TEST
In Camelot’s Shadow is not a relaxing read. I was sitting on the edge of my seat for most of this book wondering how the lead characters could possibly prevail over the evil they had to overcome. I also have a confession: I really don’t know the “true” telling of Camelot. The last Camelot story I halfway read was Marion Zimmer Bradley’s The Mists of Avalon. I’ve always found the story of King Arthur depressing. Fortunately for me, this book had very little to do with the fall of Camelot, although Arthur and Guinevere play a large part. The beginning of the book mentions the Loathly Lady; perhaps those with more knowledge of the story know what part she has to play in the myth, because I sure didn’t (and still don’t).
Risa of the Morelands was sold by her father, not for money, but in exchange for her mother’s life. Jocosa and Rygehill were returning home after swearing fealty to King Arthur, when Jocosa fell deathly ill. Rygehill found refuge in the den of an evil sorcerer named Euberacon. Euberacon tells Rygehill he can cure Jocosa, but only if he pledges his firstborn’s soul in exchange. Since Rygehill is desperate and believes there will be many children, he agrees. Sadly, once the deal is made, Rygehill is plagued by guilt and his relationship with Jocosa is never the same. All their infant children die, except for the eldest, the strong and beautiful Risa.
Risa and her mother cannot understand why her father continually refuses suitor after suitor for Risa’s hand in marriage. Risa has not been raised as a shrinking violet; she is an excellent shot with a bow and arrow, and a expert rider. When she confronts her father over his behavior, he finally admits the truth to both Jocosa and Risa and they are both understandably devastated. Rygehill tells Risa she will be given over to Euberacon immediately. Risa takes action and sneaks away with help from her father’s faithful steward. Euberacon isn’t an evil sorcerer for nothing: he immediately finds Risa and kills her guardian.
As Sir Gawain tries, stealthily, to return to Camelot and reveal a traitorous plot to King Arthur, he finds Risa desperately trying to avoid Euberacon and “rescues” her. In reality, Euberacon decides it might be beneficial to wait and see what happens with Gawain. In league with Euberacon is a powerful sorceress in her own right, Kerra. Kerra has her own agenda for Arthur, about which Euberacon knows nothing. Between these two powerfully evil people, Gawain and Risa must somehow stand together and protect each other.
It helps that Risa is a very strong and likable heroine. When Gawain must fight the rebel forces controlled by Kerra in order to flee to Camelot, Risa is no slouch in battle with her bow and saves Gawain once or twice. It’s a struggle for them to even reach Camelot, and once they arrive, the situation does not become any easier as Kerra springs her own trap which involves the mythological god of the forest, the Green Man. Gawain must also contend with his own internal struggle as he is no stranger to the fairer sex or being in love. In fact, falling in love is easy for Gawain, it’s the staying power that is difficult for him.
Risa worries over their class differences when she realizes she is falling in love with Gawain. She is the daughter of a minor lord while Gawain is a knight to the King. She is the one that manages to keep her head in the fragile relationship that develops between them with all the surrounding turmoil. At times she has no one to rely on but herself, and she shows tremendous strength of character. In one particular instance she doesn’t wait around for Gawain to rescue her, but works on a solution for herself, even in the midst of some truly nasty sorcery from Euberacon.
Good triumphs over evil here, but it’s a very near thing. As I mentioned, merely reading about Euberacon and Kerra left a bad taste in my mouth. They were almost too evil for me to handle. I worried the entire time I was reading this book over how Gawain and Risa could possibly beat them. For Gawain also, it’s a very near thing and his choices involving women skated on the very edge. Risa’s character was the definite saving grace of this book and I’m not sure Gawain deserves her, although he did redeem himself nicely in the end.
As an aside, Guinevere and Arthur make a strong showing here and I couldn’t help but wonder about their relationship since they are portrayed as deeply in love with each other. My mind kept screaming “betrayal is coming!” throughout their presence in the plot. This was a shame since I especially enjoyed Guinevere. The author notes that the “battle for England will continue in 2005,” however, I for one, will not join that battle since I just can’t bear to read about the downfall I know is on its way. Nevertheless, this was an exciting, action-packed read and fans of the Camelot myth will no doubt want to pick up this interesting twist on the tale. I’m just glad I can relax knowing Euberacon and Kerra aren’t waiting for me.
Grade: B-
Book Type: Fantasy Romance|Medieval Romance|Paranormal Historical
Sensuality: Kisses
Review Date: 14/04/04
Publication Date: 2004
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.