Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

The great sorceress Morgana takes center stage in Morgan’s retelling of the legend of King Arthur. When Morgana’s mother, the queen of Lloegyr, remarries after the death of the king, Morgana is sent away to be raised on the Isle of Apples with the mysterious priestesses called “the Nine.” Morgana is one of many acolytes, young girls who are sent as tribute to live with the Nine and taught to make medicinal products and magical charms to help the people who come to the temple for help. Few of them have any real magical ability, but Morgana is different. Objects move at her demand; her potions and charms are potent; her ability to scry into the future is more impressive than any of the Nine. The Blackbird, a powerful sorcerer and the only man who works with the Nine, and Braithe, a young acolyte with no magical talent of her own but a fierce loyalty to Morgana, are Morgana’s only friends, as everyone else fears her for her prodigious magical talent. Morgana’s greatest ambition is to help her half brother, the kind and benevolent Arthur, reign as true king of Lloegyr. But when Arthur brings home his bride, the beautiful Gwenvere, Morgana knows something about the new queen is very, very wrong. Gwenvere seems to have some kind of dark magical ability to confound the men around her, and when it becomes clear that there is more to Gwenvere’s violent temper than just human cruelty, Morgana will have to stop her before she destroys Arthur’s reign. Morgan’s atmospheric writing is well suited to retelling this ancient legend. The long novel sets a clear character arc for Morgana as she learns the value of working with her allies and trusting the wisdom of others instead of relying on her own power. Morgan sticks to Arthurian legend and European mythology, but both those wells are so deep and varied that readers have no way of knowing how Morgana’s mission to save Arthur will turn out. An effective King Arthur retelling that focuses on an often neglected female character. Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A powerful clan of priestesses wields incredible healing knowledge and otherworldly magic to aid the prosperous kingdom of Camulod under the rule of the gracious King Arthur. The most powerful and sought-after priestess is the bold and uncommonly talented Morgana. Assisted by her loyal and kind handmaiden Braithe, Morgana must risk her reputation, her morals, and her life to conquer the evil presence that is captivating the castle and ensure that King Arthur's reign is legendary. Morgana is an elusive character in Arthurian legend, both evil sorceress and ambivalent healer, the antithesis to Arthur's righteousness. Morgan's (The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird) take is refreshing as she portrays a powerful Morgana with a sympathetic dimensionality missing from the original mythology. The various forms of women's relationships (particularly the camaraderie of Morgana and Braithe, which eschews the typical rivalry) shine with authentic complexities. Morgan's use of medieval words and spellings adds a historical feel and a sense of fairy-tale wonder, although readers may be tripped up by some inconsistencies and awkward dialogue. VERDICT An enchanting tragedy centered around castle politics and the sacrifices demanded of women in the course of duty. Fans of Circe or Medusa retellings should take note.—Gina Collett

Publishers Weekly
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

In this charming foray into Arthurian legend, Morgan (A Secret History of Witches) turns the focus onto the powerful enchantress Morgan Le Fay, showing how she’s entwined with Arthur’s story from his childhood to his reign. Cast off by her mother when she’s only four years old, Morgana is raised on the Isle of Apples at the Lady’s Temple. The Isle is ruled over by the Nine, priestesses of the Lady who are bound to protect the land and aid supplicants with charms, potions, and other small magic. As Morgana grows up, it becomes clear that she is far more powerful than even the most advanced of the Nine, able to move things with only her thoughts and change her shape at will. Her magic sparks cruel rumors that she must be descended from the fae, who were banished by the Lady for their wickedness. After Morgana ascends to become one of the Nine herself, she is frequently called to Camulod to protect Arthur, her half brother, with Braithe, her magic-less acolyte turned handmaid, at her side. The plot is relatively straightforward, with few twists or surprises, but Morgan still makes Morgana’s life story fascinating and enchanting. Fans of women-focused retellings will be glad to add this one to their personal libraries. Agent: Peter Rubie, FinePrint Literary. (Sept.)