Title: Child of the Northern Spring: Book One of the Guinevere Trilogy
Author: Persia Woolley
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition
Publication Date: November 1, 2010
Paperback: 576 pages
ISBN: 978-1402245220
Genre: Historical Fiction
Among the first to look at the story of Camelot through Guinevere’s eyes, Woolley sets the traditional tale in the time of its origin, after Britain has shattered into warring fiefdoms. Hampered by neither fantasy nor medieval romance, this young Guinevere is a feisty Celtic tomboy who sees no reason why she must learn to speak Latin, wear dresses, and go south to marry that king. But legends being what they are, the story of Arthur’s rise to power soon intrigues her, and when they finally meet, Guinevere and Arthur form a partnership that has lasted for 1500 years.
This is Arthurian epic at its best—filled with romance, adventure, authentic Dark Ages detail, and wonderfully human people.
My Review:
Having always enjoyed historical novels about King Arthur and Guinevere and having read some expertly written series, Hellen Holick’s Pendragon series springs to mind, I have always wanted to read the legend through the eyes of Guinevere as she has always intrigued me and so when I heard there was a trilogy being re-released telling Guinevere’s version of events, I knew I had to read Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley. It is evident from the beginning that Woolley took her time researching the history of the time period as she goes into extraordinarily vivid description. Her characters come to life and it is intriguing to view Guinevere’s childhood and how she met Arthur through her eyes. As with every Arthurian legend I have read there are revolts, uprisings, adventure, misadventure, danger and love, making Child of the Northern Spring a fast-paced and thrilling adventure and one I did not want to end. I look forward to reading the other two books in Woolley’s trilogy; Queen of the Summer Stars and Guinevere: Legend in Autumn. I highly recommend Child of the Northern Spring to anyone who enjoys strong female characters, Arthurian legends, and well-researched and written historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of Child of the Northern Spring by Persia Woolley from Sourcebooks. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
My daughter read and reviewed this book and loved it as well. I haven’t read the Pendragon series but have heard so many good things about it. I think I’ll go order it now! Thanks for a great review!
I loved reading the story from Guinevere’s perspective. The Pendragon Series by Helen Hollick is brilliant.