This has a reading playlist at the beginning of the book which just fitted it so eloquently. Also included is a cast of characters which was super handy when you have no previous knowledge of Arthurian legend.

I felt this could have been a YA book perhaps, I feel the characters didn’t seem developed enough to appeal to an adult audience? Could have benefitted from a different POV rather than just the one character. I would have liked there to have been flashes of maybe Vivian’s magic beginning to come through before she developed her powers fully.
I enjoyed seeing Merlin as almost deviant within this story which is never a side you’ve maybe seen of him before.
I think having the 3 ladies at the forefront of the novel was a great idea, and definitely was intriguing. I had no knowledge really about Arthurian stories aside from the odd movie or Disney tale so this was really enlightening in regard to the authors note at the end. This is clearly a topic she feels passionate about and has a deep knowledge of. A truly lovely story with great descriptions.

This was absolutely beautiful.

The story, the world building and the chemistry between these characters was superb.

Beautiful.

Like many queer millenials, I watched bbc's merlin as a kid and it altered my brain chemistry. Especially Katie Mcgrath's Morgana. So when I saw this was a sapphic arthuriana retelling I instantly requested it.

I think the authors note at the end made me understand a lot more about what story the author was trying to tell, and overall I definitely appreciated bringing the female arthurian characters to the forefront. The research into Merlin as a divise was interesting and I'd like to learn more about the different depictions of him in history. However...

The story itself, on it's own, felt a little slow to me. I didn't feel entirely able to connect emotionally with the characters. I felt we were being held at arms length. This affected the main romance for me, since we never really see Morgan's pov. I did feel I got to know her character, but I don't feel we ever really got to delve beneath the surface (no pun intended.) I think as well I might have liked more humour. As noted, the author mentions Merlin in her authors note as well as shows like Excalibur and Xena warrior princess. I think maybe I'm deeping this too much, but I think if the book had lent further into the type of story invoked in those shows OR further into fully serious historical fiction, it might have been easier to connect with. But instead we sit somewhere between them and it left the tone feeling a little strange.

This is not a bad book. It's researched and I love the inclusion of queer characters in classic tales. I just think this one didn't quite get me the way I wanted it to.

Wow wow wow wow Lady of the Lake by Jean Menzies is a captivating sapphic retelling of the Camelot myths that breathes fresh life into the classic Arthurian legend. Menzies’ skillful reinterpretation of the characters, especially Vivienne (the Lady of the Lake) and Morgan le Fay, is a standout feature of the novel.
The way she reimagines these two iconic figures feels both timely and timeless, offering them depth and nuance that I found incredibly compelling.
Vivienne is no longer just the mysterious, ethereal figure associated with the magical lake but a complex woman whose desires, motivations, and relationships are central to the narrative. Menzies beautifully explores Vivienne’s internal struggles and the tensions that arise from her role in the mythic world of Camelot.
Similarly, Morgan le Fay, often portrayed as the antagonist in many retellings, is here given her own rich backstory and agency. The connection between her and Vivienne, in particular, is handled with such sensitivity and emotional depth that it completely redefines their relationship.
Menzies’ prose is lush and immersive, perfectly capturing the magic, danger, and passion of Camelot. The relationships in the novel, especially the sapphic bond between Vivienne and Morgan, are rendered with a rare tenderness and authenticity that I found deeply moving. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, adding an emotional layer to the traditional themes of fate, power, and betrayal that are so central to the Arthurian legends.
Overall, Lady of the Lake is a beautifully written and thought-provoking retelling that highlights Jean Menzies’ talent! This is the my first 5 star read of 2025 and I won’t be surprised if it’s in my 2025 top reads at the end of the year!