Daughter of Destiny

Book 1 of Guinevere's Tale

By: Nicole Evelina

Narrated by: Serena Scott Thomas

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

Before queenship and Camelot, Guinevere was a priestess of Avalon. She loved another before Arthur, a warrior who would one day betray her.

In the war-torn world of late fifth century Britain, young Guinevere faces a choice: stay with her family to defend her home at Northgallis from the Irish, or go to Avalon to seek help for the horrific visions that haunt her. The Sight calls her to Avalon, where she meets Morgan, a woman of questionable parentage who is destined to become her rival. As Guinevere matures to womanhood, she gains the powers of a priestess, and falls in love with a man who will be both her deepest love and her greatest mistake.

Just when Guinevere is able to envision a future in Avalon, tragedy forces her back home, into a world she barely recognizes, one in which her pagan faith, outspokenness, and proficiency in the magical and military arts are liabilities. When a chance reunion with her lover leads to disaster, she is cast out of Northgallis and into an uncertain future. As a new High King comes to power, Guinevere must navigate a world of political intrigue where unmarried women are valuable commodities and seemingly innocent actions can have life-altering consequences.

You may think you know the story of Guinevere, but you've never heard it like this: in her own words. Listen and you will hear the true story of Camelot and its queen.

©2016 Nicole Evelina (P)2016 Nicole Evelina

Mediocre

I really wanted to like it, as I love reimagining the Arthurian legends. Unfortunately I found this writer to be bland and so obviously American. The lack of research and character development was frustrating.

Ignore Ignorant Negative Reviews

This book was so good. I thought the author did an excellent job of retelling Guinevere’s story.
The narrator also did a great job. Perfect inflection, pacing, etc.

Considering the book is about a legend, involving magic, set in a time when half the land was pagan.. the negative reviews about the book having too negative a view on Christianity seems pretty ignorant. (And I was raised a Catholic.) I thought the author had a very tasteful & historically accurate approach to any aspects of religion or spirituality.

There are plenty of books in which a Christian character has much more negative views on what they considered heathen paganism. Guinevere in this book simply just practices a different religion.. she doesn’t condemn the Christians or anything.

Great book if you’re interested in Arthurian legend or dark ages history (or “history”).

Was not happy with the content.

A lot about mother Earth and disliking Christianity and was not into the theme of this book at all.

Great take on a Classic Tale

If you could sum up Daughter of Destiny in three words, what would they be?

Guinevere is badass...

What was one of the most memorable moments of Daughter of Destiny?

I loved the introduction of Guinevere. Too often her character is made to be this evil villain, rather than a pawn in the games of men. Learning about her history and the talents that she possesses was enlightening and important to the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene involving her Lover. While not all were happy moments it offered a glimpse into the other relationship that Guinevere had.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me thoughtful. I have read about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round-table since I was a young child, and every telling painted Guinevere in an unflattering light. This book changed those preconceived notions and I am very excited to read the future series.

Any additional comments?

This audio book was graciously provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review

Love the Subject

I have always been interested in British history. It is rich with what could be fact or fantasy, but either way, always fascinating. The story of Guinevere, Authur, Knights of the Round Table, Merlin-all of it-takes us back to a time in history where even speculation is remarkable given that it was so long ago. People are still telling the story. Even with the most meticulous research, the truth will never really be known. I think that is the reason it can still be told and augmented with the author's imagination.

Daughter of Destiny: Book 1 is the story of Guinevere's early life, from 11 years old to about 16, when she is betrothed to Authur. From what I have read previously on this subject, there are variations from what may or may not be the truth. Who really knows?

It was well written and Serena Scott Thomas does a fine job with the narration. This book was gifted to me for an honest review via Audiobook Boom! The next book in the series was also offered and I wish I had asked for that one too, as I really enjoyed this one!

A great take on Guineveres

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

It was certainly a different take on the whole Camelot story.. I like this better.

The narration was great, and you could truly feel for these characters.

Guinevere as you have never seen her

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I love this take on Guinevere, in most stories about Merlin and Arthur she is seen as little more than a wife and then a betrayer. This book covers Guinevere's early life including her training at Avalon and it shows her in a new light, here we see her as a complete person with strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes etc.

What about Serena Scott Thomas’s performance did you like?

I loved the character voices, the male voices were very well done which is always a challenge for a female narrator. Serena's narration allowed me to get lost in the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, many times, both the story and the narration managed to draw me in and make me feel attached to the characters so I felt their joys and sorrows, loves and despair.

Any additional comments?

If you like the story of Guinevere, Arthur and Merlin then I doubt you'd be disappointed by this telling of the story.

I loved this book (in case the 5 star review didn't make that clear), I'm already looking forward to the next book and I'm hoping there are several more to come.

Note: This book was provided free by the author/narrator/publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

A Wonderful Look at Guinevere

I received this book in exchange for my review and I could not have been happier with it. I loved this look at Guinevere from both a more humanistic and more female centric view point. Guinevere is written about in a less than favorable light in almost every historical text and it was past time someone wrote about her with compassion. Like a great movie, I will listen to this again and again. The narration is soothing. The story is wonderful. Such an enjoyable listen.

An enjoyable retelling of the Camelot story

I received this book free from ebalst, and this is my unbiased opion. the Camelot story has been retold so many time, and this book puts a few new twists to it. if you like the Author legends it is worth a listen.

I LOVE NICOLE EVELINA'S TALE OF GUINEVERE!

I found myself on a journey back in medieval times. I love Nicole Evelina's tale of Guinevere. I know that anyone who enjoys the tales of King Arthur will wish they were all told as well as this tale of Guinevere. I feel like I was truly there through out her life experiencing every moment with her. Thank you Nicole Evelina! Serena Scott Thomas is amazing and was perfect for the voice to all the characters in this book. "I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher."