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22nd out of 287 books
—
184 voters
The Seeing Stone (Arthur Trilogy #1)
It is 1199 and young Arthur de Caldicot is waiting impatiently to grow up and become a knight. One day his father's friend Merlin gives him a shining piece of obsidian and his life becomes entwined with that of his namesake, the Arthur whose story he sees unfold in the stone. In this many-layered novel, King Arthur is seen as a mysterious presence influencing not just one...more
Paperback, 13th reprint, 338 pages
Published
2004
by Orion Children's Books
(first published 2000)
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So, this is a kid's book - maybe upper elementary through middle school age readers.
Well, it's an interesting take on the King Arthur stories and includes Merlin. I'm intrigued, but still don't quite know where this is going after reading this first book of the series. I think this book has set a good stage for a series.
The book is written from a 13 year old's point of view. It is not in "old" English even though it is set there in the year 1199.
I guess the idea is that all that you are reading...more
Well, it's an interesting take on the King Arthur stories and includes Merlin. I'm intrigued, but still don't quite know where this is going after reading this first book of the series. I think this book has set a good stage for a series.
The book is written from a 13 year old's point of view. It is not in "old" English even though it is set there in the year 1199.
I guess the idea is that all that you are reading...more
I stalled partway through reading this, at first, because I really couldn't see where it was going and how the threads of story were going to get pulled together. I still can't quite see that, now I've finished it, but I'm now at the point of very much wanting to find out where Kevin Crossley-Holland is going with this.
It's very easy to read, with short chapters and a way of painting the world of the narrative vividly without dwelling too much on details. The cold and dirt and discomfort are the...more
It's very easy to read, with short chapters and a way of painting the world of the narrative vividly without dwelling too much on details. The cold and dirt and discomfort are the...more
Jun 16, 2008
Eric
added it
this book is about a young child who is in search of himself. from his childhood he has received many trainning by his teachers but however, he hasn't the skills to be a full fledged knight. until the day he pulled out the sword from the stone.
what i learned from the first sequal would be that nobody who you are, there is always something special about you. like Arthur, he was a very small child with no special talent at all, however he was able to pull out that sword from the stone that no othe...more
what i learned from the first sequal would be that nobody who you are, there is always something special about you. like Arthur, he was a very small child with no special talent at all, however he was able to pull out that sword from the stone that no othe...more
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The Arthurian legend has always held a fascination for me, but it has been a long time since I have read as engaging a story on the topic.
Crossley-Holland, the author, is an educator from Britian, and a lover of Medieval history. He backs this story line with a good bit of thorough research and places it within a solidly built, Medieval setting.
Although the book targets the "YA" readership audience, it does not disappoint the adult reader. I culled a couple of meaty quotes from between the cover...more
Crossley-Holland, the author, is an educator from Britian, and a lover of Medieval history. He backs this story line with a good bit of thorough research and places it within a solidly built, Medieval setting.
Although the book targets the "YA" readership audience, it does not disappoint the adult reader. I culled a couple of meaty quotes from between the cover...more
Kevin Crossley-Holland is an author I have shamefully only just encountered, through his wonderful new novel Bracelet of Bones. I picked up a copy of The Seeing Stone, the first in his Arthur trilogy, and I was entranced. First published in 2000, it is the story of 13 year old Arthur de Caldicot, growing up in the Marches between England and Wales in 1199. It is also, via Arthur's "seeing stone", a lump of obsidian, the story of Arthur, son of King Uther and Ygerna, wife of Gorlois of Tintagel,...more
At first pass the idea of this trilogy seems needlessly complicated and fussy -- a boy in old England growing up in a life that closely parallels the mythical King Arthur's. Why do we need two boys in old England who want to become squires but are actually destined for great things? But as you get involved in the story, the concept begins to work beautifully. You come to care about 'real' Arthur as his story ricochets off legendary Arthur's, and both stories take turns foreshadowing the other. I...more
The story is set in medieval times, in 1199. It’s a story about a young boy called Arthur, that truly wants to be knight. One day he gets a magical stone from his fathers friend called Merlin. This magical stone takes Arthur in another world, the world where King Arthur lives. Arthur founds out that his life is little bit similar with the king, what a coincidence!
