovely trilogy and absolutely the closest thing to a positive portrayal of Guinevere I've come across. It's a celebration of life and different kinds of love -- it only falls down, for me, in how bitter and broken Morgan and Morgause are.
June 29, 2019
The third installment of this trilogy ended how you would expect if you’re familiar with the basics of the lore. For all the changes in this version of the story, the bones remain the same.
The will they/won’t they of Guinevere and Lancelot, for some reason, wore on me. By the time they had their summer together, I was skimming. I did appreciate the twist of Lancelot’s role in Guinevere’s escape being less bloody by his hand, more bloody because of Agravain. Some versions have Lancelot essentially burning the countryside to get her off the stake, and I appreciate the more subtle tone to this one. Where an escape from a death penalty that rains chaos on a city can be subtle, that is.
It also resolves the Morgan/Guinevere dynamic and explains Guinevere’s choices as a result of Morgan’s ultimatum. Unfortunately, by the time I got here, I was also skimming.
I can’t say why this didn’t entirely satisfy me. The writing was the same as the previous books, full of adequate description without being so detailed the message gets lost. Maybe subconsciously I didn’t want to get to the ending, knowing the story of Camelot is an ill-fated tragedy. Everyone dies and no one lives happily ever after. That’s supposed to be part of the appeal, and I liked these characters (most of them) enough that I wanted to mentally leave them in some weird, parallel alternate universe, going about their lives. I can’t say. But for whatever reason, I struggled to finish the last hundred pages or so.
The will they/won’t they of Guinevere and Lancelot, for some reason, wore on me. By the time they had their summer together, I was skimming. I did appreciate the twist of Lancelot’s role in Guinevere’s escape being less bloody by his hand, more bloody because of Agravain. Some versions have Lancelot essentially burning the countryside to get her off the stake, and I appreciate the more subtle tone to this one. Where an escape from a death penalty that rains chaos on a city can be subtle, that is.
It also resolves the Morgan/Guinevere dynamic and explains Guinevere’s choices as a result of Morgan’s ultimatum. Unfortunately, by the time I got here, I was also skimming.
I can’t say why this didn’t entirely satisfy me. The writing was the same as the previous books, full of adequate description without being so detailed the message gets lost. Maybe subconsciously I didn’t want to get to the ending, knowing the story of Camelot is an ill-fated tragedy. Everyone dies and no one lives happily ever after. That’s supposed to be part of the appeal, and I liked these characters (most of them) enough that I wanted to mentally leave them in some weird, parallel alternate universe, going about their lives. I can’t say. But for whatever reason, I struggled to finish the last hundred pages or so.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2022
3.5 stars
May 23, 2013
Final in the Guinevere trilogy by Persia Woolley. An awesome retelling of Arthurian legend, made out to be historical fiction rather than fantasy. I like it best that way, because it makes it seem like Arthur could have really existed.
December 28, 2023
This is both a satisfying and a frustrating end to the series. Satisfying because it’s as sweeping and well-written as the first two, and includes creative twists on the characters, the Grail quest, and the early history of the Saxons in Britain. Frustrating because the end of Arthur’s story inevitably is, and certain choices the author made added to the sense of tragedy and futility.
Her Guinevere, as I’ve said before, is very flawed, despite her apparent attempt at an apologist take. So this Guinevere is beloved by her people and fiercely loyal to them, and, most unconventionally, remains faithful to Arthur for most of her life - but is also arrogant, somewhat childish, and prone to making poor decisions, right up to the end. I got annoyed with her a lot over the course of the series and this book in particular, but still admire the complexity of her characterization and how real and knowable she feels as a result.
This final book does have some pacing and structural issues, mostly because it covers more than twice as much time as the first two combined (almost like she was maybe initially planning a fourth book, but found she’d been writing for a decade and was ready to be done). But despite any complaints, I still think that as a whole this series is a worthwhile read and an impressive accomplishment. (Plus, since it’s now been seven and a half years since I first read the first book and four months since I started this first complete readthrough, I’m so thrilled to have actually finished that I’m inclined to look on the whole thing kindly, like a difficult-but-lovely friend I’ve known for a long time.)
“In the shadow of the ragged ridges, along the brow of the constant moors - fragile as a candle flame on a windy night - came the procession of generations past. Who they were, how they were called, what stories were written on their faces I couldn’t see, but the echoes of their lifetimes whispered from them like an ancient hymn. Building their houses in the face of storms, plowing the land with sweat and hope, husbanding their crops and livestock against a future that might never come - in the heart-breaking brevity of their hour they had loved this land, sheltered in its lee, and called it home.”
