Sam Davey shows the story of Camelot begins not with the sword in the stone, but rather with a twisted chain of murder, magic, and deceit in this powerful, feminist retelling featuring Igraine, the destined mother of King Arthur.

Igraine is happily married to Gorlois, Duke of Cornwall, even though his withdrawal from the Mysteries and the Goddess have created a strain between them, as well as friction between her and her mentor Vivian, the Lady of the Lake. While they are visiting King Uther Pendragon at his castle, Uther makes it obvious to the entire court that he desires Igraine to be his queen. Later, he corners her in the hall, and when Igraine informs Gorlois of what happened, Gorlois gathers his people and abruptly leaves the festivities, later declaring war on Uther. England has only recently found peace, and Merlin pleads with Gorlois to pledge allegiance to Uther. But Gorlois’ pride will keep him bent toward war, no matter the cost to his people.

In the bloody aftermath, Igraine bravely assumes the role of leader at Tintagel Castle, encouraging the women left behind to continue working the fields to show their devotion to the Goddess and instructing her two daughters Morgause and Morgan to harness their own powers. She plans a grand summer solstice celebration, inviting their allies. On the eve of the solstice, Gorlois unexpectedly returns to Tintagel, and it is only then Igraine learns the full extent of the devious plot of Merlin and Vivian.

Igraine is chosen by the Goddess, by the Lady of the Lake, by Merlin, by Uther Pendragon … but in the end, she will choose her own fate.

Anna Burnett