momreads 's review for:

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
4.0
mysterious reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Everyone knows the story of King Arthur.  This is the story of Merlin.  The book begins with Merlin's childhood and continues through to the conception of King Arthur.  Merlin's interactions with the people in his life were well written and gave helped to flesh out both the wizard and the boy/man.  I read this years ago and remember loving it then.  It was my second fantasy book.  My first being the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings.  Great story for fans of King Arthur and Merlin.