In Camelot’s Shadow

In Camelot’s Shadow (2004) Sarah Zettel

I knew when I started the book that this was going to be a fantasy/romance. Perhaps for that reason, or perhaps because the romance was well done, and I haven’t read a well written romance before. But whatever the reason, I really liked this book.

I picked it up because I had read a positive review, and then came across a used copy, and so decided to take a chance. And because it has a gorgeous cover. Yay for strong beautiful women, and yay for cover at that gets things precisely right. The character and costume are exactly as described in the book, but the cover doesn’t give away any of the story.

As far as historical accuracy, oddly enough my knowledge of legend and folklore has a huge hole in it the size of Camelot–I may own La Mort d’Arthur, but I haven’t yet gotten around to reading it. So everything I know of Camelot comes from The Mists of Avalon. However since I don’t know the story, I wasn’t bothered by the fact that the story wasn’t accurate, so that’s probably a good thing.

The story is of Risa’s flight from her father’s deal with a sorcerer, and Sir Gawain attempt to save her from her plight. However, I was quite pleased with the fact that Risa wasn’t waiting around to be rescued, but was instead going about attempting to rescue herself. Again, this may well be historically inaccurate, but I have no interest in reading about women waiting around to be saved, so this was perfect.

The book seems a combination of modern and historical–Risa is a strong woman, probably stronger than one might have found at that time, but not unreasonably so, given that she was an only child, doted on by her parents. But even if it is unreasonable given the context (and I don’t know if it is or not) it doesn’t bother me, because I’m used to fantasy placed in a setting where women can be strong without causing comment. She was, however, concerned with propriety; knowing that travelling alone with a man, even a knight, it would be assume that her virtue had been compromised. But she wasn’t that concerned. Again, no clue if it’s historically accurate, but it was interesting.

So I liked this book, and enjoyed it although it was a departure from y normal fare, the romance wasn’t too overwhemling, and was tame enough that I will have no problem loaning this book to my grandmother.
Rating: 9/10

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