Today’s review is about THE FAERIE MORGANA by Louisa Morgan. This standalone novel is an Arthurian retelling from Morgana’s point of view.
Author: Louisa Morgan
Series: None
Age Category: Adult
Publisher: Redhook
Publish Date: September 16, 2025
Print Length: 528
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The Faerie Morgana Synopsis
Synopsis
In this atmospheric and bewitching novel, Louisa Morgan reimagines the story of Morgan Le Fay, one of the most enigmatic and powerful women in Arthurian legend.
To the other priestesses of the Nine, a powerful council at the Lady’s Temple, Morgana is haughty and arrogant as she performs feats of magic no human should be capable of. Rumors start that she must be a fearsome fae.
To King Arthur, Morgana is a trusted and devoted advisor, but his court is wary of her and her prodigious talent at divination. But his wife sees Morgana as a rival and a malevolent witch.
To Braithe, Morgana’s faithful acolyte, she is simply the most powerful priestess Camelot has seen.
Morgana doesn’t know why she’s so different from everyone else, and she doesn’t much care. But when she aids Arthur to ascend the throne before his time, she sets off a series of events that will change everything Morgana believes about her power.
The Faerie Morgana Review
I received a free, advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher. My review is my own and reflects my honest opinion about this book.
THE FAERIE MORGANA is an Arthurian retelling from the point of view of Morgana, who is often portrayed as King Arthur’s sister. At a very young age Morgana leaves her mother and Camelot and becomes an acolyte at the Lady’s Temple on the Isle of Apples. While there she hones her gifts and exhibits magical prowess unseen before in a human. When called upon to protect her dear brother, Morgana and her handmaiden, Braithe, embark to Camelot. What unfurls is a series of events that accidentally puts Arthur on the throne earlier than his time, upending the Lady’s careful plans.
THE FAERIE MORGANA is an absolutely lovely book. It’s everything I hope for in an Arthurian retelling. It’s mystical, mysterious, and atmospheric. Louisa Morgan’s storytelling spirited me away to a time where magic existed and folks had both respect for and fear of it. In-depth knowledge of Arthurian lore is not a prerequisite to enjoy this tale. As much as I appreciate a good retelling, I am simply an admirer of the lore. I am not an expert, but I enjoyed this story just as well.
I love that the reader experiences everything from Morgana’s POV. She is typically maligned and portrayed as evil, or morally grey at best. Yet here she lives a simple life as an acolyte, and then a Priestess, helping to solve the ailments of those who visit the Isle of Apples. What sets her apart is her magic and her family relation to Arthur. And so Camelot calls upon her several times for her guidance.
The story progresses through about a decade of time during which the reader sees Morgana mature. Though always more of a loner, she was more impulsive in her youth. This personality trait smooths into reflection with time and experience. It was also a delight to see Braithe grow from shy, gift-less acolyte into a loyal and resolute young woman. I don’t believe this character exists in other Arthurian stories. Nonetheless, she was a great addition and proved invaluable to Morgana.
I also really liked how Louisa Morgan slightly changed some of the Arthurian names as we know them today. I find it fun to dabble a little in etymology and Morgan provides an informative Author’s Note about that at the end.
It’s really hard for me to communicate how much I adored this book. I didn’t want it to end. Pick up THE FAERIE MORGANA for a transportive read right back to the age of Arthur and those who held him up.
Rating: 4.5
Content warnings: blood, death, violence, physical abuse, adultery
Reading format: Paperback
If you liked this book, you may also enjoy HALF SICK OF SHADOWS by Laura Sebastian.
Wonderful review! I’m so excited to start this. Maybe next😁
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it!
This sounds so good. Great review!
Thank you!
Great review. I really love the sound of this book and the portrayal of Morgan sounds really interesting.
Thank you! I think you’d enjoy this one.
I can’t wait to check this one out. I love a retelling and think it will be interesting to discover this authors take on Morgana. I always love an atmospheric read too. Do you think you’ll try any of the authors older books now?
Definitely! I think I may have heard of her AGE OF WITCHES in passing, but after reading this book I’m certainly interested in reading more of her work.
Ive heard of several of her witch ones too. I really hope you enjoy whichever you pick up next.