Dawnflight

Rating:
Summary: A refreshingly different, well-researched Arthurian romance.
Review: After awhile, even the most ardent Arthurianist gets jaded with the endless retakes on the Arthur/Guinevere/Lancelot story. After all, we know how it ends...

That's why Kim Headlee's "Dawnflight: The Legend of Guinevere" is such a refreshing entry into the Arthurian legend genre. You won't find a weepy, lovelorn Guinevere in this historical romance: Headlee's "Gyanhumara" is a sword-wielding, butt-kicking Pictish chieftainess who could give Xena a run for the money. Gyan's "Simple Joys of Maidenhood" include sword-bouts and collecting battle trophies of a specifically Pictish nature (hint: You wouldn't want Gyan as an interior decorator).

Dawnflight unfolds from Gyan's perspective, as the young warrior "princess" accepts a betrothal to rival neighbor Urien map Dumarec. It's obvious from the start that Urien is a no-good ambitious wife-beater, and the reader may wonder why Gyan doesn't see this sooner -- but we forgive her as we follow her journey into the midst of the battles and politics of Arthur's emerging nation.

Naturally, passions are kindled the moment Arthur and Gyan set eyes upon one another, but (thankfully) this is not a novel of moans and gasps and euphemisms for various body parts. Instead, the reader is treated to an historically vivid tale of intrigue, battle, and betrayal as Arthur attempts to defend his new alliance from invaders, and Gyan gets caught in the middle.

And where is Lancelot, you may be asking? By focusing on historical accuracy, Headlee deftly avoids the famous triangle (which wasn't introduced until nearly 1000 years after Arthur's alleged existence). Instead, she offers us Angusel -- an adolescent Pictish warrior whose puppyish devotion to Gyan gets him into all kinds of trouble. Indeed, in this reader's opinion, Angusel steals the show; he's a delightful character, and one has no doubt that he'll be singing the Pictish version of "C'est Moi" in a later book. As for Merlin, the venerable mage casts not a single thunderbolt, but emerges as Arthur's spiritual and political mentor (and later as Gyan's as well).

I'm a stickler for historical accuracy and detail, and "Dawnflight" gave me exactly what I craved. I haven't enjoyed an Arthurian novel this much since Mary Stewart's "Merlin" series, and I highly recommend it to lovers of romance and Arthurian aficionados alike.

Rating:
Summary: Someone made it gold
Review: After slogging through the ghastly "Queen of the Summer Country" and the beautiful but rather whiny "Guinevere," I was beginning to wonder if anyone could actually manage a good story, containing a semi-intelligent Queen Guinevere with honor and integrity, a tight plot, and a good writing style. Then I got my hands on a copy of "Dawnflight." Kim Headlee delves into history and humanity to produce a realistic (but not painfully so) story, something that you can envision actually happening.

The story centers around Pictish chieftainess Gyanhumara. When Roman forces defeat the armies of Caledonia (Scotland), Chieftain Ogryvan heads a general signing of a treaty with the Brydain lords - and among the conditions is that Gyanhumara must marry a Brydain noble.

The chief seeker of Gyanhumara's hand is Urien, who finds her attractive and is attractive somewhat himself. However, he is annoyed by the relatively emancipated manner of Gyanhumara, who is as comfy on the battlefield as in a hall full of ladies (more so, I thought). Gyanhumara is disgusted by his plans to tame her down, but in the interest of peace for her people, she agrees.

Then she meets Arthur, the Pendragon. With his questionable background, Arthur is not really acceptable as a potential husband for Gyanhumara, under the treaty. But the moment they meet, they love each other and, importantly, Arthur does not want to change Gyanhumara in any way. He intends to marry his beloved even if it causes conflicts -- but can she choose between her love and spirit, and the uncertain fate of her people?

Perhaps it's the author's excellent outlook toward Arthurian legend -- passing by religion, nationality, status, mythic background -- that causes her to do such a stellar job creating Gyanhumara as a strong, intelligent heroine. Her portrayals of the characters and politics of the time are excellent (as far as I can tell, I know virtually nothing about the clashes of the time) and the descriptions of fighting are easily-envisioned.

Too many supposedly strong heroines in Arthurian literature fail, becoming preachy and irritable. Gyanhumara thankfully doesn't fall into that trap, remaining a believable young woman who has simply been raised as an equal and excellent counterbalance to the strong men around her. I like the idea of Merlin's relationship to Arthur in this book, as I like Arthur himself. Too often, as Guinevere is seen as a slut, Arthur is seen as a wimp; fortunately, he's the young warlord he's expected to be.

Headlee's descriptions are more filled with metaphors than usual; "No nectar was as sweet as the joy of winning" is my personal favorite. The descriptiveness is slightly lower than I am used to in an Arthurian novel, but nevertheless it gets the images across.

