The Chosen Queen
A Novel of the Pendragon Prophecy
Attending to gaps in the Arthurian legends with care, Sam Davey’s captivating fantasy novel The Chosen Queen delves into the dangerous web of politics, religion, and magic that led to the birth of King Arthur.
Through the machinations of Druid and royal advisor Merlin and Vivian, the High Priestess of Avalon, King Uther is convinced that Igraine must become his wife. But Igraine is already married to Duke Gorlois and is the mother of his two daughters, Morguase and Morgan. The resultant war between Uther and his once-trusted warlord brings to the fore the growing divide between those who follow the old religion of the goddess and those who follow a new religion, Christianity.
Elegant and intricate, the novel fills a recent void for feminist fantasy audiences, fleshing out Igraine beyond her traditional role as a mere vessel for Arthur’s birth and refreshing the timeless atmosphere of Tintagel with everyday details. Herein, Igraine’s loyalties are divided, but she still remains focused on leading her people and deciding her own destiny. Though her husband begins to follow Christianity, she insists on observing the goddess traditions she was brought up within. And when Vivian and Merlin tell her that it is prophesied that she marry Uther, she refuses, choosing to follow her own heart and mind and fighting to control her own narrative. In addition, both Morgause and Morgan play significant roles in the story; they are fleshed out via details of their activities prior to their time with Arthur. Here and elsewhere, the book adds dimension to the legends.
The compelling historical fantasy novel The Chosen Queen breathes life into an overlooked figure of Arthurian legend, giving her dimension and personality.
Reviewed by
Catherine Thureson
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