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Synopsis (from Goodreads):
The Lady of the Lake is the true hero in this cinematic twist on the tale of King Arthur created by Thomas Wheeler and legendary artist, producer, and director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Night Returns, Sin City). Featuring 8 full color and 30 black-and-white pieces of original artwork by Frank Miller.
Whosoever wields the Sword of Power shall be the one true King.
But what if the Sword has chosen a Queen?
Nimue grew up an outcast. Her connection to dark magic made her something to be feared in her Druid village, and that made her desperate to leave…
That is, until her entire village is slaughtered by Red Paladins, and Nimue’s fate is forever altered. Charged by her dying mother to reunite an ancient sword with a legendary sorcerer, Nimue is now her people’s only hope. Her mission leaves little room for revenge, but the growing power within her can think of little else.
Nimue teams up with a charming mercenary named Arthur and refugee Fey Folk from across England. She wields a sword meant for the one true king, battling paladins and the armies of a corrupt king. She struggles to unite her people, avenge her family, and discover the truth about her destiny.
But perhaps the one thing that can change Destiny itself is found at the edge of a blade.
Review:
I was very interested in this book when I heard that actress Katherine Langford was developing Cursed, by Thomas Wheeler, into a show on Netflix. After reading this novel, which is an origin story of the Arthurian Lady of the Lake, I am all in! With compelling characters, and an action-packed story, I loved this sweeping fantasy.
What I Liked:
Characters:Nimue, who has a deep connection with The Hidden (a magical force), has always been an outcast. Her abilities create fear among most people and so she yearns to leave her small village for a fresh start. But fate steps in. Suddenly, she has the Sword of and is tasked with delivering this to Merlin the Magician.
I loved Nimue's journey from a girl who's only concerned with herself, to a young woman willing to fight and sacrifice for her people. She was fierce, brave, and heart-breaking in her yearning to connect with others.
I was also fascinated by Merlin. He begins as a man who's glory days are long over. Instead of the mentoring future kings, he's a con artist who is drunk most of the time. Finding out how this came to be was really captivating.
There are also appearances by several of the characters who will be central to the Arthurian legend. Gawain, Percival, Lancelot, Morgan, Arthur, and many others create a promise of further adventures.
Story:
The story begins with a raid on Nimue's village and never lets up. Besides Merlin, many others are ruthlessly pursuing the sword. There is Father Carden, a sadistic priest who sees it as his mission to "purify" anyone who stands in his way with torture and death. King Uther Pendragon, who's legitimacy to rule is tenuous, seeks the sword to seal his claim to the throne. The Viking Ice King, who also has a claim to the throne, jumps into the fray, as well.
But it's Nimue who has the sword and she's not afraid to use it to defend her people, the Fey. As she cuts down her enemies with ease, one begins to wonder who is in control: Nimue, or the sword. Can she wield the weapon and remain untouched, or will this unbridled power drive her insane?
As the various forces close in on Nimue and her friends, the tension rises to a fever pitch.
Warning: Graphic scenes of torture (especially considering this is a YA book).
Rating:
Release Date: October 1st, 2019
Author: Thomas Wheeler
Illustrator: Frank Miller
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 416 Pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: Very entertaining!
Be prepared to stay up late reading this book because you won't be able to put it down.
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