Grail Prince, a 2003 novel by American author

Nancy McKenzie Nancy Affleck McKenzie (February 19, 1948) is an American author of historical fiction. Her primary focus is Arthurian legend. Publishing career McKenzie published ''The Child Queen'' in 1994, and its sequel, ''The High Queen'', a year later. ' ...

written in the tradition of

Arthurian legends The Matter of Britain is the body of medieval literature and legendary material associated with Great Britain and Brittany and the legendary kings and heroes associated with it, particularly King Arthur. It was one of the three great Western ...

, recounts a version of

Galahad Sir Galahad (), sometimes referred to as Galeas () or Galath (), among other versions of his name, is a knight of King Arthur's Round Table and one of the three achievers of the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend. He is the illegitimate son of S ...

's quest for the

Holy Grail The Holy Grail (french: Saint Graal, br, Graal Santel, cy, Greal Sanctaidd, kw, Gral) is a treasure that serves as an important motif in Arthurian literature. Various traditions describe the Holy Grail as a cup, dish, or stone with miracul ...

. The novel is a sequel to McKenzie's ''

Queen of Camelot ''Queen of Camelot'' is an Arthurian-legend based novel shown through the viewpoint of Queen Guinevere. It is a combination of two of Nancy McKenzie's previous books ''The Child Queen'' and ''The High Queen''. She states in the foreword that she o ...

'' (2002).

Plot summary

Before his death,

King Arthur King Arthur ( cy, Brenin Arthur, kw, Arthur Gernow, br, Roue Arzhur) is a legendary king of Britain, and a central figure in the medieval literary tradition known as the Matter of Britain. In the earliest traditions, Arthur appears as a ...

sends young

, the oldest son of

Lancelot Lancelot du Lac (French for Lancelot of the Lake), also written as Launcelot and other variants (such as early German ''Lanzelet'', early French ''Lanselos'', early Welsh ''Lanslod Lak'', Italian ''Lancillotto'', Spanish ''Lanzarote del Lago' ...

and Elaine, on a quest to find the lost treasures of an ancient king — a Grail, a Spear, a Sword — which will safeguard Britain's future. For Galahad, the search becomes a transformative journey into manhood. His quest challenges his famed gallantry and purity, the traits that set him apart in

Arthurian legend The Matter of Britain is the body of medieval literature and legendary material associated with Great Britain and Brittany and the legendary kings and heroes associated with it, particularly King Arthur. It was one of the three great Wester ...

as the only knight fit for and worthy of the quest for the Holy Grail.

Critical reception

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of B ...

''s' review was positive, writing that "familiarity with the Arthurian legends isn't necessary to enjoy this engrossing medieval fantasy." The ''

Romantic Times ''Romantic Times'' was an American genre magazine specializing in romance novel A romance novel or romantic novel generally refers to a type of genre fiction novel which places its primary focus on the relationship and romantic love betwee ...

'' stated that the novel was "a highly original interpretation of the character of Galahad. At times his overly sanctimonious attitude creates heartrending scenes, but Ms. McKenzie showcases the human frailties of love and honor as the boy becomes a man." The novel was preceded by ''

'' (2002) and succeeded by ''

Prince of Dreams A prince is a Monarch, male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary title, hereditary, in s ...

'' (2004).Ashley, p. 534.Busby, p. 144.

References

Works cited

* * {{cite book, editor1=Keith Busby , editor2=Roger Dalrymple , first=Raymond , last=Thompson , title=Arthurian Literature XXII , chapter=The Arthurian Legend in Literature, Popular Culture, and the Performing Arts: 1999-2004 , publisher=D.S. Brewer , location=Cambridge , year=2005 , isbn=1-84384-062-6 , chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NenKwH-6zg8C&dq=nancy+mckenzie+arthurian+literature+xxii&pg=PA144 2003 American novels American fantasy novels Modern Arthurian fiction