Camelot is one of my favorite myths and when I First Met My King kicks off another great addition to the lore. I’ve read so many versions of Camelot, some of my favorites based around Merlin (Hello Mary Stewart!), though I love stories that focus on Arthur, Lancelot or Guinevere. I’ve also read a lot of Harper Fox and I knew I was going to enjoy this The Arthur Quartet.
The series is set over 3 stories and begins when Arthur and Lance meet as young teenagers. Watching the two of them age into young adulthood and responsibility is memorizing. I really enjoyed the way the magic and prophecies were handled. It stayed very true to the core mythology, while allowing a deep and beautiful romance to develop between Lance and Arthur, and later Guinevere.
The addition of Guinevere as the other pillar of the triad was well handled and deeply meaningful. The way her character was blended with the magic was fantastic. The extra twist of Merlin’s character change in book 3 was an unexpected twist. Lance and Arthur are flawed. They don’t communicate well, which is annoying. The depth of their connection is fated though, and it’s strongly felt throughout the series.
There was a lot of push and pull between the old ways of “pagan” worship and the new god. I felt strongly that Arthur and Lance were on the cusp of a new time and so much was changing around them. The last Merlin’s push to choose a side messed with me. I associate Merlin with the old ways, so to find that version of him acting out of character had me wondering if he was a drunken fool.
As usual with both Camelot and Harper Fox, the Arthur Quartet took me away to a wonderful place full of magic, awe and a romance for the ages. I don’t think the fourth book has been written yet, I can’t find it listed in any of my usual haunts, but the moment I can get access to it I’ll be devouring it.
Links
When I First Met My King – goodreads / TheStoryGraph
The Dragon’s Tale – goodreads / TheStoryGraph
The Greenwood and the Grail – goodreads / TheStoryGraph
