thepunktheory's review against another edition
5.0
Full review on my blog coming soon!
FINALLY, this book is here. Although it was only a short wait for me, it felt like an eternity. With the first part of the Camelot Rising series, Kiersten White hit all my keys and my mythology loving heart greedily embraced The Guinevere Deception. I couldn't put that book down and wanted more, more, more.
Well, The Camelot Betrayal is just as amazing as the first novel!
We get it all: action, romance, magic, family, surprises, and wicked plot-twists. What else you want? Ah yes, the next installment. Right now. Please.
What I appreciate about White's books so far is that you come to love the characters and you learn so much about them, but at the same time, you barely know a thing about them. While this applies to Modred or Arthur, it is especially true for Guinevere. I mean, she doesn't know a lot about her past either, so finding out the slightest bit of information is an adventure that could turn into a nightmare at any given point. So, what do you do, when your past comes knocking?
Well, I was beyond intrigued by exactly that. (Excuse me, while I dance and contort myself around to avoid spoilers). White introduced this in such an amazing way, and for the longest time, you really couldn't pinpoint where exactly this would go and what would happen. I swear, just whenever I thought I have things figured out, boom, a plot-twist comes around the corner. The threats Guinevere encounters are manyfold and I am deeply impressed by just how different they all are and, of course, how different she reacts to each one of them.
To be honest, I am not overly keen on the love-triangle thing going on, but I am mostly annoyed by love stories in general, so I will not complain. In fact, White did a great job incorporating this into the story, making it vital without being distracting or feeling forced. It just not really my kind of jam.
Nevertheless, I am curious to find out where things will go with Mordred. He is such a complex character, we know only so little about him. To me, he seems like a bottomless lake and all we saw so far is a reflection on the surface. We already got a pretty interesting plot-twist (or several), but it's obvious that more is to come on that front in the next novel.
There are many little adventures in this book, that intertwine so neatly to form a great whole. White simply did an amazing job and, just like with the first novel, it was impossible for me to put down The Camelot Betrayal. The world-building is outstanding as usual. I love how White draws from this rich world of Arthurian mythology but still manages to create something new, to make it entirely her own.
FINALLY, this book is here. Although it was only a short wait for me, it felt like an eternity. With the first part of the Camelot Rising series, Kiersten White hit all my keys and my mythology loving heart greedily embraced The Guinevere Deception. I couldn't put that book down and wanted more, more, more.
Well, The Camelot Betrayal is just as amazing as the first novel!
We get it all: action, romance, magic, family, surprises, and wicked plot-twists. What else you want? Ah yes, the next installment. Right now. Please.
What I appreciate about White's books so far is that you come to love the characters and you learn so much about them, but at the same time, you barely know a thing about them. While this applies to Modred or Arthur, it is especially true for Guinevere. I mean, she doesn't know a lot about her past either, so finding out the slightest bit of information is an adventure that could turn into a nightmare at any given point. So, what do you do, when your past comes knocking?
Well, I was beyond intrigued by exactly that. (Excuse me, while I dance and contort myself around to avoid spoilers). White introduced this in such an amazing way, and for the longest time, you really couldn't pinpoint where exactly this would go and what would happen. I swear, just whenever I thought I have things figured out, boom, a plot-twist comes around the corner. The threats Guinevere encounters are manyfold and I am deeply impressed by just how different they all are and, of course, how different she reacts to each one of them.
To be honest, I am not overly keen on the love-triangle thing going on, but I am mostly annoyed by love stories in general, so I will not complain. In fact, White did a great job incorporating this into the story, making it vital without being distracting or feeling forced. It just not really my kind of jam.
Nevertheless, I am curious to find out where things will go with Mordred. He is such a complex character, we know only so little about him. To me, he seems like a bottomless lake and all we saw so far is a reflection on the surface. We already got a pretty interesting plot-twist (or several), but it's obvious that more is to come on that front in the next novel.
There are many little adventures in this book, that intertwine so neatly to form a great whole. White simply did an amazing job and, just like with the first novel, it was impossible for me to put down The Camelot Betrayal. The world-building is outstanding as usual. I love how White draws from this rich world of Arthurian mythology but still manages to create something new, to make it entirely her own.
rlklemmer's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
libraryofdreaming's review against another edition
3.0
I like the characters and I like the writing but this sequel didn't quite knock me off my feet. I liked it but I was expecting more drama. I'm still looking forward to the finale though!
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
Unlike the first book, The Guinevere Deception, this is closer to the Arthur story. However, we're still in a world that could just as easily be set outside that story. Example? The story of Tristam and Isolde is given a serious twist that barely resembles the tale most know. Another example? Camelot is a city with an eight-story high castle hewn out of rock (sort of like the city of Petra, in my imagination), which doesn't quite fit with the other versions we know. The female Sir Lancelot is still an interesting addition, leading to several possibilities that are hinted at now and may happen later; the use of magic and the clash between the old religion and the new are less stressed than in some of the versions but is still there. There are also interesting questions about identity and ones place in the world that are raised, and I hope they play a larger role in the next book.
