Queen of Nothing
I’m not sure what I was expecting going into this book, but it wasn’t what I got.

Overall, I enjoyed it.
I know ashamedly little about the legend of Arthur, but I do like to think I know more than your average Joe. It was a very interesting take, with a lot of artistic licence (although, with a legend like Arthur’s, who’s to say the author didn’t just read a different telling to that I know?).

At times I found the timeline confusing and honestly, didn’t understand what was happening. Times like the very ending - I’m not sure what was happening there? I don’t want to go into too much detail, because I don’t want to spoil it but, some clarity would be nice?? Also, when Anna was becoming Nimue - I didn’t understand if it was Anna’s body that was changing? Or if she’d created a whole new body for Nimue?

*massive spoiler coming*

I don’t understand how or why Gaheris killed Maugawse?? I get it was some kind of magic that Nimue was trying to pull on Lamorak (I think it was Lamorak, there were so many names I also got confused there too?!), but I don’t understand WHY? Was it supposed to be so Maugawse’s son killed her? I don’t get it??

I was intrigued throughout the whole story; it was slow going, but enjoyable. I liked Anna’s character development but do wish we’d got to see more of her ending with Bedevere after everything she’d gone through to get there.

I don’t know if I’ll hurry to pick up the next few books in the trilogy, but I would like to see what else the author does within this world.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an eARC of this title in return for my truthful review.

In keeping with the legends and myths that the book itself is based on, the narration of the book was probably what impressed me the most and held me captive to the very end of the story. The narrator is the main character, and she tells you the story from a point in the future, so to speak, offering plenty of ominous and foreshadowing context that'll keep you turning the page. Indeed, it'll even prime you for reading the next books in the series.

Aside from the narration itself, I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship dynamics that drive the plot of the story foward. There's a lot of characters, and I would at times have to pause to keep track of ages and familial bonds etc., but for someone without tons of knowledge insofar as Arthurian legends go, I was still able to enjoy myself.

The pacing is fairly slow, especially at the start, but I found myself gripped by the story regardless (which I contribute to the narrator's voice, in large part).

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an earc of this! All reviews are my own!

First off I love Arthurian retellings so instantly I was drawn into this book. At first while reading it I was a little confused; however that quickly changed when the pace picked up. I throughly enjoyed reading this. I think my favorite character was Anna, I felt like I could hear her struggle and emphasize with her based on her marriage. Overall, wonderful job to the author and I will definitely be looking at more in the future by them!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review*

I've read a ton of Arthurians novels but never about Arthur's sister. It was a refreshing change for once. I liked Barron's unique pen and overall Queen of None was a really interesting read.

Queen of None is a female-centered retelling of Arthurian legend. The novel follows Anna Pendragon, Arthur's forgotten sister, who has been used as a pawn for her entire life. But after being wronged countless times by the men in her life, she decides to reshape her fate.

This was such a good retelling! I loved Anna's character and her growth. And the writing was beautiful as well.

**Thank you to Netgalley for an arc of this book**

I love Arthurian retellings, but I will say I didn't remember Anna, the forgotten sister of King Arthur, prophesied by Merlin to be forgotten by all. So it was nice to read through her eyes. Usually the story is told by the popular male characters, so this was refreshing. Anna was standoffish at times, but I understood it. She is strong and is done being at the mercy of the men in her life. I enjoyed the court politics, twists, turns, magic, romance and characters. I can't wait to see where the next book goes.

3.75 rating

Queen of None is a delightful twist on the tales of old!

This is a story of King Arthur's court as told by his sister Anna. It is an engaging plot with twists of magic and court intrigue. I really appreciate how sympathetic it is to the life of a woman living in those ages.

The most exciting part of the book begins in the last 25%. There was important plot and character development leading to that point. However, it did feel a little long at times.

I love Arthurian based remakes and I liked that this book came from the perspective of a little known character.. But this was just an okay entry in the vast catalog of Arthurian based fiction so I would not buy it or recommend it.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I found the beginning a tad slow however I struggled to put it down still.

The character development was outstanding too, I loved watching Anna grow.

Additionally I liked how the author showed the cycle of how her children become their father and portrays it really well.

Natania Barron's "Queen of None" takes readers on a captivating journey into the life of Anna, King Arthur's sister, providing a fresh perspective on a character often relegated to the sidelines in the Arthurian legends. Married at a young age and burdened with responsibilities, Anna's story unfolds with a richness and depth that adds a new layer to the well-known narrative.

