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225th out of 3,146 books
—
13,781 voters
The Hollow Hills (Arthurian Saga #2)
by
Mary Stewart
A magnificent tale realized by premier novelist, Mary Stewart, here is the spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become king of all Britain, in an extraordinary story that brings the legend Merlin and his protege Arthur to glowing life.
Paperback, 475 pages
Published
May 1st 2003
by Eos
(first published 1973)
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These books are so beautifully written. Is it bad, being as how it's called the Arthurian Saga, that I'm bummed the next one is going to be more about Arthur and less about Merlin?
Favorite quotes:
387. "Everyone knows the King's unchancy to cross. But you just looked cold as ice, as if you expected him to do what you wanted, just as everyone does! You, afraid? You're not afraid of anything that's real."
"That's what I mean," I said. "I'm not sure how much courage is needed to face human enemies-...more
Favorite quotes:
387. "Everyone knows the King's unchancy to cross. But you just looked cold as ice, as if you expected him to do what you wanted, just as everyone does! You, afraid? You're not afraid of anything that's real."
"That's what I mean," I said. "I'm not sure how much courage is needed to face human enemies-...more
The sword in the stone Mary Stewart style- absolutely brilliant! I loved the way that this very famous part of the Arthur saga was dealt with in such a totally believable way.(view spoiler)...more
4 likes · like · see review
the 'Cut & Run' series, hopelessly addicted to Ty and Zane. As for the next book, I'm trying not to listen to the specualtion at the moment. All I can say is that I hope it doesn't involve a break-up, my heart wouldn't stand it
. It has been a long journey with these two to get this far. the waiting is killing me at the moment. I'm sure Abigail will not let us down though.
Originally published on my blog here in October 2001.
The second of Stewart's Arthurian novels continues the story from the point of view of Merlin, from Arthur's conception until his ascension of the British throne. Of all her novels, it has least of the sense of adventure that is important in a thriller, and it suffers massively as a result. It amounts to a tedious sequel to the enjoyable The Crystal Cave.
The Hollow Hills has most of the virtues of Stewart's other novels - well drawn characters...more
The second of Stewart's Arthurian novels continues the story from the point of view of Merlin, from Arthur's conception until his ascension of the British throne. Of all her novels, it has least of the sense of adventure that is important in a thriller, and it suffers massively as a result. It amounts to a tedious sequel to the enjoyable The Crystal Cave.
The Hollow Hills has most of the virtues of Stewart's other novels - well drawn characters...more
Others have reviewed this book at great length, so I'll just focus in on what has stayed with me since my first reading (I've read this series multiple times): the relationship between Merlin and Arthur. In so many tellings of this tale, Merlin appears only at the beginning--to prophesy Arthur's coming, to teach him and prophesy his death, and then to disappear. Arthur may mourn the loss of a guide/teacher/enchanter, but the relationship between the two is not as important as Arthur's relationsh...more
Following on from the spell binding The Crystal Cave Mary Stewart came up with an equally enthralling page turner taking us from the morning after Arthur's conception until he is proclaimed King of Britain at fourteen, on the day after of the death of his father Uther Pendragon. It shows us the story through the eyes of a very human, brilliantly intelligent, resourceful, and wise Merlin with powers of enchantment. Merlin is takes to oversee Arthur's childhood where he is been placed under the ca...more
Loved this book. Written by Mary Stewart (1916) and first published in 1973 with Arthur and Merlin as the main protagonists. This story covers the time from the birth of Arthur to the time that he gains the throne. Not much wizardry or fireballs but a great retelling of the legend. "In that night lashed by storm and brooded over by the dragon-star, death had seemed commonplace, and gods waiting, visible, at every corner". So well written with striking imagery and well crafted metaphores and simi...more
The book is very detailed with people, events, and places (which I can't pronounce) which led up to the crowning of Arthur as king. I miss the Disney interpretation of pulling the sword from the stone and the Merlin tutoring Arthur and turning him into different animals but it was a wonderfully spun story. Mary Stewart does her homework and includes historical fact and legend to weave her intricate story.
