The Once and Never Queen by C. David Belt






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The Once
and
Never Queen


Coming 2025

from

C. David Belt


Separated by fifteen centuries and half a world,

a legendary queen and a modern-day knight

must stand together to oppose

the False One

and his Army of the Living Dead.


For fifteen centuries, Gwenhwyfar, the legendary High Queen of Prydain, has stood alone, fighting a hopeless battle of resistance to save her people from horrific evil. Half a world away, Bedwyr MacNeill, a modern-day Templar Knight, guided by an ancient and cryptic prophecy, embarks on a quest to find the Once and Never Queen. Bedwyr will battle monsters and villains of myth and legend to find Gwenhwyfar.

The prophecy states that, on the Second Wicked Day, Gwenhwyfar and Bedwyr must stand together to battle the False One and his ancient army who have arisen to deceive the nations. The prophecy says that the queen and her knight will make their stand, and that they will stand alone.

It does not say they will survive.





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Praise for The Once and Never Queen:


This book had so many twists and turns from the start. Belt does extensive research on his books, from the names he uses to the places his characters go. This one was an exceptional story of two sisters with revenge scarring their hearts, a knight whose honorable mission is to serve and protect, and a lot of evil villains who get in their way.

Jenny Rabe, Ogden, Utah


I deeply enjoyed being with these characters as they navigated a thrilling, historically infused adventure. This book will keep you guessing until the very end!

Benjamin Cazier, Syracuse, Utah


From master storyteller C. David Belt comes a tale of courage, honor, and sacrifice. Bedwyr MacNeill is a man of integrity and decency who embraces the overwhelming challenge of personally facing down evil. Gwenhwyfar is a woman of honor and virtue who has been cruelly deprived of her right to rule the kingdom of Prydain with her husband. Against all odds, she has persevered in the face of betrayal and mockery to one day fulfill her destiny. C. David Belt has crafted another brilliant story, with inspiring heroes and heroines, just the right touch of romance, and a setting that adds a wonderful dimension to this already-mesmerizing story. This latest work is a satisfying and worthwhile read. It is a story that is terrifying, compelling, and ultimately uplifting. I highly recommend!

Leslie Whatcott, St. George, Utah


C. David Belt adds another excellent book to his ever-growing stack with The Once and Never Queen. This book is a fantastic mix of history, mythology, romance, and horror. Fans of Belt's other works will enjoy cameos and life updates from characters we already know and love, but they'll also fall in love with Bedwyr MacNeill, modern-day cowboy and Templar knight, and Gwenhwyfar, the titular Once and Never Queen. There is a lot of Welsh in this book, but the author has thoughtfully added a helpful guide to keep the names and pronunciations straight. I loved this book, and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Elissa C. Nysetvold, author of Nightwalker