For lovers of King Arthurian topics and writing style
"The Princess of Selgovae and the High King" by Bryce D. Gibby is an epic fantasy and historically-inspired adventure. Set in the 5th and 6th centuries of ancient Britain, this novel takes the classic character of King Arthur, and weaves him into its own, unique story of chivalry, war, romance, and mythological retelling.
What I liked:
- This piece of fiction is SO incredibly well-researched! The author is surely an expert on all things ancient Britain, Arthurian literature, Saxons, Angles, and Christianity. I have sincerely never been so wildly impressed with an author's commitment to historical depth and accuracy, while simultaneously understanding the spaces of where to embellish and fantasize for the novel's plot and characters.
- The world building is extensive and immersive. If you're the type of person who enjoys a deep-dive into world-building and curating a mental map, this book is definitely for you.
- The graphics and illustrations were a beautiful surprise! I've never read a fantasy book with illustrations (bar the usually-included world map in the first few pages). Kudos to the illustrator for helping to further immerse the reader into the fictional world!
What was not for me:
- Having read the blurb, which is in standard English vocabulary and sentence-structure, I was not aware that the book would be written in more of the traditional, Arthurian style, or what other readers have compared to the writing styles of J.R Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. Unfortunately, this was something that I could not get past. It reminded me of my days in high school, trying to read/write book reports on classic literature where I had to utilize Cliff Notes to help decipher the text. That said, this is not a reflection on the skills of the author. Instead, it is simply a reflection of my, the reader's, personal preferences. I appreciate and understand that many other readers may love this book and it's writing style for the same reasons that I don't.
- Again, just a personal preference that colored the way I view the book: I prefer character-development over world-building. For me, while some world-building is crucial to build the mental picture in the reader's mind, I find too much world-building to feel methodical and monotonous.
- At times, the writing felt detached, as if I were reading a textbook. In passages outside of dialogue, I sometimes had to remind myself that this was a story and a work of fiction, not a nonfiction piece of mere facts. Again, all personal preference, and something other readers may love.
This book was not for me, but how boring would it be if every book ever written, was for every reader? Overall, if you love King Arthurian times, historical works, religious conflict, epic fantasy, and a Knight romance, you'll enjoy this book.
What I liked:
- This piece of fiction is SO incredibly well-researched! The author is surely an expert on all things ancient Britain, Arthurian literature, Saxons, Angles, and Christianity. I have sincerely never been so wildly impressed with an author's commitment to historical depth and accuracy, while simultaneously understanding the spaces of where to embellish and fantasize for the novel's plot and characters.
- The world building is extensive and immersive. If you're the type of person who enjoys a deep-dive into world-building and curating a mental map, this book is definitely for you.
- The graphics and illustrations were a beautiful surprise! I've never read a fantasy book with illustrations (bar the usually-included world map in the first few pages). Kudos to the illustrator for helping to further immerse the reader into the fictional world!
What was not for me:
- Having read the blurb, which is in standard English vocabulary and sentence-structure, I was not aware that the book would be written in more of the traditional, Arthurian style, or what other readers have compared to the writing styles of J.R Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. Unfortunately, this was something that I could not get past. It reminded me of my days in high school, trying to read/write book reports on classic literature where I had to utilize Cliff Notes to help decipher the text. That said, this is not a reflection on the skills of the author. Instead, it is simply a reflection of my, the reader's, personal preferences. I appreciate and understand that many other readers may love this book and it's writing style for the same reasons that I don't.
- Again, just a personal preference that colored the way I view the book: I prefer character-development over world-building. For me, while some world-building is crucial to build the mental picture in the reader's mind, I find too much world-building to feel methodical and monotonous.
- At times, the writing felt detached, as if I were reading a textbook. In passages outside of dialogue, I sometimes had to remind myself that this was a story and a work of fiction, not a nonfiction piece of mere facts. Again, all personal preference, and something other readers may love.
This book was not for me, but how boring would it be if every book ever written, was for every reader? Overall, if you love King Arthurian times, historical works, religious conflict, epic fantasy, and a Knight romance, you'll enjoy this book.