For the most part this was a lovely read and I very much liked the character of Vivien and the theme of destiny involving knights in Arthurian legends. That being said I struggled at first to adjust to some of the language and structure. The illistrations were beautiful and assisted greatly imaging the setting we are placed in and helped to get past some of that struggle. Overall, it was a nice historical fiction recommeded for any reader that loves Arthurian backdrop/theme.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Let me start with the good. the artwork is excellent . Done so well you wouldnt think this was fiction. This is my first read from the author. while the story line is unique. it kept posting passages from the bible. It was done in a very preachy way which i found very off putting. Netgalley needs a sub heading for fantasy called christian fantasy. not the authors fault and i reflected that in rating.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this in exchange for a copy from Netgalley!

Initially, I had difficulty grasping the concepts and may rely on some background on medieval history. However, its strength lies in the evolution of the quest and well-thought of characters. Once you start to understand the richness of the world it becomes even better with the addition of the fantasy elements!

Overall: 3.75 Stars

The Princess of Selgovae and the High King" by Bryce Gibby is a captivating tale of courage, destiny, and romance set in ancient Britain. Princess Vivien's serene life is shattered when Saxons invade her kingdom, forcing her to flee to the hidden sanctuary of The Mountain. The narrative unfolds with gripping intensity as Vivien navigates a perilous journey, pursued by the relentless Saxons who seek a vital secret she guards.

Gibby weaves a rich tapestry of adventure, magic, and destiny, positioning Vivien as a central figure destined for a purpose far greater than she initially realizes. The enigmatic sage, the Immortal Hawk, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, guiding Vivien in her quest. The prophecies foretelling the rise of young Arthur and the establishment of a realm of unearthly majesty create a compelling backdrop, adding depth to the storyline.

Throughout the novel, Gibby skillfully explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love. Vivien's journey is not only a physical one but also a profound exploration of her inner strength and determination. The romantic element adds a touch of warmth to the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

For fans of epic fantasy and historical fiction, "The Princess of Selgovae and the High King" offers a thrilling and immersive experience. Gibby's storytelling prowess brings ancient Britain to life, making it a must-read for those who enjoy tales of heroism, magic, and the enduring spirit of love in the face of adversity.

DNF at 40% through. The language was hard to grasp and I found myself spending more time re-reading sections so I understood than enjoying the story. The artwork is stunning and I do love an Arthurian tale. The history was well researched.

DNF at 50%. Quick read, and I'm always up for a good Arthurian adaptation, but the language here was just too archaic for me to get into. The prose felt artificially constructed in a way that I just did not enjoy. Very nice art, though! Thank you to NetGalley and Perlycross Publishers for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Princess Vivien's picturesque life is rudely interrupted by Saxons invading her sire’s kingdom. With her father slain and the Selgovaeans ill-prepared for a barbarian buffet, Vivien must embark on an extremely perilous journey to The Mountain. Evading Saxon pursuers, she relies on wit, cunning, and the help of the enigmatic sage, the Immortal Hawk. Destiny unfolds as Vivien is empowered to establish a kingdom of unearthly majesty, and the stage is set for the rise of young Arthur, a resistance fighter destined to be crowned High King of Britannia.

Pros:
🌟 Four stars for this thrilling adventure! I love it – it's like Arthurian tales met a princess who took charge of her own narrative.

😍 I love Arthurian tales! It's like diving into a pool of legends, but with Vivien front and center, rocking the crown with style.

📜 Very descriptive — wonderful prose that's practically a feast for the imagination. It's like the author sprinkled literary magic dust on every page.

🖌️ I love the illustrations – a visual treat that adds an extra layer of enchantment to the already captivating story.

📚 The author has done a lot of research — it shows. It's like a history lesson wrapped in a fantasy novel, making the ancient Britain setting feel as authentic as a time-traveling TARDIS.

Cons:
🤷 Some of the characters fell a bit flat, but overall, it's an enjoyable read. It's like having a delightful dessert with a few crumbs that could be a touch sweeter.

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and the magical quill of Bryce Gibby for the enchanting eARC. All opinions are as uniquely mine as Vivien's journey through ancient Britain. 👑📚

I stayed up half the night reading this and I was most impressed by the story and the characters. Also the novel is beautifully illustrated. It is the story of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, with characters like Vivien and Merlin, but told in an original way, so I was able to read and enjoy it afresh. Highly recommended.