4/5 Stars

I am always down for an Arthurian legend retelling and Kiersten White's twist on this tale is certainly an interesting choice. A changeling taking Guinevere's place provides a totally different perspective. I really enjoyed the elemental magic and the moments delving deeper into the myths. The story is slow though and I was craving a little more action and excitement. I think it's a solid series starter that many will love.

I really wanted to like this book but I just didn't connect with any of the characters. The plot also felt like it was all over the place for me. I did listen to this as an audiobook and I wonder if that effected my emotional connection to the characters. I definitely want to give this book another shot because the sequel sounds really interesting.

I started off this book mildly skeptical about how I would feel about it. Retellings can sometimes be a bit of a slog to get through, especially ones that are well-known enough that you know the ending like the back of your hand. However, what I encountered was a book that was a fresh take on an old classic with enough twists to keep me engaged and turning the page. I swapped between ebook and audiobook and let me say the narrator was a particular treat! I highly recommend listening to this book via audiobook for added immersion.

The Guinevere Deception is the first book I’ve read of Kiersten White and I found the writing style to be enjoyable, albeit maybe slightly bland and light. There’s no flowery language here and her style is straight to the point - which I can get behind.

We open the book with Guinevere off to be married to King Arthur - only… she’s not Guinevere, she’s Merlin’s daughter. And so the deception begins. We find that she’s a changeling - a magic being that has accepted the position of a non-magic person, this plot instigated by her father, Merlin, who was banished from Camelot. Thankfully, we find that Arthur is in on the ruse and open to the prospect of having her at his side as more of a companion and protector than a wife in the biblical sense. However, as the story progresses we see the attraction between them grow.

I loved the development of their slow-burn romance. It’s clear they become pretty quickly attached to each other, though both seem to deny the prospect to themselves, however, their care shows itself in different ways. Guinevere looks forward to Arthur’s return from his frequent travels while Arthur becomes more concerned about Guinevere putting herself in harm’s way.

During her time in the castle, she also makes other friends including Moldred, who quickly becomes another love interest, as well as her lady in waiting, Brangien. I enjoyed her relationship with both of these characters very much so - even more than her relationship with Arthur. In this retelling Moldred is NOT Arthur’s son, however, he seems to be somewhat of his antithesis, which makes for a nice love triangle. Where Arthur is controlled and duty-bound to his kingdom. Moldred is more wild, dark, and clearly pretty infatuated with Guinevere.

We also see a steady stream of the Knights of the Round Table (although not called that in this retelling) who Guinevere develops a range of relationships with… Not always positive. Lastly, we meet Lancelot who becomes the… fourth(?)... portion of this love… quad(?) for Lady Guinevere. While their relationship throughout The Guinevere Deception is platonic, if this sticks to the traditional myth, Lancelot will end up being Guinevere’s lover.

I really enjoyed the deviations from the traditional myth, although I won’t share them here because… *spoilers*... but I look forward to continuing this series and see where it takes the story and if it meets the same tragic end!

I've tried to read this book on three separate occasions, but I can't get into it. I've loved Kiersten's previous series, but right now, it seems like medieval isn't resonating with me right now.

I love Camelot and king Arthur retellings, but this one did not do it for me. I felt as if this whole book was all tell and no show. I also really did not like Guinevere's character or how she reacted to things. Sad because I really enjoyed a lot of Kiersten White's books!

I have not had the time or interest to get through this book, unfortunately. I requested based on the author and would love to get to it eventually.

Okay I wouldn’t have requested this if I had realized that it was the first book in a series, because I knew it would hook me and now I’m dying for more.

This is my first Kiersten White book but I'm sure as hell it's not the last! This is a retelling of an Arthurian legend you didnt know you need. It's dark, characters are amazing and writting is perfect. What do you need more? I cannot wait for the second book!

I really loved the beginning and ending. It did seem to drag a bit in the middle with not a lot happening. I loved Guinevere and Mordred, but the Arthur character seemed a little flat

I will be continuing on with the series and feel like it will likely come together a lot more in the second book.

