Robyn Schneider

Not quite as good as [b:The Other Merlin|56631877|The Other Merlin (Emry Merlin, #1)|Robyn Schneider|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1622045573l/56631877._SY75_.jpg|86681465], but the middle book in a trilogy is always hard to pull off. The mix of classic Arthurian legend with Beverly Hills 90210 aesthetic is a great deal of fun. (Did you know they played beer pong in medieval times?)

Although the Emry/Arthur relationship takes a few steps back from the show more promising end of The Other Merlin, other secondary romances flourish. And every time I feared there would be a Big Misunderstanding, the characters talked it out instead. Best of all, the Knights of the Round Table are starting to come together as a disparate group with a common goal of protecting Camelot. Which is good news, although because one Big Bad is vanquished in this installment, the Biggest Bad is still lurking.

In her Acknowledgements, Robyn Schneider proposes that her readers meet back in a year for the "thrilling conclusion to this series." I know I'll be there. show less

3 stars for the first half of the book, 5 stars for the second. Mild spoilers ahead.

I hate when an established couple whose relationship is strong after the first two books of a trilogy have a Dark Moment in the third that erases almost everything they've built together. I especially hate it when this Dark Moment occurs because one of the MCs acts completely out of character. In this case, Arthur shockingly throws his chief wizard/girlfriend Emry under the bus and breaks her heart. Okay, he show more has Reasons (as if being a 19 year old boy isn't enough), and he more than makes up for his betrayal in the book's second half. Still, it was hard to read 200 pages of Arthur and Emry estranged, unable to snark at, playfully insult, or kiss each other.

But once that huge error is rectified, the couple is stronger than ever, and the book hurtles towards the inevitable conflict between Good and Evil. The climax got me in the feelz even though I was pretty sure that Schneider wouldn't pull a [a:David Nicholls|46118|David Nicholls|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1283277096p2/46118.jpg] on me (IYKYK). Everyone in this delightful Beverly Hills 90210 crossed with [b:The Mists of Avalon|40605251|The Mists of Avalon (Avalon, #1)|Marion Zimmer Bradley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529610467l/40605251._SX50_.jpg|806813]* gang of friends gets a perfect ending - loyal Lancelot, himbo Emmett, butter-wouldn't-melt-in-her-mouth Guinevere, and charming scoundrel Gawain. Arthur, who has struggled with his royal responsibilities and Emry, who has chafed against traditional feminine roles, find a way to be true to themselves and their kingdom.

Please note that The New Camelot follows [b:The Other Merlin|56631877|The Other Merlin (Emry Merlin, #1)|Robyn Schneider|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1622045573l/56631877._SY75_.jpg|86681465] and [b:The Future King|60524226|The Future King (Emry Merlin, #2)|Robyn Schneider|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678307200l/60524226._SY75_.jpg|93377449], and doesn't work as a standalone. The trilogy is YA with fade-to-black sex, numerous queer characters, irreverent humor, and cinema-ready action. I'm gradually weaning myself off YA novels (because Reasons) but I'm glad I saw this series through to its satisfying end.

*Yes, I know the author is problematic show less

Everything you wanted in an Arthurian legend and more. Start with Arthur as if he were a kind hearted nerd on the yearbook staff, add in Merlin as the original wizard's daughter who has to overachieve and outshine her twin brother when it comes to being respected for magical ability. Have her brother receive an invitation to become an apprentice wizard at court, but royally (no pun intended) screw up things, necessitating Emry to disguise herself and take his place. She's expecting the show more switch to last only a week, but when her brother bails, she's stuck. However, she loves learning from the current court wizard and her snarky back and forth with Arthur and Lancelot make her feel like she belongs. However, things keep getting more complex when other players including Guinevere and Sir Gawain enter the picture. By the end of this first book of a duology, you've bonded with several characters, shaken your head at all the intrigue and gender bending and are, I hope, eager for the second book. show less

Imaginative Retelling

I absolutely enjoyed every second of reading time with this fun and fresh Arthurian reimagination. I lost track of how many times I laughed out loud while reading. I loved, loved the banter and sarcastic, irreverent discussions between friends. And yes to the immediate danger of a girl pretending to be a boy and risking her life if the truth were exposed. It's so fun being a reader and knowing the secrets that other characters are unaware of.

The characters are going down show more in history as some of my all-time favorites. I adored Emry, Gran, Arthur, and Lancelot and their fierce loyalty to loved ones. The diversity represented amongst them made my heart full with respect for this author and I will be seeking out more of her books. My favorite part of the characterization was the belief that girls are worthy and can do great things.

The pacing and world building are spot on perfect and from the very beginning I was living in a world in which magic was a part of every day life. I envisioned the foods, the architecture, and the gardens. I never found myself disbelieving in the people and events.

This book is now one of my favorites of the year and I'll be recommending it to everyone and have already. show less