Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I am really enjoying this series. It's an enjoyable take on an ancient legend.
This book in particular is a unique and humanizing take on a myth, made man.
This book in particular is a unique and humanizing take on a myth, made man.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
a forever favorite. 6 stars.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A thoughtful telling of the Merlin legend, in a fictional style. The ancient world of Britain comes alive in this book. I recommend it.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I liked the prequel 'Taliesin', but I didn't really like this one. Part or even most of that may be because I'm too attached to other versions of the Arthurian legend. I love Marion Bradley Zimmer's 'The Mists of Avalon' and BBC's 'Merlin'.
My two main problems with this book (and the entire series) are the blatant Christian propaganda and Lawhead's writing style. Merlin is supposed to be a druid! I could buy it if, like in 'The Mists of Avalon', Merlin simply realises that all gods are one and therefore doesn't mind participating in Christian rituals. But I do not buy devoutly Christian Merlin.
In general, my brain just went 'DOES NOT COMPUTE' way too many times when reading this book.
My two main problems with this book (and the entire series) are the blatant Christian propaganda and Lawhead's writing style. Merlin is supposed to be a druid! I could buy it if, like in 'The Mists of Avalon', Merlin simply realises that all gods are one and therefore doesn't mind participating in Christian rituals. But I do not buy devoutly Christian Merlin.
In general, my brain just went 'DOES NOT COMPUTE' way too many times when reading this book.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I found this book somewhat inconsistent. At times it was interesting, and Merlin was engaging and likeable. The scenes leading up to the sword in the stone, for instance, were excellent. At other times, I didn't even like the main character. Merlin felt derivative of Taliesin, but flatter. What's fun about myths in general, is how authors choose to treat stories that have been told so many times. I thought Lawhead was more creative with his treatment of "Taliesin." The interweaving of Atlantis and the Arthurian legend was very clever. In "Merlin" he was almost too afraid to get his hands dirty. He’s a bit heavy-handed at times with the Christian influence in the book, and I’m Christian, so this isn’t a religious statement. It’s simply that Uther and Aurelius and Merlin himself are almost too good at times. In legend, these were characters who were very flawed. Like King David, they may have returned again and again to God, but they made many mistakes along the way. One thing I did really like with Lawhead's interpretation was he was able to combine both Merlin Wylt and Merlin Emerys into one character. That was clever.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don’t even know where to begin with a review on this book. I loved it and it ended up feeling like one of those books that I pick up partly for the story and partly for the sheer comfort and enjoyment of the tale itself. Merlin in this story was so perfect in his character and the way he acted.
This whole book has the feel of Lord of the Rings in that it is atmospheric and captivating in the telling. I haven’t read a book this immersive in quite a while now. Stephen Lawhead is really a cut above. There are talented authors out there and he is among them and yet is so unique in his stories. I also love that he is a Christian and brings out Christian themes in both of the two novels I have read from him. He brought out these themes very seamlessly and not in a way that is jarring or seems out of place. Lawhead is officially a new favorite author of mine. I think the craziest thing with that is that this book came out in the 80s, but I love that he just came out with a prequel for this series this year!
Favorite quotes/scenes:
Page 55
“You must understand, Myrddin Bach, not every man will follow the Light. Nothing you or anyone else can do will change that.” He shook his head. “Though dead men rise from their graves and stones dance in the air, they will still refuse.“
Page 90
Merlin concerning the Hawk people:
My kinsmen, my brothers! The debt that I owe you can never be repaid, but know that I have never forgotten you, and as long as men hear and remember the old stories, as long as words have meaning, you will live, even as you live in my heart.
Page 138-139
Charis:
“It is a land bright with truth, where a man’s word is his pledge, and falsehood is banished, where children sleep safe in their mothers arms and never know fear or pain. It is a land where kings extend their hands in justice rather than reach for the sword; where mercy, kindness and compassion flow like deep water over the land, and men revere virtue, revere truth, revere beauty, above comfort, pleasure, or selfish gain. A land where peace reigns in the hearts of men, where faith blazes like a beacon from every hill, and love like a fire from every hearth, where the True God is worshiped and his ways acclaimed by all . . . “There is a golden realm of light, my son. And it is called the Kingdom of Summer.”
Page 145
Every gift of the Giving God will come to an end, but love will never end.
Page 146
“Here is my first chapel,” Dafyd declared proudly. “The first of many. Ah, Myrddin, there is a rich harvest hereabouts; the people are eager to hear. Our Lord the Christ is claiming this land for his own, I know he is.” “So be it,” I said. “May Light increase.”
The above quote reminds me of Jesus saying in the Lord’s Prayer “Your kingdom come, Your will be done..”
Page 164
There is a peculiar joy of the flesh that is like no other, a joy that is as much longing as gladness. It is, I think, the yearning of bone and blood for the exultation that the spirit knows when approaching its true habitation. The body knows it is dust and will return to dust in the end, and grieves for itself. The spirit, however, knows itself to be eternal and glories in this knowledge. Both strain after the glory they rightfully possess, or will possess in time. But unlike the spirit, the flesh’s hope is tenuous. Therefore, in those rare times when it senses the Truth—that it will be made incorruptible, that it will inherit all that the spirit owns, that the two shall become one—then, in those rarest of moments, it revels in a joy too sweet for words.
