Queen of None by Natania Barron

This review copy was gifted to me by Solaris Books through NetGalley. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Queen of None

Series: Queens of Fate

Author: Natania Barron

Release Date: May 21, 2024

Publisher: Solaris Books

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Source: digital, NetGalley

TW: death, domestic abuse, mental illness, child death, incest, pregnancy, vomit, homophobia, rape (mentioned)

Synopsis

When Anna Pendragon was born, Merlin prophesied: Through all the ages, and in the hearts of men, you will be forgotten.

Married at twelve, and a mother soon after, Anna - the famed King Arthur's sister - did not live a young life full of promise, myth, and legend. She bore three strong sons and delivered the kingdom of Orkney to her brother by way of her marriage. She did as she was asked, invisible and useful for her name, her status, her dowry, and her womb.

Twenty years after she left her home, Anna returns to Carelon at Arthur's bidding, carrying the crown of her now-dead husband, Lot of Orkney. Past her prime and confined to the castle itself, she finds herself yet again a pawn in greater machinations and seemingly helpless to do anything about it. Anna must once again face the demons of her childhood: her sister Morgen, Elaine, and Morgause; Merlin and his scheming Avillion priests; and Bedevere, the man she once loved. To say nothing of new court visitors, like Lanceloch, or the trouble concerning her own sons.

Carelon, and all of Braetan, is changing, though, and Anna must change along with it. New threats, inside and out, lurk in the shadows, and a strange power begins to awaken in her. As she learns to reconcile her dark gift, and struggles to keep the power to herself, she must bargain her own strength, and family, against her ambition and thirst for revenge.

Thoughts

Through all the ages, and in the hearts of men, you will be forgotten.

Queen of None offers a delightful twist on the classic Arthurian legends. The narrative unfolds from the perspective of Arthur’s younger sister, Anna, providing a fresh insight into the struggles of women in the court while men engage in wars and tournaments.

Anna's journey is heart-wrenching as happiness seems to be perpetually snatched away from her by the men in her life. Yet, her transformation into a figure of female empowerment is both inspiring and liberating. She eventually takes control of her destiny, refusing to let men dictate her choices.

Another highlight of the book is the unique portrayal of Merlin as a villain, reminiscent of the Romanov’s Rasputin. Anna's eventual rise against him delivers a satisfying turning point in the narrative.

Overall, Queen of None is a fascinating tale that serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of letting others write our destinies. A must-read for any fans of Arthurian legends.