This book couldn't be more different than In Memoriam and I am very obsessed with what Alice Winn was able to do here. This might be one of the rare times where I can't begin to sum up a book. I can't think of any comps that do it justice - it's an utterly unique experience. Worship succeeds in feeling like an Arthurian tale that was retold for a modern audience that was then retold to be an Arthurian legend. It feels so rooted in its source material that it's impossible to forget its origins.

And despite these characters feeling like they were straight from a 12th century tale of chivalry, I ended up caring about them. Not at first, mind you. Throughout the first half, Brangwayne felt like the heart of the novel while other characters were fulfilling their 'role'. She was the one who broke the mould and felt the most real. She carried the heart of the story with Isolde and I loved their chapters. By the second half, Palomides adopted that role with Tristram and Isolde following suit. Being very vague about this: the aspects that felt the most real were the things that existed beyond the constructs of this world. By the end, the characters and relationships all felt very complex - like we were just getting to know them - while still being a product of an Arthurian tale.

Which brings me to the relationships. Oh, I thought this was going to be a fairly standard love triangle, maybe with a dash of homoerotic yearning, and I was very wrong on that account. The way sex and romance are handled had me highlighting way too much. The way heterosexual experiences were described in contrast to the unspoken bonds between characters? Chefs kiss. I could probably write an essay about the queerness and queer subtext, but suffice to say that I loved it. Because the narrative style is a bit less grounded than your typical book, the romance feels this way too. Until you're completely drawn in

I feel like a broken record, but this was such a unique reading experience, I can already tell I'll be rereading it soon. 4.5 stars rounded up.

(One final pitch: were you a history nerd in your teens? Are you a bisexual? If so, this book may be for you.)

A massive thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I approached *Worship* with high expectations, especially since *In Memoriam* is one of my favorite novels, so I was eager—and perhaps a bit critical—to see how Alice Winn's follow-up would compare. Fortunately, I enjoyed *Worship*, even if it didn’t resonate with me quite as strongly as her previous work.

This novel is quite different from *In Memoriam*, though some connecting threads are evident. Both depict young men trying to fulfill societal duties—whether through war or knighthood—and explore what it means to be a man. They also feature men who love and respect each other despite different backgrounds and beliefs. In both stories, moments of happiness coexist with the realities, demands, and sacrifices of their relationships and roles.

While *In Memoriam* is grounded in the harsh realities of war, *Worship* delves more into the fantastical realm of Arthurian legend. Winn reimagines these stories instead of simply retelling them, weaving adventure, ambition, friendship, romance, religion, rivalry, and many unexpected twists. Romantic feelings, appreciation, and love play a significant role—through Isolde and Brangwayne, Isolde and Tristram, Tristram and Palomides, and the complex dynamics among them. But it is not your straightforward romance. It has a longing, dreamy vibe.

I did have some reservations. The story didn't move me as deeply as *In Memoriam*, partly because I felt the shift to a more fantastical, adventure-oriented tone. My strong affection for Winn's earlier novel likely influenced my expectations, making it harder for *Worship* to fully satisfy me. Still, I found it a creative and engaging reinterpretation of the Arthurian legend, with many thought-provoking moments beneath the adventure.

**Content note:** The novel depicts violence and explores themes of consent. Though no graphic depictions of SA are included.

Overall, I enjoyed *Worship*. It isn't *In Memoriam*—nor does it aim to be—and that’s okay. Instead, it offers a more fantastical, playful, and adventure-filled story about love, devotion, friendship, ambition, and the sacrifices we make for the people and ideals we worship. Thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Going to be recommending this book for the foreseeable future. Humorous, fascinating, and a delightful love story.

It’s going to take me a while to come up with the proper words to encompass all that this novel was. My heart was so invested in every single moment of this story I felt physically ill at times, my heart aching.

The title Worship could not be more perfect to encompass all that we watch unfold in the arcs of our characters and every decision that drives them. What does it mean for someone to have worship? Is it fame and glory? Ethical honor? Christianity & piety? Love and devotion? Each character goes on a journey to uncover what matters the most. Readers will be left wondering - are you happy with the things you chose to take precedence in your life? Did you do it right?

How Alice Winn is able to so thoroughly take the history and legends that we know and create such dimensional characters that make them so truly humanly flawed, relatable and vulnerable is nothing short of a masterpiece. I felt like I lived 100 lifetimes reading this.

The YEARN. My heart was pulled over all over the place between Isode and her FOUR love interests. (Bisexuals make some noise!). Romantic in the most devastating of ways.
But of course, it is also nothing short of a tragedy. Gory. Raw. Emotional. Violent.
But surprisingly so, and a complete tone shift from Winn’s previous work, it is also so charming, funny, comical and larger-than-life.
I highlighted quite a bit of quotes. I’m floored.

I was curious how, on Earth, she would possibly wrap everything up and the ending stole the literal breath clean out of my lungs. I immediately went back and started rereading the introduction again and my heart shattered in a whole new light.

I do think fans of Winn’s previous work might have conflicting feelings regarding this, but as someone who loves folklore, mythology, and fantasy and only loosely knows of Arthurian legends; this was everything to me. A sensational author note: “because I was not trying to depict a historically accurate moment in time: I was trying to create the version of Arthuriana that I like best.” And guess what? If nobody gets it, I got it. I felt it with my entire being.

Fans of Madeline Miller and Alix. E Harrow would love this.

Thank you to the angelic employee of Alfred A. Knopf and NetGalley for blessing me with this eARC. Let me go preorder my entire friend group this story.