nimeneth's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Also, what are you up to, Mordred?
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping, Sexism, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
martin27's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’m hoping that the third book provides a satisfying conclusion for all of the different relationships Guinevere has. The interactions between the characters is definitely the highlight of the series.
Graphic: Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse
becca99's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The female relationships and the clear love that Brangien, Dindrane, Guinevere, Lancelot have for each other is something that brought tears to my eyes.
I truly cannot recommend this series enough.
Moderate: Blood, Death, and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol and Suicidal thoughts
drlove2018's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
mpbookreviews's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Death and Blood
claudiamacpherson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's always a different experience to read a book (as I did with this one) than to listen to it (as I did with The Guinevere Deception—great reader, by the way) so I'm not sure how that changed my experience with this sequel. I still loved the characters (though sometimes I wanted to shake Guinevere for doubting herself!), and the love triangle (square??) still made me frustrated because I like all of them, damn it, how am I supposed to choose? The plot felt a little irregular, though—not necessarily in a bad way, but there were several ups and downs and mini rising action-climax-falling action sequences rather than one big one at the ending. I still enjoyed it a lot and am now very frustrated that I have to wait for the third book to come out later this year!
Spoiler
Okay, more on the love triangle/square because I'm genuinely so conflicted!! First of all, I love Arthur, I really do. I fall for the king trope every time: the James Potters and Peter Pevensies and Richard Ganseys who are just so noble and loyal and good all. the. time. And I loved the scene between Arthur and Guinevere in the greenhouse room and how she contrasts Arthur with Mordred by saying that Arthur would never take what isn't his (we love a respectful man!). But White did a really good job writing Mordred because even after the betrayal at the end of The Guinevere Deception, I still loved the scenes with him and Guinevere! Granted, White gave him a pretty good redemption arc in this book, but I'm usually tough to please with those. As if those two weren't enough, I'm still waiting for a Lancelot/Guinevere romance because that's what's in the original myth! And I'm obsessed with White's Lancelot! There were a few moments in this book where I thought maybe White was preparing for that eventuality, but they were fairly subtle except for the final scene, and even those declarations of love could potentially be read as platonic. This is why I hate love triangles!! If it's not a clear choice I get stressed and feel bad for whoever ultimately doesn't get chosen. Hopefully book 3 will make the decision easier... we'll see!Happy ending meter (no specific spoilers, just my judgement of how happy the ending is because I always wish someone would tell me that before I read books):
Spoiler
Cliffhanger! Definitely not happy (but not sad either, just tense). I need the next book!!!Moderate: Blood, Murder, Violence, and Death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Child abuse
melaniereadsbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book is such an epic sequel to The Guinevere Deception. There are even more twists and mysteries surrounding who Guinevere is and why Merlin messed with her memories! I love the new characters that were added and the new development of familiar characters.
Guinevere's love interests are a decently large part of the story and I diagnose Guinevere with: Chaotic Pansexual. I know it doesn't say anywhere, but that's my diagnosis. I know who I want her to end up with, but even so I can't help but feel an attachment to all the characters she loves.
That ending was brutal! I didn't expect it at all and now I'm so sad I have to wait so long for the next book. Oh well, guess in the meantime I'll just have to reread the rest of Kiersten White's books...
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
bodiesinbooks's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Blood, Death, Kidnapping, and Violence
Minor: Child death
kaitplusbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
AMAZING
WONDERFUL
FANTASTIC
I LOVED IT
♥️♥️♥️
Second Read:
READY FOR THE EXCALIBUR CURSE!!!
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Death, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Murder
Minor: Confinement, Domestic abuse, and Alcohol