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The Camelot Code #1
The Once and Future Geek
Young King Arthur accidentally time travels to the 21st century and googles himself, discovering the not-so-happily ever after in store for him once he pulls the sword from the stone. He decides he'd much rather stay here--and join the football team instead.
Now modern day gamer geeks Sophie and Stu, with the help of Merlin, find themselves in a race against time to pull a Camelot-size caper--get that sword pulled from the stone and the stubborn once and future king back to the past where he belongs. While Arthur takes on the role of wide-receiver in an attempt to save the football team from a losing season, Sophie and Stu sword-fight, joust, and horseback ride their way through Camelot as they fight to save the timeline. If they fail, the world as they know it (not to mention the existence of pepperoni pizza!) will cease to exist forever.
Now modern day gamer geeks Sophie and Stu, with the help of Merlin, find themselves in a race against time to pull a Camelot-size caper--get that sword pulled from the stone and the stubborn once and future king back to the past where he belongs. While Arthur takes on the role of wide-receiver in an attempt to save the football team from a losing season, Sophie and Stu sword-fight, joust, and horseback ride their way through Camelot as they fight to save the timeline. If they fail, the world as they know it (not to mention the existence of pepperoni pizza!) will cease to exist forever.
346 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2014
33 people are currently reading
1411 people want to read
About the author
Mari Mancusi
60 books2,257 followersMari Mancusi grew up where the north wind meets the sea (otherwise known as Massachusetts), but has since made her home in the great state of Texas, mostly due to her love of summer. (And tacos.) A former Emmy Award winning TV news producer, today she is the author of more than two-dozen books for kids, teens, and adults, mostly of the sci-fi/fantasy variety. In addition to writing, Mari loves traveling, video games, and cosplaying. She is also Mom to an eight year old Frozen superfan who, when recently asked by her teacher to describe her hero answered: “My Mom!” (Okay, fine, she said Kristin Bell.)
You can find Mari online at www.marimancusi.com. She knows several Samanthas.
You can find Mari online at www.marimancusi.com. She knows several Samanthas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 16, 2018
The Once and Future Geek (The Camelot Code) by Mari Mancusi
A virtual game becomes real life for best friends Sophie and Stu.
It's a retelling of King Arthur and Camelot and what happens when magic causes traveling to the twenty-first century.
A fun adventure for the grade school readers.
Touches on blended family, altruism and friendships. And that magic can solve lots.
A virtual game becomes real life for best friends Sophie and Stu.
It's a retelling of King Arthur and Camelot and what happens when magic causes traveling to the twenty-first century.
A fun adventure for the grade school readers.
Touches on blended family, altruism and friendships. And that magic can solve lots.
October 19, 2024
This was the first book I’ve ever dnfed so take my rating with a grain of salt.
November 20, 2018
~*Review first appeared on The Bent Bookworm!*~
The Once and Future Geek is a fun, fast frolic through time and space as the young protagonists try to keep history’s course steady. While the target audience is middle grade, and the writing and plot make that clear, even as an adult I enjoyed the story – especially since I’ve been a gamer (in another time, when I *had* many free hours in a day) and so many of the phrases and occurences in the story had me laughing and nodding because yes, that is indeed what happens when you play an MMO.
This is NOT your high fantasy King Arthur story. Don’t go looking for that, and you’ll probably be just as happy with it as I was. I love the banter between the various characters. I did think it was a little odd that the kids were just totally okay with Merlin lying to them at the very beginning…has no one ever told them creepy old men stalk kids online?!? But anyway…the story itself was entertaining, if a bit lacking on historical detail and high in artistic license. I sort of got a Percy Jackson meets Ready Player One vibe. All the family relationships and time switcheroos got a little confusing part way through the book, but then I got so interested in what was going on with Sophie’s parents that I didn’t care.
4/5 stars, minus a star due to some odd wordiness and events that I felt were a little too eye-rolling worthy even for the target audience. Also at the end the author clearly sounded like an adult trying to speak to children, or trying to sound LIKE a child, which irritates me to no end and I’m sure would be off-putting for a kid. Otherwise a really solid read and one I would love to add to my shelf! A refreshingly positive, upbeat take on the King Arthur legends.
I loved Sophie and Stu – their friendship, their geekiness, and their acceptance of each other and other people. Sophie’s attitude was awesome, and given that ending I really hope the series gets continued now that this reprint is out!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The Once and Future Geek is a fun, fast frolic through time and space as the young protagonists try to keep history’s course steady. While the target audience is middle grade, and the writing and plot make that clear, even as an adult I enjoyed the story – especially since I’ve been a gamer (in another time, when I *had* many free hours in a day) and so many of the phrases and occurences in the story had me laughing and nodding because yes, that is indeed what happens when you play an MMO.
“I’d rather my heart be broken a thousand times than spend one day without her,” Arthur declared valiantly. Merlin groaned. “I seriously don’t know why I bother,” he muttered under his breath.
This is NOT your high fantasy King Arthur story. Don’t go looking for that, and you’ll probably be just as happy with it as I was. I love the banter between the various characters. I did think it was a little odd that the kids were just totally okay with Merlin lying to them at the very beginning…has no one ever told them creepy old men stalk kids online?!? But anyway…the story itself was entertaining, if a bit lacking on historical detail and high in artistic license. I sort of got a Percy Jackson meets Ready Player One vibe. All the family relationships and time switcheroos got a little confusing part way through the book, but then I got so interested in what was going on with Sophie’s parents that I didn’t care.
4/5 stars, minus a star due to some odd wordiness and events that I felt were a little too eye-rolling worthy even for the target audience. Also at the end the author clearly sounded like an adult trying to speak to children, or trying to sound LIKE a child, which irritates me to no end and I’m sure would be off-putting for a kid. Otherwise a really solid read and one I would love to add to my shelf! A refreshingly positive, upbeat take on the King Arthur legends.
I loved Sophie and Stu – their friendship, their geekiness, and their acceptance of each other and other people. Sophie’s attitude was awesome, and given that ending I really hope the series gets continued now that this reprint is out!
She was going to knock some sense into this little once and future twerp’s head if it was the last thing she did.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book for free in exchange for an honest review! This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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May 27, 2020
I started reading Once and Future Geek by Mari Mancusi at 11:00 at night.
I knew I should probably not have started it, but I looked at the premise–time travelling Arthurian shenanigans!–and thought it would be cute. Maybe a little ridiculous, but in the best way. I’d read a few chapters, go to sleep at a normal time, and then probably finish it the next day.
Fifteen minutes in, I realized I had made a mistake. Merlin hacked the magical well to get good WiFi and it was hilarious. Sophie and Stu, our intrepid geeks who accidentally time travel to Arthur’s court at Camelot before it’s Arthur’s court, were funny and relateable and I loved them. Arthur was an absolute doofus who it was impossible not to like. There was magic, and video games, and video game magic. I was doomed.
