Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend

Tales & Legends for Reluctant Readers, Book 2

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Pub Date Jun 21 2017 | Archive Date Aug 03 2017

Description

“Think before acting,” her father always warned. But Princess Guinevere is ruled by her heart. Her betrothal to King Arthur has not changed this. When Guinevere and Cedwyn’s latest adventure takes a dangerous turn, they find themselves embroiled in a life-or-death struggle as foretold by Merlyn’s Goddess of the Stones. Renegades—foiled in their attempt to kidnap the princess—steal the children of Cadbury Castle to sell as slaves. Guinevere and Cedwyn vow to rescue the children, but a miscalculation puts them all in more danger. The plan quickly unravels, and Guinevere’s impassioned decisions come crashing down as Cedwyn chooses to turn his dream of becoming a knight into reality. Will their courage be strong enough to survive, or will one make the ultimate sacrifice?

“Think before acting,” her father always warned. But Princess Guinevere is ruled by her heart. Her betrothal to King Arthur has not changed this. When Guinevere and Cedwyn’s latest adventure takes a...


Advance Praise

Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Children are attracted to adventure and they don’t see the risks that adults do, refusing to accept many of the limitations and rules enforced for the sole purpose of keeping children safe. Guinevere and Cedwyn are close friends and Cedwyn, although still very young, has pledged his life to protect the princess who will one day be his queen when she marries King Arthur. Being children, they have their adventures. And one such adventure to the mysterious standing stones results in magical visions and then a race for their lives. There are people intent on kidnapping Guinevere. When she out-foxes their intentions, they take the castle children instead to be sold into slavery. Guinevere insists on chasing after the kidnappers and rescuing the children. The adventure intensifies as they risk their lives and become heroes. But are they totally successful in rescuing the children? Or do they just manage to create more problems in the process.

Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend is the sequel to Cheryl Carpinello's first Guinevere story, Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. Both books take the fascinating Arthurian legends and create stories that will entice even the most reluctant of readers. With realistic characters and an exciting plot full of adventure, the reader will be pulled along to an unexpected conclusion, one that demands another book to complete the series. Young readers will certainly easily associate with Guinevere and Cedwyn, who, at their young age, take risks and disobey their parents, while at the same time they reach out to help others and become heroes. A great way to entice readers, even reluctant ones, to follow the adventures found in legends.

Reviewed by Tyler Tichelaar, author of Children of Arthur

At last, Cheryl Carpinello has published her long-awaited Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Book Two, and it ends with a cliffhanger, suggesting yet another book will follow. 

At last, Cheryl Carpinello has published her long-awaited Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Book Two, and it ends with a cliffhanger, suggesting yet another book will follow. 

“This long-awaited sequel to Cheryl Carpinello’s first Guinevere story shows Guinevere and her best friend Cedwyn quickly growing up as danger surrounds them and they act against the wishes of their parents to risk their lives and save others. Believable characters and strong plotting make this book—and series—perfect for encouraging young readers to fall in love with the legend of King Arthur. I can’t wait for book three!”

— Tyler R. Tichelaar, award-winning author of The Children of Arthur series   

Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Children are attracted to adventure and they don’t see the risks that adults do, refusing to accept many of the limitations and rules enforced...


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781946229441
PRICE $2.99 (USD)

Average rating from 4 members


Featured Reviews

This is the second book in this series and unfortunately, I did not read the first one, however, I had not difficulty following and enjoying this story. In Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend, the story opens with Britain at war. Guinevere is home anxiously awaiting news of her father, King Leodegrance, her betrothed, King Arthur and Cedwyn's father who have all gone to battle in the north. Guinevere is 12 and she makes decisions like a 12 year old. She and Cedwyn, her best friend, sneak away from the Castle, to visit the Wizards’ Stones. While at the stones, a goddess appears and gives them both messages that warn them of dangers in their future. It turns out that some villians/renegades are trying to kidnap Guinevere. With the help of Cedwyn, two young boys from the Abbey and some of the villagers, Guinevere and Cedwyn embark on an adventure to save the kingdom.

Author Cheryl Carpinello's plot is a quick, adventurous, story that starts off with a bang and does not slow down until the end. Reluctant readers, the target audience, will love the adventurous duo of Guinevere and Cedwyn who put themselves in danger, yet realize that they are the ones who need to save the day. Others will also enjoy this great story. Life in medieval times was no picnic and kids will learn just how brutal it could be. The descriptions of life, homes, food etc. as well as the relevant details about conditions back then will help young readers get a sense of the time the story is set. Cedwyn seems to be a bit of a leader and based on what the goddess said, he is destined for greater things as he protects his future queen. The themes in the story are pretty obvious yet could be used as discussion points such as, making the right decisions, putting others first, keeping your promises, loyalty and friendship, leadership and responsibility. I liked the questions for discussion at the end of the story. If this was done as a shared reading or read aloud, this could be used to explore the concepts shared as well as a jumping off point for further investigation into the Arthurian times. I definitely recommend this book for family, classroom or school libraries. One I am sure children from the age of 8 and up will enjoy.

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