I love the above quote so much. A stunning depiction.
Page 315
The druid nodded and signaled the others to dismount. He swung himself down from the saddle and came to stand before me. “Do not try to escape. I am a druid; I have power. Your tricks will not work on me.”
I laughed. “I would speak lightly of power, friend, for I know from whence your power comes. I tell you the truth, I have faced your lord and was not overcome. I will not be overcome by you. Darkness has no power over Light, and no power on Earth can move me if I do not wish to be moved. It is by my free choice alone that I go with you.”
Page 423
It was a beautiful harvest time—sun-warmed days and crisp nights. In the morning we awoke to steaming streams and heavy dew; at night we sat before crackling fires with the scent of burning leaves in our nostrils.
Page 469-470
And Lord Jesu, High King of Heaven, bends all purposes to his own, laboring through all things to turn all ends to the One. That is worth remembering.
I kind of love Uther and Merlin’s relationship. Example in below quote
Page 491
He raised his eyes. “It took you long enough,” he snarled. “Come to gnaw at the carcass?” I ignored the compliment and poured myself some wine from the jar into the king’s cup. “What is the trouble?” “What is it not?” he countered sullenly. “If you want my help, you must tell me now. I have ridden far in great haste to be here, but I will leave just as quickly if you do not sit up and speak to me as a man.”
I love how Merlin never allows himself to be walked on. Speaking of Merlin, he is one of my favorite characters ever across any story. He also feels more real than almost any other fictional character ever!
Page 497
Merlin:
“The insult is beneath you, Lord Morcant. I require no respect from you, but at least do not endanger yourself further by speaking ill of the High King.”
Page 502
“We will not have long to wait,” I reassured her, peering into the moaning darkness. Wind and water . . . everything was slippery wet; wind-flung foam spattered our faces and fouled our cloaks. The moon had set, and it was the darkest part of the night. The few stars that shone through the flying tatters of cloud gave but fitful light, and that dim. It was a stupid plan, and I berated myself for suggesting it. However—and this you must understand—when the Unseen Hand leads you in its grasp, you follow. Or turn back and live in eternal regret. Of course, there is no certainty in following, either. That is what makes faith. Follow or turn back—there is no middle way.
Page 539
“Bishop Teilo says that it is to be expected. For when God’s kingdom increases, Satan is roused to wrath. The Evil One seeks always to keep us from the knowledge of God, for then we are defenseless before him.” She smiled again. “But as you have seen today, we are far from defenseless.”
…
Yet, it was true: our Lord was more powerful in his simple goodness than the Enemy in all his vast evil.
It is kind of crazy that it has been almost a full year since I read the first book in this series and yet was able to enjoy this one so much. I will say when it comes to the content of this book I think a reader should be about 16 or older before reading this. It is definitely adult fantasy. When it comes to content warnings there are at least two disturbing scenes (exorcism is one, descriptions of dead bodies that are detailed) and this whole book has very well written war scenes for a large portion of it.
In conclusion, I loved this book and I wasn’t expecting to. I was expecting a 4 star read and the further I got into the book the more I started to enjoy it. The last 5 percent of the book felt a bit slower and bland but that didn’t change anything about how much I enjoyed the rest of the book and the end still felt well concluded and satisfying. I liked the author’s note at the end as well. I am really happy I bought this book on Kindle; I highlighted so much and wanted to note so many quotes it was really helpful to have access to the book in digital form. I will be recommending this series to anyone I know that I think would enjoy a somewhat slow to medium paced fantasy series that is rich in Welsh lore and has strong Christian themes.
This whole book has the feel of Lord of the Rings in that it is atmospheric and captivating in the telling. I haven’t read a book this immersive in quite a while now. Stephen Lawhead is really a cut above. There are talented authors out there and he is among them and yet is so unique in his stories. I also love that he is a Christian and brings out Christian themes in both of the two novels I have read from him. He brought out these themes very seamlessly and not in a way that is jarring or seems out of place. Lawhead is officially a new favorite author of mine. I think the craziest thing with that is that this book came out in the 80s, but I love that he just came out with a prequel for this series this year!
Favorite quotes/scenes:
Page 55
“You must understand, Myrddin Bach, not every man will follow the Light. Nothing you or anyone else can do will change that.” He shook his head. “Though dead men rise from their graves and stones dance in the air, they will still refuse.“
Page 90
Merlin concerning the Hawk people:
My kinsmen, my brothers! The debt that I owe you can never be repaid, but know that I have never forgotten you, and as long as men hear and remember the old stories, as long as words have meaning, you will live, even as you live in my heart.
