The Dragon Queen
The Dragon Queen (ISBN 0-553-81512-1) is a 2001 fantasy novel by Alice Borchardt based on the legend of King Arthur. The story is set in the Dark Ages and follows a young girl called Guinevere who has inherited magical powers.
 First edition | |
| Author | Alice Borchardt |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Scott McKowen |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Published | 2001 (Del Rey) |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 473 |
| ISBN | 9780345443991 |
| OCLC | 824183589 |
| Followed by | The Raven Warrior |
Synopsis
The story is sited in Britain just after the Romans have gone. Guinevere is the daughter of a pagan queen. Forced into hiding by the dreaded sorcerer Merlin, Guinevere grows up under the protection of a shapeshifter and a druid and is watched over by dragons.
Merlin tracks her down relentlessly, intent on stopping what has been foretold, that she will become Queen and Arthur King; a fate that will leave him powerless and forgotten. To Merlin's dismay, Guinevere has inherited magical powers great enough to stop him. With Arthur trapped in the netherworld, Guinevere calls upon magic and allies and undertakes her destiny: to one day become the Dragon Queen.
Reception
The Publishers Weekly review was favorable, stating "Borchardt ... paints a vivid portrait of the future queen, who is no pale Pre-Raphaelite princess" and "Borchardt further stakes her claim as a writer of breathtaking eloquence, reminding all, once again, that she is more than just Anne Rice's sister."[1]
School Library Journal called it "a fresh and scintillating take on a well-loved theme."[2]
The Dragon Queen has also been reviewed by the Romantic Times,[3] Voice of Youth Advocates,[4] Interzone,[5] and Vector.[6]
It was a 2001 Romantic Times Historical Romance of the Year nominee.[7]
References
- "The Dragon Queen: The Tales of Guinevere". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
- Editorial Reviews: From School Library Journal. ISBN 0345444000.
- Kelly Rae Cooper. "The Dragon Queen: The Tales of Guinevere". Romantic Times. RT Book Reviews. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
Her richly textured narrative is a highly charged emotional read, blending her imagination and legend into a vivid backdrop where her characters live.
- Dolores Maminski. "The Dragon Queen". Voice of Youth Advocates. E L Kurdyla Publishing LLC. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
Beginning a new Arthurian trilogy with a wallop, this story of Guinevere-here a strong, magical warrior woman-and her rise to power is packed with magic, action, fairy armor, shape-shifters, dragons, deadly fights, and more.
- John Grant (March 2002). "The Dragon Queen". Interzone. TTA Press. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
- Cherith Baldry (November 2002). "The Dragon Queen". Vector. British Science Fiction association. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
- "Historical Romance of the Year". RT Book Reviews. Retrieved 22 November 2018.