Customer Reviews

Guinevere's Gamble (The Chrysalis Queen Quartet Book II)

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I'm not entirely sure why a 62 year old man is being sent review copies of books for teen-aged girls, but it keeps happening. My first reaction was, "Oh great, another Arthur book..."

This story however was very enjoyable. Guinevere is only thirteen years old, and in that gawky "ugly-duckling" stage. As the protected ward of King Pellinore, she has little control over her future, but things keep happening. In the previous book, the tomboyish Gwen discovers that she has been protected by a local hill tribe of pagans. Adventures follow.

In this book, she is taken to a parley of fractious Welsh kings presided over by Sir Bedwyr (Bedivere) and meets both Merlin and Morgaine, who hates her on sight and tries to poison peoples opinions of her.

Guinevere is growing up, there is a weird prophecy following her, her younger cousin Elaine is wrapped up in romantic foolishness, and once again Guinevere's grit and cleverness make everything work out.

The book was a fast read, but captivating for all that. Recommended.

Guinevere is still struggling to come to terms with the prophecy given at the time of her birth; a prophecy that foretold Guinevere would one day be wed to a great king and be the highest lady in the land.

She's also trying to come to terms with the young man the ancient tribe appointed as her personal guardian. As a ward of Queen Alyse and King Pellinore, she is invited to join them and her cousin, Princess Elaine, as they travel to a meeting of the Welsh kings.

Here Guinevere meets King Arthur's sister, Princess Morgan. Unfortunately, Morgan seems to hate Gwen on site and uses her power and influence in an attempt to destroy Guinevere through the people she cares about. This puts Gwen's tribal guardian, Llyr, in danger, and she will risk everything to save him.

In GUINEVERE'S GAMBLE, McKenzie introduces the infamous Morgan le Fay and also Merlin to her readers. As with the previous installment, Ms. McKenzie gives these old (and much written about characters)new life and makes them her own while still remaining true to the legend.

GUINEVERE'S GAMBLE is the second book in THE CHRYSALIS QUEEN QUARTET and a marvelous companion to the first book, GUINEVERE'S GIFT.

I loved reading more about Guinevere's journey toward her future and I am anxiously waiting for the third book.

Reviewed by: Joan Stradling