Igraine's life has been mapped out for her from the start. As a second child of nobility, she was destined to be trained in the Mysteries of Avalon, dedicating herself to the Goddess. An arranged marriage to Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall makes her a Duchess. Igraine loves her people, serves her Goddess and finds love in her marriage. Gorlois has been a faithful fighter to King Uther Pendragon. Now, finally in a time of peace, Uther attempts to take Igraine for himself. To Gorlois, this is an act of war. However, the strings are being pulled behind the scenes by Vivian, Lady of the Lake and Merlin to fulfill a prophecy about Igraine's son. Igraine has two daughters, Morgause and Morgan; however, with Gorlois turning his back to the Mysteries and choosing to worship one God, Vivian and Merlin no longer see Gorlois fit to father the King of their prophecy. After the war in her name, Igraine learns of the layers of deceit and her role as a pawn for Vivian and Merlin and decides to take her future into her own hands.
The Chosen Queen is a historical fantasy that explores the origins of King Arthur from his mother's perspective. Dimensional characters and expert world building bring to life Igraine, Gorlois, Vivian, Uther, Merlin, Morgan and Morgause as well as their home in Tintagel. The writing is rich in detail and has a strong atmosphere. Igraine is strong and powerful, a born leader but is used by Vivian and Merlin simply as a vessel to bring forth Arthur. I wish that I could have seen Igraine as the leader she envisioned herself as. I was entranced by Igraine and Gorlois' relationship as well, they seemed so in love with one another despite growing differences in their faith. The Mysteries of Avalon were also intriguing to me as well as Igraine's complete faith in her teachers, Vivian and Merlin, to lead her personal life despite their directions to be in opposition to Igraine's needs. I enjoyed Igraine's time in charge of her own castle, leading women with purpose and teaching her children skills they would soon need. I especially loved the rituals and her bonds with the women and men left at the castle. While Igraine may not have been able to choose every step of the way, she showed immense strength while being manipulated by those she trusted.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Chosen Queen is a historical fantasy that explores the origins of King Arthur from his mother's perspective. Dimensional characters and expert world building bring to life Igraine, Gorlois, Vivian, Uther, Merlin, Morgan and Morgause as well as their home in Tintagel. The writing is rich in detail and has a strong atmosphere. Igraine is strong and powerful, a born leader but is used by Vivian and Merlin simply as a vessel to bring forth Arthur. I wish that I could have seen Igraine as the leader she envisioned herself as. I was entranced by Igraine and Gorlois' relationship as well, they seemed so in love with one another despite growing differences in their faith. The Mysteries of Avalon were also intriguing to me as well as Igraine's complete faith in her teachers, Vivian and Merlin, to lead her personal life despite their directions to be in opposition to Igraine's needs. I enjoyed Igraine's time in charge of her own castle, leading women with purpose and teaching her children skills they would soon need. I especially loved the rituals and her bonds with the women and men left at the castle. While Igraine may not have been able to choose every step of the way, she showed immense strength while being manipulated by those she trusted.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
