Anyone who loves tales about King Arthur, Lancelot and Gwenhyfar should definitely pick up Cynthia Breeding’s CAMELOT’S DESTINY. While writing a novel is difficult enough, I think it’s doubly commendable for an author to craft a beautifully written version of a well-known tale. Breeding has added her own twists to Arthur, Lancelot and Gwenhyfar and their classic love triangle. 

Gwenhyfar’s father has made a deal with Arthur for his 16-year-old daughter, Gwenhyfar. A spunky, high-spirited girl, Gwen doesn’t want to marry at all but certainly doesn’t want to marry Arthur once she’s glimpsed Lancelot, Arthur’s captain of horse. The marriage goes forward, and Gwen vows to do her duty, but loving two men can make life very complicated. 

Arthur, the high king of Britain, loves both Lancelot and Gwen, but his duty as a king must come first. Lancelot, too, is conflicted with a strong love of Gwen but an ingrained loyalty to Arthur. 

Into the plot, Breeding introduces Nimue, a high priestess of Avallach, who practices the will of the Goddess and plays a vital role in the tale. Another player is Morgana, Arthur’s half sister who has her own agenda in all she does. 

Breeding breathes life into her characters, both primary and secondary, so the reader feels their happiness, need for power, pain and conflict. The novel flows well, moving smoothly among different viewpoints with enough history to let the reader know what went on but not too much to slow the tale down. Breeding has done her research well and provides resources on her website for those interested in learning more about the period. This novel is a must read for those for whom it will serve as an introduction to Arthurian legend and those who are familiar with the tale.  

Breeding has a masterful way with words, descriptions and dialogue with the exception of a few slips into colloquial language. While I noticed them, they were certainly not enough to keep me from continuing to turn pages. Overall, this is a wonderful book and a new look at a well-loved tale. I look forward to reading FATE of CAMELOT, the next book in her ARTHURIAN series from Highland Press.

Reviewed by Katherine Petersen for The Road to Romance

November 11, 2008