About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager begins questioning the stories they are told by the media, history books, or even family legends. It is a powerful tool for a child who is navigating the gap between public image and private truth, or for one who feels they must hide their true self to fit into a specific role. Philip Reeve strips away the shining armor of Camelot to reveal a gritty, realistic Dark Ages Britain. The story follows Gwyna, a girl forced to masquerade as a boy to survive, who becomes an instrument for the bard Myrddin. As Myrddin spins lies to turn a local warlord named Arthur into a legendary king, the book explores themes of honesty, the power of propaganda, and the fluid nature of identity. It is a sophisticated historical novel that encourages critical thinking about how 'truth' is manufactured. Best suited for ages 12 and up due to realistic depictions of ancient warfare and complex moral ambiguity.
