Book Review: Grail Prince

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Grail Prince     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Nancy McKenzie
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Historical
Series: Arthurian Legends (McKenzie)
Del Rey, Jan 2003, $14.95, 528 pp.

Galahad, the oldest son of Lancelot knows his father loves King Arthur’s spouse Queen Guenivevre. Galahad also realizes that his weak mother despises her husband, but does nothing except rant to her children. Still he loathes his sire for giving his heart to the wrong person. He concludes that women are feeble and deceitful and vows to avoid all females, preferring abstinence to a woman’s wiles.

When Arthur nears death following the battle of Canlann against his own son, he asks Galahad to fulfill a quest. He wants Galahad to unite Excalibur with the Grail and the Spear so that his beloved Britain will never be invaded. Galahad travels forever seeking the answers to what Arthur laid on him. If he learns how to love, he would find the treasures are near, but the truth is even the woman who apparently is his destiny cannot seem to reach his heart.

Mostly through Galahad’s eyes, this fantasy is a strong look at Camelot after King Arthur’s death. The story line is action-packed, but is more of a character study than the usual genre novel. Readers see inside into the soul of Lancelot paying the piper for his heroism and sacrifice. However, this is Galahad’s tale as he struggles to overcome the lessons of his childhood that focused on his mother’s hatred of his father for his unrequited love and subsequent family neglect. Arthur is more of a father to the troubled lad. The GRAIL PRINCE will enchant the Camelot crowd who will demand that this Yankee author provide more tales in King Arthur’s Court.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner