The Excalibur Vow
When blacksmith Wystan sharpens the magical, and cursed, Excalibur at King Arthur’s bidding, he accidentally breaks off a sliver. To rectify his mistake, he thinks to return the sliver, but Arthur dies. Wystan then unwittingly makes a blood vow to return the sliver to the next king or the Lady of the Lake, but the sword’s magic throws him into current day England. Civil strife over abolishing the monarchy may doom Wystan to fail to fulfill his vow, so he can never return home and causing Excalibur to be forever lost.
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Top reviews from the United States:
Richard M, NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars:
The Excalibur Vow by Charlotte Bennardo is everything I hoped for and more. From the very first page, I was swept into a world where ancient legend meets modern voice, and the result is pure magic.
Bennardo masterfully reimagines the tale of Excalibur through a fierce and determined hero and heroine who is equal parts powerful and vulnerable. The writing is sharp, the pace electric, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. I found myself cheering, gasping, and even tearing up at moments I didn’t expect.
This isn’t just another retelling—it’s a revitalization. The story respects its Arthurian roots while forging a path that feels fresh and relevant. Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and personal strength are woven through with nuance and heart. It’s clear Bennardo knows her mythos but isn’t afraid to take bold creative risks—and they pay off beautifully.
Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, mythology, or just crave a strong female lead with grit and soul, The Excalibur Vow is a must-read. I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next installment!
Reviewer 1812260, NetGalley, 5 Stars:
✨Arc Review✨
Thank you to the author Charlotte Bennardo And Netgallery for sending me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A captivating and fresh take on Arthurian legend that exceeded my expectations
I don’t usually gravitate toward Arthurian fantasy, but The Excalibur Vow by Charlotte Bennardo surprised me in the best way. From the first page, I was drawn into a world that skillfully blends ancient magic with modern twists, all anchored by a protagonist who is both fierce and relatable.
Bennardo’s writing is sharp, immersive, and easy to get lost in. The story takes familiar elements of the Arthurian mythos and reimagines them with originality and heart. The characters are well-drawn, especially the lead, whose journey is filled with emotional depth and nuance. It’s refreshing to see a strong female lead who isn’t perfect but grows and struggles in ways that feel authentic.
The pacing moves quickly, keeping the tension high and the stakes real. There were moments where I wished for a bit more worldbuilding, especially around some of the magical lore and secondary characters, but the narrative’s momentum never falters. The relationships throughout the book are layered and complex, adding an emotional richness that elevates the fantasy adventure beyond simple thrills.
What really impressed me was how Bennardo balanced myth and modern storytelling, making the ancient legend feel relevant without losing its timeless magic. The book manages to be exciting, heartfelt, and thoughtful all at once—a combination that’s harder to pull off than it seems.
While I had a few minor reservations, like some plot points feeling a bit rushed and the occasional lack of detail in certain scenes, these didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment. In fact, those small issues only made me eager to see what Bennardo will do next.
If you’re a fan of fantasy with strong, complex characters and a fresh spin on classic myths, or even if you’re simply looking for a well-written and engaging read outside your usual genres, The Excalibur Vow is definitely worth picking up.
NJGirl: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Verified Purchase
- Hard to put down!
- This is truly an “enchanting” and engaging fast-paced book set in the time of King Aruthur and his magical sword, Excaliber. The characters’ personalities and plot are cleverly developed to keep the reader entertained and guessing. The reader will fall in love with Mystan as he goes on his own quest of honor. While not usually a fan of time travel, I found it believable both historically and currently. This is a book for readers of all genres, in all age groups. A fun read!
- Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2025
Lauren S: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Verified Purchase
- A must read!
- Captivating! Perfectly written and hard to put down.
Beth: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- New twist to King Arthur
- Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025 Format: Kindle
- “Story brings a new twist to Camelot and King Arthur. The writing immediately draws you in and gets you interested in the characters. It weaves together today’s world with King Arthur’s time in a way that makes you wish it could be true. I love old series, and this one brings me back to reading “Once and Future King”. It’s magical in a realistic way. Hoping there will be a sequel because I want the story to continue!”
Jeanne: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Format: Paperback, Verified Purchase
- Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2025
- “Really interesting premise and fun to read. I highly recommend it for all ages!”
