Customer Reviews

In Camelot's Shadow (Reader's Choice)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

From the summary, this book looks promising. Usually all we get to read about are the tales of Arthur, Lancelot, and Guenivere, and so I was interested in reading a tale about Gawain.
The book centers around the young woman, Risa of the Morelands who flees her home in order to excape the evil wizard, Euberacon, and of course is rescued by Gawain.
Immediately Gawain falls in love with the beautiful, brave, intelligent, perfect, amazing, adorable, magnificent Risa, and as the two head back to Camelot, Risa falls in love with the handsome, charming, witty, brave, one-of-a kind Gawain. Upon their arrival, Gawain promptly proposes after what- a week or two?
The rest of the book follows Risa who is at last captured by Euberacon who for some reason has decided that Risa is the key to killing the Empress Theodora, Empress of Byzantium (don't ask- I was confused to). Being the brave and romantic knight that he is, Gawain sets out to follow her, but gets side tracked by the green knight who he is sure, by some holy instinct, that the green knight has answers to Risa's location.
While I can't tell you the sickly sweet ending, all of course works out, and they live happily ever after.

I had many problems with this book. For one, Risa is the most boring main character I have ever had te "pleasure" to read about. She is perfect in every possible way, except for the fact that she breaks down in tears far too often (however, Gawain seems to like this as he spends half his time comforting her). On the back cover, Risa is described as courageous, yet I have to question this as whenever she and/or Gawain are attacked by saxons who are randomly traipsing around England, or Euberacon who is the typical bad guy with absolutely so clear motivation, all she does is cry and scream for the wonderful Gawain to save her. ALright, in the begining she does kill a couple Saxons, but then spends the next five pages in *yawn* tears. Sarah Zettel, the author, needs to learn that an interesting character is not one that is absoluetly perfect. An interesting character is somebody with a flaw, not neccesarily one that makes them evil or completely annoying, but one that makes the character interesting and un-predictable.
And another thing, Zettel's descriptions are laughable. With stuff like... "Guenivere's chambers opened like a summer meadow..." and "her body was like a summer sapling, and her clothes were like fall's leaves...", it is hard not to rush to the nearest bathroom.
And Gawain. Alright, I realize he is supposed to be the perfect man, as anybody can see after reading _Sir Gawain and the Green Knight_. But in Camelot's shadow, he is turned into a pathetic knight who lives and breathes for Risa, and frequently launches into long tirades about how perfect she is. Furthermore, he falls inlove with her in a matter of weeks, which is obviously not realistic at all.
And finally, Euberacon is such a boring "bad guy." Like most bad guys, he has no redeaming qualities, which makes him so boring, and it's so obvious that you're supposed to hate him. Darth Vader has always been such a popular bad guy because he has redeaming qualities, and things that make the reader, well, viewer empathize with him.

So, in conclusion, I would reccomend this book to people who like reading books about beautiful, supposedly brave people who of course fall for each other within weeks and are tormented by weird sorcerors who don't really know what they want. However, to all others, I would only reccomend that you buy this book if you have friends you can read it to and laugh with. But better yet, find something better to read. I would suggest _Queen of Camelot_, and if you're into Gawain, _Sir Gawain and the Green Knight_.

I love the story of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, but I'm always on the lookout for new angles on it. Finding Sarah Zettel's book on the shelf of my local bookstore, I bought it, eager to read about the story from a different point of view.

I was, however, very disappointed by Zettel's attempt at a new take on the old tale. From the beginning, when the evil sorcerer Euberacon vows to save Risa's father's wife, in exchange for her firstborn child (Risa), the book seems less about semi-historical fiction, and more about fantasy. I call the time period "semi-historical fiction," because although magic does play a large part, it is rarely the sort of flashy magic I associate with fantasy. Not so much here, but later on, Euberacon's brand of sorcery steps outside what could have worked with the historical time period, into something utterly fantastical and bizarre, that I would not associate with King Arthur.

Zettel's attempts to create a believable female heroine in the time period fall flat. She gives Risa so many virtues and so few vices, Guinevere seems a boring and tedious housewife in comparison - not that I have anything good to say about Risa. She attempts to make Risa and Gawain's love semi-parallel to Arthur's and Guinevere's (without the whole Lancelot angle, of course, since Risa and Gawain will be together forever), in that tragedy seems to mar their perfect romance. I can appreciate writing that models the old writing, where ladies and their knights were without flaw, and love was pure, but every time I think this is what Zettel did intentionally, she has Risa or Gawain crack an inane joke, and they both start laughing.