The story was so much fun to read. You really get to know Arthur and also his family. You get to love and hate some of them. The autho...more
The story was so much fun to read. You really get to know Arthur and also his family. You get to love and hate some of them. The autho...more
I definitely turn to Young Adult books most often when choosing a laid back read. I find YA books are like comfort food. They remind me of a time when summer reading programs ruled my world & the only thing I needed to escape was crabby nieces and nephews! Plus, I've always been on the look out for a new book to share with the young ones in my life.
This book was promising as the beginning of a 3 part series. I like the Arthurian legend & general time period of the crusades. This book is...more
This book was promising as the beginning of a 3 part series. I like the Arthurian legend & general time period of the crusades. This book is...more
A book for kids, elementary until middle school age readers. I loved the fact that it was a take on King Arthur's stories and that it also included Merlin. There was also a fair proportion of magic and adventure in it. What I didn't like was the fact that it's supposed to be written like a journal, but it doesn't look like a journal at all. The chapters have no dates or titles or anything, and some of them look like totally separated journal entries. There were also these flash-backs that confus...more
Arthur wants to be squire like his brother, so he can become the knight he dreams of being but his father has other plans for him. The strange but likable family friend, Merlin, has a present for Arthur. Something only Arthur can view. When he looks at the stone it tells a story (or is it actually history) that Arthur does not quite understand.
This is a very unique telling of pieces of the Arthurian myth that mixes in a new story that makes you wonder how the new connects with the myth. Going ba...more
This is a very unique telling of pieces of the Arthurian myth that mixes in a new story that makes you wonder how the new connects with the myth. Going ba...more
For me this book only gets two stars but it would prbably rate higher for children as it is solidly a childrens book. I would say that it is good for boys (girls too but I recon it is more of a boys book) about age 10.
I found it a little dull but I'm no the intended audience and I only read it becuase it was £1 in a charity shop, I keep hearing Kevin Crossley-Holland's name mentioned and I got given the spin off.
I don't think I would read number two, I'm just not interested enough in it.
(If you...more
I found it a little dull but I'm no the intended audience and I only read it becuase it was £1 in a charity shop, I keep hearing Kevin Crossley-Holland's name mentioned and I got given the spin off.
I don't think I would read number two, I'm just not interested enough in it.
(If you...more
This is written well, through the first-persona narrative of Arthur, a 13-year-old who exists in medieval Wales as well as in his seeing stone, where he is the Arthur who would become the legendary king. "Arthur in the stone," as the regular Arthur calls him, leads a life that is like his own, yet unlike. And while the stone reveals a world rich in magic and intrigue, the regular Arthur's narrative is full of history lessons about life in medieval times. Arthur is thoughtful and kind and has a g...more
I really enjoyed this multi-layered take on the Arthur legend. Some reviewers have complained that 'nothing much happens'. I would modify that and say "nothing much happens externally". The action and change that matters in this story is more internal than external. The adventure is seeing Arthur's growth of character and sensibility and ethics in situations that are not simple or unambiguous. I think watching a 13-year-old become more complex and adult is an exciting adventure. I recommend this...more
This novel gives a vivid, almost brutal, picture of life in the year 999/1000 AD through the narrative of Arthur de Caldicot, a young aristocratic youth growing up on the English/Welch border as son of one of the March Lords. When his father’s friend Merlin gives Arthur a secret fragment of obsidian, Arthur begins to see a different life, visions of the great King Arthur, in the stone. It seems rather slow for much of the book, as the author builds a true picture of Medieval life with not a lot...more
This is the story of Arthur, who lives with his family in the Welsh Marches, next to Tumber Hill, where a man lives by the name of Merlin.. Merlin gives Arthur an obsidian, a stone, in which Arthur sees visions, visions from another Arthur, an Arthur who would be king..