Her Guinevere, as I’ve said before, is very flawed, despite her apparent attempt at an apologist take. So this Guinevere is beloved by her people and fiercely loyal to them, and, most unconventionally, remains faithful to Arthur for most of her life - but is also arrogant, somewhat childish, and prone to making poor decisions, right up to the end. I got annoyed with her a lot over the course of the series and this book in particular, but still admire the complexity of her characterization and how real and knowable she feels as a result.
This final book does have some pacing and structural issues, mostly because it covers more than twice as much time as the first two combined (almost like she was maybe initially planning a fourth book, but found she’d been writing for a decade and was ready to be done). But despite any complaints, I still think that as a whole this series is a worthwhile read and an impressive accomplishment. (Plus, since it’s now been seven and a half years since I first read the first book and four months since I started this first complete readthrough, I’m so thrilled to have actually finished that I’m inclined to look on the whole thing kindly, like a difficult-but-lovely friend I’ve known for a long time.)
“In the shadow of the ragged ridges, along the brow of the constant moors - fragile as a candle flame on a windy night - came the procession of generations past. Who they were, how they were called, what stories were written on their faces I couldn’t see, but the echoes of their lifetimes whispered from them like an ancient hymn. Building their houses in the face of storms, plowing the land with sweat and hope, husbanding their crops and livestock against a future that might never come - in the heart-breaking brevity of their hour they had loved this land, sheltered in its lee, and called it home.”
July 19, 2017
The last book in the trilogy told from Guinevere's perspective. This volume was very moving. Put a new twist on some of the events. Gwen and Lancelot don't consummate their relationship until after the stake. Lance doesn't kill Garett. Galahad doesn't die in Jerusalem but in Carbonek as part of the Royal Promise. Religion is still the great divider. The mystery of Arthur's death at Camlann remains. Gwen does go into a convent, but as part of a deal she makes with Morgan. Bedivere brings her Excalibur, but not knowing if Arthur is alive, tells him to keep it. Lancelot and Bors become monks at Glastonbury.
The series improved with each books, and this one was the best. While the events themselves are classic, there is a new twist that makes them new.
The series improved with each books, and this one was the best. While the events themselves are classic, there is a new twist that makes them new.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
Good rendition of the many Arthurians I've read.
In this one, Gwen is about to be burned at the stake. Naturally, friend and soul mate Lancelot rescues her and they go on the lam. Yes, they finally have their affair at this point and after some time, Gwen returns to Arthur's side much like the Helen of antiquity.
The final battle between Mordred and Arthur is much the same. Gwen's retreat to a nunnery was a promise made to Morgan le Fay for helping Arthur. So, while not the happy ending... Gwen's life ends in peace and tranquility that she did not always have as High Queen.
In this one, Gwen is about to be burned at the stake. Naturally, friend and soul mate Lancelot rescues her and they go on the lam. Yes, they finally have their affair at this point and after some time, Gwen returns to Arthur's side much like the Helen of antiquity.
The final battle between Mordred and Arthur is much the same. Gwen's retreat to a nunnery was a promise made to Morgan le Fay for helping Arthur. So, while not the happy ending... Gwen's life ends in peace and tranquility that she did not always have as High Queen.
November 22, 2018
Underwhelming.
May 15, 2019
Great ending
Well written, entertaining, funny, and heartbreaking. Has transcription errors which I suspect are from scanning the paper text and not uploading a digital copy.
Well written, entertaining, funny, and heartbreaking. Has transcription errors which I suspect are from scanning the paper text and not uploading a digital copy.
December 21, 2020
This is a truly beautiful trilogy 😍
May 3, 2018
http://leiturasdelaura.blogspot.com.b...
Esse é o livro culpado pelo meu atraso nas resenhas. Fiquei algumas semanas fugindo de escrever a resenha dele.
Como último livro da trilogia sobre a Guinevere que já havia me deixado feliz e triste ao mesmo tempo (veja as resenhas anteriores aqui e aqui), posso dizer que ele realmente faz parte dessa trilogia. Isto é, possui exatamente os mesmos problemas, talvez um pouco mais intensamente.
Minha questão com o livro não é o fato de ser triste, veja bem, estamos falando da saga do Rei Arthur, ninguém espera um final feliz, certo? Mas a questão é a construção desse final. Tem o problema da narradora, a própria Guinevere, que como até brincaram comigo quando reclamei para meus amigos, deve sofrer de algum tipo de doença neural degenerativa quando resolveu contar a história, porque ela nunca sabe se está contando algo que aconteceu há muitos anos ou está acontecendo no momento. Como o foco não é uma possível doença da narradora, isso só torna a leitura confusa e chata.
