Morgan Is My Name: A Sunday Times Best Historical Fiction pick for 2023 Sophie Keetch 9780861545193

One of National Book Tokens' '23 Books to Read in 2023'

A Times Literary Supplement Summer Book 2023

My name is Morgan... And there aren't enough words for all that I am.

When King Uther Pendragon murders her father and tricks her mother into marriage, Morgan refuses to be crushed. Trapped amid the machinations of men in a world of isolated castles and gossiping courts, she discovers secret powers. Vengeful and brilliant, it's not long before Morgan becomes a worthy adversary to Merlin, influential sorcerer to the king. But fighting for her freedom, she risks losing everything - her reputation, her loved ones and her life.

An atmospheric, feminist retelling of the early life of famed villainess Morgan le Fay, set against the colourful chivalric backdrop of Arthurian legend.

Sophie Keetch has a BA in English Literature from Cardiff University, where she studied Arthurian Literature. Morgan is My Name is Sophie's first novel. She lives in South Wales with her husband and son.

'Top marks all round for an enthralling new take on the Arthurian legend, beautifully written... The start of what will be a classic trilogy.' The Times

'Beautifully written... with fabulous, nuanced characters. I totally fell in love with Morgan. I also didn't want it to end, but then it's a trilogy so thankfully I have more to look forward to!' Elodie Harper, bestselling author of The Wolf Den trilogy

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

'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... For lovers of the untold story, Morgan Is My Name is a convincing and compelling read.' Lucy Holland, author of Sistersong

'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

'Transporting... I was swept up in the quiet magic of it all (Sophie is a superb writer!) and found myself rooting for the ever-strong protagonist Morgan as she refuses to bend to the will of men in her life.' Image Magazine

'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, author of A River Enchanted

'A very real, passionate retelling of Morgan's story, with detail about political and magical lives, and the women who are such a vital part of the tale.' Tamora Pierce, author of the Protector of the Small Quartet

'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

'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

'Writing the novel in the first person, Keetch gives Morgan a strong sense of voice and purpose, which are absent in the medieval sources... skilful... ambitious.' Wales Arts Review

'All I can say is, it's about time.' Paste Magazine, Most Anticipated Fantasy Books of Summer 2023

'Sophie Keetch's Morgan Is My Name is the first volume of a promised trilogy that has Morgan Le Fay as its narrator. Usually cast as the villain in the Arthurian tradition, here she is a fiery, intelligent woman who refuses to play the roles expected of her and determines to take control of her life. Turning the legends on their heads, Keetch finds new potential in them.' Sunday Times

'Sophie Keetch's Morgan Is My Name (Magpie), which gives the legendary enchantress Morgan le Fay a sympathetic backstory, a la Maleficent.' TLS Summer Book 2023 picked by Irina Dumitrescu

'Taken from Arthurian legend, this compelling and rather ambivalent enchantress is perfect material for a gripping story of power and vengeance... This novel brings the atmospheric world of Arthurian legend into vivid detail and is a must-read for all fans of that historical fiction and fantasy crossover genre.' Gazette & Herald

'This feminist retelling is done wonderfully.' United by Pop

'Sophie Keetch does a stellar job... From the first page, the book reads beautifully as it paints a story that is perfect for a small screen adaptation. Fans of feminist fantasy will love it.' TimesLIVE (South Africa) 5* review

'I adore Arthurian tales, and this retelling from the perspective of the character Morgana Le Fay is an absolute ripper. One of the best books of the year so far for me... absolutely splendid.' Good Reading Magazine 5* review by Lesley West