Another Camelot tale from the author of I Am Mordred brings the character of Morgan le Fay center stage and unfolds a story that is both new and steeped in the traditions of Arthurian legends. Filling the often-overlooked gap between Arthur’s birth and ascension to the throne, Morgan emerges both as a young woman and as a member of the Fays. From the age of six, she slowly begins to learn of the forces that she has inside of herself. What she must discover, in order to truly have power, is how to control them. Springer delicately and seamlessly challenges the reader’s preconceived notions of traditional heroes, heroines, and villains of this story. Merlin borders on villainous; he has chosen the darker half of Fay magic. In the tradition of Camelot, Morgan is a passionate character, and her emotions, whether love or hatred, overflow with an abundance that overpowers her. Her inability to control her passions—her love for her childhood friend, anger towards her mother, hatred of Merlin—closes her off to the rational knowledge of the Fays and eventually leads to her demise. Anyone familiar with the Arthurian tales will appreciate this new feminine dimension. It fits neatly within the larger context while remaining a complete story unto itself. Perfect for the reader who would love, but is not quite ready for, The Mists of Avalon, this is magical storytelling, richly inspired and accomplished. (Fiction. YA)
