My Five Word TL:DR Review: Beautifully written reimagining of Morgana

The Faerie Morgana is a book that I hesitated over requesting initially purely based on the fact that there have been so many different versions and adaptations of King Arthur over the years, but what swayed me is that I really like the way this author writes and I was fascinated that Morgana would be the main focus of the story.  And, this doesn’t disappoint.

Morgan brings to us a refreshing take on the myth of Morgana and I thoroughly enjoyed her take on the story and the small found family members that she is eventually surrounded by.

At a very young age Morgana is given over into the service of the Lady and is taken to the temple on an Isle shrouded in trees, mist and mystery.  From this point her life’s work is to assist ‘the one true king’ and she takes her responsibility very seriously.

I’m not going to go over the full story here because some of the paths chosen follow a well trod path whilst others bring a new light to bear on some of the characters, particularly reversing the tables on former villains, etc.

What I really enjoyed about this.

First and foremost, the writing.  This is a beautifully told story and I can genuinely say I enjoyed every aspect.  The settings come to life, veering between the castle and the temple and the characters are all perfectly formed.  I have such a lot of respect for this author, she managed to transport me to a mythical world full of magic and superstition, court politics and intrigue.

Second, the characters are spot on.  Morgana is frankly wonderful.  Here she is Arthur’s half sister, sworn to his service and the most gifted Priestess of the Lady.  She is tall, graceful and willowy and quickly becomes a favourite with those who visit the isle in search of potions and remedies.  Some people, of course, fear her and believe her to be a witch but in fact she has a strict moral code and never veers from it (and let’s face it, over time, any woman who knew the smallest thing about healing or herbs was basically named witch).  Her friend and handmaiden is Braithe, with little (or no) magic Braithe knows she will not become one of the Nine (Priestesses) and instead dedicates her service to Morgana.  Braithe is such a breath of fresh air, fresh faced and rosy cheeked she captures the attention of a young Arthur who captures her heart.  Then we have the Blackbird (Merlin by another name) greatly revered, he’s not above making mistakes himself, he keeps many secrets, even from Morgana who is his chosen one and firm favourite.  Now, in this rendering Gwenvere is a scheming manipulator who seems to capture the hearts and minds of those she focuses on – including Arthur and Lancelin.  Literally, these characters are all fascinating to read about, although Morgana clearly steals the show it was refreshing to have a great supporting cast.

Finally, the settings were all so easy to imagine and frankly lovely to spend time in.  Arthur is a much loved character and his interactions with Morgana were intriguing and enjoyable.  Gwenvere is cunning and dangerous, not to be trusted but definitely worth keeping close to.

In case I wasn’t clear above.  I really enjoyed The Faerie Morgana and have no hesitation in recommending it – but I would also point out that this isn’t the sort of novel that you will blast through, and although there is plenty of action going on with skirmishes with the Saxons and battles with the Romans, this takes place off page.  This is a more gentle, magical tale.  Also, if you’re familiar with the Arthurian tales you’ll know how this ends and in that respect this is no different.

In conclusion, absolutely beautiful reimagining of Morgana that paints her in a new light.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4.5 of 5 stars.