I absolutely adore this retelling of the Arthurian legend. I immediately fell in love with the characters and their witty banter, as well as their troubles and goals. Emry is an intriguing character with her fierceness and insecurities. Arthur isn't the strong figure we all know from the legend, and it was so rewarding to see him start to develop into that person. I loved seeing their perspectives, and I can't decide whose POV I liked more. Schneider creates a fascinating world that I just want to keep learning about. The casual queer characters, so plentiful, were so refreshing! Reading this was so easy and natural, I am astounded at how much time flew by while I was reading!
However, I think this novel falls a bit short in pacing. I think too much happens in quick succession in the final quarter of the novel that not many of the changes/resolutions felt all very natural. While I do think they are all important, I feel that there could have been more build-up to them before something is suddenly accepted and changed. Related, I feel like the reactions at climatic events were a little flat. I expected larger reactions from the characters in pivotal moments in the story but their reactions were very quick and glossed over. While not a terrible execution, I do wish I could've felt more with the characters during these moments.
Overall, though, I loved this novel. Scheider writes beautifully about this Camelot and its cast of characters. I cannot wait to read more about Emry, Arthur, and the others!
However, I think this novel falls a bit short in pacing. I think too much happens in quick succession in the final quarter of the novel that not many of the changes/resolutions felt all very natural. While I do think they are all important, I feel that there could have been more build-up to them before something is suddenly accepted and changed. Related, I feel like the reactions at climatic events were a little flat. I expected larger reactions from the characters in pivotal moments in the story but their reactions were very quick and glossed over. While not a terrible execution, I do wish I could've felt more with the characters during these moments.
Overall, though, I loved this novel. Scheider writes beautifully about this Camelot and its cast of characters. I cannot wait to read more about Emry, Arthur, and the others!