This book was very obviously a kid's book - the writing was gripping, to the point, and it made for a very easy read. For those familiar with the Arthurian legend, it is very predictable. But it was a good read all the same, I lik...more
This book was very obviously a kid's book - the writing was gripping, to the point, and it made for a very easy read. For those familiar with the Arthurian legend, it is very predictable. But it was a good read all the same, I lik...more
At first I was put off by the short chapters and the lack of narrative drive, but Arthur's story grew on me. One of my favorite books when I was a kid was T.H. White's The Once and Future King; I loved the way the old King Arthur story intertwined with Crossley-Holland's new version. The writing is beautifully lucid, and the sense of place, with the land and all its traditions, is solidly wonderful. The ending was both satisfying and opens up the door for more. I'll eagerly seek out the sequels.
Oct 05, 2008
Fiona
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone who likes travelling back in time
Shelves:
books-i-own,
childrens-and-young-adult,
2008,
series,
setting-england,
bought-new,
favourites
I can't express how much I loved this trilogy. It tells two stories - one about a young boy named Arthur, son of a lord during the medieval period. The second is the story of King Arthur, told through a magic seeing stone.
Personally, the King Arthur bits felt a bit pointless and I didn't enjoy reading them. The real interest really is going back into a well researched time and world and becoming a part of young Arthur's family and life.
The thing I love about books is their ability to take you so...more
Personally, the King Arthur bits felt a bit pointless and I didn't enjoy reading them. The real interest really is going back into a well researched time and world and becoming a part of young Arthur's family and life.
The thing I love about books is their ability to take you so...more
Arthur de Caldicot is a thirteen-year-old boy who is wise beyond his years. He lives on his father's manor and is learning the skills of a squire. He is a sure shot with the long bow, and Arthur desperately wants to be a knight someday. But it seems like just a foolish dream at times.
His best friend is the Reeve's daughter Gatty. Arthur gets into all kinds of trouble for helping with her work, which is considered below him. But his father's friend, Merlin, encourages him to help wherever it is n...more
His best friend is the Reeve's daughter Gatty. Arthur gets into all kinds of trouble for helping with her work, which is considered below him. But his father's friend, Merlin, encourages him to help wherever it is n...more
I have issues with this as a children's book. While I agree that children's books don't always have to spell out when things are right and wrong, I don't think that having Merlin wink at Uther as he goes in to sleep with Ygerna as Gorlois, without her realizing who he is, is appropriate for children. It was, however, hilarious that the seeing stone censored the actual scene. On the whole, the book is fine, and I'm going to keep reading the series, but I would not recommend it to the children at...more
This book had elements that could have made it a good book. Unfortunately nothing happened. The best thing I can say about this book is that it was short. It was like this book was supposed to be a prologue but the author forgot to stop.
I haven't read the 2nd book in the series, and I doubt I will, but if it is good, then I suppose this gives the reader an opportunity to see the protagonist grow up. My only fear is that since this book is so boring one would never make oneself read the next.
I haven't read the 2nd book in the series, and I doubt I will, but if it is good, then I suppose this gives the reader an opportunity to see the protagonist grow up. My only fear is that since this book is so boring one would never make oneself read the next.
Once again, the myth of King Arthur is taken and made into fiction. While I found it at first difficult to truly get in the story, after a few pages, this first narration fiction really caught me. It’s a sweet children’s story and is not pretending to be anything more. It was entertaining and if you’re a sucker for Arthurian legends like I am, you’ll definitely enjoy it. I will certainly read the two following books of this series if I come across them.
It took me a little while to get into this one, but I am glad that I stuck with it. Very well written, and a unique look at the Arthurian legend as it presents it through the eyes of a late 12th century early 13th century boy growing up on the Welsh marches.