"Through a man's life there are milestones, things he remembers even into the hour of his de...more
"Through a man's life there are milestones, things he remembers even into the hour of his de...more
In the Hollow Hills (book 2) the book takes you on a journey through Merlin's point of view of him going and getting Arthur from his boy hood home. It tells of Merlin taking Arthur to his rightful place as King and teaching him as a young boy. I love the writing of the interaction between young Arthur and Merlin; it is almost like they have a father son relationship.
I love historical fiction, and this is a great read if you are interested in the Arthurian legend as a subject.
First, I must say that this doesn't really qualify as historical fiction since Stwart states that she used a notoriously unreliable resource for entertainment value. And it even strays from what I know of the legend from other "entertaining" sources (T.H. White and Sir Thomas Malory). BUT, where Stewart really excells is taking the legend and puting it into a frame that is explainable w...more
First, I must say that this doesn't really qualify as historical fiction since Stwart states that she used a notoriously unreliable resource for entertainment value. And it even strays from what I know of the legend from other "entertaining" sources (T.H. White and Sir Thomas Malory). BUT, where Stewart really excells is taking the legend and puting it into a frame that is explainable w...more
So we're carrying on with the Arthurian legend in elegant Mary-Stewart style. The Hollow Hills picks up where The Crystal Cave left off; Merlin, having maneuvered Uther and Ygraine into conceiving Arthur, is nursing wounds both physical and psychic. The mystical force that drove him seems to have deserted him, but much remains to be done if young Arthur is to survive and become King. As always, Stewart manages the magical elements of the Arthurian legend (Arthur's fostering with Count Ector, the...more
Sometimes it is the later books in a series that really bring the whole thing together. This is definitely the case when it comes to The Hollow Hills. The story doesn’t exceed The Crystal Cave, in fact, I would say the Crystal Cave is by far the more interesting novel, but I firmly believe that The Hollow Hills takes the story of Merlin, and makes it a legend. I think that it is this novel that makes me think back to The Crystal Cave with a smile, because the happenings of that novel are constan...more
Jan 23, 2013
Janne Varvára
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fantasy,
historical-fiction
Having read two now, this was perhaps not the absolute revelation that Mary Stewart's first Merlin book was, but man, this too is very, very good.
Like the first, it has a distant, poetic view, that somehow (don't ask me how) manages to bring the characters closer to the reader, instead of the other way around. I keep being astounded at how effortlessly she makes these literary paintings of man, nature, kingdoms where an ever-present spirituality weaves through it all.
I have always had a problem...more
Like the first, it has a distant, poetic view, that somehow (don't ask me how) manages to bring the characters closer to the reader, instead of the other way around. I keep being astounded at how effortlessly she makes these literary paintings of man, nature, kingdoms where an ever-present spirituality weaves through it all.
I have always had a problem...more
This is the second book in The Arthurian trilogy. The Crystal Cave is the first book. The main focus isn't on King Arthur, it's on Merlin. I love the way Mary Stewart keeps this legend alive in a way that isn't disappointing for anyone who loves to read about Camelot and the people who inhabit it. Stewart has a way of balancing the supernatural aspects of Merlin's life, while making him very human at the same time. This book focuses on Merlin and Prince Arthur, and ends Arthur taking the throne....more
Mm. I could literally roll in Stewart's writing. Seriously. Like a dog. It's just... the setting of it all is so rich it's like Middle Earth. Only, er, real. Sort of. And not quite as gorgeous and fantastic - but close.
I thought this book was an excellent continuation of the first novel (The Crystal Cave). Like the first one, it's told through the eyes of Merlin. She takes some historical facts and weaves them together in a fictional manner that comes out almost believable. She does a wonderful job of illustrating the religious and social conflicts that existed in post-Roman Britain. She connects the Celtic Nations together and really illustrates the interaction between Romano-British, Bretons, Picts, Angles,...more
Although I enjoyed reading this book, I liked The Crystal Cave more. The pace seemed slower in the beginning and I didn't feel drawn in to the story until the last 150 pages or so. Much of the storyline could fit under the title of part 1, Waiting, because it felt like that's what I was doing, waiting until Arthur was crowned king. Like I said, though, it was a good book and no doubt has set the stage for a great third one.
