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A review by hickorynut
The Other Merlin by Robyn Schneider
adventurous
funny
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
5.0
The famous wizard Merlin has two twin children, Emmett and Emrys. He trains Emmett in magical education but refuses to train Emrys, who learns on her own. After his death, Emmett is summoned to become the new apprentice wizard at the court of Camelot to advise and assist the future king, Arthur, who has recently managed to pull the sword from the stone. Emmett is unfit for the position and so his sister goes in his place, pretending to be him. This follows Emry's journey as she settles into life in court and keeps daily company with Arthur and his best friend and guard, Lancelot. They travel to Avalon where Emrys learns more about her father and his disappearance, and Arthur comes away with the revered magical sword Excalibur.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well written this was and how the humor, diverse relationships, and intriguing characters all captured my attention and made me want to keep reading. I typically find court-based books difficult to truly lose myself in and enjoy but the lighthearted wit and banter was such a strong presence that it balanced the court drama and politics. It reminded me a bit of F T Lukens' books where the young adults are under no illusions about the flaws of their elder monarchs and their beliefs about gender, sexuality, marriage, familial duties, and political systems. The rising generation feels unequipped to handle the duties ahead of them until they realize that they will have the authority to change things, and thus they find confidence in their ability to rule with new ideas and open minds for the benefit of their people.
Overall I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to continuing the adventures in the sequel.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well written this was and how the humor, diverse relationships, and intriguing characters all captured my attention and made me want to keep reading. I typically find court-based books difficult to truly lose myself in and enjoy but the lighthearted wit and banter was such a strong presence that it balanced the court drama and politics. It reminded me a bit of F T Lukens' books where the young adults are under no illusions about the flaws of their elder monarchs and their beliefs about gender, sexuality, marriage, familial duties, and political systems. The rising generation feels unequipped to handle the duties ahead of them until they realize that they will have the authority to change things, and thus they find confidence in their ability to rule with new ideas and open minds for the benefit of their people.
Overall I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to continuing the adventures in the sequel.