At midnight, I knew I should really go to sleep, but I thought if I could read one more chapter, Arthur, who’d been trapped in the future at Sophie and Stu’s school and had joined the football team, might realize that he had to go back and get history back on course! Of course, he didn’t realize this in the next chapter, and so I had to keep reading. I fell in love with all the other characters–all the analogous people that Arthur was surrounding himself with in the future and their counterparts in the past who were helping or hindering Stu in his efforts to pretend to be Arthur while Sophie desperately tried to sort everyone out and get her friends back in the time periods they belonged in. As with any good Arthurian story, it’s the knights who you love best, and both the actual knights in Camelot and the football Knights in the future were absolute delights. The real strength of this book is the characters, and all of them shine beautifully in their pre-ordained roles.
And as with any good time travel story, when time begins unraveling and things in the future start changing due to what’s being messed up in the past, things go…absolutely wild. It all went Back to the Future on poor Sophie, but she handles it like a champ. It’s intense, but so much fun to watch as everything unspools faster and faster until the boss fight at the end.
And yes: it is a boss fight. Absolutely ingenious, and so much fun, the geek part of this book finishes so strong I wanted to fall right through the pages and start playing the game with them.
This book hit all the funny, ingenious, geeky, mythological high points that my heart loves, and it was impossible not to find joy in this book. Kids who love the irreverent blend of myth, magic, and modernity that Rick Riordan’s books embody will absolutely love this one. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Arthurian anything, has ever played a video game, can’t get enough of time travel, and wishes Merlin were their best friend, regardless of age.
At 1:15am, I finished and immediately said, “But wait–where’s more?”
I knew I should probably not have started it, but I looked at the premise–time travelling Arthurian shenanigans!–and thought it would be cute. Maybe a little ridiculous, but in the best way. I’d read a few chapters, go to sleep at a normal time, and then probably finish it the next day.
Fifteen minutes in, I realized I had made a mistake. Merlin hacked the magical well to get good WiFi and it was hilarious. Sophie and Stu, our intrepid geeks who accidentally time travel to Arthur’s court at Camelot before it’s Arthur’s court, were funny and relateable and I loved them. Arthur was an absolute doofus who it was impossible not to like. There was magic, and video games, and video game magic. I was doomed.
At midnight, I knew I should really go to sleep, but I thought if I could read one more chapter, Arthur, who’d been trapped in the future at Sophie and Stu’s school and had joined the football team, might realize that he had to go back and get history back on course! Of course, he didn’t realize this in the next chapter, and so I had to keep reading. I fell in love with all the other characters–all the analogous people that Arthur was surrounding himself with in the future and their counterparts in the past who were helping or hindering Stu in his efforts to pretend to be Arthur while Sophie desperately tried to sort everyone out and get her friends back in the time periods they belonged in. As with any good Arthurian story, it’s the knights who you love best, and both the actual knights in Camelot and the football Knights in the future were absolute delights. The real strength of this book is the characters, and all of them shine beautifully in their pre-ordained roles.
And as with any good time travel story, when time begins unraveling and things in the future start changing due to what’s being messed up in the past, things go…absolutely wild. It all went Back to the Future on poor Sophie, but she handles it like a champ. It’s intense, but so much fun to watch as everything unspools faster and faster until the boss fight at the end.
And yes: it is a boss fight. Absolutely ingenious, and so much fun, the geek part of this book finishes so strong I wanted to fall right through the pages and start playing the game with them.
This book hit all the funny, ingenious, geeky, mythological high points that my heart loves, and it was impossible not to find joy in this book. Kids who love the irreverent blend of myth, magic, and modernity that Rick Riordan’s books embody will absolutely love this one. It’s perfect for anyone who loves Arthurian anything, has ever played a video game, can’t get enough of time travel, and wishes Merlin were their best friend, regardless of age.
At 1:15am, I finished and immediately said, “But wait–where’s more?”
Want to read
February 8, 2021My thought process when I came across this:
Curious: Looks cool.
Interested: Arthurian mythology twist.
SCREAMING: Time traveeeeeelllll!
LOSING. MY. MIND: PUBLISHED BY THE KING OF ALL PUBLISHERS AKA DISNEY HYPERION!!!
(If you read my reviews you know I have a theory that Disney Hyperion literally never publish a bad book. All their books that I've read I've thoroughly enjoyed. So when I saw they've published this book my confidence in it is literally on the moon, that's how confident I am in how amazing it'll be)
In conclusion:
I NEED TO READ THIS ASAP!!!
*Hurriedly sets aside time in my overwhelmingly busy reading schedule to read this in March*
Curious: Looks cool.
Interested: Arthurian mythology twist.
SCREAMING: Time traveeeeeelllll!
LOSING. MY. MIND: PUBLISHED BY THE KING OF ALL PUBLISHERS AKA DISNEY HYPERION!!!
(If you read my reviews you know I have a theory that Disney Hyperion literally never publish a bad book. All their books that I've read I've thoroughly enjoyed. So when I saw they've published this book my confidence in it is literally on the moon, that's how confident I am in how amazing it'll be)
In conclusion:
I NEED TO READ THIS ASAP!!!
*Hurriedly sets aside time in my overwhelmingly busy reading schedule to read this in March*
December 20, 2018
So so good!! I can't wait to write the full review for this one!! 😍
Full Review:
I absolutely loved this book! It had me hooked from the very beginning and I honestly couldn't put it down. There were so many little references that were included that sometimes made me laugh out loud; they were definitely a great touch! There were pieces (especially the football scenes) that reminded me of the movie (I know there's also a book, but I haven't gotten to it yet. *hides* I was addicted to the movie when I was younger though!) Avalon High, and I loved it!
I absolutely loved all of the characters; Mari Mancusi definitely made characters that are relatable and entertaining, from Merlin to Morgana! If you've ever read The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan (and if you haven't go read them), you'll know who Sadie Kane is and Sophie reminded me of Sadie so much! I'm always a huge fan of sass and sarcasm and there was so much of it within this book. Besides, a girl who puts her foot down at the possible destruction of her favorite pizza is the most relatable thing I've ever seen, haha! All of the characters really were amazing though; Stu, Arthur, Guin, Lucas. They all had qualities that made them great, but they also still possessed flaws which are so important when dealing with fictional characters.
I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series and I'm so grateful that I got to read this one early! I highly recommend this book to any and all fantasy/myth-loving nerds!
Full Review:
I absolutely loved this book! It had me hooked from the very beginning and I honestly couldn't put it down. There were so many little references that were included that sometimes made me laugh out loud; they were definitely a great touch! There were pieces (especially the football scenes) that reminded me of the movie (I know there's also a book, but I haven't gotten to it yet. *hides* I was addicted to the movie when I was younger though!) Avalon High, and I loved it!
