Step into the magical world of the Shards of Excalibur, where a Canadian teenager wields the power of the Lady of the Lake to save both Earth and Faerie! Edward Willett’s five-book young adult fantasy series reimagines Arthurian legend with a modern twist, blending humor, suspense, and heart-pounding adventure. Follow Ariane Forsythe and her quirky sidekick, Wally Knight, as they race against a disguised Merlin to find the scattered pieces of King Arthur’s legendary sword.
This captivating series, set against the unexpected backdrop of Regina, Saskatchewan, and spanning global locales like France and the Caribbean, hooks readers with its fresh take on timeless myths. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, Shards of Excalibur offers a thrilling quest filled with magic and mystery.
How Shards of Excalibur Began
Edward Willett, an award-winning Canadian author, crafted the Shards of Excalibur series to bring Arthurian legend into the 21st century. Inspired by the timeless tales of King Arthur, Willett wanted to explore what would happen if these myths were real historical events, hidden beneath a modern veneer. Initially published by Lobster Press, the series faced a setback when the publisher folded, but Willett regained the rights and found a new home with Coteau Books, later moving to his own Shadowpaw Press. His vision was to create a relatable, action-packed story for young readers, grounded in Canadian settings and infused with magical realism.
The Heart of Shards of Excalibur
The series kicks off with Song of the Sword, where troubled teen Ariane Forsythe discovers she’s the heir to the Lady of the Lake’s water-based powers. Teamed with nerdy Wally Knight, who has his own surprising Arthurian ties, she’s tasked with finding Excalibur’s five shards before Rex Major—a tech mogul revealed as Merlin—can seize them. In Twist of the Blade, the duo ventures to France, grappling with Ariane’s growing powers and their strained friendship. Lake in the Clouds takes them to New Zealand, deepening the stakes with family secrets and betrayals, while Cave Beneath the Sea races to the Caribbean, where Ariane seeks her missing mother amid perilous choices.
Themes of loyalty, self-discovery, and the blurred line between good and evil weave through the series, with Willett’s witty dialogue and vivid settings—like Saskatchewan’s Wascana Lake or New Zealand’s rivers—bringing the story to life. The modern reimagining of Merlin as a tech tycoon adds a clever twist, while Ariane’s struggles as an orphan resonate with young readers. Reviewers praise the series’ fast-paced plots and evolving characters, comparing its adventurous spirit to Rick Riordan’s works.
Why Shards of Excalibur Resonates
Shards of Excalibur stands out for its bold Canadian perspective and its ability to make ancient legends feel fresh and relatable. Fans love the chemistry between Ariane and Wally, whose banter and growth keep readers invested across five books. The series has earned accolades, including Aurora Award nominations for Twist of the Blade and Door into Faerie, and glowing reviews from outlets like Quill & Quire for its compelling narrative and sense of wonder. Its niche appeal lies in its blend of local pride and global adventure, making it a hidden gem for fantasy lovers seeking something unique.
- Number of Books: Five
- First Published: 2010 (Song of the Sword)
- Publisher: Originally Coteau Books, now Shadowpaw Press
- Awards: Aurora Award nominations for Twist of the Blade and Door into Faerie
Grab Song of the Sword and dive into the Shards of Excalibur’s enchanting world of magic, mystery, and modern-day myth!