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The Story: A Modern Queen in an Ancient Court
Imagine washing hotel sheets in modern-day Glastonbury one moment and being hailed as the legendary Queen Guinevere the next. That is the reality for Vera, a 22-year-old woman grieving a lost love who is suddenly whisked away to 7th-century Camelot by a mysterious man claiming to be Merlin.
The catch? Vera has no memory of her royal past. To save a kingdom where magic is bleeding dry and a dark curse looms, she must unlock the secrets buried in her mind—all while navigating a cold, distant King Arthur and a surprisingly charming Lancelot.
What’s Important: Why It Matters
This isn’t your typical dusty legend. The book explores:
- The Weight of Memory: Can we truly be ourselves if we don’t remember who we were?
- Feminist Reimagining: Guinevere is reclaimed from the “faithless queen” trope and given a voice, agency, and a pair of modern running shoes.
- A Dying World: The stakes are high as the literal magic of England depends on Vera’s ability to face her trauma.
About the Writer: Paula Lafferty
Paula Lafferty is a rising star in the “romantasy” genre. With a background in film production and a Master of Divinity, she brings a unique cinematic flair and spiritual depth to her writing. This book originally gained a massive following under the title La Vie de Guinevere through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign before being traditionally published as The Once and Future Queen.
Why You Should Read It
If you love the time-slip adventure of Outlander mixed with the wit and heart of The Princess Bride, this is your next obsession. It is a propulsive, emotional “page-turner” that balances humor (like Vera teaching the Knights of the Round Table how to play poker) with a deeply romantic, slow-burn mystery.