Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend [Paperback]

Cheryl Carpinello (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2009

Finalist Pre-Teen Literature: Dan Poynter's 2011 Global Ebook Awards.

At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England's history.

She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted--all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage.

For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits?

However, the wizard Merlyn--her teacher and friend--knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In this intro to the lore of Camelot, a spirited young Guinevere struggles to accept her destiny. As author Carpinello spins this tale, her writing sparkles. Guinevere and Cedwyn endear with their sincerity and spontaneity. --BlueInk Review

Exciting new children's author Cheryl Carpinello can now be added to the writers recreating the Legend of Arthur for new generations with Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. 
--Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D., author of the award-winning novel Narrow Lives and The Children of King Arthur.

Most people are familiar with the story of King Arthur, his Lady Guinevere, and her Knight Lancelot. What author Cheryl Carpinello has done in "Guinevere: On The Eve Of Legend" is spin a fascinating story of the child Guinevere who on the advent of her thirteenth birth day is being presented with the responsibilities of becoming betrothed in marriage. Having to give up playing with her friend Cedwyn, playing on the grounds of the castle, and engaging in the usual childhood pastimes and pursuits is something young Guinevere is loathed to do. But with the aide of her teacher and friend Merlyn the Wizard, Guinevere embarks upon her destiny whether she wants to or not! Also available in an ebook edition, "Guinevere: On The Eve Of Legend" is a deftly written and thoroughly entertaining story that will delight and engage young readers from beginning to end, making it a highly recommended addition to school and community library collections. --Midwest Review, May 2009

From the Publisher

"[Carpinello has] created very believable characters and use[s] description nicely. Those two elements really help to enhance [her] writing. It is obvious that [she has] put much thought and effort into [her] work. There were times even that I wondered if [Carpinello's] story were really fiction or perhaps based on non-fiction."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 122 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (March 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 143273704X
• ISBN-13: 978-1432737047
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,617,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Renaissance

More About the Author

What Makes the Legend of King Arthur Transcend the Centuries and All Age Groups?

First and foremost, the Legend is packed with adventure. Tales of knights fighting knights, rescuing damsels in distress, and the quest for the Holy Grail are found in vivid detail throughout the unending array of stories.

Second, the Legend is about heroes, the Knights of the Round Table: Lancelot, Tristram, Percival, Galahad and the many others. Specifically it is about the main hero, King Arthur.

Third, the Legend is about magic and mystery. Merlyn, the most famous magician ever, lives backwards in time!

Fourth, the Legend is about women and love. The regal Guinevere; the mysterious half sisters of Arthur: Morgan le Fay, Morgause, and Elaine; the witch Nimue who tricks Merlyn into revealing his secrets and then encloses him for life in a cave. The one thing all these women have in common is that they are misunderstood. Writers can't even cast them into the same mold, especially the sisters.

Last, the Legend is about Hope. Arthur and his kingdom are essentially a utopia. A perfect world, at least in the beginning. There is a definite line between right and wrong. Chivalry rules the day. Arthur is the ruler who works not for himself, but for his people. And in the time period that "The Once and Future King" was written (WWII), the Legend offered a safe haven for people's dreams.


A Bit About Myself:

Some of my favorite books, like "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," Golding's "Lord of the Flies" and "The Once and Future King" by T.H. White were all written to offer hope to a world embroiled in another world war. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dictens illustrates how unselfish true love enables people to offer the supreme sacrifice to preserve that love, while Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" shows how circumstances can cause people to do despicable acts. The one book that connects of all of these texts as well as a multitude of others is Joseph Campbell's "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." The journey of the hero, depicted by Campbell, is a universal theme that never dies out.

As a retired teacher, nothing invigorates me more than guiding young minds in exploring themselves and the world around them. Introducing young people to the literature of the ages and the importance of the written word (even their own!)is a thrill that has never subsided. And so today, I write for young readers (grades 3-8) and hope to capture their imaginations as they learn to love literature.

I love to travel, and so my other job is with a major airline. My favorite trip was a two week visit to Egypt with my husband that included traveling by local train from one end of Egypt to the other.


About My Writings:

My first book "Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend" introduces young readers to the timeless King Arthur Legend and Guinevere the girl as she struggles with growing up and fulfilling her destiny. I hope young readers develop an understanding of the girl Guinevere, how she is like them today. Everyone has to grow up; everyone has unpleasant choices to make; and regardless of when we are born or how old we are, we don't always get our way. And when that happens, we have to accept it and move on. Good lessons for any age.

"King Arthur's Story" is a short excerpt cut from "Guinevere" in the final editing. Only available as an ebook, it gives readers a brief glimpse into Arthur's reasons for seeking marriage with Guinevere.

My second book "Young Knights of the Round Table: The Kings' Ransom" is in final editing. Look for "Young Knights" late in 2011.

I love to hear from my readers of all ages. Please contact me and let me know what you think of my books. You may contact me through my web site Beyond Today (http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great way to introduce Guinevere!, May 5, 2009

By 

Lars B. Johnson "Susie Humphrey" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend (Paperback)

As a retired elementary teacher, I am always on the lookout for engaging new literature for young readers. Guinevere is a wonderful book for the student beginning to master chapter books and longer stories. I loved the imagery, new vocabulary and page-turning storyline. It is a story that will capture the modern reader, even as it takes her back to times of long ago. Highly recommended!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, story...wonderfully, entertaining!, November 29, 2011

By 

hemoglobin7z - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend (Paperback)

Adorable, little story! Enjoyed all the delightful characters, and read very quickly through...I was even disappointed it was over, so quickly!

This is a Great choice for anyone seeking a fun, adventuresome, read... Would also recommend & enjoy reading more from this author!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Arthurian Fiction for Tweens, December 12, 2010

By 

Todd A. Fonseca (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend (Paperback)

Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend - Arthurian Fiction for Tweens

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author: Cheryl Carpinello

Format: Kindle, Paperback

Life as a young princess was perfect! Playing and hunting with her seven-year-old friend Cedwyn, Guinevere filled her days with joy and merriment. Unfortunately, much was set to change as her thirteenth birthday approached. She was expected, of course, to master Latin--a language few spoke. But it would be her duty as princess to liaise with the officials who would visit court. There were other responsibilities as well as she came of age and no matter how much she wanted to avoid them, the march of time would not yield to her wishes. Already overwhelmed with these changes, Guinevere learns of her arranged betrothal and her world collapses.

Cheryl Carpinello's Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, is a unique introduction into Arthurian Legend focusing on the life of the young princess. It is perfect for tweens interested in this genre. While most young people aren't royalty, they will likely relate with the emotions associated with wanting independence while struggling with the responsibility that comes with it.

I also enjoyed the simple line drawings introducing each chapter. They are wonderfully illustrated and provide additional texture to the novel. While the author provides and epilogue foretelling Guinevere's future, I believe additional volumes continuing the story from these early years would make a wonderful series.