Folklore has always been fascinating to me. Diving into the world of Camelot, I quickly recognized the names of knights and wizards. Reading about King Arthur when he was a prince, Merlin as a mysterious yet caring figure, and the first real introduction of Morgan Le Fay I've had made the inner nerd in me glow with delight. Following around Morgan and seeing her pain and passion completely had me transfixed. Morgan's relationship with Merlin was always very intriguing and complex. This world that I've read about came to life in a more modern world but where magic users are rarely seen as good. They are seen as dangerous and Morgan wants to change all this by becoming the Maven.

Morgan is a fire user and as the story progressed I really got to see how she used her pain to become stronger while she was competing to become Maven. The Maven basically runs the show behind the scenes. The Maven for Prince Arthur is being chosen. Their goal is to lead Arthur to Excalibur. Morgan has had a vision of becoming the Maven so she is determined throughout the competition even when it is clear that she is being targeted by an unknown source. I loved her personality and how her emotions got away from her only because I could see her as a character with depth more clearly. She lost her mother when she was a child. Her mother was executed for killing even if it was self-defense. The Maven of this day, Mordred, killed her. Morgan believes he has made it difficult on magic users to use their magic freely. Many, like her mother, have been killed even for helping others. There is a fog of mystery concerning Mordred and the whole competition. There is something sinister going on but you aren't sure what.

There's so many secrets and questions in this story. Merlin is a bit of a mystery. His real emotions are masked often but it seems that he cares for Morgan. I'd like to get to know his character more and what secrets he hides. I was always filled with questions about Morgan and her parents as well as if she herself is going to be contradictory to what she believes in the future. I don't know really much about her but she can be volatile yet you can tell she is a good person. I just don't know where the series will take her and that excites me. I really want to know what happens in this reinvented world and with Morgan. Morgan is such a wonderful character because you can feel her emotions through the pages. Wherever this series takes me I plan on enjoying the ride. ( )

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I thought this book was written well, though I couldn't get into the main character. She was way too immature for my liking. If you like whiny teenagers, and teenagers constantly questioning themselves, then this book is for you. I have no desire to read the next book. ( )

What I Thought:
So many artists try and take on the Arthurian legends, and most of them cannot come close to doing it justice. From television shows to films and books, there are a wide variety of stories trying to retell our old classic tales of Arthur and the gang.

However, that is not what Realm Lovejoy has done at all. Yes, the legends are the base of the story, but we aren't being told the stories of Camelot we have heard before. Not only are we being told stories of their youth, rather than their renowned adventures, but we are also being told them in a modern day version of Camelot and the world.

Personally, I like it. I wasn't certain, once reading the full blurb and the excerpts, but when I got a few pages in, this book had me hooked. it is a fun, fast-paced tale of magic, young love and betrayal. There are everyday adventures and lessons to be learned, all while in the world of magic.

We learn about some of our favourite characters, when they were mere teenagers, most of them still growing into their powers and who they would become in later life, as we know them from the tales. Some are cocky, where they are kind and gentle later, others are the epitome of sweet and caring, where we know they will turn to evil and hatred.

All these brilliant differences in character make you yearn for the next book in the series, a way to see into the life of each, a way to discover what befalls them, in order to change them so.

I thought the characters were fun, exciting and a good representation of the originals, and this helped create a youthful feel to each. I liked the relationships built between each, especially those we have ideas of how they turn out. It's like knowing a secret, but not wanting to tell the characters in your book.

I also found the level of reading great. it is exciting, fun and easy to read, making it perfect for YA, but also still a great read for adults, especially with the connection to our legends.

This book brings out youth, spunk, excitement and an imaginative world for all who read it. I highly recommend giving it a go, especially if you are fans of Harry Potter, and the likes. ( )

“My will is pure, driven by madness. ‘Nothing is more powerful than madness,’ or so my mother used to say.”

Henge is a re-write of the Arthurian legends with Morgan le Fay as the central character. It’s more of an urban-fantasy, giving the tale a twist and bringing Camelot and magic to modern day Britain.

Morgan is a fire user, and with it she’s hot tempered and strong willed. Throughout the book she struggles with being herself and with being who she thinks other people want her to be: her father, her friends, the royals, and her instructors in the Round.

Merlin is a water user; calm and quick witted and everyone seems to like him without him ever seeming to try. Morgan can’t help but admire him for his talent with magic, but something keeps her from trusting Merlin.

The story is well-written with references to both an ancient Camelot (history class, ugh) and modern-day Britain. The magic is based more on elements then wizardry that’s seen in the usual Arthurian legends, but it allows each character to show unique skill sets.

It brings familiar characters into interesting new roles (who wouldn’t want a flirty Lancelot as an instructor?!) and it leaves the reader guessing who’s going to be the antagonist of the story and who’s the true protagonist.

Overall, I recommend Henge to anyone who is enjoying the wave of YA re-writes or if you enjoy stories on elemental magic. ( )