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Reviews for
Prelude to Camelot
by Cynthia Breeding
Inspired glimpse into the early
Arthurian days
In PRELUDE TO CAMELOT, Cynthia Breeding looks into the early days of
the Arthurian kingdom initially through focused, precise vignettes
of the well-known secondary characters from the days of Uther and
Ygraine to a look into the youthful days of Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, and
Galahad, a man who will later become widely known as Lance for a
valiant deed. Combining meticulous historical detail and an intimate
knowledge of the medieval Arthurian source material with a brilliant
imagination, Cynthia Breeding brings well-known characters to life
in ways that reveal their personalities, loyalties and conflicts
with a freshness that will appeal to Arthurian junkies as well as
those less familiar with the medieval source material. The often
troubling Uther-Ygraine story finally makes more sense in Cynthia
Breeding's account as she allows the reader to see through Ygraine's
perspective. Drawing on her experience in the romance genre, Cynthia
Breeding sheds light on the female characters of Arthurian romance
in ways many previous accounts have not. Each and every one has a
unique personality and history. Even Elaine, a character who often
appears rather dull to modern women readers now in PRELUDE TO
CAMELOT leaps off the page with a new vibrancy. In Cynthia
Breeding's narrative, Gwenhwyfar's early days show a woman who is
strong, daring and not afraid to make her own way in a world where
women's roles are often narrowly circumscribed. The wicked
characters are delightfully wicked, revealing the personalities and
motivations behind the characters whose later actions have familiar
consequences.
In PRELUDE TO CAMELOT, Cynthia Breeding takes a step back from the
romance genre while also incorporating certain aspects of the
romance genre, such as her treatment of the female characters, to
give her narrative a flavor that will appeal to women readers
looking for a richer glimpse into the Arthurian world. As the women
characters become more fleshed out with their own individuality, so
do the men characters and the alliances between characters. The
youthful days of Arthur and Galahad, later called Lance, not only
show their development as warriors but as two men with individual
talents and self-knowledge.
In PRELUDE TO CAMELOT, Cynthia Breeding tells the story of the
happier days of the Arthurian world, when optimism and hope prevail
and yet she interweaves an ominous thread that gives the story more
power and emotion. As readers who know what will come to pass both
in the Arthurian story itself, and in Cynthia Breeding's particular
story of Arthur, Gwenhwyfar and Lancelot, Cynthia Breeding does an
excellent job of framing this story to build up to a breathtaking
conclusion.
As a lover of Arthurian fiction, this reader has tremendously
enjoyed the past works by this author. PRELUDE TO CAMELOT, however,
stands out as her best work to date in technical skill as well as
imagination. Quite simply, this work is special and truly inspired.
As the source material for the early days is more limited, the
author incorporates more of her unique imaginative voice to the
story and the characters. The vignette style works well with an
effortless transition to a more linear narrative as the story
unfolds. As she moves more from romance into the realm of fiction,
this work exhibits an even more fine-tuned freedom and precision. In
PRELUDE TO CAMELOT, Cynthia Breeding fans will discover that the
author has truly found her niche --- and undoubtedly she will gain
new fans with her latest Arthurian tale. Arthurian lovers new to
this author are advised to start with this work, not so much because
of Arthurian chronology, but because this work exhibits a new
exciting direction in the author's vision. Brava!
Merri, Medieval Book Reviews
Night Owl Romance
Reviewed by: Amy C.
3.75 stars
This book begins with Arthur, Gwenhwyfar,
and Lancelot as children and follows them through adolescence into
young adulthood. I was quite intrigued by Ms. Breeding’s take on the
Camelot legends. I thought Merlin or Myrddin have Morgan le Fey
melded with him, always niggling at his ear quite an interesting
take on old tales of Merlin having a bit of a ‘thing’ for Morgan le
Fey. I’ve read several Arthur tales and I always have a soft spot
for ones which take a traditional medieval approach, and for that
Ms. Breeding’s blending of historical and fey was very well done.
RT Rating: 4 Stars
Category: HISTORICAL
Setting: 480 A.D. - 500 A.D England
As the title implies, this is a look at the Arthurian legend when
the principals involved are quite young and Uther Pendragon yet
lives. Fans of the legends of King Arthur should enjoy the
interesting twists.
Summary: Uther Pendragon, the King of Kernow, desires Ygraine, the
wife of one of his vassals. With the help of his magician, Myrddin,
he has her and so begets Arthur. As the young Arthur grows, unaware
of who his father really is, he makes friends and enemies and is
taught and guided by Myrddin.
His main enemy is his half-sister Morgana, while his friends include
Bedwyr, the older brother of Gwenhwyfar. He experiences his first
kill in battle, marriage, the sorrow of love lost, first thoughts of
the round table, the realization that Gwenhwyfar has grown into a
spirited woman and the final revelation of his true heritage.
(HIGHLAND PRESS, May, 224 pp., $11.99) HOT
—Susan Mobley, Romantic Times
Rating: 4 Cups
Gwenhwyfar is not the modest maiden favored by society. She is
feisty, opinionated, and wants more out of life than the average
woman of her time.
Arthur is destined to be a great king. He is handsome, strong willed
and determined, and very suited to his destiny. Everyone knows the
story of King Arthur and his Round Table. This story tells the
reader about the early life of Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, and the others,
setting the scene for the well known tale.
This is a very enjoyable tale. I always loved the stories of
Camelot, but the author has really brought the characters and all of
their strengths and weaknesses to life here. Arthur, Gwen, and the
others have become real people that the reader can understand. The
plots moves quickly and I was quickly absorbed in the story. Fans of
Camelot will love this tale as will any reader of historical
romance.
Maura, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
This entry is to reflect on Cynthia Breeding's entry into the
childhood of Arthur of Camelot. In truth, a fascinating entry, with
the author spinning the threads of the very complex web of
Arthurania with a deft hand at the wheel. If literary license had
been taken, then one can forgive the author for doing so as the
story became clear and easy to read with these (possible)
adjustments. [Just how many permutations of Morgan(a) Le Fey can
there be? But I digress.]
Cynthia Breeding's PRELUDE TO CAMELOT is a lovely and fascinating
read, a book worthy of being shelved with my Arthurania fiction and
non-fiction. Additionally, I believe that it will be needful reading
for the author's upcoming Berkey title, CAMELOT'S DESTINY. Whether
or not the two books are linked, beyond the obvious, I do not know,
not having read the Berkley book, but I believe that PRELUDE TO
CAMELOT is a worthy read. Recommended.
Four and One Half Mystique Moons. (Outstanding)
Brenda Thatcher, Co-Owner Mystique Books
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