Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Everybody is familiar with at least some part of the Lancelot -King Arthur-Guinevere story, but when authors write about it, the novels almost always focus on King Arthur or Guinevere. It's about time someone wrote about Lancelot and portrayed him as something other than an adulterer.
The research that's gone into this book is truly amazing. Every detail feels real and that's only helped by Ed Beard's fantastic cover painting and Ron Rousselle's wonderful pen-and-ink drawings which grace the interior of the book.
In this version of the legend, Lancelot and Guinever are childhood friends, raised together by the Lady on the isle of what is probably Avalon, although it's never specified as such. Their other childhood companions included Gawain and Galehaut. This latter character is another historical figure who is often overlooked in the legends. His friendship with Lancelot borders on devotional and it's a real pleasure to see a companionable friendship with such depth portrayed within the context of this legend.
The King Arthur of this novel is much more the warlord and much less the godlike figure that most writers seem compelled to portray. His marriage to Guinever has less to do with love than it does to do with securing a strong military position in the north and expanding the sphere of his influence.
The book, which includes an incredible chapter recounting Lancelot's childhood with the Lady, comes into focus when the main characters are adults and Arthur is duped by a scheming Regina -- Guinevere's half-sister -- into thinking that the woman he's married is not the true Guinevere, despite all evidence to the contrary. When Arthur tries to install Regina on the throne, chaos errupts and threatens the fellowship (a.k.a. the Round Table although it's not called that here).
This legend of the False Guinevere is just as prevelent in the lore and mythology as the other legends of this time period, but since it's an often overlooked one, it makes for a great retelling.
If you're looking for something that is truly set apart from the same old Arthur-as-God motif, you'll love this book. It's beautifully written and fully realized and is one of the best novels about this time I've ever read.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Queen's Champion: The Legend of Lancelot Retold (From the Lion Fairytale Series)
A sensual and stunning retelling of Lancelot's life andlove for the Lady Guinevere. Based on historical fact and meticulouslyresearched, this incredible tale is sure to dazzle and amaze. Thesecond in the From the Lion series: retold classic tales for openminded adults.
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