Guinevere's Gift (The Chrysalis Queen Quartet) (Hardcover)

by Nancy McKenzie (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Twelve-year-old orphan Guinevere lives with her Aunt Alyse while Uncle Pellinore fights alongside youthful King Arthur. When riding her beloved horse on a difficult training course, Gwen meets a member of the Old Ones, an almost forgotten Welsh tribe that believes in the prophecy of greatness made at her birth. Gwen, however, is more concerned about the marital aspirations of her cousin Elaine, who seems blind to suitor Sir Darric’s suspicious, disconcerting behavior. When Sir Darric vows to annihilate the Old Ones, claiming they must be to blame for losses to local herds and flocks, even more diabolical plans aren’t far behind. It’s old-fashioned girl power, in the form of Gwen’s intuition, riding skill, and the allies she has forged, that will save the day, even as the suggestion of portentous forces at work add momentum. As in Theresa Tomlinson’s Robin Hood–inspired The Forestwife (1995), this glimpse of a legendary lady’s life prior to her destined role puts a feminine spin on a tale more typically focused on men. Grades 5-8. --Diana Tixier Herald

Product Description
On the night of Guinevere’s birth, there was a prophecy that foretold she would one day be highest lady in the land and wed to a great king. But 13 years have passed, and the prophecy couldn’t be further off. Guinevere is now an orphan and a ward of her aunt and uncle, the king and queen of Gwynedd. Tomboyish and awkward, Gwen is no great beauty, and nobody takes the prophecy seriously–especially not Gwen.
But then one day Gwen meets a strange young man in the woods who claims to be part of an ancient tribe whose mission is to guard and protect her. Then she stumbles across a sinister plot brewing within the castle walls–one she alone might be able to prevent. Guinevere is beginning to realize her destiny is more complex than it seems–and this is only the beginning.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (February 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375843450
• ISBN-13: 978-0375843457
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #540,729 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Start, February 29, 2008

By	Milinda S. Valverde (Baltimore, MD) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This first book in a four part series gives a glimpse at Guinevere's everyday life starting aroung age 13. She is an obstinate tomboy who is intent on doing the (morally) right thing even when it goes against her aunts wishes. We see Guinevere grow through her daily escapades, her adventures to rescue those she loves, a seemingly fortuitous meeting with a young boy from a hill tribe, and her eventual understanding of her aunt's strict rules.

Although the writing and characterization are not as good as in McKenzie's previous novels(hoping these will develope with the series), this is a good book with a fast paced story line. It will keep you hooked. She has kept her target audience (YA) in mind while writing so this book has no great romance; it is not a saga with a heartbreaking ending. The story actually takes place over a few weeks.

Anyone, YA or otherwise, who has a love for Authurian tales or historical ficton will enjoy any of McKenzie's writing. Happy reading =)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent leisure read for middle school readers, October 11, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Nancy McKenzie's GUINEVERE'S GIFT tells of an orphan and ward of an uncle and aunt who is tomboyish and unlikely to become the queen prophecy has foretold. Guinevere's discovery of an ancient tribe whose mission is to protect her uncovers a castle plot, a mystery, and possible ancient powers at work in the land in Book 1 in the 'Chrysalis Queen Quartet'. An excellent leisure read for middle school readers.