3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting blend of traditional and modern chivalry tales., March 31, 2007
This review is from: Knights of the Round Table: Geraint (Paperback)
Ever since I was able to discover that books had stories in them, and I turned into an omnivorous, compulsive reader, one genre that I never tired of was the world of Arthurian legend. It didn't matter if it was good or bad, I devoured them all, and when I ran out of fiction to read, I turned to the more scholarly works in the endless debate which is known as The Matter of Britain.
Author Gwen Rowley has taken one of the more obscure knights of King Arthur's Table, and made a new twist on the story. Sir Geraint, the son of the king of Cornwall, is journeying to the High King's court when he finds a woman battling off two marauding theives. He helps her, feeling that she's in need of immediate rescue, but can't help but be amazed at this woman who is beautiful, blond and looks to be able to stand quite well on her own, thank you.
Enid of the Donella tribe has more than several secrets to hide. In her tribe she is a warrior woman, dedicated to training the young men in the arts of war, and it is a duty that she loves, finding delight in swordplay. But now she is on her way to King Arthur's court to find a way to learn the ways of his calvary and knights so she can return and teach them to her people. To help her, the Lady of the Lake has given her three magical gifts -- beauty, strength, and invisibility -- to help her. The only catch is that she must renew the spells by the light of moon and in running water.
To complicate matters, they are both attracted to each other, especially Geraint. Known for his impulsive nature, he asks her to marry him, and then starts to woo her in earnest. Before they reach Camelot, Enid agrees, despite her misgivings, feeling that as Geraint's wife, she'll have an easier way to learn the knight's ways. Geraint, unfortunately, for them both, sees her only a maiden in distress, and thinks that she'll settle into a more ladylike lifestyle, than go off swinging a sword. Worst still, he lies about her family -- since she has told him nothing of her mission -- to the High King, and slowly, lie builds upon lie.
For Enid, the life of a lady is miserable -- she finds long skirts uncomfortable after her mannish clothing. She finds their chatter incomprehensible, and soon is slipping off to watch the knights. Seeing a boy being bullied, she goes to protect him, and soon her secret -- that she can fight just as well or better than the men -- is out, with humilitating results for Geraint.
Tension between the couple grows, with him thinking that Enid thinks he's coward, Enid hurt because he won't try to understand her, and both of them consumed with mistrust. When he suddenly decides to return to Cornwall, Enid finds herself in a truly difficult situation for a wife -- it seems that King Erbin is the one that is seeking to conquer her small tribe, and that she will have to choose between her vows and her love for Geraint.
I do have to say that I did find this blend of romance and Arthurian legend interesting. Gwen Rowley does deviate quite a bit from the traditional tale where Enid is insufferably proud and Geraint impossibly good, but she also creates two characters that are interesting of and for themselves.
Geraint is more than a guy in armor with battle and sex on the brain; he's able to turn a courtly phrase, and takes time to sooth Enid's fears. Enid, in her turn, is not the typical ninny to be found in romances -- she speaks her mind, has guts enough to stand up to Geraint in his more pigheaded moments, and stays very much a woman in her world. It's a refreshing change from most retellings of the Arthur legends, and manages to be a vibrant novel.
Rowley's writing style is brisk, and she doesn't waste much time having the characters sunk in self-pity. Both the action sequences and the romance are well handled, without too much silliness, and while the story does get a bit odd in places -- the entire bit involving kidnapping and the troll is a bit over the top -- it's still readable.
Rowley has written a previous book in the series, about Lancelot, and there is to be a sequel involving another knight, Gawain, some time in the future.
Four solid stars over all, with both the hero and heroine being interesting enough to keep the reader involved til the end.
Recommended.
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2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE: GERAINT Is A Captivating Read!, April 5, 2007
This review is from: Knights of the Round Table: Geraint (Paperback)
I have read or aspire to read everything in historical fiction concerning Arthurian or spin-off stories from this "legend." In this novel, Geraint and Enid are showcased as very like individuals with the exception that Enid has three magical gifts endowed upon her by The Lady of the Lake. These gifts are a beauty that men find endlessly appealing, the strength of ten men and the ability to cloak or camouflage herself from the eyes of those she does not wish to be seen by.
When Geraint meets his wife she is battling two ruffians. Impressed by Enid's skill and beauty he decides he must marry this woman as he will have her no other way. She is not to be trifled with, however, a few days later after the wedding he wonders if he made a rash decision. His father has always said he's too impetuous.
There are many secrets being withheld between them. Enid's is one of loyalty to her people and training them to be warriors who can successfully defend her tribe. While learning by watching other warriors at Camelot her husband discovers that she would much rather be in the practice yard than embroidering with the ladies. He wonders how much he doesn't know about her and begins to have serious doubts about her fitting in at Arthur's and his father's court, let alone becoming the eventual Queen of Cornwall.
His father sets Geraint out on a mission to meet the people of his domain with his new wife not just with the intention of introduction to their people but to enable Geraint to test her on the journey to determine if she can be trusted. Their adventure leads them into unexpected situations and people with their very lives at stake. Will they grow to finally trust each other with their secrets and work together or will their two kingdoms fight an unnecessary war?
I haven't found many novels that address these two figures in Arthurian times but the author pens a fine read that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
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