Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve

Reeve, Philip (2007). Here Lies Arthur. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Gwyna's home is burned by Arthur and his war-band. Now she must disguise herself and join the very war-band she hates in order to save her life.

Carnegie Medal 2008
Nestlé Children’s Book Prize Bronze Award 2007
Shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize 2007
Longlisted for the Manchester Book Award 2008

“HIC IACET ARTHURUS,
REX QUONDAM REXQUE FUTURUS
Here lies Arthur –
King that was, King that will be again.”

King Arthur. Legendary hero. Man of myth. But what if he was not everything he seemed to be. What if the great legend of King Arthur was a series of stories told by one of Arthur’s men to make him look good and attract followers. Gwyna saw the real Arthur. He burned her home and ordered her master and his household to be driven out for not paying tribute. Gwyna was just a lowly servant, and did not think anyone would notice if she ran off. She sneaks away, but is encountered by one of Arthur’s knights - Medrawt. Her only escape is the dark, cold river. How is she going to survive on her own? Will Myrddin help her? or use her and then leave her alone again?

I really liked this book although it was not what I expected. The King Arthur of legend and myth is a great warrior, but also a great leader. In this book that is not the Arthur that we see. This is told through the eyes of a girl who lost everything because of Arthur, and gives a somewhat darker portrayal of the man that many people revere.