Beautiful! The language is rich and lyrical but also incredibly accessible. It's some of the easiest poetry I've read, which is remarkable because this is operating at the highest level of complexity in its themes, figurative language, and extensive allusion. The momentum of the ballad makes it nearly impossible to stop reading. The experience feels similar to getting swept away in river! You'll start a stanza then look up an hour later and realize the poetry carried you on and on and on.

The narrative and plot are both faithful and fresh! It's rooted in the tradition of past retellings of the legend of King Arthur, but also braids in themes that speak to today's world. I found myself emotional at many different passages and related to so many of the character's struggles. Reading this gives me hope for the world!

Highly recommend!

It feels as though no one writes likes this anymore. Such beautiful words, and incredible storytelling.

At first, I was hesitate to read since I sometimes have difficulty reading English from centuries ago. However; this fresh take and retelling did not make me feel this way in the slightest. It was easy to understand and I felt transported with each line if poetry

An epic dance in Aurthian legend. It's thoughtful magical and totally and utterly enthralling. I was whisked into the realms of Aurthur and I did not want to leave. Thank you Malcolm for sharing your world building with us all

A beautifully crafted book and the first of four volumes on King Arthur. This opening installment follows the young Sir Galahad and the other knights of the quest as they depart Camelot in pursuit of the Holy Grail.

From the moment I opened it, I was struck by how stunning the book is—each stave begins with a uniquely illuminated capital, and Stephen Crotts’s illustrations throughout effortlessly draw you into Sir Galahad’s world. The poetry is remarkably accessible and easy to read, and the author brings the story to life with vivid, magical imagery conveyed through clear, inviting language. It’s a truly impressive achievement, and I absolutely love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rabbit Room Press, and author Malcolm Guite for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was absolutely enchanting.
It recounts the quest for the Grail, beginning with Galahad, but also the stories of Lancelot, Bors, and Percivale were shared. All that told in the most gorgeous poetic verses.
The illustrations were beautiful, they match the tone of the book perfectly, so props to the artist for that. And that cover! Stunning.
I am a longtime Arthurian fan, and I feel like a retelling of the quest for the Grail can at times read almost too faith-based and not for everybody. And though there surely were mentions of religion and faith in this book — as there should be, if it’s to be true to the original — they weren’t overwhelming and felt appropriate. I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book.

An utterly beautiful, must own book for any lover of Arthurian myth and legend. The illustrations sprinkled throughout are delightful and well done. I desperately want a physical copy for my own shelf when it releases in Spring 2026

(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC — I wasn’t sure what to expect from an Arthurian reimagining, but I’m glad I took the leap.)

This book delivers a reflective, almost mythic retelling that leans more spiritual and contemplative than action-driven. Guite approaches Galahad with a quiet reverence, exploring the internal landscape of faith, purpose, and the weight of becoming a symbol before you even understand who you are. I liked the way the writing balances traditional legend with a modern narrative voice — not too stiff, not too flowery, just thoughtful. It’s introspective in a way that makes you slow down, reread sentences, and consider the deeper questions tucked beneath the surface.

If you’re expecting sword-swinging battles every few pages, this might not be your match. But if you enjoy Arthurian stories that explore what holiness, sacrifice, and destiny actually mean when you strip away the grandeur, this lands beautifully. Some passages feel dense, and the pacing occasionally wanders, but it fits the meditative tone. The narrative isn’t rushing to the Grail — it’s examining the terrain of Galahad’s soul along the way. A reflective, grounded read for those who enjoy myth retellings with depth and patience.