Overall, this gains the label of "classic," simply for being the one Guinevere novel that portrays her as a real person. Bravo, Ms. Headlee!

Rating:
Summary: The Legend of Guinevere, retold wonderfully
Review: Anyone familiar with the Arthur/Guinevere/Sir Lancelot story will enjoy Kim Headlee's new book, Dawnflight. Ms. Headlee offers a new retelling of the story, this time at Guinevere's point of view. This time without Sir Lancelot in the picture.

In Dawnflight, Guinevere is called Gyanhumara. She is a strong woman, bred to be a warrior. To keep their nations from war Gyan agrees to become betrothed to Urien map Dumarec, her countries rival. Immediately Gyan regrets her decision. Believing that women are only to be by their man's side and in their bed, Urien does not impress well upon Gyan. Yet she feels she must still go ahead with the union to keep their countries from war.

When Gyan travels to meet Urien she meets Arthur. Immediately she is drawn to Arthur and falls in love but she is promised to Urien, Arthur's rival. Arthur wants Gyan for himself, but must first convince Gyan of his intensions. What follows is an exciting story of war and betrayal.

Dawnflight is that is unlike any other you've read about the Arthur legend. You won't find heavy love scenes in this story. Gyan is too busy for that nonsense. What you will find is a wonderful story full of adventure. This book cries out for a sequel and I will be first in line to read it.

Rating:
Summary: A grand portrait!
Review: I found the story quite compelling and the characters well drawn and human. This is not a genre that I usually seek out, but I really wanted to know what happened to these people. Dialogue was realistic and interesting. The historical detail was superb and complete -- a grand portrait of a time we don't see portrayed correctly very much.

In all, I would say that this is the best-crafted work we have any right to expect from a first novel, or any novel for that matter. I can find few complaints about structure and use of language, dialogue, or plot. When is the next one coming out, so I can find out what happens to these people?

Rating:
Summary: Forget it
Review: I gave her a chance but this author needs a little more practice. In the end I passed on it. Not worth my time.

Rating:
Summary: No Damsels in Distress Here!
Review: I love to read Arthurian retells, so I decided to give this one a try.
I'm not sorry about it either.
Headlee portrays Guinevere (called Gyanhumara)as a strong spirited and dedicated warrior chieftainess. She is a well fleshed out character and the most likeable Guinevere that I have ever read about. This Guinevere is a feminist to be proud of, as she takes no nonsense from brutish men and ultimately decides the course of her own destiny. During the bulk of the story, she struggles with her faith in both her Gods and herself , and triumphs magnificently in both. She loves her country and her people so much that she is willing to sacrifice being united with the love of her life to protect them.
The historical facts aren't accurate, but hey, this is a King Arthur novel, so how can myth be historically accurate anyhow? It can be a very fun read if one keeps in mind that it is a fiction novel and is only meant to entertain, not teach history on post- Roman-occupied Britain.
There is a romantic aspect to the book, but there's nothing explicit other than some passionate kisses and endearments. In other words, the romance is there, but it's only a side aspect and only one of the issues that Gyan struggles with.
All in all, this is a fun book even though there are a few spots that drag, but that happens with all novels, even the stellar ones. So give it a try, don't take it too seriously, and you might just enjoy a leisurely afternoon or two in the company of Gyan of the Picts.



Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I loved this book so much. Not a boring read at all, with simply facinating detailing surrounding the legend of Arthur. I can't wait for the next one.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Disappointing Read
Review: I make my living studying Celtic history and culture. Accordingly, it was only natural that Dawnflight would catch my attention. In my opinion, all of the rave reviews are about nothing. Headlee has the fundamentals of Celtic tribal society (still alive and kicking in the time this novel is set) entirely wrong. Yes, I realize this is fiction, but this author is praised for her research skills. Well, then, how the heck does Gyan become chieftainess of a Pictish tribe? She would never have. Let's also look at the tribe of the Brythoni (or whatever they were called). What! A unified tribe! And there was already a name for the peoples united under the fictitious Arthur--the Britons. I think a little more reasearch into Celtic myth and lore would have made this a better book. I find it hard to swallow a historical novel based around mythological characters.

Rating:
Summary: Great book from start to finish
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The tale of Guinevere and Arthur has never been told like this before. It is told through the eyes of the title character, Gyan (the shortened version of her name in this novel), and is a wonderful new perspective on an old story. It captures you from the first chapter and keeps you wanting more. The characters are well developed and the story flows from one scene to the next.

I especially love the way Gyan is portrayed in this book. She is strong, courageous, and loyal. She is an equal match for Arthur, in every way. It is no wonder that they are captivated by each other from the moment they meet.

You will not be disappointed in this book and I am looking forward to the sequel.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: I thought Dawnflight by Kim Headlee was wonderul. I don't understand the other reviewer who said it was for romance readers only, somebody obviously doesn't know his stuff.