It’s easy to think that the Arthurian myths have been thoroughly mined out by now, given the vast number of interpretations we’ve seen over the years. However, master storyteller Jane Yolen proves that there’s at least one story left worth telling, in this novel set early in King Arthur’s reign, during a period of adjustment when he was still struggling to earn the trust and loyalty of his subjects. Mixing historical accuracy with mythical speculation, Sword of the Rightful King posits that in order to secure the belief of the people of England, the old mage Merlinnus constructed a sword trapped in a stone as a publicity stunt, as it were, a way for Arthur to prove once and for all his right to rule. Arthur, reluctant ruler that he is, doesn’t believe the trick is entirely necessary until the North Witch, Morgause, begins to turn her attention towards the throne as well. Will one of Morgause’s sons draw the sword and become an unwitting pawn in her quest for the throne, or will one of her assassins kill Arthur, or will her magics sway the will of the king and his knights?

This book reimagines Arthur, Gawaine, Merlin, Percival, Gwenivere, and Morgan le Fey in new and interesting roles, some more unexpectedly than others, retelling the well-known story of the sword in the stone in a logical yet entertaining manner. The theme of power and belief becoming reality, while not new, is used to good effect here to properly explore the Arthurian myths in a new light. My own faith in the subgenre’s been restored, and I hope Yolen will consider exploring this particular version of Arthur some more in the future.