I found the dialogue clunky and the plot a bit muddled at times. The vibes were definitely there and the mythology was strong throughout.

A stellar immaculately conceived and executed fantasy. As someone who has never read an Arthurian legend retelling, I didn't feel at all lost. I feel Lafferty handled the historical time and place very well while simultaneously making it very approachable for a contemporary audience. I underlined so many moving and beautiful phrases. The friendship and romance were off the chart. La Vie de Guinevere is a transporting and vital fantasy novel.

Note: This is Book 1 of at least a 2-part series and not a standalone story. This isn’t readily apparent in the title, cover, description, or the inspiring marketing of this book, so I wanted to clarify that upfront. Many beloved fantasy books are series, so I’m not saying this to discourage anyone from reading it, but rather to provide the context and transparency I didn’t have going into it.

If you are an avid romantasy reader, dismiss my review from your court. Many other reviewers have praised this book for being their cup of tea, served in a golden chalice. Since I only sip sparingly from this genre, it’s entirely possible my review is more akin to swill.

I did love The Mists of Avalon, though. So being gifted a copy of a book about a modern-day Guinevere who must go back in time to save not just King Arthur but the future of the world felt like I’d just pulled Excalibur from the stone. However, about 100 pages in, I started slipping into a lake of confusion. Sometimes, with pronouns like he, it, this, I wasn’t sure what they referred to. Additionally, there were moments when the FMC’s reactions—or lack thereof—didn’t track for me. This book hold so much potential, it just needs another round of polish and edits to really help it shine.

Again, I acknowledge I’m an outlier here. If you disagree with my review, I’ll gladly accept your jousting.

There are truly no words to describe how much I LOVED this book. I’m not usually a big reader of Camelot and Arthurian Lore but WOW. I spent two days in shock just thinking the whole book through trying to absorb everything that I had read.

This was beautifully written giving you enough details to bring you in and keep you hooked all the way through to the end. I absolutely can’t wait for Book 2 of this series.

I would give it 🌶️ for spiciness. I was worried this would delve into spice between Arthur and Vera immediately and forget about the rest of the plot development throughout. But Ms. Lafferty truly knew how to keep us on our toes with the development of their relationship.

The characters really develop and have proper depth that bring you to care for them and root for their happiness. There are some characters that are on the precipice of being developed that we don’t see much of/from in the first book that will hopefully be more in detail in the second book. There are characters that you definitely struggle to like or struggle to hate that will slowly reveal who they are and sometimes your initial feelings to them surprise you.

The plot does develop through the book, although it does get a little slow (feels intentional for build up). I love the development of the story and can definitely see how it’s also setting up for a second book without revealing everything or being too flat in the first book.

I was sent an ARC by Ms. Lafferty through NetGalley for an honest review. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I had a hard time reconciling the modern vocabulary with Arthurian storyline, which I know is explained away by Vera's ability to communicate normally and be understood, but that wasn't a satisfying reason for me. I think this will be enjoyed by people who love rom coms, portal fantasy, more modern love stories. As someone who loves Arthurian legend of the past, this just wasn't my cup of tea.

This ARC review is so late coming and I apologize for that but if you haven’t already had the pleasure of hearing about this book, let me introduce you to La Vie de Guinevere!

This book was a surprise in the best way—I haven’t read much Arthurian fiction or lore, so I wasn’t sure how invested I would be in this story, but let me tell you, I was HOOKED from the beginning, and it only got better and better as the story progressed.

La Vie de Guinevere opens on Vera, a young adult living her ordinary 21st-century life, when she learns that she is actually Queen Guinevere. THE Queen Guinevere. As would be expected, Vera is a little hesitant to turn her entire life upside down at this revelation, but she agrees to travel back to the 5th century to try and regain her memories.

Besides being a fresh take on King Arthur’s and Guinevere’s story, this book was gripping, exciting, heartwarming, and brilliantly funny. I was always eager to find out what would happen next, I fell in love with all of the characters, and I was obsessed with Guinevere and Arthur’s budding romance.

Speaking of romance, Lafferty promised tension and swoon-worthy moments and she DELIVERED. The slow burn in this book is unmatched and the last few chapters are absolute gold. I have to say that I desperately wanted to know what was going on in Arthur’s head some of the time (we only get one POV in this one) but I felt satisfied with what we learned in the end.