I absolutely loved all of the characters; Mari Mancusi definitely made characters that are relatable and entertaining, from Merlin to Morgana! If you've ever read The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan (and if you haven't go read them), you'll know who Sadie Kane is and Sophie reminded me of Sadie so much! I'm always a huge fan of sass and sarcasm and there was so much of it within this book. Besides, a girl who puts her foot down at the possible destruction of her favorite pizza is the most relatable thing I've ever seen, haha! All of the characters really were amazing though; Stu, Arthur, Guin, Lucas. They all had qualities that made them great, but they also still possessed flaws which are so important when dealing with fictional characters.
I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series and I'm so grateful that I got to read this one early! I highly recommend this book to any and all fantasy/myth-loving nerds!
May 9, 2019
This book was great fun. I read it aloud to my nine-year-old daughter and she ate it up. She laughed at the jokes and squeaked at the suspenseful parts. It was great.
It's a time-travel adventure about King Arthur as a young boy. He accidentally travels to the 21st century where he discovers that life is much easier, tastier, and better than in medieval times. With the help of Google, he also discovers how his true love betrays him and how he dies on a battlefield. Who would want to return to that? So Arthur decides no thanks, I'll stay in the 21st century.
Meanwhile, someone has to stand in for Arthur and that person happens to be computer gaming geek Stu while his best friend travels between the two, trying to get everyone back to their own times. Add an evil sorceress, middle school drama, and a missing magician into the mix and things get downright hairy.
It's a pretty fun book to read. My daughter enjoyed every page and said that she hopes there is a sequel. It's funny, suspenseful, and even has a dash of romance (but not much, this is middle school we're talking about). If you love the legend of King Arthur and want a new spin on his story, this one up. It's also great for kids that like time travel, magic, adventure, and video games.
Content: A couple of mild cuss words, suspenseful situations, and a kiss. Movie rating would be PG.
Source: The publisher sent me a copy of this book.
It's a time-travel adventure about King Arthur as a young boy. He accidentally travels to the 21st century where he discovers that life is much easier, tastier, and better than in medieval times. With the help of Google, he also discovers how his true love betrays him and how he dies on a battlefield. Who would want to return to that? So Arthur decides no thanks, I'll stay in the 21st century.
Meanwhile, someone has to stand in for Arthur and that person happens to be computer gaming geek Stu while his best friend travels between the two, trying to get everyone back to their own times. Add an evil sorceress, middle school drama, and a missing magician into the mix and things get downright hairy.
It's a pretty fun book to read. My daughter enjoyed every page and said that she hopes there is a sequel. It's funny, suspenseful, and even has a dash of romance (but not much, this is middle school we're talking about). If you love the legend of King Arthur and want a new spin on his story, this one up. It's also great for kids that like time travel, magic, adventure, and video games.
Content: A couple of mild cuss words, suspenseful situations, and a kiss. Movie rating would be PG.
Source: The publisher sent me a copy of this book.
November 20, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
This is the cutest middle school fantasy novel! We get to follow Sophie and Stu who are modern day best friends as well as avid video gamers. They are obsessed with this game about Camelot which unknown to them they are playing with the actual Merlin from the past. Merlin can time travel as well as send others and he is training Arthur. When the two worlds collide we get lots of adventure, action, and just plain fun. Perfect for readers looking for a fantasy getaway that is based on the tale of King Arthur. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
This is the cutest middle school fantasy novel! We get to follow Sophie and Stu who are modern day best friends as well as avid video gamers. They are obsessed with this game about Camelot which unknown to them they are playing with the actual Merlin from the past. Merlin can time travel as well as send others and he is training Arthur. When the two worlds collide we get lots of adventure, action, and just plain fun. Perfect for readers looking for a fantasy getaway that is based on the tale of King Arthur. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
June 10, 2017
The Camelot Code by Mari Mancusi
3.25 stars
Whimsical Writing Scale: 3
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: Sophie- 3.5 Guinevere- 3.25
Swoon Worthy Scale: Stu- 3.25 Arthur- 3
Villain Scale: 3.5
Character Scale: 3.5
Plotastic Scale: 3.75
Cover Thoughts: I love the cover! It’s cute and fun. It definitely fits with the book and it’s what caught my eye in the first place.
Thank you, Netgalley and NLA Digital LLC for providing me with a copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
3.25 stars
Sophie Sawyer and her best friend, Stu, spend their days and nights trying to defeat the wicked Morgan Le Fay in their favorite Arthurian videogame, The Camelot Code. One day she receives a text about Camelot Code that sends her into a world where King Arthur and Merlin really do exist and they need her help. Arthur having no idea of his destiny decides to be the hero for once and finds himself in Sophie’s modern day high school. Merlin enlists in Stu to become King Arthur until the real Arthur gets back. They are running out of time. Will Sophie be able to find the scabbard, get Arthur back, and keep the future the way it is? Or will everything change as she knows it? I quite enjoy Mancusi books. I loved Boys That Bite and I have yet to continue the series, but I plan to. I even enjoyed a novella of sorts called Karma Kitty Goes to Comic Con. Suffice to say reading both of those books and both being very different, I was excited to read The Camelot Code. I think Mancusi is a hilarious writer with a funny style and worlds that are even more fun. I don’t have a lot of experience with Arthurian legend. I think it’s fascinating, but it’s never really piqued my interests. When I saw this on Netgalley, I thought it looked interesting and then when I saw it was by Mary Mancusi I knew I had to give it a shot. I’m glad I did. While out of the books I’ve read by Mancusi, this one is the weakest. I think there is a valid reason to it. The story is strong and the characters entertaining, but it’s targeted at a younger audience. A much younger young adult audience from her usual books. This is very obvious when reading. It’s still fun, but this made the book hard for me to get through. Why? Well because since it was targeted at a younger audience I felt that Mancusi dumbed down the book as well as her characters. I went from loving and thinking all the characters were fun and adorable to loathing them and wanting them to stop saving the day because they were doing a pretty crappy job of it. My feelings changed towards the end though. Thank God!
Whimsical Writing Scale: 3
The main female character is Sophie. Sophie is a gamer all the way. She is a pretty cool girl, but there’s one big problem I have with Sophie. She’s dumb. She doesn’t see what’s right in front of her and she lets her fears get the best of her and it messes up her train of thought. It’s not a bad thing, but it just made me struggle with her POV. But, wait! There’s another female main character. Bet you didn’t see that coming! I didn’t when starting this book. Mancusi likes to write multiple POVs and she tackles more than she usually does in this book (you’ll see what I mean). Guinevere is also a main character. She’s the Arthur’s best friend. I really liked Guinevere for the most part. She wasn’t a particularly strong character, but she added to the novel. I liked her well enough.
