Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed Guinevere's Gift (Chrysalis Queen Quartet, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
At the time of her birth, a prophecy foretold Guinevere would one day be wed to a great king and be the highest lady in the land. Guinevere herself refuses to believe this will be so.
After all, she's thirteen years old and an orphan living at the mercy of her uncle and aunt, the king and queen of Gwynedd. She prefers riding horses to more feminine tasks, and it would be unlikely a great king would look twice at her boyish figure.
When Gwen discovers an ancient tribe, she learns they not only accept the prophecy as truth, but they have been guarding her all her life. Guinevere is no longer sure what to believe. In the midst of inner turmoil, she uncovers a sinister plot against her uncle and aunt that threatens not only their lives, but the lives of the ancient tribe, as well. It's up to Guinevere to unravel the plot and save the lives of those she loves.
Though the characters presented in these books are well known and loved by many, McKenzie is able to give them new life and has made them her own while still remaining true to the legend. The reader is introduced to Guinevere as a young girl before she even meets Arthur, and this is a wonderful side to see of the future queen.
This is the first book in THE CHRYSALIS QUEEN QUARTET, and Ms. McKenzie does a fantastic job of introducing this new side to the legend of King Arthur. GUINEVERE'S GIFT is a great beginning to what is sure to become a series of books loved by fans of Arthurian legend.
Though I know how the story ends, I loved the beginning of the journey as seen through the eyes of the girl who will be queen. I look forward to seeing how Guinevere and the other characters grow toward their destinies in GUINEVERE'S GAMBLE, the second book in the series.
At the time of her birth, a prophecy foretold Guinevere would one day be wed to a great king and be the highest lady in the land. Guinevere herself refuses to believe this will be so.
After all, she's thirteen years old and an orphan living at the mercy of her uncle and aunt, the king and queen of Gwynedd. She prefers riding horses to more feminine tasks, and it would be unlikely a great king would look twice at her boyish figure.
When Gwen discovers an ancient tribe, she learns they not only accept the prophecy as truth, but they have been guarding her all her life. Guinevere is no longer sure what to believe. In the midst of inner turmoil, she uncovers a sinister plot against her uncle and aunt that threatens not only their lives, but the lives of the ancient tribe, as well. It's up to Guinevere to unravel the plot and save the lives of those she loves.
Though the characters presented in these books are well known and loved by many, McKenzie is able to give them new life and has made them her own while still remaining true to the legend. The reader is introduced to Guinevere as a young girl before she even meets Arthur, and this is a wonderful side to see of the future queen.
This is the first book in THE CHRYSALIS QUEEN QUARTET, and Ms. McKenzie does a fantastic job of introducing this new side to the legend of King Arthur. GUINEVERE'S GIFT is a great beginning to what is sure to become a series of books loved by fans of Arthurian legend.
Though I know how the story ends, I loved the beginning of the journey as seen through the eyes of the girl who will be queen. I look forward to seeing how Guinevere and the other characters grow toward their destinies in GUINEVERE'S GAMBLE, the second book in the series.