The world building was so well-done as well — it was so effective without needing to be overly descriptive. I felt like I was right there with the characters and now have a burning desire to visit Glastonbury during Christmastime.

All of Lafferty’s characters are so intriguing, relatable, and loveable (or hateable). They each have a distinct voice and personality, and even better, they’re flawed and complex. I just want to be friends with Lancelot and Gawain and Matilda and Percival, train with Arthur, prank Merlin with Vera… I think you’ll really fall in love with this motley crew.

By the way, If you’ve been needing to hear someone tell you that you are worthy just for existing, read this book. Vera’s character growth is centered around this theme and it was really healing to watch her learn that she doesn’t exist solely to serve a useful purpose, even a noble one.

There were a few instances where I felt a little confused about a few of the characters’ actions and how different plot threads were being pulled around, but for how much emotion I felt while reading — the tension, the peril, the angst, the tenderness, the plot twists! — I’m happy to forgive any minor confusions, and I’m sure the series will only get better from here.

It’s hard to believe that this is Lafferty’s debut novel. She is such a good storyteller and I’m excited to see how she grows and how this series progresses (I think there'll be at least three books?)

Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for the eARC! I'm eagerly awaiting book two!

🌶 Tension, mild innuendos, one brief open-door scene in chapter 46
⚠️ semi-frequent swearing (f*ck, sh*t, etc.) attempted r*pe, death, blood, injury, loss of loved one

This was probably the best Guinniver/Arthur/Lancelot retelling I have read in decades. It was very orginal, hed my iterest fully, and my only complaint i that I want MORE.

Creatively this was so unique and wonderful. I love that I was able to read this. The author did a great job you can really tell they put a lot of thought and care into the story the plot and the characters. Its not easy to write about characters that many know well without critisism but she did a great job.

- Main criticism of the book's marketing is it needs to be clearer that this is a book 1, not a standalone read.
Who to recommend this to: romantasy readers that are fans of different retellings. I liked the characters in this a lot, and I think the author tied up the different plot threads well together. I wish the historical setting was more fleshed out, a bit more of the events and culture of the 6th century brought into play.

One of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint.

I'm a huge fan of the King Arthur story and I loved this unique POV from Guinevere. Magical escapism!

I've also pre-ordered the traditionally published copy as I need the trophy on my bookshelf.

Thanks to Paula Lafferty and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to Paula and NetGalley for the ARC!

First of all, what a commendable journey for Paula and the story she kept with her for so many years. I was so happy to be able to be one of the first people to read and appreciate it. Jumping into the story, I did not know what to expect. I have always been a fan of Arthurian stories, so I was sucked right into the world. The plot and premise of the story were very intriguing. My favorite character was Lancelot. I cannot wait for the next book.

I have loved the world of Arthurian legend since middle school-- from CS Lewis to Tolkien to elementary reader versions, I'll pretty much read anything related to the Knights and Ladies of the Round Table. Paula Lafferty has done a wonderful job of recreating the lore of the original legends, updated with a modern, time-traveling twist. The magic is intact, even with the addition of a diverse set of characters (Lancelot's story arc? *swoon*). This is a classic strangers-to-lovers romance, plus jousting, intrigue, and horses.
I will admit that I felt the first few chapters were a bit of a slow start, but the rest of the book more than made up for it. I cannot wait for the next book to come out! Definitely one of my top ten favs of 2024.


I've reviewed on Facebook, Amazon, Instagram, Threads, Edelweiss, and Goodreads:

This was my favorite read of the year. It’s fresh, fun, thrilling, romantic and extremely well written. I am so excited it's a trilogy. I cannot wait for the next installment and I will be screaming about it to all of my friends for the extended foreseeable future.

I was so so intrigued by the premise of this book!

I am so grateful that it was a fresh take and did not dissapoint.
These stories of King Arthur and Guinevere have been saturated with the same tale told in different ways which do not feel true, and tell a narrative of the man who took a particular perspective when writing.

I did struggle for the first few chapters with the tenses and writing style but soon adjusted as the story got more involved.

I really enjoyed the connection with Guinevere and Lancelot and not how you would think, you'll have to read to find out! Their playful banter was exactly what was needed for Guinna's growth and trust to build.