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
tranquiltides's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I usually find the second book or media in a trilogy to be the most lacking, which is by the sole nature of a story that is it’s own, but also the middle of a larger story. No true beginning or end…
The Camelot Betrayal subverted that expectation for me though! I found the intriductuon of new characters to be well placed and well timed. I found the self contained story to be interesting- if a bit anticlimactic, and I felt that the self contained story fit and added to the over all story really nicely.
A sprinkle of humor here and there, and a narrator that’s easy to identify with just makes for a good, cozy read.
Job well done and on to the third and final book!
The Camelot Betrayal subverted that expectation for me though! I found the intriductuon of new characters to be well placed and well timed. I found the self contained story to be interesting- if a bit anticlimactic, and I felt that the self contained story fit and added to the over all story really nicely.
A sprinkle of humor here and there, and a narrator that’s easy to identify with just makes for a good, cozy read.
Job well done and on to the third and final book!
kmschiller21's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
leahsbooks's review against another edition
Rounded up to 3.5 stars.
For this review and more, visit my blog at:
www.leahs-books.com
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. I am providing my honest opinion voluntarily.
TRIGGER WARNING: reference to domestic violence, kidnapping
I really liked the first book in the series (see my review here), and I absolutely love King Arthur and Camelot stories. I absolutely loved how this is the very first book I’ve read that is told from Guinevere’s POV and it doesn’t paint her as arm candy or a total ninny. And Lancelot is a female knight! There’s some really strong girl-power vibes in this series, and I was all about it.
Like the first book, this one is seriously slow for so much of the book. It took me so long to get into it, because I kept reading and reading and waiting for something to happen. Instead, there were a lot of things going on and it felt like the groundwork was being laid for a bunch of subplots that I knew would somehow get all rolled up together, but it just took forever to happen. But then I hit the last quarter of the book and things started moving really quickly. I still didn’t see how everything worked out until close to the end, so it wasn’t very predictable, which is a good thing.
I like Guinevere’s character, and I think her character flaws make her more relatable. At times, I found her irritating, but then I had to remind myself that she’s only 17 and deals with some really heavy burdens, which made it easier to like her. So much of the book focused on her internal struggle to figure out who she is, who she wants to become, and how to reconcile the things she has done. On top of that, she had an incredibly frustrating tendency to run away from situations rather than just address them directly, but I think that’s going to become a big part of her growth process as both a person and a queen. But I still got the feeling that she’s a good person, who is tough and loyal, and genuinely wants to help. I think that she and Arthur are good for each other.
I love Brangien and Lancelot’s characters. I think they make the story, especially since they’re the characters that we really get to know the best. Arthur is less of a well-developed character than the women are, and I kind of feel like it’s payback for the boatload of male-centered Camelot stories that are out there.
As usual, this one left off on a major cliffhanger, and I immediately want to read the next one, even before this book has actually been released. Hopefully the final book in the trilogy will be a little faster-paced, but I’m definitely going to be tuning in for the conclusion.
For this review and more, visit my blog at:
www.leahs-books.com
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. I am providing my honest opinion voluntarily.
TRIGGER WARNING: reference to domestic violence, kidnapping
I really liked the first book in the series (see my review here), and I absolutely love King Arthur and Camelot stories. I absolutely loved how this is the very first book I’ve read that is told from Guinevere’s POV and it doesn’t paint her as arm candy or a total ninny. And Lancelot is a female knight! There’s some really strong girl-power vibes in this series, and I was all about it.
Like the first book, this one is seriously slow for so much of the book. It took me so long to get into it, because I kept reading and reading and waiting for something to happen. Instead, there were a lot of things going on and it felt like the groundwork was being laid for a bunch of subplots that I knew would somehow get all rolled up together, but it just took forever to happen. But then I hit the last quarter of the book and things started moving really quickly. I still didn’t see how everything worked out until close to the end, so it wasn’t very predictable, which is a good thing.
I like Guinevere’s character, and I think her character flaws make her more relatable. At times, I found her irritating, but then I had to remind myself that she’s only 17 and deals with some really heavy burdens, which made it easier to like her. So much of the book focused on her internal struggle to figure out who she is, who she wants to become, and how to reconcile the things she has done. On top of that, she had an incredibly frustrating tendency to run away from situations rather than just address them directly, but I think that’s going to become a big part of her growth process as both a person and a queen. But I still got the feeling that she’s a good person, who is tough and loyal, and genuinely wants to help. I think that she and Arthur are good for each other.
