Gwenhwyfar

Starred review from October 15, 2009
Using the Welsh legend that suggests Arthur of Britain had three wives, all named Guinevere (or Gwenhwyfar), Lackey pieces together a complex, multitextured story of the rise and fall of King Arthur through the life of the young warrior maiden who became the third Gwenhwyfar. Inspired by her close friend and mentor, Marion Zimmer Bradley, whose seminal "Mists of Avalon" turned Arthurian legend on its head, the author of the popular "Valdemar" series displays her talent for creating a new and surprising story from familiar material. VERDICT Portraying the complexities of a religious civilization that treads cautiously between the path of the White Christ and the Goddess-based old religion, this retelling of the Arthurian legend should attract widespread fans.

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2009
Lackey bases her character-driven Arthurian saga on a Welsh legend to the effect that Arthur had three queens named Gwenhwyfar. The third, the daughter of King Lleudd, is gifted by two competing goddesses with the mystical power of the Ladies as well as the power of a warrior. As Arthur seeks to unify Britain under the White Christ, his reign threatened by political intrigue and magical treachery, Gwen relinquishes much of her magic to become an indispensable tactician in the war against the Saxons. When Arthurs second wife dies, the Ladies ask Gwen to become the third, believing she has the best chance to keep the throne from the cunning Medraut and his poisonous wife, Gwens sister Gwenhwyfach. At Gwens remove from Arthurs court, the complex forces battling over the king take the form of ominous rumors, warnings, and visions that created suspense and leave the outcome for Gwen and Arthur uncertain to the very end. As Gwen grows from child to warrior to queen, she proves a courageous and resolute heroine.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)