Page 138-139
Charis:
“It is a land bright with truth, where a man’s word is his pledge, and falsehood is banished, where children sleep safe in their mothers arms and never know fear or pain. It is a land where kings extend their hands in justice rather than reach for the sword; where mercy, kindness and compassion flow like deep water over the land, and men revere virtue, revere truth, revere beauty, above comfort, pleasure, or selfish gain. A land where peace reigns in the hearts of men, where faith blazes like a beacon from every hill, and love like a fire from every hearth, where the True God is worshiped and his ways acclaimed by all . . . “There is a golden realm of light, my son. And it is called the Kingdom of Summer.”
Page 145
Every gift of the Giving God will come to an end, but love will never end.
Page 146
“Here is my first chapel,” Dafyd declared proudly. “The first of many. Ah, Myrddin, there is a rich harvest hereabouts; the people are eager to hear. Our Lord the Christ is claiming this land for his own, I know he is.” “So be it,” I said. “May Light increase.”
The above quote reminds me of Jesus saying in the Lord’s Prayer “Your kingdom come, Your will be done..”
Page 164
There is a peculiar joy of the flesh that is like no other, a joy that is as much longing as gladness. It is, I think, the yearning of bone and blood for the exultation that the spirit knows when approaching its true habitation. The body knows it is dust and will return to dust in the end, and grieves for itself. The spirit, however, knows itself to be eternal and glories in this knowledge. Both strain after the glory they rightfully possess, or will possess in time. But unlike the spirit, the flesh’s hope is tenuous. Therefore, in those rare times when it senses the Truth—that it will be made incorruptible, that it will inherit all that the spirit owns, that the two shall become one—then, in those rarest of moments, it revels in a joy too sweet for words.
I love the above quote so much. A stunning depiction.
Page 315
The druid nodded and signaled the others to dismount. He swung himself down from the saddle and came to stand before me. “Do not try to escape. I am a druid; I have power. Your tricks will not work on me.”
I laughed. “I would speak lightly of power, friend, for I know from whence your power comes. I tell you the truth, I have faced your lord and was not overcome. I will not be overcome by you. Darkness has no power over Light, and no power on Earth can move me if I do not wish to be moved. It is by my free choice alone that I go with you.”
Page 423
It was a beautiful harvest time—sun-warmed days and crisp nights. In the morning we awoke to steaming streams and heavy dew; at night we sat before crackling fires with the scent of burning leaves in our nostrils.
Page 469-470
And Lord Jesu, High King of Heaven, bends all purposes to his own, laboring through all things to turn all ends to the One. That is worth remembering.
I kind of love Uther and Merlin’s relationship. Example in below quote
Page 491
He raised his eyes. “It took you long enough,” he snarled. “Come to gnaw at the carcass?” I ignored the compliment and poured myself some wine from the jar into the king’s cup. “What is the trouble?” “What is it not?” he countered sullenly. “If you want my help, you must tell me now. I have ridden far in great haste to be here, but I will leave just as quickly if you do not sit up and speak to me as a man.”
I love how Merlin never allows himself to be walked on. Speaking of Merlin, he is one of my favorite characters ever across any story. He also feels more real than almost any other fictional character ever!
Page 497
Merlin:
“The insult is beneath you, Lord Morcant. I require no respect from you, but at least do not endanger yourself further by speaking ill of the High King.”
Page 502
“We will not have long to wait,” I reassured her, peering into the moaning darkness. Wind and water . . . everything was slippery wet; wind-flung foam spattered our faces and fouled our cloaks. The moon had set, and it was the darkest part of the night. The few stars that shone through the flying tatters of cloud gave but fitful light, and that dim. It was a stupid plan, and I berated myself for suggesting it. However—and this you must understand—when the Unseen Hand leads you in its grasp, you follow. Or turn back and live in eternal regret. Of course, there is no certainty in following, either. That is what makes faith. Follow or turn back—there is no middle way.
Page 539
“Bishop Teilo says that it is to be expected. For when God’s kingdom increases, Satan is roused to wrath. The Evil One seeks always to keep us from the knowledge of God, for then we are defenseless before him.” She smiled again. “But as you have seen today, we are far from defenseless.”
…
Yet, it was true: our Lord was more powerful in his simple goodness than the Enemy in all his vast evil.
It is kind of crazy that it has been almost a full year since I read the first book in this series and yet was able to enjoy this one so much. I will say when it comes to the content of this book I think a reader should be about 16 or older before reading this. It is definitely adult fantasy. When it comes to content warnings there are at least two disturbing scenes (exorcism is one, descriptions of dead bodies that are detailed) and this whole book has very well written war scenes for a large portion of it.
In conclusion, I loved this book and I wasn’t expecting to. I was expecting a 4 star read and the further I got into the book the more I started to enjoy it. The last 5 percent of the book felt a bit slower and bland but that didn’t change anything about how much I enjoyed the rest of the book and the end still felt well concluded and satisfying. I liked the author’s note at the end as well. I am really happy I bought this book on Kindle; I highlighted so much and wanted to note so many quotes it was really helpful to have access to the book in digital form. I will be recommending this series to anyone I know that I think would enjoy a somewhat slow to medium paced fantasy series that is rich in Welsh lore and has strong Christian themes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, Murder, War
Minor: Gore, Mental illness, Rape, Pregnancy