Having never read any books on the Arthurian legend, I am enjoying learni...more
Having never read any books on the Arthurian legend, I am enjoying learni...more
I picked up this book when I was probably about 19. I had been reading Mary Stewart for several years and bought this book solely because of who the author was.
These are the books that got me interested in the King Arthur Legend. I've read EVERYTHING on this subject that I've been able to get my hands on. I still judge them all by these three books. Mary Stewart is the best. Her research was comprehensive and her story-telling top-notch.
I think the only King Arthur series I enjoyed as much as...more
These are the books that got me interested in the King Arthur Legend. I've read EVERYTHING on this subject that I've been able to get my hands on. I still judge them all by these three books. Mary Stewart is the best. Her research was comprehensive and her story-telling top-notch.
I think the only King Arthur series I enjoyed as much as...more
Better than The Crystal Cave. Detailed and interesting take on the Authurian legends thru Merlin's eyes. Let me say, I adore descriptive writing and setting the scene. However, MS really includes a lot of relentless and lengthy descriptions. Whenever she is describing any climactic moment (Arthur Sleeps With Morgause. Arthur Finds the Sword. Merlin is Attacked by Bandits.) suddenly the author bursts into a bout of describing the bird flitting on the nearby vine, the creaking of the nearby tree,...more
Great book again. I really appreciate the short explanation the author gives at the end of the book of what different versions of the tales exist and what she chose to include or leave out. Save it for the last though since she discusses the plot.
Round characters. Still a melancholy feel in the background since the bad ends for the characters are already preordained by the source material. But happier this time. This book involves some action, political and sexual intrigue, and betrayal, but on...more
Round characters. Still a melancholy feel in the background since the bad ends for the characters are already preordained by the source material. But happier this time. This book involves some action, political and sexual intrigue, and betrayal, but on...more
Sequel to The Crystal Cave. This one introduces Arthur and takes us up through the events of his coronation. I'm still stuck on these questions of man and God, power and destiny, but I want to hold off until I'm done with the series. Except to say that I personally find man-made so much more compelling than God-made, even though God-made is dazzling and extraordinary. Destiny is such a cheap storytelling trick (yeah, you too, JKR) and
Stewart conducts a razor dance of intention and fate and volit...more
Stewart conducts a razor dance of intention and fate and volit...more
Spiced_wine I read the Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment when I was in my teens, and have read them many times since.
Mary Stewart's writing is so rich, so evocative and so beautiful that I often return to her Merlin trilogy to remind myself how powerful words can be.
In these stories, Stewart takes us back to a little-known time, and we are *there.* We feel that Britain has slipped from the order of Roman rule into a dark period where echoes remain. The land is wild, perilo...more
Mary Stewart's writing is so rich, so evocative and so beautiful that I often return to her Merlin trilogy to remind myself how powerful words can be.