Outro problema é a escolha entre os momentos da história para alternar a leitura, numa tentativa de fazer a leitura mais dinâmica e prender o leitor. Sim, isso é uma técnica, leia Dan Brown para ver exemplos gritantes disso. O problema aqui foi a escolha da autora, entre um momento super empolgante e cheio de adrenalina e outro em que NADA acontece. Isso dura metade do livro, METADE. A outra metade é só muito, muito, muito deprê. E não é só por causa dos acontecimentos, mas também por conta das atitudes da Guinevere, que não parece mais a mesma personagem forte dos livros anteriores. Muito triste quando isso acontece assim, na ordem contrária do que seria bacana de ler.
January 4, 2014
The final chapter in Persia Woolley's intriguing trilogy about King Arthur's queen arouses mixed feelings. We look forward to spending more time with characters the author has drawn with such lively precision, but can't help dreading the inevitable sad conclusion of their story.
Fortunately, Woolley's spirit and humor do not fail her—even though this installment includes the long-awaited resolution of "Gwen's" fated romance with Lancelot; the couple has loved openly for years while remaining physically chaste out of loyalty to Arthur.
Even more poignant, and tragic, is Woolley's portrait of Mordred, Arthur's bastard son by his own half-sister. Gwen raises the youth like the son she will never have, but Arthur can't hide his aversion to the boy who tries so hard to please him.
Woolley likes to retell mythic events in the context of ordinary human nature and historical possibility. She interprets the Grail quest as an aimless adventure concocted by restive knights after years of peace. Nobody can agree on what the Grail actually is—a pagan or Christian relic, "a chessboard," or "a pair of cruets," but Gwen perceives that this questing will be another bone of contention between rival factions.
As Arthur's dream begins to splinter, followers of "the White Christ" spread a suffocating blanket of conformity over Arthur's equal-opportunity court of Celts, Romans, Druids, Christians and Arabs (and their various gods) with their notions of sin and guilt. Only in this atmosphere could a Celtic queen's traditional right to choose a lover be interpreted as treason against her king. (The irony is that Guinevere and Lancelot have never been lovers at the time of her trial; she's convicted of lusting in her heart.)
Through high times and low, Woolley's characters pulse with vivid, audacious, comprehensible life.
Fortunately, Woolley's spirit and humor do not fail her—even though this installment includes the long-awaited resolution of "Gwen's" fated romance with Lancelot; the couple has loved openly for years while remaining physically chaste out of loyalty to Arthur.
Even more poignant, and tragic, is Woolley's portrait of Mordred, Arthur's bastard son by his own half-sister. Gwen raises the youth like the son she will never have, but Arthur can't hide his aversion to the boy who tries so hard to please him.
Woolley likes to retell mythic events in the context of ordinary human nature and historical possibility. She interprets the Grail quest as an aimless adventure concocted by restive knights after years of peace. Nobody can agree on what the Grail actually is—a pagan or Christian relic, "a chessboard," or "a pair of cruets," but Gwen perceives that this questing will be another bone of contention between rival factions.
As Arthur's dream begins to splinter, followers of "the White Christ" spread a suffocating blanket of conformity over Arthur's equal-opportunity court of Celts, Romans, Druids, Christians and Arabs (and their various gods) with their notions of sin and guilt. Only in this atmosphere could a Celtic queen's traditional right to choose a lover be interpreted as treason against her king. (The irony is that Guinevere and Lancelot have never been lovers at the time of her trial; she's convicted of lusting in her heart.)
Through high times and low, Woolley's characters pulse with vivid, audacious, comprehensible life.
January 6, 2024
See my review of Queen of the Summer Stars here.
I was sad to see this trilogy become so disappointing. The problems I had with the second book became worse here, causing me to skim or skip the many portions of the book that had nothing to do with Gwen. This trilogy is supposed to be Gwen’s first-person perspective, but entire chapters were just written in third person as Woolley inserts every knight’s obscure adventures into the narrative. Tournaments are held, Companions come and go, the Grail Quest is launched and concluded, all while Gwen is barely present, spending all her time sitting in the background by Arthur’s side or off doing some housework around Camelot. The novel only picks up her story again about 3/4s of the way through when Galahad dies offscreen, she comforts Lancelot in his grief, Mordred and Agravain trap them, and Gwen is sentenced to burn at the stake. I had a really hard time caring at this point. The rest of the main plot follows the standard Guinevere storyline, where she is exiled from Camelot and takes refuge in a nunnery, not doing anything differently or adding any depth to it, and most of the conclusion is about what happens to Arthur, Mordred, and the rest of the knights. Gwen herself ends up being a footnote to her own trilogy.
