Rating: Summary: Miles Has Done Better Review: In the modern literature of the Arthurian legend the book rehabilitating the adultress High Queen has yet to be written. I very much enjoyed Rosalind Miles' "I, Elizabeth" and had high hopes for this volume. It might work as a juvenile, but everything about it is weak. Not one of the characters captures the imagination of the reader. I didn't hate it, but I did finish it constatntly hoping it would get better. I will not buy the second volume in this series. I might borrow it, but then only in the desperate hope that this effort by Ms. Miles was a fluke.
Rating: Summary: An interesting take on an old tale. Review: I really enjoyed the romance and the magic in this story. However, it did seem to echo almost all of the other arthurian stories. It did shed some new light on the female perspective and this I thought, was a very interesting take on an old tale. I would reccomend this book to anyone who loved Mary Stewarts books. Its a good, simple book to read on a lazy day. One of those books that you don't have to think to much to enjoy it.
Rating: Summary: I want to read the whole trilogy! Review: Rosalind Miles has a wonderful, lyrical writing style that breathes new life into an old legend that's been told over and over again. Her characters, particularly Guenevere, are bold, adventurous and not at all cliched. I fell completely in love with Guenevere, who is a strong, sexy woman who lives the same heartache as many of us. I'm glad that Rosalind Miles finally rescued this wonderful character from the bad rap she's gotten in so many other tellings of the Arthurian legend. I will definitely read the other books in the trilogy!
Rating: Summary: Not at the top of the Arthurian list Review: This book and its sequel are so uninteresting that, although devoted to Arthuriana, I can't bring myself to read the third book in the series. There's no new perspective on the characters or story; it just grinds unpleasantly along. Strangely enough, this is one of four recent and dreary Arthurian series (along with those by Stephen Lawhead, Bernard Cornwell and Jack Whyte). I'd rather spend my time re-reading Mary Stewart's Merlin series, Persia Woolley's Guinevere trilogy, Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" or Rosemary Sutcliff's "Sword at Sunset."
Rating: Summary: superb!!! Review: I was a little leary of reading this book - the reviews did not sound all that great. I am fascinated and passionate about the Arthurian legend and have read various wonderful fictional series as well as non-fictional accounts of the "real" Arthur and the characters associated with him. What has always seemed to fascinate me the most was the "religion" of the legends - primarily the "Great Mother" Goddess worship - the female rule - and it's real relationship to the introduction of Christianity in religious history. It is fascinating to me that this is in fact a very real part of Christian history and heritage - and it was portrayed in this book in a potent manner despite it's simplicity.This was basically a very simple book to read - but this in no way distracted me from loving it. It very passionately portrayed Gwenevere as the queen she was revered as. I did not understand the various reviews which described her as cold and unfeeling. She was the ruling queen of her people - she was a strong woman - sensual and bold in her own right - capable of the greatest love and compassion. Love is the tragedy of her story. I loved her character. I loved her spirit. I loved her story in this book. It is true that this book adds no new "twists" to the old legend - the same characters appear (though not always in the same roles) fighting in the same battles - in their hearts as well as their battlegrounds - but for those who read a story such as this because of a love of the romance, chivalry, magic and mystery of the legend it will not be a disappointment. The re-telling of this story through Genevere's eyes and heart was simply a good "twist". It has the same aura (though not quite) of the incomparable Mists of Avalon - a high compliment coming from me! I look forward to reading the sequels.
Rating: Summary: Well, I liked it! Review: This is probably only the second or third Arthurian book that I have read, but I have to say that I did enjoy the story. While it might not be the best book I have ever read, it will be one that I will pick up and read again. I did like the fact that it wasn't plagued with unpronuncable names as the other books were.
Rating: Summary: A Positive Spin on a Pagan Queen! Review: Miles reintroduces us to the common Authurian legend. However, the juxtaposition of paganism and christianity is stunning. While contemplating Authurian legend one does not often dwell on the thoughts and feelings of a pagan Queen,in a land that is increasingly christian through the aid of her husband. Guenvere is bound to a christian marriage despite the fact that in her heart she does not believe and she will not forsake the faith of her ancestors. The struggles of faith and love that Guenevere endures are at times too intense to even contemplate.
Rating: Summary: Just another romance novel. Review: I was really disappointed with this book. I always like reading different spins on the Arthurian legend, but this one was just bad. First of all, there were too many anachronistic aspects. The story went back and forth from Dark Ages references to Middle Ages references. I could have handled this, however, if the book didn't turn into a typical romance novel. The story was OK, up until the point where Lancelot saved Guenevere. I honestly just got so sick of the description of them that I put the book down, never to even finish it. Sometimes, some good sex is entertaining and even meaningful, but in this case, it was ludricrous and irritating. I bought this book expecting to really enjoy a new take on King Arthur but ended up really disliking this book. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone that's read The Mists of Avalon or The Once and Future King or any other highly respected versions of the Matter of Britain.
Rating: Summary: Guenevere Review: I've only read half of the book and I am really impress with the story. It's a nice version of the legend told from the queen's point of view. It makes me understand this woman better than just knowing her before as an adulturer. I give it 3 stars because I'm only half way through. I recommend this book to all lovers of this wonderful legend.
Rating: Summary: Queen of the Summer Country Review: This was a wonderful book. I could rarely put it down. It was interesting, intriquing, sensuous, and held my attention. It give realistic desriptions of both characters and places, introduces characters that have never been described before, and shines a new light on the adulterous relation between Guenevere and Lancelot. You are able to actually picture the people,places, taste the food, hear the sounds and relate to the characters. This is definately a 5 star novel!
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