In this stunning, historically accurate retelling of the world's greatest love story—that of Arthur and Guinevere—electrifying new author Kim Headlee joins the ranks of Marion Zimmer Bradley and Diana Gabaldon. Restoring Guinevere's reputation from centuries of harsh speculation, Ms. Headlee presents a brave and triumphant heroine as we've never seen her before.

Among the misty lochs and glens of ancient Scotland, duty wages war against love on the battlefield of opposing cultures, religions, and political agendas.

After Caledonia's devastating loss in the battle of Aber-Glein against Arthur map Uther, Pendragon of Brydein, Chieftainess Gyanhumara ("Gyan") nic Hymar is obligated by treaty to marry a Brytoni nobleman. She chooses as her betrothed Urien map Dumarec, son of her clan's worst enemy, in hopes of bringing lasting peace to her people. Arthur must honor this arrangement, even though he knows that Urien, his arch-rival, will gain greater power from it.

When Arthur and Gyan meet, the love that develops between them escalates to legendary proportions. But with her clan's future in her hands, Gyan would forsake her heart's bidding and go through with her obviously ill-fated marriage to Urien. For unless she and Arthur can avert the civil war that is sure to erupt, their love will be doomed to remain unfulfilled—forever.

A unique interpretation of the Arthurian Legends, DAWNFLIGHT rejects the traditional version of an insipid and traitorous Guinevere, and instead delivers up a plausible sword-wielding, head-collecting Pictish warrior-chieftainess, as compassionate to her kin and clan as she is ruthless toward her enemies, set against a cross-section of differing political, social, military, cultural, and religious views reflecting the chaos of the times. Sure to appeal to Arthurian fans and romance readers alike, DAWNFLIGHT brings a fresh "female Braveheart" to the Arthurian fiction library.

"* * * * * out of 5. In the tradition of Mary Stewart, Kim Headlee tells the story of Guinevere. ... a wonderfully fast paced story. ... This will forever change your view of Guinevere ... you will be entranced by this one. This is a unique view of the Arthurian world through Guinevere's eyes. I look forward to the next work in this series."—Deborah Brent, WORDMUSEUM

"Headlee takes the legendary characters Arthur, Guinevere, and Merlin, among others, and transforms them into believable historic figures. ... At its heart, DAWNFLIGHT is a love story, but don’t let that scare you away. This is no sappy, sentimental romance—quite the opposite. It is actually a gritty tale of war and conquest, and not all of it is between nations. ... Chieftainess Gyanhumara is not a simpering lady of the court, nor a traitorous schemer as Guinevere has been portrayed in other versions. Instead she is a warrior-queen, as strong in will as in body. ... DAWNFLIGHT will make you re-think all the tales of Guinevere and Arthur you’ve ever read. As for the writing itself—it is superb. ...DAWNFLIGHT is just the tip of Excalibur, and there’s a lot more to the tale. I look forward to hearing it..."—Fred Phillips, THE BOOKWYRM

"Ms. Headlee's research is clearly extensive and complete, and a delight for any history buff. ...DAWNFLIGHT is a must read. Ms. Headlee has brought her own interesting style to this new telling of the age-old story of Guinevere and Arthur..."—Joann Thompson, RHAPSODY MAGAZINE

A ROMANTIC TIMES 'Top Pick': "Arthurian legend purists might argue with Ms. Headlee's interpretation of the Camelot legend, but I for one applaud her inventive, exciting retelling of the myth. Her vibrant, pro-active and highly feminist Guinevere and all the other well-known characters (and the new ones) become very real and accessible people who move out of the lore and into our hearts. DAWNFLIGHT enlightens a dark period in history and illuminates our imaginations, encouraging us to let our minds take flight in new directions."—Kathe Robin, ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE (November 1999)

"Kim Headlee's DAWNFLIGHT is such a refreshing entry into the Arthurian legend genre ... I'm a stickler for historical accuracy and detail, and DAWNFLIGHT gave me exactly what I craved. I haven't enjoyed an Arthurian novel this much since Mary Stewart's "Merlin" series, and I highly recommend it to lovers of romance and Arthurian aficionados alike."—Moira Allen, INSCRIPTIONS

