Gwenhwyfar

I am a fan of Mercedes Lackey and Arthurian legend so I was extremely interested in reading her version of Queen Gwenhwyfar. I am happy to say she didn't disappoint. I hope she writes more about Queen Gwen.

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.