Her attempts to make Risa and Gawain more "human" fail, in my opinion. To me they seem like unbelievable characters, although more often than not, they annoyed me, simply because they seemed too perfect. If Risa couldn't help Gawain on the battlefield? It was not becuase she was too scared, it was because she had to save the destitute refugees. Gawain gave into temptation once before, yes, but after realizing his love for Risa he easily pushes it away, gaining the information he needs to save his lady love.

The last third of the book was even worse for me than the first two thirds combined. Here, Risa is captured by Euberacon, undergoing her own angst-filled "torture" so bizarre it seems laughable. To rescure Risa, Gawain has to go on his own "Green Knight" quest, which is barely recognizable, since Zettel puts in so many of her own, made-up characters the whole intent of Gawain's journey is mutilated.

I won't spoil the ending, but it too disappointed me. Once again, too fantastical for my historical tastes.

There are some positive parts to the book. Kerra, Morgan's servant (and the only semi-believable character of Zettel's creation), is the only reason I did not give this book one star, along with some of Zettel's descriptions of the Saxon camps. Kerra has a background that makes her present, ambitious personality believable, and in the Saxon camps, their hesitation is revealed. Go against Arthur, or keep what little peace they have, and the heads of their sons who are in Arthur's care? The chief is under Kerra's sorcery, which seems the only magic in the whole book that fits with the Arthurian style of sorcery.

Overall, this book had a few good features, but I found the two main characters incredibly overdone and annoying, and the general writing style mediocre at best. The idea of a different take on the Arthurian legend is a good one, but one that Zettel fails to carry out with any sort of believability.

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.

I've read as many versions of the Arthurian legend as I can find. While normally, I'm less interested in the story when surrounded by heavy fantasy, I found Zettel's approach refreshing and interesting. The story focuses on Risa - a young woman promised by her father into slavery to a dark wizzard. Attempting to escape her fate, she stumbles into the gallant hands of Sir Gawain. The remainder of the book revolves around their story - her desperate attempt to remain free of the wizzard and Gawain's struggle against propriety and social class restrictions to find true love. What I really liked about the book was the introduction of fresh new characters and situations. Yes, Arthur and Guenevere are in the story -barely. Yes Lancelot is mentioned - in passing. It is NOT the typical fly by night book reiterating the traditional story of Camelot. I liked it despite my normal preference for more historical strength and fewer fantastic aspects. I eagerly await the 2005 release of the sequel.

I've been reading Arthurian fantasy for years, and was fairly sick of it to be honest. The story seemed to be told in every way imaginable already.

Zettel's story, however, focuses more on lesser known characters and she spins her own tale (irregardless of all the 'rules') and makes a pretty decent story.

If you are an Arthurian fanatic (as I once was) and you are going to be disturbed by every bent rule or fact, pass on this book. If you'd just like to read a good story/romance based in this era, pick this one up!

Risa, the heroine, is a strong willed woman who fights against society and culture and can hold her own in a fight. Gawain is a true honorable knight...imperfect, but seeking to be the best man possible.

The magic of the book is more of the 'old ways', close to nature and fairly druid-like.

I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next!

Camelot Shadow, by Sarah Zettel looks to be a promising book. Well, until it is actually opened. THe book is about the wonderful Risa, who falls in love with the perfect Gawain after he saves her from the bad guy, the evil sorceror Euberacon.

I suppose with a lot of work, this could have been a good book for those who are interested in Arthurian tales. And, as other people have said, it is a new take to the Camelot story; but in my opinion, a horribly done one.

The characters are all shallow, and quite dull. Gawain and Risa are both the epitome of beauty, wisdom, bravery... (you get the point). IN short, they have absolutely no flaws whatsoever, and become very un-realistic and unlikeable. Every single one of their actions, from the sob-fests, the make-out sessions, and the "I most go to war now and save my beloved" spiels were predictable. My friends and I were dying by paragragh one.

To be honest, the book starts out alright, with Risa's father making a pact with Euberacon in order to save his ailing wife's life. But then Risa is born, and she is the typical beautiful heroine who loves to hunt with her dogs and is full of bravery. Exactly where this bravery seems to go in the battle scenes (which are basically, the men were fighting, I was scared, lets charge through the battle so I can find my dear Gawain!) I know not. But it's supposedly there. I suppose it takes bravery to collapse into tears in the midst of a battle. YOu might get shot. Unless of course, you have a Gawain handy who is determined to believe that you are the core of his existence and would die for you...