Kick-Butt Heroine Scale: Sophie- 3.5 Guinevere- 3.25
The main male characters are Stu and Arthur. I really liked Stu. I thought he was adorable at times, but also a little infuriating. Then again all these characters were infuriating at some point or another. He was a good character and maybe my favorite of the novel. Arthur or King Arthur was also a pretty strong character, but he was just as much of an idiot as Sophie and he irked me to no end sometimes.
Swoon Worthy Scale: Stu- 3.25 Arthur- 3
The Villain- Morgan Le Fay is obviously the villain of this novel and it’s stated in the summary. It’s no surprise and therefore not a spoiler. She also gets her own POV. I actually enjoyed the insight to Morgan and her reasons for villain-ry. She had a great backstory.
Villain Scale: 3.5
The supporting characters include Merlin, Lucas, Mortimer, and Elaine. Merlin, of course, is a given. He’s actually a pretty cool character and I liked him enough. Lucas also showed to be more than just a football jock and I really liked him in the end. Mortimer was lame and I have nothing to say him and his stupidity. Elaine was a girl who supposed to die and she was clingy and annoying and I just couldn’t. I really couldn’t deal with her, she was so obnoxious.
Character Scale: 3.5
This is a good novel for younger readers or even reluctant high schoolers who don’t read often. It’s a quick and simple read. Entertaining and definitely worth the read if you’re not one of the above mentioned but enjoy Arthurian tales or Mancusi’s novels. Give it a shot if you’re in the mood for something fun because you definitely won’t be letdown.
Plotastic Scale: 3.75
Cover Thoughts: I love the cover! It’s cute and fun. It definitely fits with the book and it’s what caught my eye in the first place.
Thank you, Netgalley and NLA Digital LLC for providing me with a copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2018
Please watch my video review of the book here: https://youtu.be/mwEwQTEQ3fM
A BIG thank you to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for providing an ebook ARC copy of this book. This book was amazing! I loved reading every minute of it. The story is fast paced and has a lot happening to all the characters, so there’s never a dull moment. It has adventure, fantasy, romance, humor, video games, and even history trivia making it so entertaining! I have become a fan of Mari Mancusi and cannot wait to read her other novels after this. Overall, this is one of my favorite reads of 2018 and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is wanting to read a light-hearted adventure/fantasy novel.
P.S. I apologize for butchering Guinevere’s name in the video 🤐
A BIG thank you to Disney Hyperion and Netgalley for providing an ebook ARC copy of this book. This book was amazing! I loved reading every minute of it. The story is fast paced and has a lot happening to all the characters, so there’s never a dull moment. It has adventure, fantasy, romance, humor, video games, and even history trivia making it so entertaining! I have become a fan of Mari Mancusi and cannot wait to read her other novels after this. Overall, this is one of my favorite reads of 2018 and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is wanting to read a light-hearted adventure/fantasy novel.
P.S. I apologize for butchering Guinevere’s name in the video 🤐
October 7, 2019
The synopsis drew me to this book! I've always been fascinated by King Arthur and Merlin! It's a fun read that mixed game playing with fantasy!
December 9, 2014
This book is ridiculous! In the best way possible!! I love Mari Mancusi books because they're so fun and adorable and ridiculous!
This story is told from 4 different perspectives (but all 3rd person POV). First we have Sophie, aka Lady Bella, who spends most of her time playing a Camelot based mmorpg with her best friend Stu and another guy named Melvin. Stu, aka Lord Vanquish, has a secret crush on Sophie and even with all the drama and danger happening, is generally more worried about asking her to the upcoming school dance. Then there's Arthur. He's not king yet, he hasn't pulled the sword from the stone, he knows nothing about his destiny. He dreams of being a knight and being able to marry his best friend Guinevere. And Guinevere, who's...well, she's there.
Guin accidentally drops a super important magical scabbard into the Well of Dreams, transporting it to the 21st century. Without this scabbard, history will be horribly changed. So Merlin enlists the help of Sophie to find it, transporting her back in time.
Merlin, by the way, is actually Melvin, the random guy her and Stu have been playing Camelot's Honor with for years. Of course. Because of course he's been able to hook up an internet connect in Medieval times. Hey, just go with it!
In the meantime, Arthur tries to go after the scabbard, transporting himself to the 21st century. Now Merlin needs someone to stand in for Arthur, otherwise who will pull the sword from the stone and become High King?? Sophie offers up Stu and Merlin transports him to the past as well.
While Stu is pretending to be Arthur, Sophie goes back to the future to convince Arthur to go back. Which is a lot harder than it sounds. The 21st century is pretty awesome to poor kid from Medieval England.
The time travel stuff in this book doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's okay with me. This book isn't hard sci-fi and doesn't try to be. This book is just plain fun - I giggled repeatedly! There's plenty of geeky references to Star Wars and Back to the Future and such. And the budding romance between Sophie and Stu is just plain sweet. I love how adorably geeky both of them are.
This story is told from 4 different perspectives (but all 3rd person POV). First we have Sophie, aka Lady Bella, who spends most of her time playing a Camelot based mmorpg with her best friend Stu and another guy named Melvin. Stu, aka Lord Vanquish, has a secret crush on Sophie and even with all the drama and danger happening, is generally more worried about asking her to the upcoming school dance. Then there's Arthur. He's not king yet, he hasn't pulled the sword from the stone, he knows nothing about his destiny. He dreams of being a knight and being able to marry his best friend Guinevere. And Guinevere, who's...well, she's there.
Guin accidentally drops a super important magical scabbard into the Well of Dreams, transporting it to the 21st century. Without this scabbard, history will be horribly changed. So Merlin enlists the help of Sophie to find it, transporting her back in time.
"How familiar are you with Arthurian legend?" he asked her as he led her back into his office."
"I'm a level seventy-nine Camelot's Honor druid. What do you think?"
Merlin, by the way, is actually Melvin, the random guy her and Stu have been playing Camelot's Honor with for years. Of course. Because of course he's been able to hook up an internet connect in Medieval times. Hey, just go with it!
"It's good to meet you in real life at last. I'm Merlin," he said, holding out a hand." Though you might better know me as Melvin-Oh-One, your super leet healer from Camelot's Honor."
In the meantime, Arthur tries to go after the scabbard, transporting himself to the 21st century. Now Merlin needs someone to stand in for Arthur, otherwise who will pull the sword from the stone and become High King?? Sophie offers up Stu and Merlin transports him to the past as well.
Merlin ran a wrinkled hand through his shock of white hair. "Well, you know that sword in the stone quest you wanted me to run your character through?" he asked. "What if we...well...what if we did a real-life run-through? It won't level you, of course. But it would definitely save my life. Not to mention the future of the world."
While Stu is pretending to be Arthur, Sophie goes back to the future to convince Arthur to go back. Which is a lot harder than it sounds. The 21st century is pretty awesome to poor kid from Medieval England.