The pace of the story is slow to rise but it has a depth that keeps you coming back for more. The romance is slow burn which is right up my alley. There is reasons behind this and it would have been off putting if there was even a hint of insta-love.
I really appreciated the adoration that grows between Arthur and Vera.

The ending was a bit abrupt for me, one page, I'm fully invested into reading and the next is the acknowledgements. It felt a little like the book had been cut off instead of readying for the next book or a cliff hanger.

This and the start was the reason for my 4 stars out of 5 instead of 5.
The beautiful story and charactets was definitely a 5, but the flow and consistency was a 4.

I am anticipated high things for the next book and can't wait to see what Paula comes up with.

A fun and engaging take on Arthurian legend that gives you a perfect leading lady.

Adventure, mystery, slow burn romance, betrayal, and bonds of friendship that will warm your heart.

This was a beautifully written retelling of Arthur, Guinevere, and the knights of Camelot. It was full of adventure, magic, and romance, and I could not put it down. I am not a reader who typically enjoys time travel stories, but this had me hooked from the first few pages.

The chemistry not just between Guinevere and Arthur, but between the entire supporting cast was so much to read, and the elements of humor were perfectly balanced with more emotional moments. I loved reading Guinevere's and seeing the change and growth she experienced throughout the book.

The ending had me on the edge of my seat, and I'm so ready for the next book in the series to find out what happens next!!

Thank you to the author, Netgalley, and Avalon Books for the advanced copy. Looking forward to more of this series!

<i><b> "Forever grateful to Paula Lafferty and her beautiful mind for creating a debut novel that has established permanent residency inside my head!!"</b></i>

<b>One Line Review:</b> Is everything that surrounds us actually what it seems? OR, ORRRR…!!! Could we actually be Queens from another time, enchanted to forget our power and magic, but inevitably destined to save the world we’ve been charmed to have forgotten? When I tell you this book weaved some kind of mystical spell on me and refuses to let go, even at this very moment…

<b>Synopsis:</b> Vera is trying to navigate the tumultuous road that exists after losing her boyfriend and the mundane life that is working as a hotel housekeeper day in and day out (speaking from personal experience here, working in a hotel in any capacity has it’s definite negatives.) Her life is never the same after someone pays her a visit from another century, proclaiming that SHE, Vera, is actually Queen Guinevere. With absolutely no memory of this, she begins the journey of uncovering the clues that lead her to who she may truly be, all while trying to save her kingdom and it’s people.

<b>My Thoughts:</b> Where do I even start with how much I loved this book… I backed the Kickstarter campaign as soon as it opened and have absolutely adored following along with Paula’s journey as she navigated the countdown to her publish date. All of the fun of that aside, I recall a time that a book has occupied as much space in my brain as this one has, consistently, even after I read the last pages over a month ago. I am working my way into the fantasy realm of books, and if every one of them is like THIS, I might just be a fantast girly after all!!

I thought the first 1/3 of this was PERFECT but then it got really convoluted and dramatic. I wanted it to stay feeling rom-com-y like the first third. Didn't find the romance believable at all - Arthur wasn't giving much in terms of personality.

I really really enjoyed this book. It was a fresh take on the Arthurian legend with well written characters and a compelling storyline. This is a superb debut novel by Paula Lafferty. Bonus points for portraying modern day Glastonbury properly, clearly the author has visited or researched very well!

I could see the direction the narrative was going and did guess a few of the twists at the end but I was engaged and immersed in the story. I really hope there will be a book 2 because that ending was excellent!

Arthur did start off a bit of an ass but he redeemed himself. Vera was funny and strong and had a really good relationship with the knights. I did love how Vera still kept in touch with her modern roots but adapted well to Arthurian times.

Overall great characters, a good storyline and well paced. There are still a few unexplained bits that I hope are addressed in book 2 (if there will be a book 2!).

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book.

I will probably add more to this review when I have processed the ending of this book!

Very unique story! The time-travel element made me nervous about picking up this book but I really enjoyed it. I loved the deep connections between the characters that sprung up as the story went. The (platonic!) relationship between Lancelot and Vera was one of my favorite parts. The worldbuilding was cool, the hints at the legend, the tension and conflicts all came together. This was a version of Camelot I really liked.
Way to overcome the ghost of BBC Merlin and make me love an Arthurian legend!
Mild warning: not a standalone like I thought and I would really like book two now.