Dreamy and consuming, like a fire on the verge of spilling over the hearth.

This was so good, y’all. It was especially interesting to read so close on the heels of finishing Kiersten White’s Camelot Rising trilogy (apparently I’m in an Arthurian queer feminist retelling mood.) Merlin does not fare well in either one; I wonder if, as a culture, we’re ready for something different than the wise old man archetype.

If you grew up with any kind of sense of wonder at the natural world and what secrets of further wonder might be found there, if you ever watched other people from the fringes and wondered how to find your place there, if you wish you could peer through the clouded-glass panes of history and myth, I think this book will speak to you.

But make sure you have time to sit and listen; I’m rereading the last few pages and the author’s end notes, back and forth, because I’m just not ready to jump back into the real world yet.

The text feels that kind of sacred, transcendent.

This is an utterly wonderful book, smart and well-written. I read it in one sitting, beguiled by the story and characters and the very telling of them. My mom, a fan of good Arthurian stories, would have adored this book--I wish she was still here to read it. Griffith brings new elements to the Matter of Britain: disability, obsession, empowered women doing good. There is true collaboration between characters, and the characters are rich and human. The author's note at the end, recounting Griffith's research and though processes as she wrote the book, is equally enthralling and a pleasure to read. I cannot wait to discuss this with other people!

I wish I had more stars to give this book. It was the queer fantasy adventure tale of my DREAMS. Per is a perfect combination of honest, open, innocent, eager, and human that made her deeply readable. I think that some people will find her difficult to relate to and even a bit bland, but she is written similarly to a lot of Tolkien characters and very much like old heroes of myth.

It's clear to me that Griffith did her research. When I read the names "Myrddin" and "Gwenhwyfar," I nearly shot out of my skin. Anyone who has done even cursory research on the early Arthur myth will find this story incredibly satisfying. It's so hard to find Arthurian tales that take into account anything earlier than Le Morte D'Arthur, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Spear reads like a Medievsl epic in the tradition of Early Medieval Welsh poetry. Absolutely awesome.

Nicola Griffith's Spear is a lyrically beautiful book that I was thrilled to have been chosen via Netgalley to read and review.

It's a thrilling queer retelling of the Arthurian legend based around Peretur and her journey into Holy Grail legend of her own with her bravery and sheer moxie that wins her way into the Arthurian court with Artos's other infamous companions while hiding her femininity behind the guise of a man. Classics character are abound including Nimue, Kay, Lancelot and all the other big names from the legends you'd expect although not necessarily as you'd expect to find them.

Griffith not only takes a male-centric legend and put a fantastic LGBT twist to it but also took the brave decision to seamlessly meld this famous legend with classic Tuatha De mythology all of which gives Spear it's flowing and hypnotic feel.

A genuinely surprising and stunning read that I would recommend to everyone and anyone.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

I'll admit, "queer retelling of the Arthurian legend" had me immediately excited for this book. I was so happy that it did not disappoint. My only complaint is that I would have loved to see what's next (fingers crossed for a followup!) or even a full length novel. That said, Griffith did an excellent job of incorporating Arthurian mythology on top of amazing character development, so this novella did not feel underwhelming (a common complaint of mine with novellas). Worth a read for anyone interested in queer SFF or the Arthurian legend.

4.5 stars

Tordotcom
Seriously major thanks to you for providing me an eARC!

Spear by Nicola Griffith

Here we have a girl who's destiny was all planned out for her. Before she was even born.
Growing up in the wild in a cave with only her mother she has these visions of a place that's near a lake. When she hears a traveler talk about Artos, king of Caer Leon she understands that's he holds her future.
She tested her strength and magic to see how far she can go.
She gets out of her covenant along with her mother, with one broken hunting spear and a mangled piece of armour.
During this adventure she will see knights and capture the hearts of some beautiful women. Fight the best warriors and sorcerers.
But during all of this she will find love and the lake she was desperately wanting to find!

This was a phenomenal adult fantasy story!
I was so intrigued throughout the entire book I didn't realize I was damn near finished!
Had to slow my role some.
Nicola has a way about her writing that captures you and holds tight.
Can't explain it.... It's something magical and beautiful!
Beautiful writing!
While the story isn't without its flaws, the gorgeous writing, brilliant characters, deep themes and amazing setting makes this amazing story so amazing!
Her characters were all expertly crafted, likable, and added a lot to the story.
The author manages to give us a world full of a historical fiction fantasy retelling and characters who find themselves in stories being such badass!
Loved this book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Publisher, NetGalley and Author for the opportunity to read this ebook!
I will post to my platforms closer to the pub date!