[.ca] In Camelot's Shadow (ISBN 0373811128)

Oddly lifeless:
In Camelot's Shadow lack's the spark of creativity and empathy that make Zettle's SF books like Fool's War such refreshing and enjoyable reads. This is not a bad book, and it's well written on a technical level, but the plot is oddly lifeless. It has all the elements a good Arthurian fantasy needs, but for some reason they don't gel. The backstory data-dumps about the villian and the glimpses we see of court life in Camelot are more compelling than the love story between the two main characters. The second half of the book is better than the first, which is very slow, but the ending comes out of thin air. Where did the heroine learn the spell she uses to save herself? The reader has no reason to believe she has that sort of knowledge.

Good for a laugh...:
I love Arthurian tales, and so I was delighted when my friend gave me this book for my birthday. However, my feelings quickly changed after the first 15 or so pages. This book really sucked. Gawain and Risa (exactly what name is that anyway??) were both so annoying that I really wanted Euberacon and Kerra (the antagonists of the book) to win. I suppose it would have been an OK book if the author hadn't spend forevor describing their physical and mental attributes, and evreybody else's clothes for that matter. Mayeb she's going for the whole perfect image we have of Camelot or something. But if that was the case, the author did it terribly. Risa and Gawain fall in love in about a week or two, and get engaged in about three. They battle random bands of saxons (well, GAwain chases them off while Risa cries and screams), go to Camelot (where Guenevere becomes Risa'a new best friend, and engage in frequent encounters with Euberacon and Kerra. And they still find time to exchange their all-to-funny jokes; Gawain cupped his hands so Risa could easily get on the horse. Risa stuck up her nose, in mock arrogance. And then, the two burst out into hysterical laughter. Risa is such a laugh! But not, I'm afraid, in the way the author intended.

Gawain and Risa 4eva!!!!:
OMG,i LOVED this book! My 7 year old sister made me read this book because she said I read too much Cosmopolitan. I LOVE that magazine btw. Anyways!!!!!!!!!! I totally related to Risa, the main character. We are both really hot and sexy and smart, and we both have totally hot boyfriends (...) I mean, could Gawain be any hotter? I can't wait until they make a movie of this, because Gawain will be so hot and he'll have totally hot abs. Euberacon, the really bad guy was pretty cool 2. I love bad boys!!!!!! (...) Gawain and Risa 4eva!!!!

Better Than The Mists Of Avalon!! IMO:
This is back door Camelot in that it deals with Gwain rather Than Arthur. I suggest that those who gave it negative reviews consider themselves "Wiccans" and feel all Wizards & Witches in such stories should be the hero. Whatever, I've been reading and studying Arthurian stories for more years than I care to admit to and this is one of my favorites I've read in YEARS! Better than Roaslind Miles books by far!

A Grand Adventure:
In Camelot's Shadow by Sara Zettel is a must read by anyone who is fan of fantasy, particularly of well done Arthurian fantasy. The story embodies the richness and depth of elements of story quintessential to Arthurian myth telling, and captures the majesty and the edginess of that particular medieval fantasy setting. There is a sense of being swept away the minute you start reading, and once you are caught you can't seem to let go. The story told here is of a young noble lass, Lady Risa, who is betrothed at birth to a man of magic and dark secrets, and begins with her desire to escape a destiny not of her choosing. At first you see a spoiled but spirited woman-child, but as the tale spins on, she is confronted with test upon test that, in a very short time period, build her mettle and help her to develop into a powerful, self-aware woman who faces fear to protect what she loves most and willingly gives of herself that others may endure. She is accompanied by a hero who must also face his weaknesses and test the truth of his love against the follies and faults of his past, and this is done not only through the main story and his connection to Lady Risa, but, a challenge of his own he must tackle. There are multiple capable villains, with many agendas who work with and against one another at every turn, keeping you in suspense page by page until the very end. There is also a version of the Sir Gawain and the Green Knight myth that will leave you on the edge of your seat! This is the gritty side of the British Isles and Camelot, the one where the old ways lurk deep in the dark wood, and danger is at every turn, where Saxons raid, and mages plot, and even the knights of the table round have an edge to them as sharp as a ready sword. And Sara Zettel takes no prisoners with this tale she tells. Her command of the legends of the age mix well with her skill at creating vivid, real characters the reader can feel. Her ability to capture description, especially that of the fantastic and magical make you believe you've traveled back in time and myth as you read. Let yourself be lost to the days of yore, let yourself be lost to this incredible voyage of Lady Risa and her Knight Gawain, let yourself be lost to In Camelot's Shadow and the magic of Sara Zettel. And worry not, dear reader, for a sequel does come, and trust me, after this book, you'll be wanting more!