When I was yet a very young woman I threw my heart away. Ever since then I have lived heartless, or almost heartless, the way Humans think all Fey live.
Among the towering trees of magical Avalon, where humans dare not tread, lives Niviene, daughter of the Lady of the Lake. Her people, the Fey, are folk of the wood and avoid the violence and greed of man. But the strife of King Arthur’s realm threatens even the peace of Avalon. And while Merlin the mage has been training Niviene as his apprentice, he now needs her help to thwart the chaos devouring Camelot. Niviene’s special talents must help save a kingdom and discover the treachery of men and the beauty of love…
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A Counsel Oak Leaf Song
Water rising under rock,
Break Earth’s lock,
Floods thirsty roots,
Nurtures sap and trunk and shoots,
Greens and plumps each greedy leaf,
Till dappled sunlight like a thief,
Sucks leaf-water as I breathe,
Makes of mist and airy wreath
To drift and float and wander high
To the sky,
And fall again,
Sweet rich rain,
Run under rock, ans
Rise again.
~ Merlin’s Harp
I like a good fantasy read and the story that was proposed here about Merlin and Arthur really called to me. I have to admit – there is a bit of cover love here too….. I mean look at it! Wouldn’t you want to enter these pages too? I felt it could be magical…. and really hoped it would be.
Nivienne (I imagine rhymes with Vivienne) is a Fey. A Fey lives off in the forests separated from man as much as they can be. The story is told from Nivienne strong perspective and I liked that a story that in the past has had a masculine feel to it, was now being told by a woman…. err… a Fey. Feminine.
I enjoyed the poetry of the book but I seemed to get lost in the activity of what was happening. I like descriptive reads and I did not fully get the look and feel of their surroundings. This left me with a sense of constantly trying to stay caught up in the story.
I wanted to enjoy this book and honestly have to admit I struggled and bumbled my way through it never catching the flow.
You can read the first chapter here
Please take time to read other thoughts on this book:
I received my copy of this book from Sourcebooks
Book Journey 
I can totally understand wanting to like this book! Merlin! Arthur! Strong female! And that cover! Sorry it disappointed, though.
It has all the elements to be a good read Hannah. It may have just been me on this one.
Sometimes a book is that way, though — it seemingly has everything, but still somehow fails.
Sad to hear this book as hard to follow – it’s unfortunate, as it sounds so amazing!
Check out other reviews on this one Brizmus – there are appealing things about the book that I think may be discussed in other reviews.
It sounds like this book had some strong points — I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it more. Thanks for the honest review.
Thanks Stephanie.
This is the second it’s okay type review. I will probably still check it out. That dang cover keeps pulling me in.
The cover shines Zia – it is a perfect cover for the book and I referred to it many times in the story. I like to visualize what the author sees when they write and the cover game me that.
I’m in agreement…this is total cover crush! I get your point with the review though. It’s hard when the plot is too convoluted or not descriptive enough for us to really become enamored with the story. And it’s especially disappointing when the cover and/or synopsis really gets us so excited to read it, only to be summarily disappointed. This was a good, honest review Sheila. Kudos! 🙂
Thanks Michelle!
I can understand why you would feel a little lost in this world. I felt like that reading one of Holly Black’s fey books too!!
Staci I was surprised I didnt take to it more. maybe it was just timing.
Great review!
Thanks Juju!
Wow! There are a lot of people commenting on this book!
The “Fey” world sounds like a fairy world, and I love fairies! Not vampires, though…
I think it is Laurel. Staci mentions above about another book with the fey in it.
This book sounds SO ROMANTIC. I’m kind of bummed you didn’t like it. 😦
I am too heidenkind. I really thought I was going to fly through this book.
I am presently reading The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley which is all about the ladies in King Arthur’s life.
In it, Vivaine is the original Lady of the Lake and Niniane is one considered to take over the role.
I am loving anything to do with King Arthur at the mo, so I would be interested to read this.
I will be interested in your review of The Mists Of Avalon Vivienne. This book is suppose to be compared tot hat one and it also has the Lady Of The Lake in it.
This sounds like a great read. I am adding it to my list. The cover is beautiful as well. Thanks for the review of this book.
Melissa I bet you would do better at getting through it than me from your reviews. I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on the book.
They also changed the cover on line. Mine is an ARC so I think the cover I see on Amazon is the actual book cover. I prefer the arc cover.
Sorry it didn’t live up to the promise of the cover. There are just so many King Arthur/ Camelot books out there. I guess they all can’t be perfect for everyone.
I guess not Carol. 🙂
I have found that with many fantasy/paranormal books the world and character building is rather extensive. It often takes time to get your mind wrapped around it all. It is a matter of getting into the cadence of the story and some are easier than others. Sounds like this one falls into the latter category. If this is a series, hopefully, the next one will be easier to get into.
Pat – usually as I get into a book I can start to get what they are saying and get into the flow of the language… this one I lwas felt a bit lost.
I actually quite liked it. My day is the 11th I think. I loved the aspect of what Merlin tried to accomplish and the view point of the strong female lead. Her sorrow and Merlin caused the destruction of the greatest king of their time. I like also the angle of Lancelot and Guinevere. The book is brilliant. The first paragraph took my breath away. I am so sorry you didn’t like it more!
Pam I am so glad – I just couldn’t get the flow. Sometimes books just dont click or maybe it was timing. I am glad that you will be able to discuss positives of the book so readers can see others opinions.
Thank you for commenting Pam 🙂
Yours is the second review I’ve read that have said they wanted to like this book but just didn’t. I think I’m going to have still read it at some point though–the cover is gorgeous!
It was cover love for me on this one Jeannie. I have read good reviews on this too. I hope you do read it and review it. i would send you my copy but I already shipped it off to another blogger. 🙂