Please leave a review if you read The Excalibur Vow. Thank you!
And I’m working on the special gift bag giveaway. Only those signed up for my newsletter/blog (same thing) which I only post once a week, can get in on the contest. I’m gathering special things for the box (I’m not Jeff Bezos rich, so don’t expect a real sword, or a horse, or anything like that). Stay tuned! I’ll be posting little teases!
Expelled from yet another boarding school, this time for hacking, 16 year old Bec Jackson is shipped off to Rome to finish her homework and intern for Parker Phillips, editor-in-chief of one of the world’s top fashion magazines–and her mother’s friend. When a mysterious accident lands Parker in a coma, former supermodel and drama queen Candace Worthington takes over– right before the First Lady is to arrive for a cover shoot. But the ‘accident’ may not have been that, and when the First Lady’s life is threatened, Bec is determined to find answers. She’ll have to deal with bitchy models and demanding bosses, and two hunky guys, Italian bike messenger Dante and mysterious fashion blogger Taj, who are vying for her heart. (St. Martin’s/Dunne).
Reviews for Blonde OPS:
From Publishers Weekly: “Bennardo and Zaman (the Sirenz books) offer a light mystery filled with fashion tips, entertaining dialogue, a pair of potential romances for Bec, and an alluring Roman setting…an energized pace, ever-shifting suspects, and an intriguing glimpse into the benefits and drawbacks of art and fame.”
From cmldbookreviews ” …a delightful romp. Part romance, part mystery, all fun, it’s a great read for teens who like suspending a bit of reality to enjoy a good literary ride.”
“A big, delicious ice cream cone of a novel! A hilarious, fast-paced mystery/thriller combining high fashion…plus a couple of very hot guys and one of the most engaging and original heroines ever. I dare anyone not to love this!” Molly Cochran, NY Times bestselling author of Legacy.
“An absolute thrill ride of a story! I loved it!” Kristi Cook, author of Mirage.
“Clever and cute…a laugh-out-loud blast of a ride. Resist at your peril.” Leanna Renee Hieber, award winning author of Darker Still.
Here’s a podcast from Blonde OPS editor, Kat Brzozowski! listen to it here.
Buy it at: Amazon
Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes–with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, and the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld. To make them atone for what they’ve done, Hades forces them to become special assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld someone whose unholy contract is up. Finding the delicate balance between their fashion addiction, school, and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than the girls expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there’s the matter of the fine print in their own contracts… (Flux)
Reviews for Sirenz:
“Sirenz is not a novel to miss…fun, sarcastic, frustratingly awesome- that’s Sirenz.” Read Me, Bookmark Me, Love Me.
“A funny and cute debut that’s bound to make you laugh out loud. Bennardo and Zaman have written a novel like no other! Fantastic characters, beautifully written, well planned and a plot filled with crazy wonderful things! Fashion is about to get downright dirty!” The Badass Bookie
“Sirenz was such a fun book! One you could easily read in one sitting an enjoy the hell out of. …This was girl power through and through and I loved it!” A Story Untold
Buy it at: Amazon
Hell on heels–again!
When Shar tries on a Tiffany’s diamond ring from Hades, the annoyingly hot Lord of the Underworld, it activates an obscure contractual clause that puts Shar and former-frenemy-turned-friend Meg into Hades’ service once more. Shar is whisked away to the Underworld to prepare a ball, while Meg is sent to retrieve the errant sould of spoiled rich girl Paulina Swanson and send her to the abyss. Just when it appears the girls will be doomed to serve Hades for eternity, Shar meets two possibly helpful and hot demi-gods. Can the girls finally ditch Hades once and for all? (Flux)
Reviews for Sirenz Back in Fashion:
“The experiences of this sartorial odd couple are funny and entertaining…Bennardo and Zaman are bringing the gods ito the twenty-first century.” Booklist
“I found this book, to me, more addictive than the first…I loved to see all the new gods, demi-gods and historical figures that cropped up.” Quill Cafe
“I remember reading Sirenz last year and thinking what an awesome, funny story it is, you can swallow it whole in one sitting. Well, if possible, Sirenz Back in Fashion is even better!…Amazing, funny and clever…” A Story Untold
Buy it at: Amazon
Charlotte Bennardo 