In these stories, Stewart takes us back to a little-known time, and we are *there.* We feel that Britain has slipped from the order of Roman rule into a dark period where echoes remain. The land is wild, perilo...more
In this wonderful continuation of "The Crystal Cave", Merlin escapes from Tintagel, travels widely and sometimes undercover, pulls political strings, and follows his heart in his quest to ensure the safety of young Arthur and facilitate the boy's ascension to King. I loved the relationship between Merlin and Arthur. Arthur's half-sister Morgause is a fascinating new character, and I look forward to seeing more of her in the other books. I really enjoyed this book, though not quite as much as the...more
I have read and re-read and loved many of Mary Stewart's books, this one included (for the third time). Stewart is a wordsmith and a master storyteller. She is also a historian and does thorough research. Given what little historical information there is on Arthur and his times (a great deal of it being contradictory or clouded by bias), she still manages to weave in a great deal of fact to her story. I enjoy her author's notes and explanations as much as the story itself. Combine all of that wi...more
I first read this book in the seventies or early eighties. Although it can be read as a stand alone, it follows The Crystal Cave and is written in the first person by Merlin. It takes the reader from Arthur's birth through his becoming King at the age of 14. I love the Arthur legend and this book was as good as I remembered it. Some of the historical details are a little dry for me, but other parts are beautifully emotional and amazing. It is a really good book and as all books about the mythica...more
I read several reviews that said "The Hollow Hills" was not as good as "The Crystal Cave." I disagree. I felt that Merlin was a much more understandable character. One truly sees him as a holy man and a prophet, and I had a better understanding of his power. The young Arthur is also very believable, a mixture of the physical Uther and spiritual Ambrosius. And the scene where Arthur finally removes the sword from the stone is very powerful. I will say, however, that many of the nay sayers for thi...more
I'm realizing that my draw for Arthurian literature is Arthur himself. Thus when he doesn't really appear for two thirds of the book, it took me a while to read, and then when he did, I stayed up until three in the morning reading to the end. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the first part, and I understand that when a series is called the Merlin Trilogy, Merlin will be the focus, but I felt that the book quickly picked up steam once it was depicting Merlin's and Arthur's relationship, rather than...more
This book was a sequel to The Crystal Cave. It many ways my opinion about the two books is very similar. Like the first one, I felt that The Hollow Hills starts out really slowly, and doesn't pick up much speed or get all that interesting until you are more than halfway through it.
Though this series is about the life of Merlin, Stewart doesn't exactly give Merlin the most exciting life imaginable. Though he does travel, he also spends a good deal of time on his own, in his cave or living as a he...more
Though this series is about the life of Merlin, Stewart doesn't exactly give Merlin the most exciting life imaginable. Though he does travel, he also spends a good deal of time on his own, in his cave or living as a he...more
I started and stopped this book several times, only because of other books that had to be read more quickly. I enjoyed this one very much, as I did The Crystal Cave. This one had a few slow spots for me, but definitely worth wading through. I have never read much about the Arthurian legend other than what is common knowledge or portrayed in Disney's 'Sword in the Stone' --haha. Just kidding on that part. But really. I am fascinated with how she has taken truly what is only legend and made a beli...more
The Hollow Hills is the second book in Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga and covers the fifteen years between Arthur's birth and his acclamation as High King as experienced by Merlin, who spends much of it avoiding the limelight and traveling to Asia Minor and Constantinople. In a word, not taking a role in Arthur's life whatsoever until a few months before the boy's acclamation.
Which is the primary problem. We can't engage with either the chief character of the novel or with his ostensible ward. We...more
Which is the primary problem. We can't engage with either the chief character of the novel or with his ostensible ward. We...more
More a hint at what's to come, all set up for the next 2 books.
Last 1/3 of this book very good, the start all build up to it.
No major surprises to anyone even vaguely interested in the Arthur tales. Couple of justified name changes. Some manky faeries.
Again, heavily influenced by Geoffrey of Monmouth.
I liked the way the swords were dealt with, in Sir Thomas Malory's work there are a bunch (in a floating stone, an anvil, an altar). MS manages to tidy that all up.
A lot of wandering about in the ea...more
Last 1/3 of this book very good, the start all build up to it.
No major surprises to anyone even vaguely interested in the Arthur tales. Couple of justified name changes. Some manky faeries.
Again, heavily influenced by Geoffrey of Monmouth.
I liked the way the swords were dealt with, in Sir Thomas Malory's work there are a bunch (in a floating stone, an anvil, an altar). MS manages to tidy that all up.
A lot of wandering about in the ea...more
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Lady Mary Stewart is a popular English novelist, and taught at the school of John Norquay elementary for 30 to 35 years, but has now retired.
She is one of the most widely read fiction writers of our time. The author of twenty novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for...more
More about Mary Stewart...
Lady Mary Stewart is a popular English novelist, and taught at the school of John Norquay elementary for 30 to 35 years, but has now retired.
She is one of the most widely read fiction writers of our time. The author of twenty novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for...more
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series, I absolutely loved that when I was a lot younger than I am now, an...more
Jan 18, 2013 02:40am