Book 2 of the series Tula Rose: The Kingdom is an intriguing and thought-provoking fantasy, set in
present day. The story unfolds commencing from Camelot Castle Hotel in Tintagel, a village linked
to the legend of King Arthur, in Cornwall, England, to the Isles of Scilly. This gripping and innovative
fantasy brings a myth to reality. The storyline blends metaphysical concepts, Celtic folklore, Arthurian
folklore, and Chinese philosophy into an exciting quest throughout Cornwall medieval castles and
places. The English couple, Tula Rose and William Ridel, holidaying in Cornwall to celebrate William's
56th birthday, find themselves travelling through hidden tunnels and mystical lands, such as the
lost realm of Lyonesse, uncovering past betrayals and confronting supernatural forces, all because
William had a worrying dream that Guinevere, King Arthur's wife, had been kidnapped. William
and Tula visit Merlin, Guinevere's and King Arthur's mentor, to plan Guinevere's rescue. They learn
that Guinevere must be rescued before the Winter Solstice in order to fulfill her destiny to unite
Britain, drive back its invaders, and create a new Round Table, to save and reunite the Kingdom.
Suzanne Mondoux creates a fun read. There are no dull moments of traveling through the spellbinding
mystical places of Cornwall. She provides an atmospheric account of Tintagel Castle's history and
the erudite, thoroughly researched, yet perfectly down-to-earth discussions of Taoism, Yin and Yang,
and other Chinese philosophies.
Suzanne Mondoux's book distinguishes itself through its creative boldness. It is not a typical fantasy
tale; instead, it embodies a spiritual parable rooted in destiny and moral questioning. While her
inclusion of supernatural beings adds narrative power and intrigue to the plot, she uses narratives
surrounding King Arthur, Merlin, and Guinevere to add spiritual and historical context to the book,
rather than giving it a complete fairy tale feel.
