Sunday, September 11, 2011

Queen of the Summer Stars-Persia Woolley

Queen of the Summer Stars


Persia Woolley

Sourcebooks, Jun 1 2011, $16.99

ISBN: 9781402246401



Queen Guinevere loves her husband of two years Arthur and supports his efforts to unite the country under his banner as the High King. Her only regret is that she has not birthed the heir to her husband’s throne. Meanwhile Arthur and his loyal Companions deal with the invading Saxons and the unification, which leaves him no time for his wife.



Arthur’s half sister Morgan Le Fey wants the crown so she sets all sorts of plots in motion to harm her brother via her sister-in-law. When Guinevere is accused of murder, Lancelot champions the queen who he had previously been aloof towards. They are attracted to one another, but refuse to do anything that will hurt their beloved Arthur. However, Arthur’s indifference to his wife over the next few years and his rejection of her belief his sister is undermining him force a schism between the king and queen; she turns to Lancelot.



The second Guinevere Trilogy tale (see Child of the Northern Spring) is a great entry that follows the lives of the Camelot key players (the quartet above as well as Gawain and Ragnell; Merlin and Nimue; and Tristan and Isolde, etc.) during the first decade of marriage between Arthur and Guinevere. The tales of the other players insure the story line is more than just a middle transition book though that is a key element. Readers will relish Queen of the Summer Stars as the players are full blooded with flaws while setting in motion for the final tragic consequences caused by Camelot consisting of humans not legends.



Harriet Klausner



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