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sarahed 's review for:
The Crystal Cave
by Mary Stewart
I really enjoyed this. Way better than the classic The Sword in the Stone which I read last year. Mary Stewart brings Merlin to life in this extensive 'history' of his early years. I thought it was interesting the way Merlin's magical powers were downplayed and given religious and prophetic significance, rather than simply being a bunch of magic tricks. The interaction of his engineering skills and the way that hearsay built his reputation was fascinating.
I'm knocking a star off because this book suffered from a dragging middle. Most of Ambrosius' reign is summarised ("telling", my writer friends would call it) and Merlin feels at a loose end, simply waiting for the plot point we all know is coming with what he does for Uther in the final part.
The pace is slow throughout, but don't let that put you off. Despite the middle, it's well worth a read. I might pick book two up at some point.
I'm knocking a star off because this book suffered from a dragging middle. Most of Ambrosius' reign is summarised ("telling", my writer friends would call it) and Merlin feels at a loose end, simply waiting for the plot point we all know is coming with what he does for Uther in the final part.
The pace is slow throughout, but don't let that put you off. Despite the middle, it's well worth a read. I might pick book two up at some point.