The Excalibur Curse: Camelot Rising
#3 of 3 in Camelot Rising Series
on Goodreads (4,426)
What’s inside...
The gripping conclusion to an Arthurian fantasy trilogy finds Guinevere questioning everything—friends and enemies, good and evil, and, most of all, herself. While journeying north toward the Dark Queen, Guinevere falls into the hands of her enemies. Behind her are Lancelot, trapped on the other side of the magical barrier they created to protect Camelot, and Arthur, who has been led away from his kingdom, chasing after false promises. But the greatest danger isn’t what lies ahead of Guinevere—it’s what’s been buried inside her. Vowing to unravel the truth of her past with or without Merlin’s help, Guinevere joins forces with the sorceress Morgana and her son, Mordred—and faces the confusing, forbidden feelings she still harbors for him. When Guinevere makes an agonizing discovery about who she is and how she came to be, she finds herself with an impossible choice—to fix a terrible crime, or help prevent war. Guinevere is determined to set things right, whatever the cost. To defeat a rising evil. To remake a kingdom. To undo the mistakes of the past...even if it means destroying herself. Guinevere has been a changeling, a witch, a queen—but what does it mean to be just a girl?
Character compass
Guinevere
Brangien
Lancelot
King Arthur
Mordred
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good leader? How does the main character demonstrate these qualities?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story? Can you give examples of pivotal moments that affect these relationships?
What challenges does the main character face and how do they overcome them? How would you approach these challenges?
How does the setting of Camelot influence the events and characters in the story? Which elements of the setting did you find most interesting?
In what ways do the characters in the book show bravery or courage? How can we apply this in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of leadership and making difficult decisions, guiding your child to relate these situations to their own experiences.
Encourage your child to talk about the dynamics of friendship and trust, as illustrated in the book, and relate these to their personal interactions with others.
Discuss the problem-solving aspects of the book, prompting your child to think of different ways the characters could have resolved their conflicts.
Explore the historical and mythical aspects of Camelot with your child to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the story's setting.
Highlight moments of bravery and ask your child to recount personal moments where they felt brave, helping them draw parallels to the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Guinevere, navigates the complexities of her power and the responsibilities it brings, showing the importance of responsible decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the impact they can have on others.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face challenges requiring courage to confront fears and adversaries, emphasizing bravery in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be courageous when facing their own challenges, whether it's standing up to a bully or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Guinevere remains true to her values and moral compass despite various temptations and obstacles, showcasing the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay true to themselves and maintain their principles, even when faced with peer pressure or difficult choices.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The characters develop strong bonds and support each other, highlighting the value of trust and loyalty in friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building supportive and trustworthy relationships and being a good friend in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Guinevere often encounters problems that require critical thinking and creativity to resolve, which underlines the importance of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by using their creativity and critical thinking to solve everyday problems, enhancing their analytical abilities.