This one is perfect for either of my online book groups! I have a fantasy one and a historical fiction one. _Gwendolyn's Sword_ will keep everyone reading into the night. Everything pulled together well and I liked the way things ended. I can hardly wait for the next in the series!

Gwendolyn isn't like many married women of 1193. In the reign of King Richard, and in the midst of Prince John's rebellion, Gwendolyn carries a sword and knows how to use it. She has been left in charge of her estate by her husband Robert while he fights alongside King Richard.

Now, Gwendolyn has no idea if her husband is still alive and her horrid sister-in-law is intending to strip her of her land and title and take it for herself. On top of this, Gwendolyn's been told that she is a direct descendant of King Arthur and she is destined to received the famous sword Caliburn. Gwendolyn must find a way to save her estate and perhaps she can use her destiny to do so.

I immediately warmed to Gwendolyn. She was fresh, free-thinking and didn't let a man tell her what to do. Despite many historical fiction novels having beautiful, strong women in their own right, many of these characters are still very much confined by what their husbands allow them to do. With the absence of a husband and a title of a Lady, Gwendolyn was able to do what she liked - most of the time. I very much thought her similar to Disney's Brave's Merida with her fearless attitude and long-red hair. I also put her as the 1193 poster woman for the very famous 'We Can Do It' poster. Gwendolyn had a sword and she definitely knew how to use it.

Gwendolyn's Sword wasn't bogged down with a lot of historical information and I feel that because of this, it would be a good book for anyone wanting to read historical fiction for a change of scenery or would be a good book for someone starting out on the journey of historical fiction. All the facts were told in a way that fit very well into the story and there was never a time I was bogged down. As people entered the story, Gwendolyn normally quickly explained who they were in a way that didn't take away from the atmosphere of the scene.

Gwendolyn is also the type of character that her personality sees the good in people, and she ends up with a nice little fellowship around her. William and his unwavering loyalty (and possibly love?), Nigel who also ends up being a great asset, Michael and Ella. The funny thing was that I never detected real romantic feelings between William and Gwendolyn - it was very much trusted advisor and lady. I actually much preferred the idea of Robert coming home and wooing her off her feet.

This was an action-packed feminist adventure, and I loved every moment Gwendolyn proved her might to unsuspecting men. And I have a feeling there's a lot more to come!

Haltom’s debut novel, “Gwendolyn’s Sword,” brings to life a fascinating tale rooted in the legend of King Arthur and his famous sword Caliburn, better known as Excalibur to us modern folk. Haltom weaves together interesting and complex characters in a world on the brink of war. Haltom does a wonderful job at creating characters I wanted to get to know! These characters are driven by a certain set of beliefs which they find come into question within the novel and provides individual development and strong relationships within the group traveling with Gwendolyn. In terms of the setting, I loved the details Haltom provided as her characters walked through castles or traveled through towns and cities. The places and language detailed in the storyline felt genuine to the period.

Haltom does a fantastic job of balancing the dichotomy of Gwendolyn’s unique place on her family’s lands versus the place a woman holds in England at large. Because she carries a sword, Gwendolyn is accused of being a witch. Because she is a woman, men laugh at her because she even carries a sword. Most women were viewed as property to be used by the Queen as favors to men in her court and/or to secure alliances. Gwendolyn is forced to fight against not just Prince John and his followers but also the prejudiced belief system of the time period. There have been few people in her life who have valued and respected her intelligence as well as her leadership skills. One of those was her husband who married her because he knew Gwendolyn would run his family estate with fairness and aptitude while he accompanied King Richard on the Crusades.

The character Haltom develops in Gwendolyn is rare in historical fiction novels. She gains ground by the use of her skill (and we are not talking skills is bed) and tenacity. She puts others needs before her own and fights fiercely for those she is loyal to. Haltom’s character breaks the mold of traditional historical fiction women, and I loved it. Gwendolyn’s independence was certainly not valued by her country, but it never stopped her from doing what was right. Life is not easy, and she knows it. She does not complain or make excuses. Gwendolyn is strongly rooted in her logic, and the idea that she is descended from Arthur is absolutely absurd to her, so there is a lot of growth in the character as she learns to find glimmers of truth in myths and magic (something beyond her strength and her sword, which are things she can control and feel and which have brought her through life to a certain point in the story). Gwendolyn demonstrates a lot of different sides to courage in this novel. I enjoyed her spirit, wit, and heart. She understands her limits (yet does not limit herself by them), avoids judging those different from her, and is extremely observant. I think Gwendolyn is a delightful addition to strong women in fiction, and I would definitely approve of my daughter getting to know this character. This novel is without swearing or sexual situations which I highly value and appreciate.

I very eagerly await what’s to come. There was a lot of growth experienced by her characters, but there is also so much on the horizon that I’m just so excited to see what’s next! The things I am most excited for: (1) Gwendolyn meeting her husband again after years of separation and how her feelings have developed and changed, (2) how having a husband now in charge of the family lands will affect Gwendolyn’s role, and (3) the “visit” hinted at in the last lines of the book. Haltom brings the main storyline of the book to a satisfactory ending, but she definitely gives us a cliffhanger for things on the horizon.

Interesting take on an old tale. It was slow going at first but picked up and became interesting. The heroine was strong and I really liked her. A good read.