I was sad to see this trilogy become so disappointing. The problems I had with the second book became worse here, causing me to skim or skip the many portions of the book that had nothing to do with Gwen. This trilogy is supposed to be Gwen’s first-person perspective, but entire chapters were just written in third person as Woolley inserts every knight’s obscure adventures into the narrative. Tournaments are held, Companions come and go, the Grail Quest is launched and concluded, all while Gwen is barely present, spending all her time sitting in the background by Arthur’s side or off doing some housework around Camelot. The novel only picks up her story again about 3/4s of the way through when Galahad dies offscreen, she comforts Lancelot in his grief, Mordred and Agravain trap them, and Gwen is sentenced to burn at the stake. I had a really hard time caring at this point. The rest of the main plot follows the standard Guinevere storyline, where she is exiled from Camelot and takes refuge in a nunnery, not doing anything differently or adding any depth to it, and most of the conclusion is about what happens to Arthur, Mordred, and the rest of the knights. Gwen herself ends up being a footnote to her own trilogy.
November 29, 2011
GUINEVERE,THE LEGEND IN AUTUMN(THE GUINEVERE TRILOGY)by Persia Woolley is a historical fiction set during King Arthur's Round Table(Arthurian age..Book 3 in "The Guinevere Trilogy",but can be read as a stand alone. See "Child of the Nortern Spring" and "Queen of the Summer Stars". This is a wonderful conclusion to Queen Guinevere's Trilogy. It is surrounded with traitors,destiny,fate,danger,pageantry,romantic adventure,enemy,betrayal,courage,integrity,love and a Quest for the Holy Grail. With characters like Queen Guinevere,Lancelot,King Arthur,and the heroes of the Round Table and a few others. This is an engaging,engrossing and very satisfying tale told from Queen Guinevere's viewpoint. It is told in a vivid and captivating story of the magic of the legend of King Arthur and his Round Table,and is full of romantic adventure. A wonderful conclusion to Guinevere's story and that of Lancelot and King Arthur.A must read for any historical fiction,romance, Arthurian age,and history readers.Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Sourcebooks Landmark,an imprint of Sourcebooks,Inc.and My Book Addiction Reviews.
February 9, 2013
This was hard to finish. Mostly because of the horrible bitter end I knew was coming, but also because I just don't CARE about Guinevere and Lancelot's twu luv. I just don't, I never have. I'm far more interested in Guinevere and Arthur's relationship, the love and care there and how they stayed together and worked as partners than I am in any true destined love. And these books failed to make me care. And since this last book was mostly about how Lancelot and Guinevere finally got together, amid all the politicing of the final days in Camelot, I just didn't care so much. I skimmed large parts of the book.
That said, I think it's a fairly well done version of teh Arthur legend. I ADORED Woolley's version of Gawain, and how she worked the Green Knight and the Loathly Lady into the story were perfection. Though I suppose my Gawain bias is showing, he's always been my favorite of Arthur's knights.
All in all these were pretty decent books. This one gets a lower score because I had a hard time getting through it. Not because it wasn't well written but because I really don't care about the part of the Arthur legend it told.
That said, I think it's a fairly well done version of teh Arthur legend. I ADORED Woolley's version of Gawain, and how she worked the Green Knight and the Loathly Lady into the story were perfection. Though I suppose my Gawain bias is showing, he's always been my favorite of Arthur's knights.
All in all these were pretty decent books. This one gets a lower score because I had a hard time getting through it. Not because it wasn't well written but because I really don't care about the part of the Arthur legend it told.
March 22, 2014
I give it four stars for the beautiful epilogue, but I felt like many parts of the legend were rushed. Instead of seeing how devoted Lance and Gwen were to each other, we were told. Arthur was mostly a clod, except for the end, which is part of his tragedy. I wanted more emotional development of the Arthur/Gwen/Lancelot triangle. Tristan and Islode have been relegated to something of a footnote here, whereas their relationship played a larger role in the previous books. The villains, too, were little more than sketches. Morgan I wanted to understand better, but she was two-dimensional, same as Mordred. Part of the reason, I suspect, is the first person POV limited only to Gwen. Had Woolley explored other characters' POVs, the tale would have been richer. Overall, this is still one of the better Arthurian legend retellings. Amused that Gildas, who is said to have exiled King Arthur from history, is portrayed as being as small-minded jerk who writes poor Latin. Worth reading for the gorgeous prose style and Gwen's relatable point of view.