The novel begins with Anna's return to Carelon, holding the crown of her deceased husband. From the outset, Barron paints a vivid picture of Anna's complex relationships with her sisters, Morgen, Elaine, and Morgause, as well as with key figures like Merlin and Bedevere. The author masterfully weaves together elements of Arthurian legend with a compelling exploration of Anna's inner world, creating a narrative that is both familiar and refreshingly original.

Anna's journey is one of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. Barron skillfully brings out the nuances of Anna's character, allowing readers to witness her growth from a young bride and mother to a woman determined to navigate the challenges and intrigues of Carelon. The themes of ambition and revenge add layers of complexity to Anna's motivations, making her a protagonist whose struggles and triumphs resonate deeply.

The prose in "Queen of None" is both eloquent and evocative, immersing readers in the mystical world of Camelot and the political machinations that shape Anna's destiny. The author's attention to detail and the seamless integration of magical elements contribute to the overall enchanting atmosphere of the story.

One of the strengths of the novel lies in its ability to reframe a familiar tale through the lens of a previously overlooked character. Barron's storytelling prowess breathes new life into Anna, allowing her to step into the spotlight and claim her own narrative. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of tension and introspection, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

In conclusion, "Queen of None" is a masterfully written and compelling addition to Arthurian literature. Natania Barron's ability to delve into the complexities of character and deliver a fresh perspective on a well-loved legend makes this novel a must-read for fans of historical fantasy. "Queen of None" is not just a retelling; it is a triumphant exploration of a woman's journey toward agency, strength, and the pursuit of her own destiny.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I seem to be continuing in my trend of reading feminist Retellings this year and im still loving it with this Arthurian addition. This was such a cool spin on a familiar cast of characters and setting and I really enjoyed it.

This was brilliantly written book. Almost lyrical. The author writes with such beauty and poise and I felt I was there with her in every description she made.
I love anything Arthurian so pounced on the opportunity to read about Anna whom I'd never knew played a part in some variations of the myth. I did have an inkling of who she would come but didn't know if it would be done in the age old boring way of good becomes evil but actually, no. This was done in a creative magical way and is a total credit to the author.

Unfortunately I am unable to give feedback as this was a DNF for me. The premise was there but if I'm not captured within the first few chapters I won't continue.

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

I love a good Arthurian retelling and this was really well done. I look forward to more books in the series.

This book was unforgivably boring for such a cool concept. I felt like all of the things I would find interesting were glossed over and then you got a “so now it’s five years later” instead. Nothing was described in depth, nothing was immersive. I wish I’d just dnf’d it.

I’m not big into Arthurian retellings but this one kept my attention throughout! I really enjoyed it and honestly it was quite a unique take on the story. The writing flowed very well and you could tell the author took time putting the story together. It’s one of those novels that you just have to experience for yourself. I heard there is a second book coming out? If so, I will be reading it! Thank you to the although, the publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

starting off the new year strong with a huge disappointment. My major complaint wasn't with the plot or the characters, its with the god awful names each and every character had. I understand the author had no hand in it as the names are already pre-decided from the legends of king Arthur but damn it they were a mouthful.
None of the characters were likable. I didn't hate them per se but I wasn't rooting for anyone either except maybe the women of the court because of how they were treated as pawns at the hands of the "men". but the bottom line is all of them were unlikable, the only character that was bit less unlikable than the others was killed off early.
tbh the plot was all over the place and nothing was really going on like it was unnecessarily too long and too detailed for its own good. somewhere in the middle the story seemed to be picking up then it went flat again and continued like that up until the end. all I can remember is feeling disgusted 90% of the times and that's about it. I guess incest of any kind and age gaps of 40+ years is just not my cup of tea. I was really hoping to like it since its the first book of this year but we don't always get what we wish for.

This was such a wonderful and enjoyable read!!!! I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris for this arc which will be available wide on 5/21/24!!!


This is a female led Arthurian retelling that really sat heavy on my soul. I related so much to Anna’s plight. She’s not a blushing young woman but a mom and a wife struggling to please the King her brother with her insufferable political marriage. Then there’s the words of Merlin that were like a death knell. This was a truly feminist book but it was empowering and special. I dig it alot

3,75/4⭐️

“Anna Briallen Carys Pendragon. Through all the ages, and in the hearts of men, you will be forgotten.”
My prophecy. My burden. My curse.

First of all, thank you NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for the ARC

“Queen of None” by Natania Barron is the first book of a female-led Arthurian Fantasy Romance trilogy.

I adored Anna as a protagonist and I loved how the author portrayed her emotions.
I also liked the vast cast of characters, even though I would have liked to know more about some of them.

Overall, I suggest this book to any Arthurian Legend fan and to anyone who loves reading a feminist retelling of a classic tale.