I love Brangien and Lancelot’s characters. I think they make the story, especially since they’re the characters that we really get to know the best. Arthur is less of a well-developed character than the women are, and I kind of feel like it’s payback for the boatload of male-centered Camelot stories that are out there.
As usual, this one left off on a major cliffhanger, and I immediately want to read the next one, even before this book has actually been released. Hopefully the final book in the trilogy will be a little faster-paced, but I’m definitely going to be tuning in for the conclusion.
books_over_everything's review against another edition
4.0
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to be chosen for this tour. I really enjoyed the first book and I love a good King Arthur retelling. I also loved the way Tristan and Isolde’s story was woven into the plot and was eager to know more about them.
Some Things I Liked
As mentioned above, I love the Tristan and Isolde elements. I hope we get more Isolde in the next book and that Tristan also finds someone special. I loved the idea of weaving these tales together.
The Last Kingdom vibes. For anyone who’s read my blog posts before, you know I’m a big fan of the show. I loved the way Hild, Isolde, and even Guinevere’s stories felt like the hit Viking show. Guinevere’s identity crisis is very reminiscent of Uhtred’s and I also really enjoyed the morally grey characters and their parallels.
Mordred. He’s definitely my favorite. I wanted more of him but I loved every scene I got. He’s such an interesting and, I suspect, misunderstood character. I really hope he’s featured more prominently in book 3.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The romance. It’s way to slow burn for my taste. Also, the love square is unbearable. Everyone is going to get hurt and the only resolution I can see for that is if two or more characters involved die and I would just hate that. For the record, I’m Team Mordred.
Series Value
I’ll definitely stick with this series. The beginning of this book had a slow start but it really picked up in the second half. The titular betrayal cut me deep and I’m going to be on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. I was a little bored in the beginning because the romance was slow and there wasn’t much action but it really ramped up and the second half was fantastic. I can’t wait to see what happens in the final installment.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White – I am super excited to read the next book in this series. Despite not having a release date, I’m still patiently waiting for it. I have no doubt it will be a thrilling conclusion to this series.
The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae – if you are also Team Mordred, and you enjoy moral greyness, and a charismatic villain, try this series.
I was super excited to be chosen for this tour. I really enjoyed the first book and I love a good King Arthur retelling. I also loved the way Tristan and Isolde’s story was woven into the plot and was eager to know more about them.
Some Things I Liked
As mentioned above, I love the Tristan and Isolde elements. I hope we get more Isolde in the next book and that Tristan also finds someone special. I loved the idea of weaving these tales together.
The Last Kingdom vibes. For anyone who’s read my blog posts before, you know I’m a big fan of the show. I loved the way Hild, Isolde, and even Guinevere’s stories felt like the hit Viking show. Guinevere’s identity crisis is very reminiscent of Uhtred’s and I also really enjoyed the morally grey characters and their parallels.
Mordred. He’s definitely my favorite. I wanted more of him but I loved every scene I got. He’s such an interesting and, I suspect, misunderstood character. I really hope he’s featured more prominently in book 3.
One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About
The romance. It’s way to slow burn for my taste. Also, the love square is unbearable. Everyone is going to get hurt and the only resolution I can see for that is if two or more characters involved die and I would just hate that. For the record, I’m Team Mordred.
Series Value
I’ll definitely stick with this series. The beginning of this book had a slow start but it really picked up in the second half. The titular betrayal cut me deep and I’m going to be on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3.
Final Thoughts
I enjoyed this book. I was a little bored in the beginning because the romance was slow and there wasn’t much action but it really ramped up and the second half was fantastic. I can’t wait to see what happens in the final installment.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Excalibur Curse by Kiersten White – I am super excited to read the next book in this series. Despite not having a release date, I’m still patiently waiting for it. I have no doubt it will be a thrilling conclusion to this series.
The Kinder Poison by Natalie Mae – if you are also Team Mordred, and you enjoy moral greyness, and a charismatic villain, try this series.
aschuetze's review
5.0
I love Kristen White so much just putting that into the universe first!!
I haven't read anything in recent memory that delves into the Arthurian mythology like the Camelot Rising series. It always often feels like men are the focus in those types of stories but we thankfully get more of Guinevere and her associates throughout the book. I feel like I can't talk about it too much without giving spoilers but I honestly had no idea what was coming! The mystical vibes this series exudes is just fantastic, and was a great followup to the And I Darken trilogy. I am waiting with bated breath for the third book to come out!
I haven't read anything in recent memory that delves into the Arthurian mythology like the Camelot Rising series. It always often feels like men are the focus in those types of stories but we thankfully get more of Guinevere and her associates throughout the book. I feel like I can't talk about it too much without giving spoilers but I honestly had no idea what was coming! The mystical vibes this series exudes is just fantastic, and was a great followup to the And I Darken trilogy. I am waiting with bated breath for the third book to come out!