"She knows not what the curse may be,
And so she weaveth steadily,
And little other care has she,
The Lady of Shalott."

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Elaine isn't fond of the Middle Ages, King Arthur, and all that - her parents are professors, and it's thanks to their research on the Middle Ages that they've moved. Her parents are taking a sabbatical, and they've moved close to Washington D.C. so her father can be close to his research. So, Elaine must start her junior year at Avalon High, where she know no one. But it doesn't take her long to meet someone - A. William Wagner, the most popular guy at her new school. She and Will connect right away, even though he's already dating Jenny.

But things aren't what they seem at Avalon High. Elaine has stumbled into an ages old drama being played out between good and evil. Elaine's part in the drama is uncertain, but she may hold the key to the battle.

Meg Cabot has intertwined the classic story of King Arthur into her new novel, adding a fantastical layer to her teen love story. Elaine is a typical Cabot heroine, with spunk, smarts, and attitude, but she's a heroine with a new set of problems. Sure, she wants a guy she seemingly can't have - typical - but what's worse, he seems to be fated to die, betrayed by those he loves and trusts most. Elainee seems fated just to watch events unfold, but that's not Elaine's style.

Cabot, Meg. Avalon High. New York: HarperCollins, 2005. ISBN 0060755867. $16.99.

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