The Book Boost Blog: June 2013

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Shannan Albright to the Book Boost!

Gwenivere – Villain or Victim

Why do we still believe with it comes to illicit affairs it’s always the woman’s fault? One of the reasons why I did this trilogy was to right a wrong, as I perceive it to be. In all things, it takes two to make an argument and there is more than one point of view.

Gwenivere is a much maligned character. Very few stories spin her in a positive light and I wanted to explore the reasons why she cheated on Arthur and the distinction to be the reason for the demise of Camelot. As with most literary classics this concept of Gwenivere came from a male perspective and was strongly influenced by the times in which the author of Le Morte d’authur, Sir Thomas Malory lived.

I pick on him simply because his version is the one most commonly used, and can be seen in the many renditions which made it to the silver screen. I wanted to find out what her side would be. Since I couldn’t very well ask her or Lancelot there take on this I had to deduct what logically would have gone on in her head.

Personally, I believe if a person commits adultery it is a matter for them to deal with, certainly not me. I am more interested in the reasons why such a thing would happen than the actual act. I think there must have been a serious underlying problem with the relationship, which made her vulnerable to falling for Lancelot. The fact such an affair would be considered high treason, paid for with their life is a healthy deterrent in my book for not taking such a fatal step.

I don’t think adultery would have been in her character for she is always depicted as a beloved Queen of the people. One of high moral standards, which do not jive with the adulterous act she committed. It smacks of desperation and loneliness and this makes much more sense to me than the falling in love scenario. Sure, she fell in love with Lancelot, but I don’t believe this is the reason she finally surrendered to the attraction. In those times the King was a very busy man with many responsibilities and little time for his himself and his family. The fact the union never bared any offspring is telling to me, indicating he had little time for his wife in and out of the marriage bed.

Then here comes Lancelot, dashing, handsome and very much the hero. The problem is he is a foreigner. Being French in Brittan he probably met hostility and distrust everywhere he went and especially with the established knights. Lonely for any form of friendship he could get I can see where he and Gwenivere would have been drawn to each other, both lonely beings in a world of antagonism and indifference they would ultimately form a deeper relationship than what was proper.

All the elements are in play for a tragic love story, but what happens in the past does not necessarily mean it will be repeated in the future and people do learn by their mistakes. Yeah, I’m a hapless optimist so shoot me. I wanted to end the trilogy with a positive note that whatever the past maybe a person can rise above circumstance and learn to forgive and have a complete life filled with happiness.

So with The Kings Lady I brought all the elements of the past tragedy together and let them rise above it all with no regrets or lingering doubts. The way things should have been.

Blurb:

Arthur Penner is more than happy to aid a lady in need of help, especially if the woman is targeted by his nemesis Vance Hollister. The fact the lady in question turns out to be not only a powerful witch, but a gorgeous red head with a wealth of curves that don’t quit? Even better.

What he isn’t prepared for is the discovery that the woman just happens to be his reincarnated Queen Gwenivere, and worse, she has no memory of who he is.

His well-ordered life is crumbling around him as yet another surprise turns up in the form of his reincarnated sister. It seems the past is swallowing him whole, forcing him to let go of previous betrayals and trust once more.

Gwen McAllister finds herself between a rock and a hard spot. Drawn to the quiet strength and confidence of Arthur. It isn’t until her memories are savagely restored by a vengeful goddess that she realizes who she is and the bitter betrayal she caused. Even her familiar, a mouthy Himalayan named Salt seems to be against her, demanding she trust the very man she destroyed.

A new threat is rising, one which will plunge the world they know into darkness. To defeat an old enemy they must depend on each other and learn to forgive. A tall order and time is running out. Can they let go of the past and embrace the promise of a future or will they lose everything in the ultimate battle between good and evil?

Excerpt:

Arthur moved up the small path heading for the front door and the inevitable conflict with Vance. His blood pumped in readiness, and he controlled his breathing, remembering the first lesson he learned in the art of warfare. Never fight with your emotions.

The sound of shattering glass broke the peaceful air surrounding the neighborhood. A huge shadow hurtled past him, forcing him a step back to keep from being hit. Drake and Merci moved to his side as they looked first to the broken front window and then to the old recliner now resting on its side next to the large elm tree. A curse exploded from Drake as he leapt up the steps and kicked in the door, Merci on his heels as they disappeared inside.

Arthur followed, pulling out the long buck knife strapped to his ankle, his hand firm around the handle. He stepped into the home, ignoring the broken pieces of furniture strewn about the room. His entire focus riveted on the broad back of a tall dark-haired man impeccably dressed and pulsing with enough twisted magic it repelled him to take a step back. Gritting his teeth against the pressure building against his temples, he forced his feet to carry him further into the room, Drake and Merci at his sides, their combined magic ready to engage.

Vance swung his head to the side, pinning Arthur with a gaze of pure malice. “I was expecting you to show up much later, Father. I assumed I would already be gone and the prize with me. Ah, well, that’s what I get for assuming, don’t you agree?”

“You underestimated me yet again, Vance,” Arthur drawled, his southern accent becoming more pronounced. “It’s becoming a habit of yours, you know?”

“Not this time. This time you underestimated me. Tell your guard dogs to back off, or I’ll kill the witch.”

At his demand, he swung around, showing what his big body kept hidden. A blaze of red hair cascaded down her shoulders in a wild tumble of curls framing a heart-shaped face. Thick dark lashes framed large eyes slightly tilted up and dominated her delicate features. Full lush lips parted as she rasped in a breath. Vance’s hand tightened around her throat and lifted her up until she was forced to stand on her toes in order to keep from strangling.

Arthur could only stare in mute silence, stunned and helpless against the pull of those glistening blue eyes the color of the Caribbean Sea. Eyes he hoped he would never again gaze into, for within those sparkling eyes housed the soul of the only woman he had ever loved. And the one whose betrayal he could never forgive.

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