Written By: Sierra Simone
This trilogy is a retelling of “King Arthur And His Knights at the Round Table”. It flips the classic story of King Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot on its head. Simone takes the story and Americanizes and Modernizes the well-known love triangle.
I am usually able to write a spoiler-free review, but after just finishing the series I am dying to unpack my thoughts on the series. I will still not reveal the ending or the plot twists but I will talk more openly than I usually do. This review is for readers who already read this series. I hope you continue reading.
Menage - Retelling - Political - BDSM - Incest - Throuple - Second Chance - Age Gap - Military
American Queen Synopsis
Greer is warned as a child to keep her kisses to herself and her parents will soon die. At that moment Greer blows off the warning. She realizes the warning had established credibility after her parents died.
While living with her grandfather (who was once the Vice President of the United States) she attends parties and observes the attendees for their political and personal motives. At one of these parties, Greer Meets Ash.
Maxen Ashley Colchester, a young soldier, sees Greer in the hallway and is immediately infatuated. She notices signs that Ash has problems sleeping and suggests meditation. He could not believe she picked up on his lack of sleep or the reason for his fatigue. The problem is Greer is 16 and Ash is in his mid 20’s.
Five years later she sees Ash at a function in Chicago and finds out he is engaged. Another problem arises, she did not find out about the engagement from him. Heartbroken, she runs into another man, Embry.
Five years later Ash and Embry are the President and the Vice President of The United States of America. A year after his wife’s death, he asks Embry to escort Greer to a restaurant to meet him.
What Are The Books In The New Camelot Series?
T
"Dear Ash"
This MMF series consists of the initial trilogy: "American Queen", "American Prince", and "American King". After the first three books, readers can read "Dear Ash", book number 3.5. This New Camelot Short can be read on bookfunnel for free. It is a letter that Embry writes Ash on the eve of the Presidential Debate.
"The Moon"
After the mini book, Merlin gets his story told in "The Moon". The story of Merlin and Nimue from the original series is explored. In the synopsis, it mentioned that the two of them do not just have one past to work through, but two. I would like to mention that this book is a novella. The book is $2.99 digitally and $6.99 if you want to buy it through Amazon or Barnes and Noble as a paperback.
"American Squire"
The final book in the series is "American Squire". This book follows Ash's chief of staff Ryan Belvedere. Since the night of the debate, Ryan has been in a dark place. He does a favor for a friend by going to England. While there he meets Sydney Blount who is in the same house. This book is also a novella and is 46 pages. It is $0.99 for a digital copy on Amazon.
My Thoughts On New Camelot Series
New Camelot vs Old Camelot
The Differences Between the New Camelot Series and "King Arthur and The Knights of The Round Table":
Gorlois (the husband of the woman the king slept with) went to war and was killed by the king
The King used Merlin's magic to disguise himself when sleeping with Gorlois' wife
Kay was originally a brother to Arthur
Arthur draws the sword from the stone
Merlin gives the warning to Arthur but in New Camelot, gives Greer the warning
Merlin is specific when warning Arthur and says Guinevere will have an affair with Lancelot
Merlin falls prey to an enchantress and becomes trapped under a rock
Guinevere is sentenced to burn at the stake for her affair
Lancelot becomes a monk and dies a holy man
Similarities Between the New Camelot Series and "King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table":
King/President falls in love with another man's wife
Arthur/Ash was not raised by his biological parents
Arthur/ Ash decides to marry Greer/ Guinevere
Merlin gives a warning that Greer/ Guinevere will hurt Ash/ Arthur
Mordred is Arthur's illegitimate son with his half-sister
Arthur is almost killed
Eat Your Heart Out
(LIKES)
Unique Meet- Cutes
I would like to say that reading the beginning of all the relationships was fun. The meet-cutes were unique and created a great foundation for the book and the series ahead. Embry and Ash meet in the military but it was how their relationship started that got me really interested in them as a couple and their back story.
As the reader, I was first introduced to Ash and Greer's meeting. So naturally, I was the most invested in their relationship. In their meeting, I found it creepy and swoon-worthy all at the same time. I was swooning over Greer identifying Ash's lack of sleep, with himself swooning over it as well.
When Greer is devastated to learn that Ash is engaged she meets Embry and loses her virginity to him. Even though she still had feelings for Ash there was a connection between her and Embry.
Intense Connection
Swiftly moving from the meet-cutes to the connection of the three main characters, one word... intense. I could feel my skin heat up as I read this book; both from how hot the scenes were and the love you feel between the throuple. The writing done by Simone created a descriptive outlook on their burning feelings toward one another. She also used the action of the characters to speak for their love.
Conflict
Conflict/drama = a good story. That was one of the first lessons I learned when I started exploring creative writing. Simone uses different avenues of conflict that kept me engaged and wanting to know what happened next. Between the family drama and the outside world drama, there was never a dull moment.
I wanted more story, I really enjoyed the storyline and most things within.
Heart Attacks
(DISLIKES)
Backstory
Throughout each book of the trilogy, the reader was transported from the present to the past over and over again. Some of those excerpts of the character's past I thought were necessary. But I became annoyed when I was really invested in the present story, and suddenly it is interrupted by the past. I will be honest I skipped some past portions when I was itching for what happens next. This format might have worked for other readers, and it even seemed logical to me in the end. But for me, and my ADHD, it was very distracting.
But What About the Sex?
Type of Scenes: Menage - Domination - LGBTQ - Honeymoon scene - Cuckold
Could Be Described as: Descriptive - Intense - Emotional - Sensual - Arousing - Controversial