Sarah Zettel Reviews

Added May 24, 2006

Under Camelot's Banner

Author: Sarah Zettel
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: April 2006
Genre: Fantasy: Historical/Romantic
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.95
ISBN: 0373802315
Author Email/Website: www.sff.net/people/sarah-zettel/
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus
Rating: 8 Gargoyles

The next in the Camelot series, Under Camelot's Banner deals with the story of Lynet and Gareth. For Lynet, she's seen too much and trusts very little, but when war threatens their kingdom of Camliard, she must face her past while leaving her sister, Laurel as a hostage. Her only hope is to bring back Queen Guinevere to help settle the problems.

Gareth seeks knighthood, but he's got problems of his own. Yet, when he sees Lynet, he realizes the quest he's on is no game and there's more to the young lady than he could ever imagine. Together they must work together to not only save Camliard, but also deal with Morgaine, who is up to no good once again.

Sarah Zettel has once again managed to bring you deep within the world of the Arthurian mythology and bring it alive. I enjoy the tales of Lynet and Gareth, but this rendition is so deep in the hows and the whys that part of you feels that it must really have happened just this way. Though there were times within the story that I wished it moved along a bit faster, I think that was more my anticipation of what was happening more than the author's fault. I truly enjoyed the relationship between Lynet and her sister and how she eventually falls for Gareth. Lynet's hidden past is one that makes one pause to see if you, yourself could've done anything different, especially in a time where there was little choice. Truly a wonderful part of the Arthurian mythos, Under a Camelot's Banner has won a place on my keeper shelf.

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Added May 9, 2005

For Camelot's Honor

Author: Sarah Zettel
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: April 2005
Genre: Fantasy: Arthurian
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $13.95
ISBN: 0-373-80218-8
Author Email/Website: www.sff.net/people/sarah-zettel/
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Elen's family is dead-- dead because they wanted to see what Arthur offered in the way of alliance, not realizing that Urien and Morgaine worked together to her detriment and the loss of her family holdings. In fact, she's in an elaborate plan that might just have her betraying everything she holds dear, including her growing power.

Who can help Elen to stop the enchantment that has hold of her? Would anyone want to? Within the land, the only one who steps up to help her is Sir Geraint, knight of Arthur and brother to Gawain. Together they face many tests and trials, but in the end will Elen choose honour and a possible future over revenge?

Being familiar with many of the Arthurian myths and legends, I was thrilled to see a retelling of Geraint and Enid. Ms. Zettel retells this classic myth with a style that fits miraculously into the existing Arthurian myth, yet sets a standard that many other stories fail to achieve. Geraint is the brother to Gawain, Agravaine, and Gareth. Seeing the knights of legend in a setting that makes them more human and understandable helps to show how Geraint assists Elen/Enid as she struggles to cope with the loss of her family.

Seeing Elen's struggle to deal with her family, the right to revenge their deaths, and fight against Morgaine was truly spectacular and the use of magic, done in the style of the old Celtic tales was wonderful. Beyond the meaning of the colours, the explanations of traditional Welsh customs-- which were accurately portrayed, Ms. Zettel brings them together in a story that shows that sometimes revenge isn't the best solution when it means that your happiness and the carrying on of the family name might be in vain.

If you read or collect Arthurian legends, this series about Camelot, especially For Camelot's Honor, must be among them. Truly an innovative series that brings the old legends to light using reconstructionism and reconstructed Celtic rites, you'll find yourself not only a satisfying read, but also a deeper understanding of the world of Arthur.

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