Arthur stared at him in disbelief. "Everyone's equal here?" he repeated, not sure if he was understanding right. "I mean, even the serfs?"
"Sure. Even those of us who surf," Tristan agreed.
The time travel stuff in this book doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's okay with me. This book isn't hard sci-fi and doesn't try to be. This book is just plain fun - I giggled repeatedly! There's plenty of geeky references to Star Wars and Back to the Future and such. And the budding romance between Sophie and Stu is just plain sweet. I love how adorably geeky both of them are.
December 18, 2019
In the first book of The Camelot Code series: The Once And Future Geek, by Mari Mancusi, there are four main characters; Arthur of Camelot the future King Arthur, Princess Gunivere, Sophie, a gamer, and Stu, also a gamer and Sophie’s friend. Arthur accidentally time travels to the 21st century right before he needs to pull the sword from the stone and googles himself and learns that his future is not so great. After that, he decides to avoid his future: by just not going back to the past. Will Sophie and Stu be able to get the future king back to the past and keep people from noticing he’s gone?
The book was a semi-interesting book. Mancusi does a good job of keeping the reader entertained and wanting to read more with action, suspense, and excitement. The story is a good example of a book that connects modern day with the amazing Arthurian legends.
The book would have been more enjoyable for me if the author had made some parts of the book faster and some parts slower. Some parts of the book need to be slowed down and elaborated more and some parts go by so slowly, they seem boring. For example, there’s a little bit too much of Arthur in the book: the story is told from four different perspectives and almost every other chapter is mostly from Arthur’s perspective.
Although there were some bad parts to the book, I enjoyed the book because it is told from different perspectives. You can learn what all of the characters perspectives are. And they’re usually different. For example, in the book, Merlin thinks that Morgana is evil and Morgana thinks that Merlin is evil because he stole Arthur from her.
“By the gods,” Merlin whispered. “He did it. He actually did it.”
“Wait--who did what?” Whatever it was, from the look on Merlin’s face, it wasn’t good.
“Arthur,” the magician said solemnly. “He went to retrieve the scabbard himself.”
Overall, I would recommend this book. It has a few flaws but it’s a great read and it’s full of action, adventure, and surprise.
The book was a semi-interesting book. Mancusi does a good job of keeping the reader entertained and wanting to read more with action, suspense, and excitement. The story is a good example of a book that connects modern day with the amazing Arthurian legends.
The book would have been more enjoyable for me if the author had made some parts of the book faster and some parts slower. Some parts of the book need to be slowed down and elaborated more and some parts go by so slowly, they seem boring. For example, there’s a little bit too much of Arthur in the book: the story is told from four different perspectives and almost every other chapter is mostly from Arthur’s perspective.
Although there were some bad parts to the book, I enjoyed the book because it is told from different perspectives. You can learn what all of the characters perspectives are. And they’re usually different. For example, in the book, Merlin thinks that Morgana is evil and Morgana thinks that Merlin is evil because he stole Arthur from her.
“By the gods,” Merlin whispered. “He did it. He actually did it.”
“Wait--who did what?” Whatever it was, from the look on Merlin’s face, it wasn’t good.
“Arthur,” the magician said solemnly. “He went to retrieve the scabbard himself.”
Overall, I would recommend this book. It has a few flaws but it’s a great read and it’s full of action, adventure, and surprise.
December 8, 2020
Earlier this year, Netflix and Guillermo del Toro finally released the third Arcadia animated series, Wizards, Tales of Arcadia, and we went through a little Camelot-revival in our household. Now we're looking forward to Trollhunters: The Rise of Titans for the continuation of all our fav characters, including Aja, Krell and Varvatos Vex, next year.
It set us off on a quest for Camelot-set books, and The Camelot Code was one in a series we found that had kind of the same attitude as Aja and Krell, and we loved it!
The twist in this one is that Merlin the wizard, from 600 or so, has a super-duper reliable Wi-Fi connection with the present through a magic well (one of those stone things that draws water), what else? Works better than a router, of course! He's the gaming partner of 12-year-olds Sophie Sawyer and Stuart Mallory in the online game, Camelot's Honor.
It's Merlin's way of training his next apprentices, for when he needs them to save the universe from a time-traveling Arthur who discovers the perks of the present (like playing on a football team, and girl groupies!) and doesn't want to return to pull the sword from the stone.
And, of course, hot on his heels, is Merlin's nemesis, Morgana.
Stu ends up impersonating the impressive Arthur, while Sophie tracks him down here in the present in middle school. Morgana is thwarted in her attempt to kill Arthur by a magic scabbard, for his sword Excalibur, which Stu ends up pulling from the stone when Arthur's a no-show. But how long can he keep up the charade, and more importantly, not accidentally break Merlin's enchantment disguising him as Arthur?
I won't spoil how it ends, just know this is a light-hearted romp through a gaming twist on Camelot-inspired stories.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
It set us off on a quest for Camelot-set books, and The Camelot Code was one in a series we found that had kind of the same attitude as Aja and Krell, and we loved it!
The twist in this one is that Merlin the wizard, from 600 or so, has a super-duper reliable Wi-Fi connection with the present through a magic well (one of those stone things that draws water), what else? Works better than a router, of course! He's the gaming partner of 12-year-olds Sophie Sawyer and Stuart Mallory in the online game, Camelot's Honor.
It's Merlin's way of training his next apprentices, for when he needs them to save the universe from a time-traveling Arthur who discovers the perks of the present (like playing on a football team, and girl groupies!) and doesn't want to return to pull the sword from the stone.
And, of course, hot on his heels, is Merlin's nemesis, Morgana.
Stu ends up impersonating the impressive Arthur, while Sophie tracks him down here in the present in middle school. Morgana is thwarted in her attempt to kill Arthur by a magic scabbard, for his sword Excalibur, which Stu ends up pulling from the stone when Arthur's a no-show. But how long can he keep up the charade, and more importantly, not accidentally break Merlin's enchantment disguising him as Arthur?
I won't spoil how it ends, just know this is a light-hearted romp through a gaming twist on Camelot-inspired stories.
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
May 7, 2019
I do not remember the date I read this, but I finished it in 2 days. I started the night before, and finished it the next day (on a Saturday)
CONS OF THE ONCE AND FUTURE GEEK
I wasn't totally impressed with the plot at some places.
Close to the end, it felt slightly rushed and I didn't like it 100%.
I also didn't like
PROS OF THE ONCE AND FUTURE GEEK
Can we just start with: I don't know how it did it. But there I was, sitting on the couch, butt going numb, and wanting to get up and do something else... but I just. Kept. READING. And I don't know how it dragged me in so well.
I loved the whole video-game aspect of this book. It's nice to see some video-game-loving characters in a BOOK.
And the video game itself sounded pretty fun.
I liked how
The whole past-present-future-at-risk concept was really cool as well.