The conceit of this story is that the main character is given a seeing stone by Merlin, through which he learns about the original story of Arthur. There are some parallels between what he sees in the stone and what happens to him in his real...more
The conceit of this story is that the main character is given a seeing stone by Merlin, through which he learns about the original story of Arthur. There are some parallels between what he sees in the stone and what happens to him in his real...more
The Seeing Stone is a great book. It is about a boy growing up in the time of King Arthur that learns his true identity. There are lots of fun events in this noble boy's life that are very suspenseful and exciting. At times it gets confusing due to a "second world" in the story. But it gives you clues to his future and what happens next. I recommend it to those who can keep a lot of facts straight at the same time, unlike me. But I still enjoyed the book a lot!
Believe it or not, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it is considered a children's book. The author seems to be well-versed in medieval literature and history, and I look forward to reading the other books in the series. I noticed a few allusions (or maybe just connections) to The Lord of the Rings, such as "Sir Pellinore." Does the name Pellinore date back to Tolkien? Or does it go back further? Anyway, good book for adults and children alike.
An approach to the legend of King Arthur from a slightly different perspective - it is told from Arthur's point of view as a young boy being raised in a knight's family. The details of medieval life are fairly represented and couched neatly in the story to be absorbed with little effort.
Parents need to be aware that there is some crude humor and a PG scene involving Uther and Igerna, Arthur's parents.
Read half the book.
Parents need to be aware that there is some crude humor and a PG scene involving Uther and Igerna, Arthur's parents.
Read half the book.
Interesting story. This book is a light read, but enjoyable and more so the farther along you get. I like Arthur, he is a sweet combination of innocence and wisdom.
I also liked the well researched history in this medieval tale. Made me realize how much worse King John's taxing was then what I had imagined. Being taxed for picking up deadwood for your fire. Sheesh!
looking forward to seeing how the next two unfold.
I also liked the well researched history in this medieval tale. Made me realize how much worse King John's taxing was then what I had imagined. Being taxed for picking up deadwood for your fire. Sheesh!
looking forward to seeing how the next two unfold.
This trilogy is great fun. We have an Arthur in the 12th century whose mentor, Merlin, gives him an obsidian disc in which he can see the Arthur who was once king (and how did Merlin get in there, too?). Their stories parallel each other in striking ways, that helps our boy navigate through the traditions and trials of his own story. It's very well written; however, some may find it a bit tedious.
Apr 03, 2010
Mom Shaw
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
young people who like adventure
I recommended this to my son who has always been enamored with Merlin, king Arthur and the story of the sword in the stone. I liked the story and how the little boy's life paralleled Arthur, He was ready to hear about his own story and not be afraid because of his seeing stone experience and because of his acquaintance with Merlin it made you think there were more adventures ahead
Version française: Arthur et la pierre prophétique, Arthur à la croisée des chemins et Arthur un croisé à Venise.
Trilogie sur le thème d'Arthur et les chevaliers de la table ronde.
Littérature jeunesse
Bon roman pour jeune intéressé par la chevalerie. Il s'agit de l'histoire d'Arthur, jeune noble gallois, dont la vie est un miroir de la célèbre légende d'Arthur.
3/5
Trilogie sur le thème d'Arthur et les chevaliers de la table ronde.
Littérature jeunesse
Bon roman pour jeune intéressé par la chevalerie. Il s'agit de l'histoire d'Arthur, jeune noble gallois, dont la vie est un miroir de la célèbre légende d'Arthur.
3/5
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| Royalty Rules Boo...: * January Fiction Discuss - The Seeing Stone by Kevin Crossley-Holland | 2 | 2 | Sep 12, 2012 05:00am |
Kevin Crossley-Holland is a well-known poet and prize-winning author for children. His books include Waterslain Angels, a detective story set in north Norfolk in 1955, and Moored Man: A Cycle of North Norfolk Poems; Gatty's Tale, a medieval pilgrimage novel; and the Arthur trilogy (The Seeing Stone, At the Crossing-Places and King of the Middle March), which combines historical fiction with the re...more
More about Kevin Crossley-Holland...
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Mar 22, 2012 05:54pm