The Guinevere Deception

There was nothing in the world as magical and terrifying as a girl on the cusp of womanhood.
 
This particular girl had never before felt the power she held by existing in a space of men, but today, surrounded by them, it radiated from her. I am untouchable. They revolved around her as though she were the Earth, and they the adoring but distant sun and moon and stars. It was a type of magic in and of itself.
 
A veil obscured and dimmed the world around her. She sat back-achingly straight in her saddle. She did not wriggle her toes in the boots they were so unaccustomed to. She pretended she was a painting.
 
I cannot believe the convent had no nuns willing to travel with you, Brangien complained, brushing at the fine layer of dust that baptized their journey. Then, as though unaware she had spoken aloud, she bowed her head. But of course I am very pleased and honored to be here.
 
The smile offered in response to Brangien s apology went unacknowledged. Of course, the girl said, but the words were not quite right. She could do better. She had to. I do not love travel, either, and I appreciate the kindness you have shown by being my companion on this long journey. It would be lonely without you. They were surrounded by people, but to them, the blue-and-scarlet-wrapped girl was goods to be guarded and safely delivered to the new owner. She hoped desperately that Brangien, eighteen years to her own sixteen, would become a friend.
 
She would need one. She had never had one.
 
But it would also complicate things. She had so many precious hidden things. Having another woman with her at all times was both unfamiliar and dangerous. Brangien s eyes were black like her hair and hinted at cleverness. Hopefully those eyes would see only what was offered them. Brangien caught her staring and offered a tentative smile.
 
Focused on her companion, the girl did not notice the change outright. A subtle shift, a

Kiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Camelot Rising, And I Darken, and Paranormalcy series and many more novels. She is also the author of the Sinister Summer series for middle grade readers. She lives with her family near the ocean in San Diego, which, in spite of its perfection, spurs her to dream of faraway places and even further-away times.

kierstenwhite.com
@kierstenwhite on Twitter
@authorkierstenwhite on Instagram

A YALSA Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults

"An enjoyable and even thoughtful entry into a mythos that has obsessed us for generations."  NPR

Spellbinding, Unique and refreshing   Hypable

A fresh take on Camelot . . .  this should be another hit.   Booklist

An acclaimed master of the female-centric retelling turns her hand to Arthuriana . . More diverse than many Camelot representations, this is a retelling designed for a modern audience more interested in people than battles and more intrigued by identity and affection than honor and questing. A promising series opener. Kirkus Reviews

With immersive prose, White captures the spirit of Arthurian legend while adding diversity and a bit of powerful feminist flair in this appealing series opener . Leaves much to be explored in future installments. Publishers Weekly

First in a series, this fantasy novel will appeal to fans familiar with stories of Arthur, and provides an introduction to those unfamiliar . Full of battling knights and romance, this is a must. School Library Journal

Readers will be dying to fill in the gaps of Guinevere s memory and to continue the atmospheric adventure in this Arthurian retelling.   Bulletin