481 reviews for:

The Crystal Cave

Mary Stewart

3.91 AVERAGE

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated

I loved this story. It was a very thorough and captivating journey through the life of Merlin, from childhood to adult, and all of the challenges and circumstances that formed his character. All sides of Merlin are shown, from the innocent curiosity, to the wisdom beyond his years, his calculating mind and also cold manipulations of others. I would have preferred the book end on a more uplifting note, to make me eager to read the next story in the series. It ends however, much as the myth demands. Mary Stewart has captured the myth in a very realistic way, demonstrating all sides of human nature. It gave real life to an age old story behind the story.
adventurous mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

3.5

http://lindacbugg.booklikes.com/post/776390/the-crystal-cave-arthurian-saga-1-


Buy this title at Powells Books

3.5 rounded up

It's been a while since I have read through all of my old Arthurian favorites. "The Cyrstal Cave" is no "The Once and Future King," but it was an enjoyable and immersive read. The pace was a little plodding at times, but the last few chapters flew by. I have already requested the next book in the series from the library, so I guess that is its own proof of appreciation.

This has been on my to reread list forever and I finally had time to finish it again. I really love the relationship between Merlin and his father. I admit to skimming over some of the lengthy descriptions but overall still an enjoyable first stop in this trilogy.

The first book in the Merlin Trilogy, it chronicles the childhood and making of Merlin (and Britain). I enjoyed the humanization of Merlin; he's not a magician, per se -- rather, he's a smart man, a good engineer, and a bit of a prophet. Mythology and folklore without all the magic. Good.

this book was alright.... full review to come soon!

If you are looking for a book full of wizardy magic, this is not for you. If you are open to a very personal, behind the scenes perspective of Merlin's formative years, then read on.

I rarely listen to audiobooks, but I did enjoy listening to this one in the car, and while I washed dishes. I enjoyed both Mary Stewart's writing and Nicol Williamson's narration. And I loved the Merlin character, which was my primary reason for wanting to read this. I look forward to reading (and it probably will be reading) the second book in the trilogy.