It was really awesome to see
And THE COVER IS AMAZING.
OVERALL
I really enjoyed the book. I think that I'd like to eventually own it, which is a feat in itself. Great job, Mari Mancusi!
CONS OF THE ONCE AND FUTURE GEEK
I wasn't totally impressed with the plot at some places.
Close to the end, it felt slightly rushed and I didn't like it 100%.
I also didn't like
PROS OF THE ONCE AND FUTURE GEEK
Can we just start with: I don't know how it did it. But there I was, sitting on the couch, butt going numb, and wanting to get up and do something else... but I just. Kept. READING. And I don't know how it dragged me in so well.
I loved the whole video-game aspect of this book. It's nice to see some video-game-loving characters in a BOOK.
And the video game itself sounded pretty fun.
I liked how
The whole past-present-future-at-risk concept was really cool as well.
It was really awesome to see
And THE COVER IS AMAZING.
OVERALL
I really enjoyed the book. I think that I'd like to eventually own it, which is a feat in itself. Great job, Mari Mancusi!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
Before becoming King, Arthur is just a young kid being trained by Merlin. After accidently falling through time and ending up in the 21st century, Arthur discovers what becomes of him after pulling the sword from the stone. Will he return to fulfill his destiny? Or stay in 21st century where things aren't so bad?
Okay, this wasn't horrible but I didn't love it. It was cute and I feel like it's for a younger audience. There should have been more story time for Morgana. Sophie and Stu have been preparing for this huge battle against her, but when it finally arrives it's anticlimactic.
Okay, this wasn't horrible but I didn't love it. It was cute and I feel like it's for a younger audience. There should have been more story time for Morgana. Sophie and Stu have been preparing for this huge battle against her, but when it finally arrives it's anticlimactic.
August 19, 2018
This middle grade novel tells the entertaining story of what happens when legendary King Arthur (only 12 years old in this book) time travels to the 21st century and googles himself, thereby discovering the hardships and betrayals he will someday face. Naturally, he decides to stay in the 21st century to avoid the trials and tribulations of his medieval life. It’s up to Sophie and Stu (12 year olds from the 21st century) to save the day (or die trying!).
I was a little hard on this book initially because I couldn’t stop comparing it to a certain YA juggernaut (who may or may not write about gods and goddesses and their half-mortal children). This book does not reach the same polished, epic heights as those books, but it’s super entertaining nonetheless. And this book is middle grade, not YA, so it’s really not fair to compare them.
We see lots of traditional Arthurian characters make delightful appearances (Guinevere, Merlin, Mogana, Kay, and a brief passing-by of Lancelot). The author weaves Arthurian legend into the story pretty seamlessly and authentically - I even learned a thing or two I hadn’t know before.
The story itself jumps around between a couple different character’s points-of-view but it wasn’t really ever confusing. Parallels drawn between characters were interesting at times, and felt a little forced or in-your-face/unnecessary at other times. Keeping in mind the target audience, though, I think it was well done overall.
This appears to be the first book in a series. I’m sure kids in the target audience who enjoy the King Arthur legend will love this book/series. However, I’m not sure it will cross as easily into other audiences like the aforementioned YA series has. But, again, that’s not really a fair comparison, just my own thought.
This was somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars for me. Entertaining and well-written for the middle grade audience, but not something I couldn’t put down. Also, as a bonus, the cover art is beautiful! It’s what first drew me to this book, and I would even consider buying this just because of how pretty it is.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for providing me with a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
I was a little hard on this book initially because I couldn’t stop comparing it to a certain YA juggernaut (who may or may not write about gods and goddesses and their half-mortal children). This book does not reach the same polished, epic heights as those books, but it’s super entertaining nonetheless. And this book is middle grade, not YA, so it’s really not fair to compare them.
We see lots of traditional Arthurian characters make delightful appearances (Guinevere, Merlin, Mogana, Kay, and a brief passing-by of Lancelot). The author weaves Arthurian legend into the story pretty seamlessly and authentically - I even learned a thing or two I hadn’t know before.
The story itself jumps around between a couple different character’s points-of-view but it wasn’t really ever confusing. Parallels drawn between characters were interesting at times, and felt a little forced or in-your-face/unnecessary at other times. Keeping in mind the target audience, though, I think it was well done overall.
This appears to be the first book in a series. I’m sure kids in the target audience who enjoy the King Arthur legend will love this book/series. However, I’m not sure it will cross as easily into other audiences like the aforementioned YA series has. But, again, that’s not really a fair comparison, just my own thought.
This was somewhere between 3.75 and 4 stars for me. Entertaining and well-written for the middle grade audience, but not something I couldn’t put down. Also, as a bonus, the cover art is beautiful! It’s what first drew me to this book, and I would even consider buying this just because of how pretty it is.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for providing me with a free advance review copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
July 20, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! Imagine if a young King Arthur was sent to the future on mistake. What would he think of the 21st century? Meanwhile, who would take his place in the past? Would history be rewritten or would it stay the same? All of these questions and more are answered in this book. I cannot wait to read book #2!
May 11, 2020
Oh this is a pretty great MG book. Great characters and growth. Fun story.
May 20, 2020
Great middle grade read weaving Arthurian Legend with modern day geekery. Lots of action from the start.
June 7, 2022
This probably hasn’t been one of my favourite books that I have read so far, however, it was fun and an easy read.
January 9, 2023
This was a cute book. King Arthur ends up in the 21st century. Stu and Sophie start playing a video game but end up in medieval Camelot. If everyone doesn’t get back to the correct century soon, history will be messed up forever. They may end up in a reality where there is no pepperoni!
I’m looking forward to book two!
I’m looking forward to book two!
February 21, 2024
This series is a fun middle grade romp through Camelot!
What Fed My Addiction:
King Arthur!
I love all things Camelot, so the concept of this book had me hooked right from the start. Kids can get a little lesson on these epic characters in a fun format! (This makes me want to reread A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.) The story gives us a lot of the original Arthurian legends and then puts them in a spin cycle.
Video games.
Sophie and Stu love RPG-style video games, and I could see how this one would be lots of fun. They also sounded like realistic kids—I’ve had some of these same arguments with my teenagers over the value of video games vs. “real life” and their arguments mirror Sophie and Stu’s pretty nicely. (I was glad that there was a balance between the idea that video games can be a worthwhile hobby, but it might be nice to get out and do other things sometimes too.)
Multiple POVs.
Sometimes too many POVs can be overwhelming, but I thought it really worked in this book. We got to see both the past and the present through multiple characters’ eyes this way. We had POVs from Sophie, Stu, Arthur and Guenivere.
High Stakes.
Because of the time travel aspect of the book, the fate of the whole world is at stake. Sophie and Stu worry that any changes made to the past might wipe out the whole future!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Some unrealistic points.
