VENGEANCE OF ARTHUR by Tracy Cooper-Posey

You'd swear every word read is true, that's the power of research and love of writing. This book in the series has a powerful punch. Yes it has Arthur, Genevieve, Lancelot but the story is filled with other characters that you just know must be real. They have to be because they move you emotionally. We have characters that feel they have no worth, but are proven wrong, we have
salacious murder, wronged innocents, evil, malicious men, love which was lost for a decade but never forgotten found again, new loves discovered, and the barely seen edges of a love full of betrayal. Throw in traitorous murderous man that a King won't harm and like I said you have one powerful punch of a story. No real spoilers, just some glimpses of what you'll miss if you don't get this gem of a book.

A love story during the time of King Arthur's court. King Drust of Deira has a daughter, Adrivete and she has a companion named Saraid. They play an integral part of this story. One is a worldly woman and the other has never been anywhere. As Adrivete is called to Arthur's court, her companion accompanies her. Not all is what it seems with all the intrigue of the court and the goings on behind the scenes, this story moves along at a good pace with interesting twists at every corner.

I highly recommend this book along with all of Tracy's books as wonderful reads.

I've read every single one of Cooper-Posey's "Once and Future Hearts" books and can honestly say that THIS is the best book yet - and yes, these books are better read in order, as the background story development has been laid and characters have been developed. Arthur is entering another critical point of his reign, where his ever-patient Saxon enemies are waiting to detect any weakness as an excuse to strike. King Arthur has peace - but it's a constant battle to maintain, especially while there are those are reluctantly allied. The skies are darkening, but is it due to a rare cosmic event, or is it a sign of the future?

Owain is one of those reluctant parties and it certainly doesn't help that he has a dark background, sullied by close family members of ill repute (and that's an understatement) who resent Arthur and his power. Still, Owain has an moral code that he cannot go against, so he finds himself trying to save the life of Lamorak, who was found in the bed of his aunt, and is now being hunted by his enraged cousins. An unexpected chance event finds him in the company of Saraid, lady-in-waiting to Adrivete (daughter of King Drust of Deira).

Saraid has had a very sheltered existence, although she suffered from a traumatic childhood in which she was abandoned by her father at a very young age. Coming to serve Adrivete has broaded her horizons and she finds herself intrigued by Owain, who bursts upon the kingdom in pursuit of Lamorak. One thing leads to another and Lancelor arrives to escort Lamorak to Camelot, along with Owain, Adrivete (who has her own backstory), and Saraid. The journey to Camelot is a bonding experience, as everyone outside of Lancelot's entourage has their own reasons to dread arriving in Camelot. What happens in Camelot is nothing expected by anyone... especially the reader. Cooper-Posey inserts a couple of plot twists that will leave you gasping out loud and somehow... with more unanswered questions.

This book has it all - suspense, mystery, murder, romance, and action - as well as building up to the next installment. Cooper-Posey is a master storyteller and she skillfully weaves her storylines and characters - I loved this book! Vengeance of Arthur is a rollercoaster ride from start to finish and you'll be left anxiously waiting for the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest instalment of Arthur's trials and tribulations told alongside the romance of some very real characters I grew to love.

Each novel in the series is even better than the last (I've loved them all!) with the wonderful characters central to this story completely captivating me and holding me spellbound.

I was held on the edge of my seat as the machinations of characters and tense situations worked towards a climax that delivered a proper *gasp* moment! I was so immersed I hadn't even realised I'd gasped til my husband asked if I was ok (WoW!).

I love how the story is told as a slice-of-life close-up of everyday people from Arthur's court and from other parts of Britain in those times. The characters are real and easy to relate to because Ms Cooper-Posey creates such rich detail without a lot of wordage.

I highly recommend this series be read in order and am delighted that after nine books I'm still captivated and surprised by new plot twists.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest entry of the series. The complex characters and intricately crafted plot grabbed my attention immediately and didn't let go until I read the final word. I was enthralled!

I have really enjoyed the books in the Once and Future Hearts series, and this book is no exception. Loved it! Vengeance of Arthur is filled with politics, government, heartbreak, family honor, redemption, and love. Saraid is my favorite character in this story: she was a delight to get to know. Mordred is as always true to his scheming nature, which puts him into my least liked category. It is also amazing to realize that this series has reignited my interest in King Arthur.

Great addition to the series. The story continues to be full of emotion and super detailed and the love stories are great. I love how they twine with the classic Arthurian tales and make them even richer.

Saraid is the lady companion of Adrivete, the daughter of King Drust of Deira. She wants nothing more than to continue living her uneventful and quite life.
Owain is the son of the dead King Rheged. He chases his aunt’s killer to Deira to demand he be sent to High King Arthur’s court to be judged. When he arrives at Deira he falls off of his horse in exhaustion. Meanwhile, Lamorak begs King Drust to help him afraid that Owain is there to kill him. Confused over what to do King Drust sends a paid courier to Arthur asking for a decision on what to do. Arthur sends a message and stating an escort had been sent for Lamorak, Owain and Lady Adrivete to travel to Camelot. Lady Adrivete refuses to travel without Saraid. Owain realizes that Saraid is suffering during the unaccustomed travel and starts to find ways to help her.
The whole series is fast paced and I have trouble putting them down! I have to know what happens next. Be prepared for an emotional story. I strongly recommend reading all of the books in this series for a better overall understanding of the characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

I was worried that I would feel lost in “Arthur´s world”, since I read the previous book quite “Downfall of Cornwall” a while ago. But I shouldn´t have, like usually with Ms. Cooper-Posey´s books, the story gripped me from the start. And the glossary with all the kingdoms and persons-and the maps as well- were helpful. The story contains heartache and death, but those where violent times. Unfortunately I can´t give extra stars for the cover, it is so beautiful!

My goodness!! My poor little heart can't take it anymore 😅​😅​. I reeeally was expecting this new book in the Once and Future Hearts series as it's one of my favourites aaand it didn't disappoint one bit. You may think I'm ever enthusiastic but in this times when almost everything is predictable you can count on Tracy to rock you expectations. Big time. In a million times retold story don't expect the expected, just enjoy the ride 😝
Anyway, I love the heroines in this series, but these ones have someting special. I really like how Agravaine doesn't follow the usual tropes, I'm sure we'll hear about her again. And Saraid's growth was beautiful. Of course the males too. Everyone is human, with their flaws and their strenths. To be honest I'm much intrigued by how Anthur and the rest are gonna end, I'll foresee difficult times ahead! I can't wait for the next one already!