Morgan Is My Name - (The Morgan Le Fay) by Sophie Keetch (Paperback)

About the Book

"A powerful feminist retelling of the early life of the famed villainess of Arthurian legend, Morgan le Fay, this dazzling debut is the story of a woman both mortal and magical, formidable and misunderstood, told in her own words. Young Morgan of Cornwall lives a happy life in Tintagel Castle until King Uther Pendragon, with the help of the sorcerer Merlin, murders her father and tricks her mother into marriage. Furious, brilliant and vengeful, Morgan defies her brutal stepfather, taking up a secret education, discovering a lifelong affinity with the healing arts, and falling in love with Accolon of Gaul, a talented knight far beneath her station. However, when Morgan is caught alone with Accolon, she is banished to a nunnery until, years later, fate throws the couple together again when she is called back to Tintagel to marry another man. But some passions are not easily forgotten. Used as a bargaining chip in her stepfather's war games, Morgan finds herself in a world of isolated castles and gossiping courts, amidst the machinations of kings, sorcerers and men. As the era of King Arthur approaches, she must use all her wit, knowledge and courage to fight against those who wish to deny her intelligence, crush her spirit and control her body. But, in seeking her freedom, Morgan risks losing everything-her reputation, her loved ones, and her life."--

Book Synopsis

"A very real, passionate retelling of Morgan le Fay's story, with detail about political and magical lives, and the women who are such a vital part of the tale." --Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Sophie Keetch's prose is as mesmerizing as the ocean's tides, illuminating Morgan's life with a deft and attentive hand." --Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows

A powerful feminist retelling of the early life of Morgan le Fay, the famed villainess of Arthurian legend, this dazzling debut is the story of a woman both mortal and magical, formidable and misunderstood, told in her own words.

Young Morgan of Cornwall lives a happy life in Tintagel Castle until King Uther Pendragon, with the help of the sorcerer Merlin, murders her father and tricks her mother into marriage. Furious, brilliant, and vengeful, Morgan defies her brutal stepfather, taking up a secret education, discovering a lifelong affinity with the healing arts, and falling in love with a man far beneath her station. However, defiance comes at a cost. Used as a bargaining chip in her stepfather's war games, Morgan finds herself banished to a world of isolated castles and gossiping courts, amidst the machinations of kings, sorcerers, and men.

But some desires are not easily forgotten, and the search for her independence is a quest Morgan cannot give up. As the era of King Arthur approaches, she must use all her wit, knowledge, and courage to fight against those who wish to deny her intelligence, crush her spirit, and control her body. But, in seeking her freedom, Morgan risks losing everything-her reputation, her loved ones, and her life.

Review Quotes

"A breath of fresh air. . . . The sort of reinvention that every woman in Arthurian lore deserves." -PASTE

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR MORGAN IS MY NAME

"With equal attention to politics and witchcraft, Keetch's exploration of Morgan's growth shows how the perspective of men has warped the character over the years. Fans of Arthurian legends retold will not want to miss this." --Publishers Weekly

"A very real, passionate retelling of Morgan le Fay's story, with detail about political and magical lives, and the women who are such a vital part of the tale." --Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"This is the powerfully feminist, intricately woven, and realistically enchanting Arthurian tale you've been waiting for. Morgan is her name, and I love her." --Kiersten White, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Camelot Rising Trilogy

"Compelling and poignant, Sophie Keetch's prose is as mesmerizing as the ocean's tides, illuminating Morgan's life with a deft and attentive hand. Built on the bones of exquisite longing and unsung power, Morgan Is My Name portrays a woman forging her own path and reclaiming her story. A stunning delight." --Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows

"Morgan Is My Name is a powerful reimagining of the origins of Morgan le Fay, infusing the familiar tales of Arthurian legend with a fresh voice, profoundly human characters, and an atmosphere both wistful and deliciously ominous. This book felt like a warm hearth in a lonely castle by the sea, and I loved every sentence." --H.M. Long, author of Hall of Smoke

"As fierce and wild as the Cornish sea she is named for, Morgan defies her cruel stepfather King Uther and follows her passions for healing, scholarship, and a handsome young knight. Keetch's deft handling of this ancient tale highlights Morgan's intelligence and strong will, treating readers to a truly delicious tale of self-actualization and vengeance." --Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros

"Sophie Keetch takes us to a familiar destination--Camelot--on a brand-new road. Morgan Is My Name has magic, mythology, Merlin, and a Morgan le Fay we've never met before. Here, we meet a heroine who staunchly refuses to diminish herself while negotiating the world of powerful and cruel men. With twists and turns around every bend, you will love the journey of this book as much as its destination." --Sharon Emmerichs, Sunday Times bestselling author of Shield Maiden

"Top marks all round for an enthralling new take on the Arthurian legend, beautifully written." --The Times (UK)

"This is the Arthurian legend as you rarely see it: told not by Uther, Arthur or Merlin, or indeed their male champions, but by the complicated woman they condemned. Keetch's Morgan is vulnerable, courageous and defiant. She makes the legend hers, and I can't wait to accompany her on the next part of the journey. For lovers of the untold story, Morgan Is My Name is a convincing and compelling read." --Lucy Holland, author of Sistersong

"Evocative, haunting and utterly addictive, this is a book to lose yourself in." --Tracy Borman, author of The King's Witch

"Keetch's Morgan does not disappoint ... literally fire and a perfect harbinger of the woman Morgan is destined to become!" --Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels

About the Author

Sophie Keetch has a BA in English Literature from Cardiff University, which included the study of Arthurian legend. Her debut trilogy is a feminist retelling of the story of sorceress Morgan le Fay. The first book, Morgan Is My Name, was a #1 Audible bestseller and one of Paste Magazine's Best Books of 2023. The audiobook, narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Vanessa Kirby, was a Times Audiobook of the Week.

Sophie is Welsh and lives with her husband and son in South Wales.