GUINEVERE: At the Dawn of Legend (Tales and Legends for Reluctant Readers) by Cheryl Carpinello – Children’s Arthurian Folk Tales & Myths, Children’s Ancient Civilization Fiction, Children’s Girls and Women Books

What happens when a young strong-willed princess does not want to take the throne? Find out in the much-anticipated second book in the Middle-Grade fiction series, the Guinevere Trilogy by Cheryl Carpinello, in Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend.

Cedwyn & Guinevere return with even more adventures than in the first book. The first story ends with the dynamic duo bolting into the forest with their bows drawn; but now, Guinevere aims her arrows not at an enemy, but at everyone around her. She’s fighting with her father, her father’s magician, and even herself.

Guinevere, it seems, is spoken for. Unlikely as it may seem, she is now engaged to be married to King Arthur.

The thought of marriage to a man more than twice her age makes her anxious and upset. Guinevere tries to convince her father that she does not want the engagement, but all of her attempts are thwarted. In a form of rebellion, she sneaks out in the middle of the night to go for a ride on her horse. Riding her trusty steed always calms her nerves and helps her think.

As she rides on, she encounters a magical beast – a unicorn and, of all people, her father’s magician and confidante, Merlyn. Does the chance meeting between the girl and the beast have any significance? Readers won’t be able to put the book down!

Carpinello presents her Middle-Grade work with fast-paced action, stunning imagery, and characters that jump off the page.

Descriptions of Guinevere riding on her horse in the moonlight, waves crashing against the beach as she goes, will work to enthrall young readers. Even more, Carpinello, a former educator, develops her series with the reluctant reader in mind, balancing scenes of action against those dealing with some tough, real-life issues such as death, marriage, and family relations.

Carpinello sets her story firmly in the Middle Ages, where war, smoke and violence are common.

Readers will enjoy the dynamic and believable characters contained within Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend. The events and descriptions feel authentic to the time, as well, and are woven into the storyline seamlessly. Carpinello offers an extensive glossary in the back of the book to help readers gain insight and perspective into the story. There may be a few missing words from the glossary, but overall, young readers will be able to pick up clues to word meanings via the surrounding text. Make no mistake, this novel is compelling and will hook even reluctant readers immediately.

Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend belongs next to the other fun-loving Medieval tales for the Middle-Grade crowd. While there is no doubt the story benefits from reading the series in order, this book can and does stand on its own. All in all, this novel will find its audience with those who yearn for adventure and love the intrigue of the Middle-Ages.

Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend by Cheryl Carpinello won First Place in the CIBAs 2018 Gertrude Warner Book Awards for middle-grade fiction novels.