And the descriptions in this books about Gawain's and Risa's infinate atrributes... "(Even Guenivere would be in awe of this beatiful creature who risked everything in battle!" Gawain thought to himself).

So, my advice to you is to save your monet and spend it on something more worthwhile...
If you're into Arhurian tales I would suggest, Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga, of Nancy Mckenzies books: Queen of Camelot, Grail Prince, and Prince of Dreams
If you'd like to read about fantasy romances, try Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel, and again Prince of Dreams
And finally, if your into fantasy heroines, try S.D Towers Assasins of Tamvrin, Queen of Camelot, and Pirates!

In Camelot's Shadow is an Arthurian tale. Lord Rygehil of the Morelands is traveling homeward from the coronation of Arthur as King of the Britons. The weather is wet and cold and his pregnant lady has been taken by a fever and is near death. The Morelands party all crowd into an abandoned Roman fort for shelter and find that a Byzantine sorcerer has already occupied the ruin. Euberacon offers to save the life of Lady Jocosa in exchange for the child and Lord Rygehil agrees.

In this novel, Risa of the Morelands has grown to be a fair lady, but cannot get her father to agree to a betrothal. Lady Jocosa forces her husband to disclose his bargain with the sorcerer and Risa overhears the confession. Lord Rygehil refuses to consider any action to negate the promise, so Risa runs away to seek sanctuary with the holy sisters at the monastery of St. Anne.

Whitcomb, the steward, had overheard the bargain so many years before and insists on accompanying her to the monastery. Hardly had they left the cleared fields for the forest road than they found the sorcerer waiting for them. The black magician spooks Whitcomb's horse, dumping the steward on the ground.

When Euberacon moves over to the felled steward with a knife in his hand, Risa puts a arrow to her bow and draws on the sorcerer, but he only breaks her bow string and stabs Whitcomb. Then he accosts Risa, but a stranger rides out of the night and stabs Euberacon with his lance. Risa grabs the magician's knife from where he dropped it and stabs him. The sorcerer, however, heals his wounds and disappears in a cloud of smoke.

The stranger is Sir Gawain, a champion of Camelot and heir to the king. Ten years past, Arthur's forces had defeated the Saxons at Mount Baden. Now the Saxons are plotting an uprising under Wolfweard, called Wolfget by many, who is being subtly manipulated by a sorceress named Kerra. Gawain is bringing word of the uprising to Camelot when he comes across the confrontation between Risa and Euberacon. After driving off the sorcerer, Gawain gets Risa on her horse and leads her out of the area with considerable haste.

In this story, Euberacon has deliberately driven Gawain and Risa together to take advantage of Gawain's susceptibility to oppressed women. Gawain has blamed himself for a tragic incident between his father and his sister and has since fallen in love with numerous women having troubled marriages or other problems. The sorcerer knows that Gawain's weakness will cause dissension among Arthur's champions and thereby aid the Saxon offensive.

Nonetheless, Risa is by no means a helpless woman like all of Gawain's other loves. When she has to defend herself, she shoots first and becomes sick after the fight is over. Gawain is sure that she is something special in his life.

This story has a lot to say about the role of women in that time and place. Although ladies were cherished under the vows of chivalry, each is also bound to a male protector, first their father and then to their husband; if they do not marry, they are bound to their eldest brother when their father dies. Even if the protector is cruel and abusive, the woman has no recourse other than finding another protector. Despite the indifference (and cowardice) shown by her father, Risa is bound by tradition and law to obey him.

The last chapter ends with a note saying "the battle for England will continue in 2005". One presumes that another Arthurian tale by this author will be released then. Whether the tale will feature Risa and Gawain is not known.

Recommended for Zettel fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and their ladies.

