Damosel: In Which the Lady of the Lake Renders a Frank and Often Startling Account of Her Wondrous Life and Times by Stephanie Spinner Grades 7+ 208 pages Knopf October 2008 Hardcover     The Lady of the Lake has always been an interesting but enigmatic character in King Arthur and Merlin legends; little has been done to elaborate on her role in their lives. Spinner artfully presents the Lady's own intriguing account of her life and the events she took a part in with those famous people in this young adult novel. Damosel is by all accounts a loner. She loves the sanctity of her lake and the lands that surround it, spending her time reveling in the laws by which those of her kind abide and using her magic sparingly as she is taught. Over the years, she develops talents and skills in many arenas, including metalwork. She works long and hard at mastering her skills until the day Merlin presents her with a request that will help make Arthur the great king he is to become. During his reign, Arthur is protected by the powers of Merlin. When Damosel’s cousin Nimue traps the wizard forever with a spell of his own making, the responsibility of Arthur’s protection is handed off to Damosel. She doesn't like the idea, but bound by the laws of her people, Damosel intercedes in many situations to keep Arthur safe. As time goes on, she struggles with her own difficulties that may hinder her abilities to care for her charge. Damosel is an original approach to the Arthurian theme. The unusual interpretations of fairly well-known events make for an enjoyable read and cast a splendid female protagonist in an otherwise masculine legend and set of characters.     web reviews   Sonia R. Polinsky/2009 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)