✨Arc Review✨

Thank you to the author Charlotte Bennardo And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A captivating and fresh take on Arthurian legend that exceeded my expectations

I don’t usually gravitate toward Arthurian fantasy, but The Excalibur Vow by Charlotte Bennardo surprised me in the best way. From the first page, I was drawn into a world that skillfully blends ancient magic with modern twists, all anchored by a protagonist who is both fierce and relatable.

Bennardo’s writing is sharp, immersive, and easy to get lost in. The story takes familiar elements of the Arthurian mythos and reimagines them with originality and heart. The characters are well-drawn, especially the lead, whose journey is filled with emotional depth and nuance. It’s refreshing to see a strong female lead who isn’t perfect but grows and struggles in ways that feel authentic.

The pacing moves quickly, keeping the tension high and the stakes real. There were moments where I wished for a bit more worldbuilding, especially around some of the magical lore and secondary characters, but the narrative’s momentum never falters. The relationships throughout the book are layered and complex, adding an emotional richness that elevates the fantasy adventure beyond simple thrills.

What really impressed me was how Bennardo balanced myth and modern storytelling, making the ancient legend feel relevant without losing its timeless magic. The book manages to be exciting, heartfelt, and thoughtful all at once—a combination that’s harder to pull off than it seems.

While I had a few minor reservations, like some plot points feeling a bit rushed and the occasional lack of detail in certain scenes, these didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment. In fact, those small issues only made me eager to see what Bennardo will do next.

If you’re a fan of fantasy with strong, complex characters and a fresh spin on classic myths, or even if you’re simply looking for a well-written and engaging read outside your usual genres, The Excalibur Vow is definitely worth picking up.

The Excalibur Vow by Charlotte Bennardo is everything I hoped for and more. From the very first page, I was swept into a world where ancient legend meets modern voice, and the result is pure magic.

Bennardo masterfully reimagines the tale of Excalibur through a fierce and determined hero and heroine who is equal parts powerful and vulnerable. The writing is sharp, the pace electric, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. I found myself cheering, gasping, and even tearing up at moments I didn’t expect.

This isn’t just another retelling—it’s a revitalization. The story respects its Arthurian roots while forging a path that feels fresh and relevant. Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and personal strength are woven through with nuance and heart. It’s clear Bennardo knows her mythos but isn’t afraid to take bold creative risks—and they pay off beautifully.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy, mythology, or just crave a strong female lead with grit and soul, The Excalibur Vow is a must-read. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next installment!

This was a different read for me in a good way. I really enjoyed how the story developed and I look forward to seeing more.

I enjoyed this story - I'm looking forward to seeing the main characters continue their story in future books. The only feedback that I would have suggested is the pacing in the book seemed slow to start, and rushed at the end.

I enjoyed The Excalibur Vow. It had an interesting plot, beautiful writing and fascinating characters. It was a good summer read, perfect if you're looking for something short and intriguing to read.

The few things that bugged me a bit were the fact that it had been quite slow for the first 70% of the book, as all the characters did was travel from one historical site to the next without something significant happening. Also the romantic subplot of the book was quite rushed, as the main characters started felling something for one another at about 80% and from that moment everything happened quite quickly.

I liked Jenna though, she was brave, intelligent and well suited for her role in the book.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!