The Last Enchantment (Coronet Books)
by Mary Stewart
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 1263)
Read in July, 2008
recommended to Alyson by:
Deann Morin
This book is definitely my least favorite of the three Merlin books in this series by Mary Stewart. I've not read much at all of Arthurian legend, and aside from this trilogy the only other was YA lit The Squire's Tale and its sequel. In those I learned to love Sir Gawain.
In these, I learned to love Merlin. The wars, "history" of England, and the ultimate rise...more
In these, I learned to love Merlin. The wars, "history" of England, and the ultimate rise...more
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This is the 3rd book of Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga, told from the point of view of Merlin the Enchanter.
This is my least favorite of the series, because Merlin, for the majority of the book, has lost the total control of his powers that he once had. However, it allows him to age with grace, becoming reconciled to his general insignificance as a person of power. His years of political dealings and his learning still makes him a valuable counselor to King Arthur, and as friend as well. Thi...more
This is my least favorite of the series, because Merlin, for the majority of the book, has lost the total control of his powers that he once had. However, it allows him to age with grace, becoming reconciled to his general insignificance as a person of power. His years of political dealings and his learning still makes him a valuable counselor to King Arthur, and as friend as well. Thi...more
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I liked this one less than the other two in the series, possibly because there's so much time passing, and possibly because Merlin's fading. Either way, it just wasn't as enjoyable as the first two books. I also realized that, if you wanted to, you could read this one as a stand-alone. There's an awful lot of exposition -- which if you've read all three books, is tiresome -- that makes the other two (mostly) unnecessary. That said, I think Stewart's books are an important part of Arthurian lore.
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Read in January, 1987
Mary Stewart wrote the quintessential Merlin/Arthur legends. I've read all the Arthur books I could find, from Le Morte Darthur, John Steinbeck's try at it (The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights) to Lawhead. Nothing written can stack up to Stewart's obvious background of the history of the British Isles, and her love for the land. She breathes life into these legendary characters and makes them hers. To prove their excellence--you can still buy the four books of the series in bookstores.
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Read in July, 2008
Currently reading, but having difficulty getting into it after just having read 'The Hollow Hills', which bored me terribly. I expected the same "magic" as 'The Crystal Cave' in each book of the series, and I know I just expected too much. I'm hoping to give a rest to the series for a few weeks and start this book again with more enthusiasm.
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Read in January, 1985
This entire trilogy is my favorite contemporary treatment of the story of King Arthur, completed by the fourth title The Wicked Day. It is beautifully written and good read, as well as being as reasonably faithful to the actual historical period as anyone can get with a scarcity of historical records.
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I put off reading this one for so long, because it is the last of the trilogy, and I thought I knew how it would end. But my fears were unfounded, and I want to read the trilogy again.
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Read in September, 2004
I've been reading this King Arthur series over and over since I was a teenager. I love it so much, I have a hard time reading any other version of the King Arthur tale. The series is written from the viewpoint of Merlin.
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I devoured this series during my hardcore Arthurian phase in junior high. They influenced my writing and my illustration, and I remember them fondly. I'm afraid to revisit them, on the chance that they haven't held up...
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Read in April, 2008
Well I can't help it. I love the Authurian legends. This book is quite wonderful -- told from Merlin's viewpoint. I find it fascinating how he deals with the legends about himself. Stewart makes it all seem so real!
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Read in January, 1996
recommended to Astrila by:
Roxyrecommends it for: Merlin fans
It's pretty good, although it doesn't have too much unusual in it. I've only read the series once I think, maybe some books twice. An easy read, but a little too conventional to be worthy of priority on your queue.
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Okay the thing I like the *best* about this book is how she is able to write Merlin in the first person and still make it clear how arrogant he is about women. Just makes his eventual "fall" all the more poignant.
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Read in July, 1980
This third book in the Arthurian Series enchanted me as a wide eyed teenager. Still today, well into middle age...this grand story of a wizard and his King, continues to hold my imagination!
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Read in December, 1999
I think I may have lost some steam by the time I got to the 3rd book. Intellectually, I could appreciate it. But it didn't affect me the way other Arthurian novels did. Such a loss...
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A frustrating end to a very very good series. In a way it could be seen as good - no cliched happily ever afters - but it didn't turn out the way I wanted and so I'm annoyed *pout*.
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Read in June, 2008
Another good book in this series. It chronicles the ending stages of Merlin's power & the rise of King Arthur. It definitely keeps the fire of the story going.
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Read in April, 2006
Details the reign of king Arthur as well as Merlin's later years. The coming of the Knights of the round table and much much more. Definately worth the read.
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Read in January, 1980
After seeing the Moving "Camelot" I wanted to know more about King Arthur and Merlin. So when Mary Stewarts books came out in the 70's I read them all.
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recommends it for:
Historical fiction nuts
Still think the first two parts are the best and not that this is bad but doesnt hold what the crystal cave did, but still well worth reading!
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I had to knock my stars down a notch. The story starts to get sad, and I don't love the final two books as much as the first two.
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