This is a most different version of Gwen. Ms. Lackey posits that
there are actually three Queens married to Arthur (at different
times) who are all named Gwenhwyfar. Each is very different from
the other and all have varying reasons for marrying him. The author
presented this in such a way that it was quite believable.
Co-incidence or magic, I have no way of knowing though names go
through periods of popularity, so why not.
There was just enough 'magic' to imbue the book with its other
worldly feeling. A field of mist, a slight shift of the eye and I
could imagine Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Folk of Annwn appearing at
my shoulder and whispering mystic secrets for mine and Gwen's ears
alone.
This was a wonderful telling of the story of Gwenhwyfar from her
own perspective. A warrior Queen suitable for the High King of
Britain. She decided early in her life that she wanted to be a
warrior and she sought the training and strove to succeed even
though others wanted her to follow another path. Not only did she
succeed but she had me cheering for her.
By the end of the book, with tears pouring down my cheeks, I was
still rooting for her to make another choice that would be her own
and not what others wanted her to do.
I will be keeping this book in the safe company of the other
pictured books. Perhaps my daughter will develop a passion for King
Arthur and his Companions. If you like stories based on Arthurian
Legend, I have no doubt you'll love this version.