Le Fay, the much-anticipated second instalment in Sophie Keetch's Morgan Le Fay series, continues to unravel the intricate tapestry of Morgan's life, painting a vivid picture of a woman misunderstood, powerful, and unyielding. Following the success of Morgan Is My Name, this sequel does not disappoint, delivering a story rich in character depth, atmosphere, and emotional intensity.

From the outset, Le Fay plunges readers into the heart of Camelot, where Morgan, now advisor to her half-brother King Arthur, faces a maelstrom of challenges. Her marriage is in shambles, her husband vengeful, and her son caught in a dangerous political game. As tensions escalate, Morgan's struggle to navigate a patriarchal society while exploring her burgeoning magical powers becomes a central theme. The writing, beautiful and atmospheric, envelops readers in Morgan's world, where every choice she makes reverberates with consequence.

Keetch masterfully crafts Morgan's character, presenting her not as a villain but as a deeply betrayed woman whose journey towards becoming Morgan Le Fay is both tragic and empowering. This nuanced portrayal allows readers to empathize with her plight, even as she hardens into an unyielding force, prepared to exact a terrible cost in her pursuit of freedom and justice. The character development is exquisite, showcasing Morgan's resilience, intelligence, and the fiery determination that defines her.

The latter part of the book is particularly breathtaking, with a pace that accelerates towards a powerful climax. The final 20% of Le Fay is a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a letter that leaves a lasting impact. This ending not only ties up the narrative threads but also sets the stage for what promises to be an epic conclusion to the series.

The interplay between Morgan and other key figures such as Merlin, Guinevere, and Ninianne adds layers to the narrative, enriching the story with political intrigue and personal vendettas. I was particularly drawn to the feminist slant of the retelling, and how Keetch challenges traditional male depictions and offers a fresh perspective on the Arthurian legend.

Le Fay is a triumphant continuation of Morgan's story, blending history, fantasy, and magic into a compelling narrative. For fans of the first book, this sequel not only meets expectations but exceeds them, paving the way for what will undoubtedly be a highly anticipated final instalment. If you enjoyed Morgan Is My Name, Le Fay is a must-read, and if you're new to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of Morgan Le Fay.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for providing an advance reader copy of Le Fay. The book is set to be released on July 16, 2024.

All Hail 'Morgan Le Fay, the true heroine of the Arthurian mythology!
I've long been fascinated by Celtic mythology, and also the folklore around the Arthurian cycle of stories. I've read and watched various different adaptations of the Arthur/Guinevere/Launcelot/Merlin tales but one common element in so many iterations, is that Lady Morgan (Morgana/Morgan Le Fay to use some of the titles applied to this fascinating character) have all painted her as, at best naive and at worst as villainous.
However, the "Morgan is My Name" trilogy by Sophie Keetch turns these viewpoints upside down and features the lady herself as the central protagonist, with the stories retold from her perspective. This results is a very different telling of the familiar old tales and a fascinating one. Morgan becomes a far more sympathetic character and relatable character. And I found myself cheering her on! Though, I also yelled at her when did she something that seemed ill-advised = and that's a sign of a brilliantly written character, when you start treating their story as though they are talking directly to you!

SO SO SO GOOD. LOVED TO READ THIS BOOK AND I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO READ THIS BOOK ASAP. SO LOVELY THE STORYLINE.