Legendary

BOOK INFORMATION (Goodreads)

Aliana Fagan spent her childhood traveling the world, dreaming of legendary heroes and mythical lands. But after the sudden death of her parents, she hides behind the safety of her camera and her art until a vivid recurring dream compels her to dig into her father's research about Avalon and Camelot. When she is hurled into a magical realm by forces she thought were only the stuff of fairy tales, she finds herself thrown into an adventure she could never have imagined. Nearly everything she thought she knew about Arthurian legend was wrong.

The independent eighteen-year-old is shocked to find that the people of Avalon think that she is the Destined One, the only person who can summon King Arthur back to life from his hidden chamber. Most surprising of all is that it's up to her to lead the Knights of the Round Table on an epic quest—an adventure that will transport them across the seven magic realms to reclaim all that has been lost so they can defeat the evil Mordrid for good. But first, she must bring the ancient warriors into her world and reunite them with their lost brothers. Chaperoning the legendary knights-with-a-chivalry-complex as they navigate the modern world is a constant challenge, and she certainly never thought she'd be caught between her intense feelings for the noble Sir Galahad and her growing friendship with the King. 

To fulfill the prophecy, Aliana will have to discover the meaning of friendship, bravery, loyalty, true love, and forgiveness. But can she do it all in time to save the realms from Mordrid's impending Armageddon?

Genres: Young Adult, Mythology, Arthurian

Formats: Kindle, Ebook, Paperback

Number of pages: 278 pages

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Publishing Date: February 25, 2014

Language: English

ISBN:  9781623421038

                                                         My Rating:

First off, I have to say, Knights at the round table, King Arthur, Avalon.. what?! I am so excited I can't even stand myself!  Just reading the prologue...

       "So it begins." The queen departed for the mortal realm, a cunning smirk on her lips, satisfaction bright on her face."

I mean that alone, right there just really catches my fancy...

The story follows the story of Aliana an 18 year old girl, who learns about her destiny after she travels through to Avalon, a place she only used to see in her dreams.  Her path was laid before her by the lady of the lake, she has to free loyalty and magic, awaken King Arthur and reunite the Knights of the Round Table in order to defeat Mordrid and Morgana.  No pressure!! The journey leads her through the ruins where the Sidhe roam, meeting the "witch" to assure her passage, awakening the king and on to fulfill her destiny!!   

The writing in this story was beautifully written, very descriptive and detailed. For example:

"Her skin was as pale as snow, and her almond-shaped eyes were as blue as the depths of the ocean and surrounded by thick, coal black lashes.  Her dress was the palest of blue, draping off her shoulders and hips in perfect Grecian style.  Strips of silk laced with pearls formed sleeves, and she wore a long, beaded sash around her waist."

Another thing I absolutely loved was at the beginning of each chapter she would put some quote from a character about their thoughts.  Almost like a diary entry! It was interesting to get the inside scope of how they were feeling after something just happened, or something was going to happen! Of course, that's just my thing..diaries.  I like getting into people's minds and thoughts.  Luckily, I didn't have an older sibling to harass.  

Throughout the book I thought of Chris Hemsworth in Thor as Galahad.  This quote especially: 

"What kind of magic is this?" he asked Daggerhorne.

Aliana answered, "It's not magic.  It's technology.  You'll get used to it."

This made me laugh out loud, thinking about how weird it must be for Galahad and King Arthur to come to the modern world.  Almost as bad as us going back in to the days of Camelot!   

I have yet to find another book like this, not to say there isn't one out there, I just haven't found it!  I loved going to Medieval Times, you know the dinner show thing..The renaissance festival, heck I even played The Sims Medieval.  This should tell you how much I LOVE going back to those times, even if it is all make believe.  While the story isn't set in Camelot...I'm hoping one of these times it can be.....Or at least flash backs too the times in Camelot (That may be wishful thinking..) Of course, the best part about the fact that she brought the characters to the present rather than the past, is that I don't think it's been done?!

My favorite character would have to be Wade..or maybe it would Dagg.  Ok, so I'm torn between the two.  I love how LH wove Wade into her story.  The connection between Aliana and her stated "big brother" character was amazing.  The dance scene between the two at a masquerade showed just how comfortable Aliana was with him, how she always knew she could count on him for anything. As for Dagg, I loved the relationship between him and Aliana.  He was truthful and loyal to her no matter what.  Even if she did make some stupid decisions, he would chastise her and move on.  He could feel what she felt and was always there to calm her nerves and serve as her protector.  He was witty and kind hearted..to bad he was a dragon! But then, you see, there would be a square rather than triangle of love.  

This brings us to Arthur vs Galahad.  Ok, we always have to have teams when it comes to these types of things, Edward vs Jacob, Dimitri vs Adrian, Maxon vs Aspen..Oh the list could go on.. There are things I like about both characters, but as of right now, if I HAD to pick a side, I'm all about Galahad.  I go for the more outgoing character.  Galahad just has that fierce, protector, spontaneity thing going for him.  Arthur, though the king, just seems to be more on the side-lines.  He's the one you could call "friend-zoned." That hurts me for him! He seems to really care for Aliana, but he keeps just watching from the side-lines instead of jumping right in.  Aliana is torn about how all of the knights feel about her.  She just feels like a key to their quest, so with that being said...she needs someone to smack her upside the head so she understands she's so much more! Who wouldn't love to have all these hot, protective warriors pawning over them!  

Another character I'm really excited to get to know is Mordrid.  Oh honey! LH could not have made a better villian! He has that mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome thing going for him! I've always had a soft spot for the "bad boy" though.  I'll be excited to see what's in store for Mordrid in the upcoming novels.  I want to know more! AHH!!!

So, 5 stars it is to this LEGENDARY book! I loved it and I can't wait to see what is in store for Aliana, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and yes even Mordrid and Morgana!  If you love the medieval times like I do or just love the idea of hot, brawny knights protecting you.  Definitely give this book a read! You won't regret it!

~*~I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.~*~