Guinevere At the Dawn of Legend Book Two
This post is about Cheryl Carpinello’s new book, Guinevere: at the Dawn of Legend for the summer 2017 blog tour. I bought my own book and all the links in this post are non-affiliate.
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 leave the castle through back door to just hunt a rabbit. No one knew where they were, and they got more adventure than wanted. In fact, there was a war going on and although the characters do not fight, 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. It is also historical fiction which was the most appealing genre to the students I taught in 4th and 5th grades.
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. Reluctant readers and all readers will find this book fascinating!
I have previously posted about Cheryl’s books and made free educational resources about them. Please see her author page at this link for more information about her other books. I never found art of a princess in black trousers with a quiver of arrows for my printable, though. Please see the free educational study guide I created for it here:
Study-Guide-for-Guinevere-At-the-Dawn-of-Legend-by-Cheryl-Carpinello
The study guide has a writing frame for an adventure story, writing rubrics, character trait word pages, puzzles, and an illustrated word wall. It also has a crossword puzzle for Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, book one.
About the Book
Title: Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend Book Two
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publisher: Beyond Today Educator
Publication Date: June 21, 2017
Number of Pages: 121
Genre: Children’s Historical Fiction
Summary: “Think before acting,” her father always warned. But Princess Guinevere is ruled by her heart. Her betrothal to King Arthur has not changed this.
When Guinevere and Cedwyn’s latest adventure takes a dangerous turn, they find themselves embroiled in a life-or-death struggle as foretold by Merlyn’s Goddess of the Stones.
Renegades—foiled in their attempt to kidnap the princess—steal the children of Cadbury Castle to sell as slaves. Guinevere and Cedwyn vow to rescue the children, but a miscalculation puts them all in more danger. The plan quickly unravels, and Guinevere’s impassioned decisions come crashing down as Cedwyn chooses to turn his dream of becoming a knight into reality. Will their courage be strong enough to survive, or will one make the ultimate sacrifice?
5-Star Review from Readers’ Favorite
Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite
Children are attracted to adventure and they don’t see the risks that adults do, refusing to accept many of the limitations and rules enforced for the sole purpose of keeping children safe. Guinevere and Cedwyn are close friends and Cedwyn, although still very young, has pledged his life to protect the princess who will one day be his queen when she marries King Arthur. Being children, they have their adventures. And one such adventure to the mysterious standing stones results in magical visions and then a race for their lives. There are people intent on kidnapping Guinevere. When she out-foxes their intentions, they take the castle children instead to be sold into slavery. Guinevere insists on chasing after the kidnappers and rescuing the children. The adventure intensifies as they risk their lives and become heroes. But are they totally successful in rescuing the children? Or do they just manage to create more problems in the process?
Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend is the sequel to Cheryl Carpinello’s first Guinevere story, Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. Both books take the fascinating Arthurian legends and create stories that will entice even the most reluctant of readers. With realistic characters and an exciting plot full of adventure, the reader will be pulled along to an unexpected conclusion, one that demands another book to complete the series. Young readers will certainly easily associate with Guinevere and Cedwyn, who, at their young age, take risks and disobey their parents, while at the same time they reach out to help others and become heroes. A great way to entice readers, even reluctant ones, to follow the adventures found in legends.
Book One – Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend
At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England’s history…. She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted—all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage. For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits? However, the wizard Merlyn—her teacher and friend—knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.
About the Author
For Educators & Parents
In Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, Guinevere is turning 13 and is to give up her childhood pursuits and become the Lady of the Castle. The book review and free teaching resource is available at this link. This is book one of three about Guinevere.
The free teaching resource for Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend is available at this link. We learn more about Guinevere and find out even a princess does not have an easy life.
Tutankhamen Speaks has a free teacher guide PDF with answer keys at the blog post. The genre for this book is historical fiction ancient civilizations.
In medieval Wales, Prince Gavin and other characters are brought together by the one they call the Wild Man. Book review and free teaching supplement for the book at this link.
Guinevere: The Legend is part of this series by Cheryl Carpinello. There is a free teaching resource for the book and book review at this link.
Cheryl Carpinello is an author of novels for upper-grade children and she has a focus on medieval history. Read more about her here.
