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lagilmana review from VOYA for Grail Quest: Morgain's Revenge
"This second book in the Grail Quest trilogy provides a compelling portrait of King Arthur's half-sister Morgain le Fay, who is determined to destroy her brother's kingdom. The adventure begins when Ailis, who helped reveal Morgain's evil nature in the first book, discovers the sorceress within Camelot's walls. Sensing an opportunity to bolster her power against Arthur, Morgain kidnaps Ailis to train as her as a protege. Gerard and Newt immediately set out to rescue their friend, guided only by an enchanted lodestone, an arrogant knight, and gifts of wisdom and cunning that Merlin passed on to them through a blood spell. Complicating matters is Morgain's sinister plan to turn the citizens of outlying regions against Arthur, thus threatening his sovereignty and his upcoming quest for the Holy Grail. Gilman shifts gracefully between the two story lines. Ailis grows in her magical knowledge under Morgain's doting eye while her friends bravely face magical threats in a far-flung corner of the kingdom. As in the first book, clear prose, witty dialogue, and a succinct plot will appeal to middle readers. Especially convincing is the characterization of Ailis, whose need for motherly love, even from a destructive source, is touching and heartbreaking. The character of Morgain is equally intriguing as a self-professed, evil soul who demonstrates a genuine affection for Ailis. Fantastic creatures round out a well-conceived cast of characters. Fans and newcomers will enjoy this perceptive tale."
(emphasis mine, natch, and I'm so very glad Morgain and Ailis' relationship came through, at least for this reviewer. Writing those two was a real tightrope of emotion vs ambition....)
"This second book in the Grail Quest trilogy provides a compelling portrait of King Arthur's half-sister Morgain le Fay, who is determined to destroy her brother's kingdom. The adventure begins when Ailis, who helped reveal Morgain's evil nature in the first book, discovers the sorceress within Camelot's walls. Sensing an opportunity to bolster her power against Arthur, Morgain kidnaps Ailis to train as her as a protege. Gerard and Newt immediately set out to rescue their friend, guided only by an enchanted lodestone, an arrogant knight, and gifts of wisdom and cunning that Merlin passed on to them through a blood spell. Complicating matters is Morgain's sinister plan to turn the citizens of outlying regions against Arthur, thus threatening his sovereignty and his upcoming quest for the Holy Grail. Gilman shifts gracefully between the two story lines. Ailis grows in her magical knowledge under Morgain's doting eye while her friends bravely face magical threats in a far-flung corner of the kingdom. As in the first book, clear prose, witty dialogue, and a succinct plot will appeal to middle readers. Especially convincing is the characterization of Ailis, whose need for motherly love, even from a destructive source, is touching and heartbreaking. The character of Morgain is equally intriguing as a self-professed, evil soul who demonstrates a genuine affection for Ailis. Fantastic creatures round out a well-conceived cast of characters. Fans and newcomers will enjoy this perceptive tale."
(emphasis mine, natch, and I'm so very glad Morgain and Ailis' relationship came through, at least for this reviewer. Writing those two was a real tightrope of emotion vs ambition....)
