The Once and Future Queen (The Lives of Guinevere)
A retelling of the King Arthur story through the eyes of Guinevere, Paula Lafferty’s debut gives a familiar story a fresh new spin, especially with the addition of time travel. Vera is working in her parents’ hotel, grieving the recent and very sudden death of her boyfriend when she discovers that she is destined for an entirely different life. Returning to medieval Camelot with no real memories of who she used to be, Vera struggles to fit in and find her place, relying on steadfast Lancelot for friendship as Arthur seems to be keeping her at a distance. Eventually however, Vera’s memories are restored, her place by Arthur’s side is secured and her position and purpose in Camelot becomes clear.
The Once and Future Queen is a charming and enchanting fantasy, a tightly plotted tale of politics and war, friendship and power and a wonderfully compelling historical romance. There are echoes of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and of the magic infused novels of Isabel Ibaňez. Whether you are interested in Celtic mythology and the tales of Arthur, Merlin, Vivianne and Guinevere, or you simply enjoy a medieval or fantasy romance, then this novel is one that you should definitely add to your reading list.