"I was fascinated from page one. ...I was intrigued by the different cultures, religions and politics involved in this well written tale...carved by a master storyteller whose excellent cast of characters will win her accolades by the hordes of fans of Arthur and Guinevere as they battle across the lochs of Scotland. Ms. Headlee does an outstanding job of bringing her extraordinary characters to life... I am hoping to see a sequel to this spectacular 500-page book, or I am going to be pouting for a month of Sundays. Kim Headlee is an author moving in all the right directions!"—Suzanne Coleburn, THE BELLES & BEAUX OF ROMANCE (October, 1999)

"***** [A] different spin on the Arthur/Guinevere story, but every bit as enjoyable and thoroughly interesting. ... Ms. Headlee has a flair for incorporating her research into her prose so that the reader isn't being educated about history, but rather immersed so deeply into the setting that the sights and sounds and people seem to come alive. I could easily take this as fact rather than fiction, so believable it was. I hope there's another volume in the works, because I can't wait to read what happens next."—Lisa Ramaglia, SCRIBES WORLD REVIEWS

"Most of us are familiar with stories of Camelot and the Arthurian legends. But how often have they told Guinevere's story? DAWNFLIGHT is the novel for those of us who want to know more about the woman at the center of the legends. ... The rocky road that Gyan and Arthur must follow to eventually be together is an interesting one and vital to the story. But the novel is chock full of other exciting plotlines as well. ... If you are a fan of Arthurian legend, you are going to love DAWNFLIGHT! ... Kim Headlee has written a unique version of the legend. Gyanhumara is a woman ahead of the times. ...This reviewer particularly enjoyed this tale. ... I sincerely hope that there will be more "Arthurian" tales from Ms. Headlee—she has started something wonderful with DAWNFLIGHT!"—Tracy Roller, WRITERS CLUB ROMANCE GROUP (October, 1999)

"Like the legend or loathe it, this book is going to pull you in. ... Headlee has dug deep into the history of this period and found a heroine who could kick the medieval ass of any of the fair maidens who have come before her. ... [I]t's a compulsive read. ...What Headlee does with the more familiar aspects of the Arthurian legend is too tempting to pass up.... [G]et out there and get your copy of a new legend in the making."—Lisa DuMond, SF SITE, MeVIEWS

"By giving her heroine power, courage and wisdom, Headlee does for Guinevere what Marion Zimmer Bradley did for Morgaine and Viviane in THE MISTS OF AVALON—Headlee changes Guinevere from a victim of fate to a woman in control of her own destiny.... As much a historical novel as a romance ... in Headlee’s capable hands, anything is possible. DAWNFLIGHT’s Guinevere proves to be an inspiration. The book will delight fans of the legend..."—Lauren Rabb, CRESCENT BLUES BOOK VIEWS

"[P]ure adventure ... breathtaking! In my opinion, this one will hit the best seller lists quickly!"—Detra Fitch, SC HUNTRESS REVIEWS

"DAWNFLIGHT is an epic first novel ... Headlee has immersed herself in the period, and Gyanhumara ('Gyan' for short) is a vivid, exciting heroine. ...[A] very enjoyable read, and I look forward to a sequel. Recommended."—Jean Lambs, JUST VIEWS

"Put away your mental images of Queen Guinevere. ... this is more a historical novel than a fantasy. ... Kim Headlee has put a lot of research into this novel [though] she never lets her research overwhelm the story. ... Fans of the Arthur legend will like DAWNFLIGHT for its new perspective. ...a glimpse into a world rarely seen in fiction."—Anne M. Marble, ALL ABOUT ROMANCE

"Dynamic characters, bold and well developed, fill the pages of DAWNFLIGHT. Ms. Headlee's unique talent is embodied in this, her first novel. ... I give DAWNFLIGHT a hearty two thumbs up."—Sarah Anderson, ROMANCE COMMUNICATIONS

"[B]reathless reading. ... fans of the Camelot story will be intrigued by this twisty tale of love, betrayal and war. ... the love between Gyan and Arthur will leave you wanting to know what happens next."—Pamela Wilfinger, INSCRIPTIONS

