Rating: 
Summary: Good combination of old and new Arthurian fantasy
Review: This is the type of book I was hoping the Luna line of books would publish. It's well-written fantasy, with characters that have some depth. It's also a good mix of that fantasy with some romance. This tale focuses on two Arthurian legends about Sir Gawain, the Loathly Lady and the Green Knight. But it takes the story and places them into the context of the life of a young noblewoman named Risa. She's a baron's daughter, but the baron has sold her to a sorcerer in exchange for his wife's life. When Risa flees home she encounters the sorcerer and then Sir Gawain, who of course saves her. Gawain in this book is a true Arthurian knight, brave and true and courteous, and he takes it upon himself to escort her to Camelot so the Queen may protect her. On the way there and afterwards they have to pass through some fires before the end of the book, as anyone who knows the legends involved will realize. I liked a number of things about the book. The dialogue was one, being the stilted formal speech of the myth that changes toward intimate patterns as the two come to know one another. The writing style was another, straightforward yet descriptive. I appreciated the way the women were pulled to the front of the story, shown in their strength, and yet reasonable characters for the times. I liked that the original intents of the stories were unchanged, for all the tales were told differently. The characters pleased me as well. Zettel made each of them, including all the villains of the piece into humans with good and bad sides. We saw their motivations, and they were understandable and felt human. The one exception was a villain I couldn't connect with who was kind of over the top, but even he was given a background and reasons for his actions. Lastly, I liked how the book was a combination of old legend and new, old style and new. I think that must have been difficult to write. But I appreciate the effort. : ) A note at the end of the book implies that more Arthurian tales will be upcoming (I should say that this book is completely standalone). I am definitely looking forward to the next ones.
Rating: 
Summary: A Nice Twist
Review: To Begin with, it is true that many details in this book will disagree with "Le Morte d'Arthur" but frankly, after countless books and movies on the subject, I think we're all ready for a change.
One of the best things about this book is that it doesn't focus on one of the well-known characters of the Arthurian legends. True, the name Gawain is known, but he has always been in Lancelot's Shadow. And while the book's protagonist, Risa, will undoubhtedly have no effect on the eventual downfall of Camelot, it is interesting to read her story with the background of Camelot.
I also found Zettel did a good job in making her characters seem believable (mostly). I liked Gawain as a somewhat arrogant ladies man, and Sir Kay added some disruptance to the Arthurian court with his brutal wit. Euberacon was simply villanous, but at least his thoughts were divided between finding Risa and seeking revenge.
This story is a compelling read, with a somewhat cliched ending and an obvious setup for future Camelot novels. It is not really thought provoking, but an excellent way to spend an afternoon and see Camelot from a different perspective.
Rating:
Summary: charming Camelot tale
Review: When Risa was about to be born, her father Lord Rygehil, desperate to save the life of his beloved wife Jocosa, receives shelter from a storm from the evil sorcerer Euberacon. However, for his hospitality, the malevolent one demands payment placing a curse on the newborn daughter. Euberacon vowed to collect the debt when the baby was old enough. That baby is of an age for Euberacon to demand remittance. Refusing to be a pawn, a desperate, Risa flees her home though she believes no place is safe for her. Still with her skills, Risa hopes she can elude the abomination until he becomes wary of chasing after her. When she meets Sir Gawain on his way home to warn King Arthur of a plot to destroy his realm, Risa realizes that Camelot is the ideal locale to avoid Euberacon. However, Euberacon casts his lure to catch his frightened prey even as he employs spells to remove the King and destroy his Knights of the Round Table. Only Risa fighting the spell might save the kingdom, its monarch, and herself from wickedness with no scruples. Fantasy romance readers will love and appreciate this charming Camelot tale. The superb story line is loaded with intrigue, treachery, romance, sorcery, Arthurian legends, and a vile villain who though completely amoral makes the perfect challenge for the Round Table knights and the courageous heroine. Sarah Zettel effectively takes the risk of writing a rendition of the classic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight story with a terrific Camelot tale that will send readers to the moon seeking the Luna imprints as well as her back list (see the novels of Isavalta). Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing angle on Camelot
Review: Zettel gives us a new view of the Arthurian legends and Camelot in this tale of Arthur's nephew Gawain and Risa of the Morelands.
Risa has definitely started her life badly, before her birth she was promised to the evil wizard Euberacon by her distraught father in exchange for her mother's life.
This bargain has always tainted their lives, as Risa struggles against her father and his inexplicable refusal to allow her to marry. In despair she flees her home and, in desperate straits with the dark wizard, is rescued by Gawain.
The story then continues with their journey to Camelot, with much magic, danger and battle along the way.
Euberacon, however, also has other deeper plans for Camelot and is involved with other dark, malevolent powers wanting to overthrow Arthur. There is a particularly nasty witchy Kerra, who has a slimy relationship with ravens.
Two of the tales relating to Gawain are used here, those involving the Green Knight and The Loathly Lady. The first is particularly well realized, but the second rather falls down.
An engaging take on Arthurian legend. Also the first of a projected series involving Gawain's brothers. I'll definitely be reading them, being particularly curious about the dour Agravaine.
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