A great start to a new series and a really interesting take on the Guinevere/King Arthur/Merlin setup. Loved the way that magic works in this world, as well as the whole "Guinevere is protecting Arthur but no one can know" premise.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a hard sell on Arthurian stories, BUT White's writing is lovely that I was immediately pulled in--I loved the re-imagining of such an old (and often androcentric), story. Vivid characters, a fully-realized world, and a story with twists and turns that kept me going until the end!

I was slightly skeptical about this book before I started it, but I loved it! I am a sucker for Arthurian stories, so perhaps that is what doomed me. This book contains most of the main characters, but it reinvents many of them in unique ways. I loved how she recreated Lancelot--inspiring!

I would have liked to see some of the relationships developed a bit more, but I suspect that will come in the sequel, which I eagerly await.

TL;DR (really): read it!

Thanks Netgalley for the free e-arc

You’ve heard the story of the boy who saved Camelot with Excalibur… now it’s time to meet his queen.
The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White takes us to Camelot through the eyes of a young witch known as Guinevere, though that isn’t her given name. Sent by Merlin, her father, Guinevere travels from a convent to the forest to immediately wed King Arthur and be crowned his queen. Magic has been fully banned in Camelot, so while her talents are critical in keeping Arthur safe, she must keep them secret to avoid banishment or death.

As Guinevere struggles to learn whom she can trust, readers are also kept wondering where the threat against Arthur will come from. Merlin has given her little direction, but being a witch sent to his side, it must be a magical threat. Thus, Guinevere has a hard time discovering the people who are illegally practicing magic without revealing her own true nature. Not to mention that he days are filled with the queenly duties of “visiting” the noble ladies of Camelot. Guinevere thinks they’re ridiculous too. 😉

Everyone has a secret.
As per usual, I was certain that I understood who the bad players were in this story. I was wrong. Several times I thought “this is the moment of the truth!” only to realize it was just a hurdle onto the journey of the true climax in the story. I was thoroughly entertained. Throughout the story I was learning and mistrusting others right alongside Guinevere. Her character is so open and honest. I admire Kirsten White’s choice to have Guinevere often make the harder choices rather than the desirable ones. Those moments were reminiscent of true adulthood, it was very queenly for a YA story.

“The Camelot Betrayal“ – Book two in the “Camelot Rising Trilogy” releases November 10, 2020.

I was provided with an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.

4.5/5 Stars

What a fun and delightful retelling!! I have always loved the Arthur/Camelot stories, and we so rarely get to see it from Guinevere's POV. This was a refreshing and unique take on the tale, and I loved how the author crafted it. From Mordred to Merlin to Lancelot, it brought a new flavor to the (round) table. I also loved the way magic was spun into the story. I cant wait to dive into book 2!

Brangien is a complying Guinevere on her travels. I like the name Brangien. The route on the travels changed from farmland to forest like magic .The beginning was a bit slow paced. I couldn't get interested in the characters or events but liked some details.

A unique take on a classic tale, White once again exceeded my expectations with her portrayal of Guinevere and the beautiful world of Camelot.

This is a wonderful take on the Arthurian legend. The characters were fabulous, and the writing was superbly done. This is a book that is being considered for the 2021 Evergreen Teen Book Award top nominees, and with good reason.

I am not likely to purchase this book unless it becomes a nominee--not because I wouldn't recommend it, but because circulation patterns in my library are trending to realistic fiction.

I really love to see women supporting women. Especially in literature. Too often in YA we always see women out against each other via gossip or slut shaming. I enjoyed seeing Guinevere shutting it down. The characters really make this book. The pacing was a little slow at first but it worked out by the end.

I can’t wait for the next one.

Enjoyed but lost interest about halfway in. I’m looking forward to the second book either way and hope to reread it when i’m in more of a mood for it.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!

I absolute love retellings and reimaginings of classic tales! It was fun to get more from Guinevere’s perspective and I loved all the twists and turns the book took. There were times when the story dragged but overall it was a fun read and I look forward to picking up the sequel.