The King's Damosel

Author: Vera Chapman

Release Date: April 28th, 1978 

Publisher: Avon

Genre(s):  Fantasy, Arthurian (*Note: I don't really categorize this as YA, but some people might consider it YA because the heroine is in her late teens)

Pages: 143 

*2nd book of a series*

*Spoilers are hidden! Highlight the page to see them!:)~*

Summary (Goodreads):

A magical glimpse into the legendary age of Arthurian chivalry.

Lynett, unwilling bride of the Round Table Knight, Gaheris, leaves her husband and the true love of her life, his brother Gareth, to become the King's messenger.

Knightly chivalry is beset by Dark Age barbarity in this richly woven tapestry of heroes and heroines, monsters and saints, temptresses and magicians.

Review: 

I admit my guilt: I watched the movie before I read the book.   Granted, the movie was VERY loosely based on the novel, so I guess my crime is justified ;).  I won’t really compare the book and the movie because, as said before, the movie was VERY VERY loosely based. (But as a side note, I really liked the movie :)).

This novel was a beautiful tale, sad and hopeful all at the same time.   It was told much like a myth or a fairytale, which means it’s very simple and smooth flowing.  I had no issues with this novel other than wanting it to go more into detail about the adventures Lynett had with the knights; their bond with each other was cute, but I think it would have been more aww- inducing if we had seen more of their tales (instead of a brief overview).  (But that’s just a minor, minor complaint.  I really loved this book overall!) 

I appreciated all the messages in this Arthurian tale (the strong feminist theme, learning about true love, and forgiveness- to name a few:)).   l adored watching Lynett grow from this insecure tomboy to a confident young woman who eventually understood love.    Her relationship with Lucius was so sweet and heartbreaking; it’s impossible not to root for them (given what had happened to Lynett earlier and Lucius’ own circumstances), and at the end when he makes the most romantic yet devastating choice, it’s hard to hold back a few tears. (WHY COULDN’T THE BOOK HAVE BEEN LIKE THE MOVIE ;(?)

Overall, it was a beautiful read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for an Arthurian tale with a feminist kick.

Thanks for reading!:)   

Rating: 3 out of 5