And, no, I’m not talking about the time travel. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those crazy people who reads a fantasy and says it’s not realistic. But there were other little “real world” plot points that had me scratching my head a little. (For instance, a football scene that didn’t make a lot of logical sense.) These were little things, though, and I’m guessing middle graders might not even notice them.
This book has a little bit of something for every middle grade reader: video game geekiness, sports enthusiasm, historical villains, magic, mayhem and a hint of romance. It’s a surefire hit!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher and Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
What Fed My Addiction:
King Arthur!
I love all things Camelot, so the concept of this book had me hooked right from the start. Kids can get a little lesson on these epic characters in a fun format! (This makes me want to reread A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.) The story gives us a lot of the original Arthurian legends and then puts them in a spin cycle.
Video games.
Sophie and Stu love RPG-style video games, and I could see how this one would be lots of fun. They also sounded like realistic kids—I’ve had some of these same arguments with my teenagers over the value of video games vs. “real life” and their arguments mirror Sophie and Stu’s pretty nicely. (I was glad that there was a balance between the idea that video games can be a worthwhile hobby, but it might be nice to get out and do other things sometimes too.)
Multiple POVs.
Sometimes too many POVs can be overwhelming, but I thought it really worked in this book. We got to see both the past and the present through multiple characters’ eyes this way. We had POVs from Sophie, Stu, Arthur and Guenivere.
High Stakes.
Because of the time travel aspect of the book, the fate of the whole world is at stake. Sophie and Stu worry that any changes made to the past might wipe out the whole future!
What Left Me Hungry for More:
Some unrealistic points.
And, no, I’m not talking about the time travel. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those crazy people who reads a fantasy and says it’s not realistic. But there were other little “real world” plot points that had me scratching my head a little. (For instance, a football scene that didn’t make a lot of logical sense.) These were little things, though, and I’m guessing middle graders might not even notice them.
This book has a little bit of something for every middle grade reader: video game geekiness, sports enthusiasm, historical villains, magic, mayhem and a hint of romance. It’s a surefire hit!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher and Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
July 13, 2014
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
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My first Mancusi book and it was hilariously and epically amazing. Legends and that too of Camelot always makes for an interesting read or worth watching if it is as a television show (like Merlin). Of course with time travel in the mix I just couldn't resist.
Sporting a story for a young audience but can be enjoyed by everyone, The Camelot Code provides for an entertaining easy read. Ingrained in with the values of friendship, doing whats right and the woes of first love (evidently the book is a part of Mari Mancusi's standalone series 'First Kiss Club'), its very interesting to see two best friend gamers Sophie and Stu as they discover that the Legendary Camelot and all of its mythological figures are very much real. And for Merlin, Arthur, Guinevere and Morgan la Fae to experience the 21st Century. Ray-bans, pizzas, the computer (magic box) and Google to name a few.
Full of witty trivia and your usual teen drama with a major hike of the paranormal and the mythical, 'The Camelot Code' was a memorable experience and I'm totally checking out her other books now.
"Time-travel, Camelot and the 21st Century. All the ingredients needed to create a fantabulously exciting tale"
December 24, 2018
The Once and Future Geek (The Camelot Code #1) by Mari Mancusi, 352 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2018. $17.
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Sophie and Stu love playing online games together, but they are drawing apart as Stu joins the soccer team. But then an encounter with a mysterious code sucks Stu through a portal to Camelot. Turns out SirMelvin01 was really Merlin all this time and he needs Stu’s and Sophie’s help. Arthur dropped Excalibur’s scabbard down the portal well and it is somewhere in Stu’s time and place. Then Arthur himself also gets sucked through. Life in Stu’s town seems way better than pre-Excalibur life for Arthur – maybe he’ll just stay and become a football star instead. Its all hands on deck to get everyone and everything back to the right time before Morgana can unleash her evil revenge and before history changes past all fixing.
The time-travel aspect is not quite as complicated as it might seem. A solid fantasy book for upper elementary readers. I do wonder how much they know about King Arthur and Camelot, but either way the characters are engaging, the adventure is dangerous, and the resolution leaves room for a sequel – hopefully with different secondary characters.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger)
BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Sophie and Stu love playing online games together, but they are drawing apart as Stu joins the soccer team. But then an encounter with a mysterious code sucks Stu through a portal to Camelot. Turns out SirMelvin01 was really Merlin all this time and he needs Stu’s and Sophie’s help. Arthur dropped Excalibur’s scabbard down the portal well and it is somewhere in Stu’s time and place. Then Arthur himself also gets sucked through. Life in Stu’s town seems way better than pre-Excalibur life for Arthur – maybe he’ll just stay and become a football star instead. Its all hands on deck to get everyone and everything back to the right time before Morgana can unleash her evil revenge and before history changes past all fixing.
The time-travel aspect is not quite as complicated as it might seem. A solid fantasy book for upper elementary readers. I do wonder how much they know about King Arthur and Camelot, but either way the characters are engaging, the adventure is dangerous, and the resolution leaves room for a sequel – hopefully with different secondary characters.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
January 27, 2015
-Read on Wattpad-
(http://www.wattpad.com/story/9485113-...)
This was such a fun novel to read! It was full of action and adventure and I love how the two times were weaved together. It was so easy to get into the novel and I love how well the story flowed. There were several different point of views, but whilst reading them you knew exactly who it was and there was no confusion as to where the characters were or what was happening.
My first Marni Mancusi book and I must admit I was not disappointed and I can't wait to read what else Marni has written.
(http://www.wattpad.com/story/9485113-...)
This was such a fun novel to read! It was full of action and adventure and I love how the two times were weaved together. It was so easy to get into the novel and I love how well the story flowed. There were several different point of views, but whilst reading them you knew exactly who it was and there was no confusion as to where the characters were or what was happening.
My first Marni Mancusi book and I must admit I was not disappointed and I can't wait to read what else Marni has written.
September 7, 2019
This was such a great mix up of history, fantasy, science fiction, legend and reality!!! I loved the characters and the plot was awesome!!
The characters are middle schoolers but they seemed more like high schoolers.
There was the element of crushes, dating, and tow characters kiss but other then that I really encourage this book!! :)
The characters are middle schoolers but they seemed more like high schoolers.
There was the element of crushes, dating, and tow characters kiss but other then that I really encourage this book!! :)
March 26, 2019
My younger brother read this first and enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it!
November 28, 2020
I think it's obvious the author has a lot of expertise and passion for Arthurian mythology, and I can't fault them for that. What I can fault, however, is this book.
I would not want young girls to read this book. As a matter of fact, I would not want any young person to read this book, because what it tells young people is that girls are bratty, overemotional, manipulative, cold, and/or annoying . That is, unless you're a girl who likes video games! Meet our protagonist Sophie–she's blonde, and a female gamer, so totally not like the other girls (that is actually a phrase used in this books, and it just screams misogyny. None of the characters really go beyond their archetype to develop something close to a personality.
