Guinevere's Gift (Nancy McKenzie)

Author Biography

Nancy McKenzie has written multiple novels inspired by Arthurian legend, primarily centered on the figure of Guinevere. She lives in Connecticut.

Published By: Alfred A. Knopff

Year: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-375-84345-7

Reading Level: Grades 7 and up

Reader’s Annotation:

Plain, unassuming young Guinevere hardly seems suited to the prophecy that foretold a glorious future for her. But when an evil nobleman plots against everyone she cares for, Guinevere’s efforts to stop him might prove her true worth.

Plot Summary:

Twelve-year-old orphaned princess Guinevere is the ward of her uncle and aunt, King Pellinore and Queen Alyse of Gwynedd. It was once foretold that she would someday be the highest lady in the land, but now, scrawny, tomboyish, more at home on horseback than in the castle and resented by the queen as a reminder of her much-envied sister, she doesn’t believe it in the least. But then she meets Llyr, one of the Old Ones – an ancient tribe that believes the prophecy and has sworn to protect her.

Soon afterward, the handsome yet sinister Sir Darric comes to court, where he sets to work convincing the queen that the Old Ones are livestock thieves and should be driven from the hills. Despite strict orders against leaving the castle alone, Guinevere realizes she must set out to warn Llyr and his people of the danger. To further complicate matters, her cousin Princess Elaine is infatuated with Sir Darric and insists that Guinevere help them arrange a secret tryst. Can Guinevere’s wits and courage possibly save both her family and her secret guardians from Sir Darric’s deadly schemes?

Critical Evaluation:

Having previously written two adult novels about the life of Guinevere, Nancy McKenzie here turns to young adult readers in a new series, the Chrysalis Queen Quartet, depicting the legendary queen’s girlhood. This first book of the series is, truth be told, a fairly standard, formulaic YA “princess” novel. A homely, awkward, horse-loving tomboy heroine; a prophecy foretelling her future greatness; an ancient, “primitive” tribe whose existence is in peril; a dastardly nobleman villain; rules that the heroine defies to save the day… all are typical of the genre. But whether or not it’s particularly original, fans of YA fantasy should still find plenty to enjoy

The awkward and self-doubting yet intelligent and heroic young Guinevere is a stock YA protagonist, but still an easy one to like, while nearly all the other characters are either endearing or truly sinister as befits their roles in the story. The most interesting character, however, is Queen Alyse, who at first seems like a “wicked stepmother” figure with her stern rules and petty dislike of her niece, but who ultimately proves to be firmly on the side of good, and whose sharp mind and iron will prove just as invaluable as Guinevere’s own heroism in saving the day. Feminist readers will also appreciate that Guinevere makes it through the story without a love interest, though her future marriage to Arthur (at this point a far-away newly-crowned boy king) and ill-fated romance with Lancelot are both foreshadowed. Engaging intrigue, action, and a well-researched basis in Arthurian legend complete this book’s virtues. While not perfect, it’s still a worthy addition to any “princess” novel collection.

Curriculum Ties:

*Arthurian legend
*Feminism

Challenge Issues:

*Mild profanity

*Violence

*Menstruation and bodily function references

Why This Book?

While neither unique nor revelatory, Guinevere’s Gift should still please any young girl who likes fantasy novels and Arthuriana.