October 2, 2008
Persia Woolley is one of the big names in authors of the Guinevere trilogies. Legend follows some of the basic Arthur tales. There is also an interesting interpretation of Galahad's story that is worth exploring. Mainly, Woolley focuses on the close relationship between Guinevere and Lancelot. My only complaint is that the relationship is constructed so well that their inevitable path in the standard legend seems hard to believe.
I greatly admire this author and others who have created such wonderful novels of the Arthurian legend in recent years. They are certainly maintaining the continuing legacy of these stories.
I greatly admire this author and others who have created such wonderful novels of the Arthurian legend in recent years. They are certainly maintaining the continuing legacy of these stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2008
I read this book for my 12th grade English class and have since then re-read it numerous times! I searched high and low to find the hardcover edition and finally found it on Amazon all with the two others in the series. I am not usually one for "fantasy" fiction, so I was skeptical when this was assigned. But there is nothing of that nature in this story or the other two. A few references here and there, but nothing outright.
Guinevere is the story of Guinevere's time as Queen in her later years. Her struggles and triumphs are written beautifully and with emotion. It is the third and final book in the series, which follow her from childhood to her death.
Guinevere is the story of Guinevere's time as Queen in her later years. Her struggles and triumphs are written beautifully and with emotion. It is the third and final book in the series, which follow her from childhood to her death.
December 1, 2011
Oh, how I have loved this sweeping and absorbing series! Everything we have grown to love in the Arthurian legends is covered in this series. In The Legend in Autumn we see the connection between Guinevere and Lancelot blossom, Gareth and Perceval’s arrival at Camelot, Mordred’s rebellion with Agravain and Gaheris, and eventually the sad end to Camelot.
I cannot sing the praises of this series loud enough. If you love the Arthurian legends, I strongly urge you to pick up these books; you will most definitely not regret it! Persia paints such a touchingly vivid, riveting, and breathtakingly tragic picture of Albion’s legendary Queen and the downfall of the Golden Age of Camelot.
I cannot sing the praises of this series loud enough. If you love the Arthurian legends, I strongly urge you to pick up these books; you will most definitely not regret it! Persia paints such a touchingly vivid, riveting, and breathtakingly tragic picture of Albion’s legendary Queen and the downfall of the Golden Age of Camelot.
March 7, 2015
Well Done
I really enjoyed this series. My only complaint about this specific book was that it seemed that it took longer that it should have, it kind of dragged a bit in the middle. There could have been a bit more advancement in the story (and been a bit shorter) without detracting from the depth of the story. Overall, the series was very well done with a great feel of what life would have been like during that time. The slowdown in the middle of this one would take my rating down half a star to 3-1/2, but it wasn't enough to take it down to 3, so I'll leave it with 4, as I rated the other two.
I really enjoyed this series. My only complaint about this specific book was that it seemed that it took longer that it should have, it kind of dragged a bit in the middle. There could have been a bit more advancement in the story (and been a bit shorter) without detracting from the depth of the story. Overall, the series was very well done with a great feel of what life would have been like during that time. The slowdown in the middle of this one would take my rating down half a star to 3-1/2, but it wasn't enough to take it down to 3, so I'll leave it with 4, as I rated the other two.
July 3, 2015
So sad to see this wonderful trilogy come to an end. It was amazing to see all the events of the Round Table through the eyes of the strong, lovely Queen Guinevere. Sadly, it was also the book where many died. I mourned the loss of my favorite, Sir Gawain, the blazing fire who kept the knights of Camelot alive with passion. And Mordred, whom I grew to adore, but who became the traitor son of Arthur. And Lancelot... how I'll miss you, dashing knight. Sad but well-written and engaging. I will probably be reading this trilogy again and again.
July 16, 2012
I found this book completely absorbing and by the last third I couldn't put it down. The last chapters of the book were terribly sad and one couldn't help hoping that the end of the Arthurian legend could be different.
It was very interesting to read about the Quest for the Holy Grail and how each knight approached his quest differently.
I admit I was rather sad at the end and even shed a tear or two. But it was definitely a book well worth reading.
It was very interesting to read about the Quest for the Holy Grail and how each knight approached his quest differently.
I admit I was rather sad at the end and even shed a tear or two. But it was definitely a book well worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews