This story has a strong female protagonist facing very difficult circumstances. You would think a princess such as Guinevere would have an easy life. The story begins as a simple adventure, but the two main characters (Guinevere and Cedwyn) go on to face situations never imagined when they go out of a back door to just hunt a rabbit. They got much more than they bargained for when they were outside the castle area on their own, and no one knew where they were. In fact, there was a war going on and although the characters are not fighting soldiers, they face some harsh realities during the story. They hadn't realized how close to home the war had reached. This story is a myth which is clearly stated in the book description. Students will become engaged and read with a variety of emotions throughout the story.

Many authors think they can write for reluctant readers, but this text really shows Cheryl Carpinello's finesse with such writing. Her teaching experience shines through the pages as she draws in the readers. The text is great for boys and girls, and there is nothing too feminine about the story and appeals to all children. ( )

This is the second book in this series and unfortunately, I did not read the first one, however, I had not difficulty following and enjoying this story. In Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend, the story opens with Britain at war. Guinevere is home anxiously awaiting news of her father, King Leodegrance, her betrothed, King Arthur and Cedwyn's father who have all gone to battle in the north. Guinevere is 12 and she makes decisions like a 12 year old. She and Cedwyn, her best friend, sneak away from the Castle, to visit the Wizards’ Stones. While at the stones, a goddess appears and gives them both messages that warn them of dangers in their future. It turns out that some villians/renegades are trying to kidnap Guinevere. With the help of Cedwyn, two young boys from the Abbey and some of the villagers, Guinevere and Cedwyn embark on an adventure to save the kingdom.

Author Cheryl Carpinello's plot is a quick, adventurous, story that starts off with a bang and does not slow down until the end. Reluctant readers, the target audience, will love the adventurous duo of Guinevere and Cedwyn who put themselves in danger, yet realize that they are the ones who need to save the day. Others will also enjoy this great story. Life in medieval times was no picnic and kids will learn just how brutal it could be. The descriptions of life, homes, food etc. as well as the relevant details about conditions back then will help young readers get a sense of the time the story is set. Cedwyn seems to be a bit of a leader and based on what the goddess said, he is destined for greater things as he protects his future queen. The themes in the story are pretty obvious yet could be used as discussion points such as, making the right decisions, putting others first, keeping your promises, loyalty and friendship, leadership and responsibility. I liked the questions for discussion at the end of the story. If this was done as a shared reading or read aloud, this could be used to explore the concepts shared as well as a jumping off point for further investigation into the Arthurian times. I definitely recommend this book for family, classroom or school libraries. One I am sure children from the age of 8 and up will enjoy. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend is the second book in the Tales and Legends for Reluctant Readers series.

In this book Guinevere and Cedwyn sneak out to visit the wizard’s stones. They are eager to see the magic they have heard Merlyn talk about. When their horses are spooked by a piercing scream they flee afraid for their lives. The closest place is the Abbey and they know the monks will take them in. However they will not be safe there when the renegades attack. And what danger awaits Cadbury Castle whilst the men are away fighting?

Guinevere and Cedwyn’s fun adventure turns into a fight for their lives and what they will see and endure will cause the youngsters to grow up fast and take on grave responsibilities.
“Cedwyn’s voice did not crack as it had a day ago. He was no longer a boy on an outing with his best friend. He had become their leader, their protector.”

Books for reluctant readers need to be fast paced and the plot uncomplicated and easily visualised. Guinevere: On the Dawn of Legend delivers on all these aspects.

The two main characters are likeable. Cedwyn has made a vow to protect Guinevere for life and he takes this very seriously. Guinevere is headstrong and determined although she still has a lot to learn about her future role as Queen.

There are themes of decision making, responsibilities and ruling with your head not your heart. The story has plenty of action, danger and breath-holding suspense with a splattering of light humour.

I didn’t agree with all the characters’ decisions and I think this leaves scope for good discussions.

The story is open ended and will leave many readers eager for the next instalment.

If your young reader loves stories filled with adventure, magic and mystery, heroes, strong women and good prevailing over evil then I recommend this series.

The book also has discussion questions at the end, ideas for further research and a rundown on the King Arthur legend.
My rating 4.5/ 5
Suitable for ages 8-12 years
Content: one non-graphic scene where the characters come across men killed by arrows. ( )

Atmosphere, action, and adventure characterise Cheryl Carpinello’s second book featuring the young Princess Guinevere and her friend Cedwyn. I loved the first book, Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, where we got to know the young Guinevere and her best friend, Cedwyn. I was very keen to pick up their story and I wasn’t disappointed. Although this is the second book, the author fills in enough back story to indicate past events for readers new to the series, and those who have read book one will be delighted to see how much the two protagonists have grown and matured.

In Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend, the story opens with Britain at war, Guinevere anxiously awaiting news of her father, King Leodegrance, and her betrothed, the young King Arthur, both of whom have ridden north to battle. Some things don’t change though, and when Guinevere and Cedwyn, her childhood friend, slip away from Cadbury Castle, it’s to explore and find out more, this time about the ancient menhirs, the Wizards’ Stones. Magical energy abounds and the two young people are astounded to experience an incredible apparition, that of the Goddess, and she has a message for both of them. However, since peril is hurtling fast towards them, the message portends danger and destruction. Renegades from the north are planning to kidnap the young princess! After a tumultuous and shocking turn of events, Guinevere and Cedwyn discover that the renegades have burnt the Abbey to the ground, the monks have been murdered and, when they make their way back to the castle, they find the children have been taken in lieu of Guinevere to be sold into slavery! Can Guinevere and Cedwyn organise a viable rescue mission, and will it work, taking into consideration that Cedwyn’s message from the Goddess had some dark and foreboding overtones regarding his future...

Author Cheryl Carpinello sets the pace right away for this adventure and it does not let up. Although this author writes for reluctant readers, the narrative is not dumbed-down, and kids will enjoy being steeped in great atmospherics, experiencing every nail-biting, heart-pounding moment of the action, danger, and harsh conditions. Life in medieval times was no picnic and kids will learn just how brutal it could be. The author cleverly inserts relevant details about conditions back then and these help young readers to get a sense of the era and the surroundings the characters inhabit. Young Cedwyn seems to be destined for greater things as he takes the lead in this story, putting himself in danger to save the children. Relevant themes abound, such as making the right decisions, putting others first, keeping your promises, loyalty and friendship, leadership and responsibility, all values that have been forgotten to a large extent in modern society, where “me” is the watchword. In fact, in the very informative and interesting endnotes, Cheryl Carpinello outlines the history of Arthur, the concept of chivalry and the ideals associated with him, and why these concepts and ideals will never die.

Young readers won’t just turn the last page and find the end of the story. Questions for Discussion and Enrichment offer parents, teachers, and librarians a wealth of opportunities to find out how well the young readers remember what they have read, as well as exploring deeper themes for greater understanding. A list of characters and names of places, as well as a map and illustrations keep the young reader firmly entrenched in the story, with a clear idea of who is who, and where they are in the tale. This is a delightful story, filled with history, emotion, action, and adventure to keep those young readers, both reluctant and eager, turning the pages non-stop. The story ends on an exciting cliff-hanger, opening the door to yet another fantastic adventure in an age long past, with themes and ideals that we, living in the 21st century, would do well to remember. A wonderful tale for budding young knights, and those (a little older, perhaps) who remember their chivalric ideals. A great adventure for fans of Arthuriana! ( )