Mercedes Lackey's newest book is called Gwenhwyfar: The White Spirit, and is, as you can probably guess from the title, an Arthurian Legend retelling.
Lackey tells the story in her typical easy-to-read, accessible manner, bringing characters and events to life with aplomb. Although Lackey will probably never be recognized for brilliant prose or as divine literature, I love her work and this newest book did not disappoint.
She starts with the historical evidence that there were possibly not one, but THREE queens of Arthur named Gwenhwyfar, and although the story focuses on the third wife, Lackey works in the exploits of the other two, accounting for a lot of the contradictions and busy-ness that Gwenhwyfar would have had to have lived through if it had all been one woman. Lackey does an admirable job of using the wealth of Arthurian legend that is already available, and still spinning her own particular story about Gwen and her life.
Rich in detail, but with an unhampered pace, I recommend this for any of you who have enjoyed Mercedes Lackey's other works, or who love new takes on the Arthurian Legend.
i'm loving your blog! i didn't know about the mercedes lackey book and i LOVE authurian retellings. (the mists of avalon is one of my all time favorite books).
ReplyDeletei've read every entry so far. keep them coming!
Every day! :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer the retellings that don't cast Gwen as a hero - but that may well be because MZB's The Mists of Avalon spoiled me.
ReplyDeleteHave you reviewed that book/series yet? *grin*
Errrr... I read half of the first one... about 10 years ago....
ReplyDelete