Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights: A Graphic Novel

by James Persichetti, L.S. Biehler (Illustrator), L.S. Biehler

Overview

In this queer reimagining of an Arthurian legend, Knights of the Round Table Lancelot and Tristan set out on a quest to find the missing magician Merlin but instead discover an unexpected romance perfect for fans of The Prince and the Dressmaker and Squire.

When Merlin goes missing and Camelot falls under attack, King Arthur sends his estranged half-sister, Morgan le Fay, and esteemed Knights of the Round Table, Tristan and Lancelot, to find him. As the reluctant trio travels through Albion saving towns from treacherous foes and battling fae, their bonds deepen, and sparks fly between the two knights. Before they can sort through their complicated feelings, an unexpected dark force appears, bringing what just might be the end of Camelot. 

From debut author James Persichetti and new talent L.S. Biehler, Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights will sweep readers away with an epic quest and a love story for the ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780358541233
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Series:	An Arthurian Love Story
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	13 - 17 Years

About the Author

James Persichetti is a writer, freelance editor, and language enthusiast who enjoys writing about queer characters going on adventures. He earned an English degree and studied Arthurian legends, where he drew inspiration for his debut graphic novel, A Tale of Two Knights. He lives with his husband in Denver, Colorado.

Editorial Reviews

Expressive characters both human and fantastical are lushly rendered in radiantly colorful illustrations by Biehler; uncomplicated dialogue and a straightforward plot by Persichetti make this a lively, action-packed romance for fans of Merlin and Gwen & Art Are Not in Love. — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

03/11/2024

Merlin is missing and the fae have returned to seek their revenge against Camelot in this queer graphic novel retelling of an Arthurian legend following two Knights of the Round Table by debut author Persichetti and illustrator Biehler. When King Arthur recruits sorceress Morgan le Fay to help locate Merlin, knights Tristan and Lancelot must set aside their differences to assist Morgan on her quest to track down her mentor before the fae put a permanent end to her estranged half brother’s reign. The trio each has their own motivations for embarking on this journey yet, as they venture, their predicament brings the two knights closer together—even as it threatens to reveal dangerous secrets that could doom their relationship before it has a chance to blossom. This engaging slow burn adventure presents a fresh re-imagining not just of Lancelot and Tristan but of the causes of the tension between fae magic and the Arthurian court. Expressive characters both human and fantastical are lushly rendered in radiantly colorful illustrations by Biehler; uncomplicated dialogue and a straightforward plot by Persichetti make this a lively, action-packed romance for fans of Merlin and Gwen & Art Are Not in Love. Ages 13–up. (June)

Publishers Weekly

2024-03-23
Courtly love is queered in this Arthurian graphic novel.

All is not well in Camelot. Merlin is missing, and people suspect foul play; and the fae have begun attacking Camelot, despite Uther long since banishing them. At a loss, King Arthur and Queen Guinevere summon Morgan, Arthur’s half sister. They persuade Morgan, a traveling mage who studied under Merlin, to embark on a rescue mission accompanied by young knights Lancelot and Tristan. They make a reluctant trio, but cheerful, generous Lancelot is determined to get to know brusque, impatient Morgan and taciturn Tristan, whom he’s long had a crush on. As the three outsiders reckon with their origins, burdensome pasts, and possible futures, they become a team; Morgan finds friendship with the knights, who begin to fall for each other in a well-crafted budding romance. The book equally centers Morgan’s journey toward self-acceptance and community. Some of the revisions to Arthuriana work well: Guinevere has a place at the Round Table, and Lancelot’s and Tristan’s platonic relationships with their traditional lady loves are thoughtfully portrayed. Other elements, such as the portrayals of Queen Mab and primary antagonist Nimue (clad in a notably anachronistic outfit), are clunky. Queen Mab’s brief arc as a power-hungry, vengeful villain leads to a heavy-handed, underdeveloped message about human greed and environmental destruction that feels forced. The art sometimes feels flat, with a visual narrative style that’s akin to superhero comics. The main cast present white.

An intriguing premise hampered by underwhelming execution. (Graphic fantasy. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews