In the Shadow of the Solstice
from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book of Eve
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Pub Date 10 Sep 2026 | Archive Date 10 Sep 2026
Headline | Wildfire
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Description
A devastating feminist reimagining of Arthurian legend set in the dark and dangerous years after the Romans left Britain.
Nin is joining the gilded world of her sister's husband - a powerful man known only as the Bear. It's midwinter and there's victory to feast. And where better than at the Hall high above the mists of the Lake?
Why is the Lake so unsettled?
The bonds of love and ambition once united the Family. But as night falls and the shadows lengthen, dark secrets and unruly passions threaten to rip it apart.
What is the strange crying only Nin can hear?
Torn between loyalty and desire - between rage and fear - Nin must fight to the death to uncover a terrible truth.
Who will live to see the sun rise?
Praise for IN THE SHADOW OF THE SOLSTICE:
'An unflinching exploration of post-Roman Britain through the women of Arthur's court - as thought-provoking as it is enticing.' ALICE ALBINIA
'This story got under my skin and stayed there. Meg Clothier writes with beauty and grit, and the world she creates in these pages feel as real as my own two hands.' STEPHANIE BUTLAND
'Absolutely superb . . . eerie yet gritty, combining an acerbic wit with magic and mystery. A genius concept, and so well executed - I haven't stopped thinking about it.' NAOMI KELSEY
'The dark and twisted Arthurian anti-romantasy you didn't know you needed! Clothier's inventive, rich vernacular effortlessly evokes the brutal, chaotic world of post-Roman Britain. At once historically convincing, yet spookily otherworldly, this is a twisty and addictive tale of supernatural vengeance that will keep you guessing to the final page.' NIKKI MARMERY
'With a voice that's lyrical, playful, and entirely unique, Meg Clothier truly brings the history of King Arthur to life. In the Shadow of the Solstice is a book that pulls you in, and doesn't let you go until the final page.' PHOENICIA ROGERSON
'Vivid, earthy and captivating, In the Shadow of the Solstice is a bold and brilliantly drawn reckoning with British mythology, history, and the legendary characters that dominate our oldest stories. Meg Clothier has conjured an uncanny, spellbinding tale - to read this book is to be immersed in the ancient landscapes of our past, a gripping journey steeped in swirling mists, bloody conflicts and the darkest secrets the night can hide.' SOPHIE KEETCH
'An immersive, atmospheric tale that swept me away to a world of myth and magic. The setting is brilliantly brought to life with a main character who is brave, sparky and immensely likeable. I loved it!' KAREN COLES
More praise for Meg Clothier:
'A wonderfully rich and absorbing tale' Observer
'Expertly crafted and beautifully told' JENNIFER SAINT
'What an extraordinary book' HARRIET TYCE
'A ravishing, erudite feminist hijack of Renaissance Florence' ALICE ALBINIA
'Mysterious, bewitching and beautiful' ELIZABETH LEE
'Brutal and haunting' MELISSA FU
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781035408962 |
| PRICE | £20.00 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 8 members
Featured Reviews
Cristina L, Reviewer
This was a wonderful read. A thoroughly enjoyable experience of a tale re-told from a different point of view. Based on Arthurian legend it is a tale told by an all knowing narrator who tells us of Viviana or Nin as she is known throughout, with a little twist at the end. A tale full of danger lurking in the swirling mists rising from the Lake where dwell, according to myths, dangerous creatures called the Shadows.
Nin joins her older sister Guenevera, who is married to a powerful warrior known as The Bear, and gradually dark dangerous secrets are revealed. What terrible deeds were done, what plots and betrayals are being hatched and why is Nin the only one who hears the sound of a child crying? Who is that boy clothed in rags who slips away into the mists? Why does he want revenge? From whom?
This is a tale well told. The style of writing is quirky enough to reveal the distance between us now and the characters in the story which is set just after the Romans left Britain and records are scant. I was carried along by the wonderful narrative style and because the character of Nin is so sympathetic and vital as are all the others. Names familiar from the story of Camelot; but this is no Camelot. The Bear comes back to his wife and the settlement on the Hill above the Lake, victorious after many battles, and already we know all is not well as gradually the tension rises with the waters of the Lake.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves atmospheric well-written tales.
Thanks to NetGalley for the kindle ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Book B, Reviewer
I struggle with books about legends and myths but I liked Meg's other book and so I thought I would try this. Best thing I ever did! What a story and what a atmospheric one at that. There was just much to this -legend, heritage, history and a women at the centre of it all. Plenty of mystery and the mist that descends on the lake....spooky too. Loved it!
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