"*****. ...Ms. Headlee shows her chutzpah as she writes a new telling of the legend and successfully freshens up the saga. Fans of historical romance and the Arthurian legend will cherish this work and demand more novels set in the same sphere."—AFFAIRE DE COEUR (October 1999)

"Ms. Headlee is an incredible talent. ...a very intriguing twist on the story of Guinevere and Arthur. ... I look forward to her next efforts. I just hope it is not a long wait."—Julie Kim, INTERLUDES (October 1999)

"[5 hearts]. ...[M]y friends, this is not your typical romance. Rather, it is an impressive tour de force that takes the familiar Arthurian legends and turns them on their heads. ...it's a marvelous love story of two strong people who can glory in the other’s strength. But there is so much more in this book. ... Headlee has created a completely believable world ... [A] most compelling start ... I sincerely hope that all those readers who chafe at the sameness of so many of the books that are published these days and who look back longingly at the rich, historical tapestry of earlier books will give DAWNFLIGHT the support it deserves. My motives are selfish. Clearly, this is the first in what will be a series of books about Arthur and Gyan and I want to make sure that the others are published. If I had to liken DAWNFLIGHT to other books in its sweep and power, I might well point to Diane Gabaldon’s books or those of Roberta Gellis. Or perhaps the early Britain books of Joan Wolf. In other words, DAWNFLIGHT is a marvelous historical romance." —Jean Mason, THE ROMANCE READER

"[A]n exciting story of war and betrayal ... a wonderful story full of adventure. This book cries out for a sequel and I will be first in line to read it."—Bonnie Gilbert, ROMANCE BOOK REVIEWS

"Any lover of history should own this book. Kim Headlee is a strong writer ... a wonderful writer and storyteller. I will be on the lookout for her next book."—Mary Dunn, BARB'S ALL-ROMANCE BOOK STORE

"Sit back and prepare yourself to be amazed as first time author Kim Headlee recreates an amazingly believable tale of Arthur and Guinevere in DAWNFLIGHT. For centuries these lovers have created great controversy, spawned countless theories and became amazing legends. Many authors have written their own interpretations of the Arthurian legend, but none so clever as Ms Headlee's. She takes this legend back to its roots ... We see Arthur not as the knight in shining armor but a Roman warlord. Guinevere is not the demure wife of Arthur whose heart is tugged at from both sides but as Gyanhumara nic Hymar, chieftainess of Clan Argyll of Caledonia and a Pict warrior-queen. ... DAWNFLIGHT is as seamless a story as they come. Historical and legendary facts blend as one with the creative use of Celtic terms to give this story a richness rarely seen in a recreation. ... Brilliantly this telling enfolds all of the characters that we've come to love, as well as hate, in the more common legends of Arthur and Guinevere. ... First time readers of Arthurian legend will find DAWNFLIGHT packed full of action and adventure with a generous dollop of romance. Well-read readers of this legend will find themselves enthralled, sitting back to contemplate the validity of the this new theory on Guinevere's legend, as well as Arthur's. DAWNFLIGHT has been compared to MISTS OF AVALON by Marion Zimmer Bradley; no truer a compliment. All I can say is 'Wow!!'"—Kemberlee Lugo, COMPUSERVE ROMANCE REVIEWS

"It's hard to come up with new twists on the Arthurian epic, yet authors keep surprising us by doing just that. Marion Zimmer Bradley's MISTS OF AVALON (1982) opened up the mythos to stories told from a woman's perspective. Following in this tradition, DAWNFLIGHT (1999) by Kim Headlee, makes Gyanhumara (Guinevere) a tribal leader in her own right, based on her skill at arms and the ancient Caledonian law of matrilineal descent. 

Romance (in either sense) is not the only storyline of this book. As befits the myth, there are many battles. The author shows Arthur's strategies, military and political, as he is working them out, giving interesting ideas on what made him such an effective leader. The setting is very much 5th-century A.D., insofar as history knows it, rather than mock medieval. Arthur still considers himself a Roman, using titles like "Centurion" in his army, even though the Empire's regular forces have abandoned the island. This is a more serious—and more gripping—story than one would expect from the frothy cover illustration."—TipWorld