Sophie is a girl gamer. Stu(art) is a boy gamer. Arthur is naive. Guinevere is a girl. Mortimer is a simp whose issues are not actually addressed. Morgana is your cookie-cutter villain. Merlin? I don't exactly know what his character was supposed to be (outside of a guy who lies to children on the internet. And a gamer). Lucas is the nice jock (though Ashley, a cheerleader who literally does nothing but exist, is apparently obnoxious?)–the biggest letdown about Lucas was Elaine is whiny and irritating, and is only defined by her aBsURd attachment to Stu, the only one to notice as she drifted down a river.
Plot was a bit lackluster–when Sophie was alone with Merlin and they had to find a replacement for Arthur, why couldn't Sophie replace him? Why'd they need to rope in Stu??? There was no reason to do that. Also, I'm sorry, I can suspend my disbelief, I really can, but I couldn't believe that NO ONE could figure out that British society is not trapped in the medieval era in 2014. Like, Vine was a thing at that point. Speaking of medieval, all the pop culture references were so outdated. "Holy Epic Win, Batman?" I was entirely befuddled. Also, I know the author wanted to show how gamer™ all the characters were, but the gamer jargon felt a bit off (being a, how-you-say, Gamer Girl™ myself, I disagreed with the use of the term "tank" and moaned at "noob").
Also, I think it's actually kind of incredible to write a book in 2014 and absolutely confirm that literally EVERY named character important to the plot is white with either blonde or black-haired. Like, wow. Come on.
I would not want young girls to read this book. As a matter of fact, I would not want any young person to read this book, because what it tells young people is that girls are bratty, overemotional, manipulative, cold, and/or annoying . That is, unless you're a girl who likes video games! Meet our protagonist Sophie–she's blonde, and a female gamer, so totally not like the other girls (that is actually a phrase used in this books, and it just screams misogyny. None of the characters really go beyond their archetype to develop something close to a personality.
Sophie is a girl gamer. Stu(art) is a boy gamer. Arthur is naive. Guinevere is a girl. Mortimer is a simp whose issues are not actually addressed. Morgana is your cookie-cutter villain. Merlin? I don't exactly know what his character was supposed to be (outside of a guy who lies to children on the internet. And a gamer). Lucas is the nice jock (though Ashley, a cheerleader who literally does nothing but exist, is apparently obnoxious?)–the biggest letdown about Lucas was Elaine is whiny and irritating, and is only defined by her aBsURd attachment to Stu, the only one to notice as she drifted down a river.
Plot was a bit lackluster–when Sophie was alone with Merlin and they had to find a replacement for Arthur, why couldn't Sophie replace him? Why'd they need to rope in Stu??? There was no reason to do that. Also, I'm sorry, I can suspend my disbelief, I really can, but I couldn't believe that NO ONE could figure out that British society is not trapped in the medieval era in 2014. Like, Vine was a thing at that point. Speaking of medieval, all the pop culture references were so outdated. "Holy Epic Win, Batman?" I was entirely befuddled. Also, I know the author wanted to show how gamer™ all the characters were, but the gamer jargon felt a bit off (being a, how-you-say, Gamer Girl™ myself, I disagreed with the use of the term "tank" and moaned at "noob").
Also, I think it's actually kind of incredible to write a book in 2014 and absolutely confirm that literally EVERY named character important to the plot is white with either blonde or black-haired. Like, wow. Come on.
December 17, 2018
Just when you thought it was safe to venture into Medieval times through your favorite online game, Merlin has to muck it all up!
Meet Arthur and Guinevere...or rather their younger selves, as they live their carefree (not really) childhood days harboring the normal issues of self-doubt, the need to be seen AND heard, and unrequited love. Ah yes, the ye olde good days. Now jump back to the present as we introduce Sophie and Stu...schoolmates and gaming friends aiming to take down Morgana (virtually) while navigating the murky waters of growing up, which pretty much includes the same harbored issues as that duo of old. Not much has changed between the then and now, until an unexpected turn of events that just might leave HISTORY CHANGED FOREVER! That's right...we're talking no King Arthur, no conquering of the Saxons, no PEPPERONI PIZZA! WTH! All for the lure of 21st Century advantages and the blabbermouth that is Google spilling the beans on the unfortunate outcome of Arthur's future. I mean, you can't blame him for wanting a better life, but yet you can because while you lose the bad, you also lose all the GOOD and which outweighs which in the end? I guess we'll just have to depend on Arthur taking the noble high road...right? I mean he IS a teen, it's not like self-absorbance would be anything new.... *-*
All in all, it was a great mix of legend and gaming allowing readers of a new generation a loophole into the intriguing mysteries of our past and the grand potential of our glorious future....if only SOMEONE is brave enough to take the chances, risk the risks, ride the stakes, and otherwise go into the challenges we face with eyes wide open, head held high, and not let fear of defeat stop them from taking that first step? I mean if Arthur can do it, and Stu, and Sophie, and even Guinevere to some degree....what's to stop you? Being the first of a planned series, I'm curious to see what the future holds for all our characters...and whether their paths will diverge or intertwine further as the times change.
**copy received for review
Meet Arthur and Guinevere...or rather their younger selves, as they live their carefree (not really) childhood days harboring the normal issues of self-doubt, the need to be seen AND heard, and unrequited love. Ah yes, the ye olde good days. Now jump back to the present as we introduce Sophie and Stu...schoolmates and gaming friends aiming to take down Morgana (virtually) while navigating the murky waters of growing up, which pretty much includes the same harbored issues as that duo of old. Not much has changed between the then and now, until an unexpected turn of events that just might leave HISTORY CHANGED FOREVER! That's right...we're talking no King Arthur, no conquering of the Saxons, no PEPPERONI PIZZA! WTH! All for the lure of 21st Century advantages and the blabbermouth that is Google spilling the beans on the unfortunate outcome of Arthur's future. I mean, you can't blame him for wanting a better life, but yet you can because while you lose the bad, you also lose all the GOOD and which outweighs which in the end? I guess we'll just have to depend on Arthur taking the noble high road...right? I mean he IS a teen, it's not like self-absorbance would be anything new.... *-*
All in all, it was a great mix of legend and gaming allowing readers of a new generation a loophole into the intriguing mysteries of our past and the grand potential of our glorious future....if only SOMEONE is brave enough to take the chances, risk the risks, ride the stakes, and otherwise go into the challenges we face with eyes wide open, head held high, and not let fear of defeat stop them from taking that first step? I mean if Arthur can do it, and Stu, and Sophie, and even Guinevere to some degree....what's to stop you? Being the first of a planned series, I'm curious to see what the future holds for all our characters...and whether their paths will diverge or intertwine further as the times change.
**copy received for review
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