The reviewer enjoyed the unique take on Guinevere's character and the intriguing world-building, but found the pacing slow and the characters flat, leading to a mixed overall experience.
The reviewer was initially captivated by the fresh perspective on Guinevere as a witch sent to protect King Arthur, finding the character's unique role and the magical world-building fascinating. The relationship between Guinevere and Arthur was also a highlight, offering meaningful interactions and a sense of camaraderie. However, the pacing of the book was a significant drawback, with the plot meandering aimlessly for much of the story. The characters, aside from Guinevere and Mordred, felt flat and forgettable, making it difficult to fully invest in the narrative. Despite these issues, the last third of the book picked up with exciting action and revelations, leaving the reviewer hopeful for the rest of the series.
Quick quotes
I was hooked from the moment I realized that Guinevere was not the Guinevere from the original Arthurian legend.
I wouldn’t go so far as to call their relationship romantic by any stretch — it’s more of a friendship or alliance — but it’s just nice watching two people have meaningful conversations and get to know each other better.
The pacing of the book is excruciatingly slow and honestly just seemed to meander aimlessly for over two-thirds of the book.