Not bad.

This book is not as good as the first, but obviously an important piece of the story. I still love this version of the Arthurian legend.

A /lot/ of time passes in this book as Merlin deals with things happening in his life. Sometimes it is easy to forget he comes from the ageless Atlantian line.

The second book in Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, Merlin continues the story where Taliesin left off. However, this book could be read as a stand alone and as such, it is not necessary to read Taliesin (the story of Merlin's parents) before reading this book.

We are shown Merlin as a young child, his teaching from the kindly druid Hafgan and the priest Dafyd, then to his capture by a small tribe and his years in imprisonment, to his adult life. His adult life is where most of the actions take place and because he is long lived, he experiences the life of many men. He is a King at a point, a husband, a hermit, and then we see him in his most well known role, adviser to the High King's of Britain and his plotting that puts them on the throne. While not much is yet said of Arthur, he is born in this book. But there is more than that, this book explores Merlin as a man and his feelings and emotions. Instead of being a wise implacable sage, there is much more to him in this book.

Most of the characters were well done in this book. While some only had minor roles, they were pertinent to the story and really added to Merlin's life. Merlin himself expressed a wide range of emotions and was made to feel more human than he is in other Arthurian novels. My only complaint as far as characterization goes was that for the majority, Christians equaled good and wholesome while everyone else was described as evil or ignorant. It was a bit offensive.

Lawhead is a very descriptive writer and it shows in this series. He brings Merlin to life in a semi-realistic way (there is still some magic although he doesn't call it that due to his Christian flavor of the book). He tells a compelling story and doesn't shrink on any of the details. That being said, this book does get slow in some parts as he tells the story in one pace regardless if that scene is interesting or not. Also, the book tends to get preachy in parts with him waxing eloquently on the pleasures of Christianity. I'm fine with an author inserting his religion in a book, but they should still follow the rule "show, don't tell."

A major flaw with the book that I personally thought was strange was his use of magic despite making his characters entirely Christian. It seemed odd to me that they were doing things, that in that time, should have gotten them burned at the stake for being a witch instead of being lauded as most holy. It just didn't seem logical to me. He also has the Fair Folk (Merlin's family) living a lot longer than everybody else and while I know the bible has this happen to, it seems strange that this wouldn't have made the normal people angry and fearful of the Fair Folk instead of liking them.

I'll probably continue with the series and hope that they be less preachy. There are some great points in the novel and overall it is an interesting story. Plus, I hate starting something I can't finish and there are a few more books to go.

Merlin
Copyright 1988
445 pages

Review by M. Reynard 2010

Excellent development of Merlin as a full character and not just Arthur's counselor

Humility, if it comes at all, almost always comes too late.

This book follows the life of Merlin from childhood to Arthur's birth. Merlin is my favourite character from Arthurian legend so I was super excited to start reading this book and it didn't disappoint me!

I loved reading about Merlin as a young boy because he was so full of wonder and curiosity. A quote that I LOVE is the one from when he first uses his powers.

In the centre of the grove stood a small stone circle. The moment I set foot in the ring of stones I could feel ancient power, flowing like an invisible river around the hilltop, which was an eddy in the ever-streaming current. The feeling of being surrounded by swirling forces, of being picked up and carried off on the relentless waves of this unseen river nearly took my breath; I laboured to walk upright against it, my flesh tingling with every step.

It was so brilliantly described!

I love how Morgian was introduced as a sort-of friend/powerful enemy. When Merlin and Morgian first meet he believes she is offering friendship, she believes it to, but they both know that they are each others worst enemies.

As the book goes on and Merlin grows up he falls in love with Ganieda and I was completely in love with their relationship, but my heart was broken when he found his dear wife dead and her pregnant belly slashed open. He holds the hand of his dead, unborn child and I wept so much I couldn't read the book for a few days. And yes I know that was a spoiler but tough luck I had to share it because it was a heart breaking moment that really got to me.

Eventually we meet Uther and we get some back story on him, which I loved! I always love reading about Uther because he is an interesting character and one I love to hate and this book made me hate him a fair bit but love him all the same.

The only thing that bothered me about this book was the parts that dragged on, the countless battles and camping that could have been shortened down a fair bit. Nonetheless I loved it and I especially loved how it ended!

I thrust the Sword of Britain down towards that unyielding stone . . .
The astonishment on their faces made me look as well. The sword had not broken: it stood upright, quivering, buried nearly to the hilt and stuck fast in the stone.

( . . . )

Some claim a hand appeared to grasp the naked blade and guide it into the stone; others say a flash of light blinded them for a moment and that when they looked the sword stood in the stone. However it was, all agree the sharp stench of burning stone filled the air and stung their eyes.
'You ask for a sign,' I shouted. 'Here it is: whosoever raises the sword from this stone shall be the true-born king of all Britain. Until that day the land will endure such strife as never known in the Island of the Mighty to this time, and Britain shall have no king.'

It goes on for another two paragraphs after that but I loved this part of the ending.

Overall a wonderful look into my favourite Arthurian character.