-Arthur W. Jordin

I'm generally not critical of books, so it's very rare when I come across a book I can't stand, and when my duty to humanity compells me to write a review. That said, lets get on with the review.
In Camelot's Shadow is a tale about the beautiful and abused Risa, and her adventures as she runs from her family home and evil sorceror Euberacon into the arms of Mr. Perfect, Gawain. These two lovebirds are then forced to fight invading saxons, the seductress, Kerra, and bad guy who confuses everybody in the book with his motivations, Euberacon. Touching story eh?
The plot is mediocre at best: beautiful maiden is in danger and is forced to flee and finds handsome man in process. But it is the writing and Camelot's sweethearts that make this book truly bad. Oh, and the bad guy.
Like most of us, Zettel is able to string a few words togethor into a sentence, and she can even put togethor a decent paragragh. But she seems lost on how to make a decent description. Either Zettel spends pages and pages on everybody's clothing and appearance, describing everything down to the last hem-line, or she begins to compare things to nature. "The door opened like a summer meadow...." and, "Guenevere's body was like a summer sapling..." Gag.
And onto the Mr. and Mrs. Perfect: Gawain and Risa. Both are the epitomy of beauty, intelligence, bravery (that's what the back cover says at least), and wisdom. Now that's nice and all, but all this makes for such boring characters! Every one of their actions is predictable, other than the source of their "wisdom" (Hmmm... Gawain thought as he saw the Green knight enter, He must know where Risa is! I will go after him!). But Gawain is nothing compared to Risa.
Risa is the female protagonist at the book (though I found myself rooting for Euberacon most of the time). She is the ideal female: full of beauty, bravery (will get back to this one in a second), charm, etc. Now back to the bravery thing. In the begining of the book, Risa runs around with her bow hunting. And she takes down a couple Saxons. But the majority of her bravery seems to be running around in tears searching for Gawain in battle. I have never read about a heroine who cries so much. She must be dehydrated.
And onto Euberacon. Euberacon is such a typical bad guy. He is portrayed so completely bad that the reader sympathize with him at all. Being able to understand Darth Vader and Commudus in Gladiator was what made them such succesful bad guys. Euberacon wants to enslave Risa so that he can kill Arthur in order that he might kill EMpress Theadora. Yeah, I don't get it either.
So, if this is the kind of book that appeals to you, go on and press the add to cart button. But if you're looking for a good story, I suggest you look elsewhere.

I personally find this book...utterly apalling. I don't think this author could characterize a pencil, let alone a complex human being. Risa...GOD...first of all, she can weild a bow 'n arrow with the best of them! Allowed to hunt since her early childhood (nevermind that this is almost definitely grossly historically inaccurate...), the only reason Risa's not BEST BEST friends with her maidservant, is because for SOME reason, her serving girl doesn't feel comfortable becoming gal pals with her mistress! ...This pretty much sets the tone for Risa throughout the book. Every time the author attempts to make Risa a wee bit less than perfect, she seems to regret it, and has Risa resume with her can-do attitude within ten seconds, so she can make up for any mistakes she's made tenfold!

Gawain...I read "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," and I loved it. I appreciate that the author tries to include it...but she changes the story so that her own little made-up characters all fit in. This reference to the story of the Green Knight would have been passable if she hadn't mutilated it. Also...Gawain at first seems to have at least one major flaw (love of women), but within 30 pages of meeting him we realize, "Gee, Gawain made some mistakes in the past, but he's all better now folks!"

Also, whenever there was a battle sequence...constant mentionings of, "Risa was so worried, Gawain was up fighting fifty men all by himself!" nearly killed me. 50 Saxons to 1 Gawain, well pshaw. Everyone knows those Saxons, they're tough and strong, but Gawain can kill 'em all!!

Euberacon: The author makes a valiant attempt to try and give this guy a good reason to want to enslave Risa...but, once again, she fails. It seems, to get back at Empress Theodora (in the Byzantine Empire), who kicked him out because he sold a love potion to a random man who loved Theodora's sister, he has to go to Britain, capture Risa, and use her amazingly magical gifts to get lots of gold from Britain, so he can use the money to take Theodora off her throne. That makes so much sense, too.

And the END...I won't spoil it for you, but it's so Disney it's painful. No, I'm sorry, that would be an insult to Disney (as impossible as that is to imagine, considering stuff like "The Little Mermaid 2"). It's more the ending to a two-year-old's picture book.

Don't waste your time, in my opinion. Pick up a REAL book on the time period.

In Camelot's Shadow lack's the spark of creativity and empathy that make Zettle's SF books like Fool's War such refreshing and enjoyable reads.

This is not a bad book, and it's well written on a technical level, but the plot is oddly lifeless. It has all the elements a good Arthurian fantasy needs, but for some reason they don't gel.

The backstory data-dumps about the villian and the glimpses we see of court life in Camelot are more compelling than the love story between the two main characters. The second half of the book is better than the first, which is very slow, but the ending comes out of thin air. Where did the heroine learn the spell she uses to save herself? The reader has no reason to believe she has that sort of knowledge.