FOR CAMELOT'S HONOR

Author: Sarah Zettel ISBN: 0373802188 4/2005 FANTASY Publisher: LUNA
Time Period: Pont Cymryd, Anno Domini 520

A quest of hidden shadows, old gods and immense power— And the battle for Britain continues! Elen believed nothing could withstand her retribution against her family's killer. The daughter of a Welsh chieftain, Elen would wield her growing powers to destroy her enemy and win back her lands. But then she learned of the power behind the invader—the fearsome sorceress Morgaine, who'd vowed to destroy Camelot... Rather than attack Elen directly, Morgaine created an elaborate plan to cause Elen to betray all she held dear, including her new ally, the High King. Still holding fast to hope, facing deadly foes seen and unseen, Elen traveled through the wild mountains to find a magical weapon to strike down the sorceress. Sir Geraint, her only companion, would risk life and love to complete their quest—but never honor. Yet will Elen choose honor and the future over revenge and a shattered past?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

FOR CAMELOT'S HONOR is the sequel to IN CAMELOT'S SHADOW, which I have not had the privilege of reading. Yet. I enjoyed this Arthurian tale enough that I should very much like to pick up any that came before it, and most certainly any book that follows.

As much as I enjoy the magic, knights, giants, evil kings, and the like, this is mostly a fantasy read, not a romantic one. A hero knight of the round table is featured here, with a tragic heroine possessed of magic, and they do fall in love. However, their union is forced out of necessity, and their journey to save themselves is not romantic in the least. As a matter of fact, it is odd, uncertain, and downright scary at times. The parts containing together time are glossed over and take a backseat to the volatile action happening around them.

If you are a fan of King Arthur stories, magical beings, and places unheard of and barely whispered about, you will enjoy this splendidly written tale. It is graphic in detail and fraught with tension that only black magic and unbalanced evil doers can provide. Gripping and beautiful at the same time, the author weaves a yarn that, no doubt, will spin into another book.

Shannon Johnson