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Battle of Kings (Merlin #1)
by
M.K. Hume
BOY, HEALER, PROPHET—THE EPIC TALE OF MERLIN BEGINS
In the town of Segontium a wild storm washes a fugitive ashore. He brutally rapes the granddaughter of the ruler of the Deceangli tribe, leaving her to bear his son, Myrddion Merlinus (Merlin). Spurned as a demon seed, the child is raised by his grandmother and, as soon as he turns nine, he is apprenticed to a skilled alch...more
In the town of Segontium a wild storm washes a fugitive ashore. He brutally rapes the granddaughter of the ruler of the Deceangli tribe, leaving her to bear his son, Myrddion Merlinus (Merlin). Spurned as a demon seed, the child is raised by his grandmother and, as soon as he turns nine, he is apprenticed to a skilled alch...more
Paperback, 480 pages
Published
January 1st 2013
by Atria Books
(first published 2011)
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Community Reviews
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May 07, 2012
Robin Carter
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
fantasy
This review is from: Prophecy: Clash of Kings (Merlin Series) (Hardcover)
After M K Humes hugely popular Arthur (Artor) series I did wonder where he would go next and where else but the man behind the throne Merlin (Myrddion).
Amid the bloody battlefields of Britain, Merlin is marked for greatness...
In the town of Segontium, a fugitive is washed ashore. He brutally rapes the granddaughter of the king of the Deceangli tribe, leaving her to bear his son, Myrddion. Spurned as a demon seed, the boy is...more
After M K Humes hugely popular Arthur (Artor) series I did wonder where he would go next and where else but the man behind the throne Merlin (Myrddion).
Amid the bloody battlefields of Britain, Merlin is marked for greatness...
In the town of Segontium, a fugitive is washed ashore. He brutally rapes the granddaughter of the king of the Deceangli tribe, leaving her to bear his son, Myrddion. Spurned as a demon seed, the boy is...more
MK Hume's first series of Arthur was fantastic and i was therefore in no doubt that her second series based on Merlin would be just as good, and not suprisingly it exceeded my expectations. There are a few authors who have tackled King Arthur and legends including Bernard Cornwall's trilogy (warlord), but nothing can overshadow MK Hume's take on these legends or the way that detailed research was added into her novels making them very realistic. With the amount of research that has gone into her...more
A really enjoyable book, with a fresh view of how Merlin came to be and how he b ecame a wizard.
The writing was well done and a joy to read. The characters strong and interesting, and the plot strong and easy to follow.
I have read a lot of Arthurian literature from Mallory, Stewart, Lawhead and Cornwell but M.K Hume brought a new aspect to the folklore of Merlin. I can't wait to read the continuing saga!
The writing was well done and a joy to read. The characters strong and interesting, and the plot strong and easy to follow.
I have read a lot of Arthurian literature from Mallory, Stewart, Lawhead and Cornwell but M.K Hume brought a new aspect to the folklore of Merlin. I can't wait to read the continuing saga!
Returning once again to my fascination with Arthurian legend, the first part of Hume's trology deals with the very early years in the life of Merlin, until he reached about 16 years of age. Hume brungs her own unique slant and interpretataion to the myths, and it makes for a fast paced, but considerately structured book-all is taken at an even pace, with adequate explanations given for even the most novice of readers to this epoch.
Merlin emerges as enigmatic as ever.His relationships with his e...more
Merlin emerges as enigmatic as ever.His relationships with his e...more
This was a great historical fantasy. It's really immersive, and the author has really done her research on the times, the political figures and tensions of the period. She explores this without reading like a boring historical essay, and manages to characterise her figures quite well.
I particularly enjoyed Merlin's characterisation and the route she took with his character arc. (view spoiler)...more
I particularly enjoyed Merlin's characterisation and the route she took with his character arc. (view spoiler)...more
Powerful and full of Welsh history. Not sure if M K Hume every got to Wales or if she was originally born in Wales but she has studied the history that is very evident! This book was a wonderful surprise as I had never read any of her books before and finding this book felt like a prophecy come true! Her imaginary fills the pages to overflowing and fills in the dark ages with a magic light. I think I am a convert to M K Humes' work and will not be passing up any chance to read more of her books...more
May 01, 2011
Jacinta Hoare
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
aussie-author,
2011
This is an easy to read book and (I believe) the first in a series of three books focussing on the life and times of Merlin. In this instalment we cover Merlin's birth and childhood until the end of his apprenticeship as a healer.
The author weaves a convincing tale that links many of the legends of the times and characters into a coherent narrative. There is a touch of fantasy in the tale but only enough to give an aura of mystery rather than fall into the trap of retelling superstitious legend....more
The author weaves a convincing tale that links many of the legends of the times and characters into a coherent narrative. There is a touch of fantasy in the tale but only enough to give an aura of mystery rather than fall into the trap of retelling superstitious legend....more
This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it but ONLY if you like books that delve deeply into ancient history. You must also love books that deal with war – the planning of and the execution of war, because at least 50% of the book is about war and, is very bloody and very descriptive. The fantasy about Myrddion (Merlin) is a very small part of this book. I do assume that Ms Hume is using this book as a stepping stone to the next 2 books where we will hopefully learn much more about Mer...more
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If you're a fan of Arthurian stories, then M K Hume is for you! With a PhD in Arthurian literature, MK is well equipped to piece together a series that explores what may have actually been (you'll not find any magic here). She expertly blends her well researched facts (well as factual as it's possible to get to this legend) and elements of the myth).
Whilst personally I found her Arthur trilogy to be a bit more enticing, I still loved this foray into the world of Merlin and his beginnings as a D...more
Whilst personally I found her Arthur trilogy to be a bit more enticing, I still loved this foray into the world of Merlin and his beginnings as a D...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A refreshingly logical view on Merlin. An idea deeply soaked in her historical knowledge of that time. I was instantly drawn to the characters. Her description of certain places made them recognisable before they were named.
Looking forward to continuing Merlins journey so much that I have it on preorder.
Looking forward to continuing Merlins journey so much that I have it on preorder.
Although I did have trouble understanding it for the first hundred pages, this story is a very, very enjoyable one. A book not to be missed, M.K Hume has captured the story of Myrddion Merlinus in a very different light.
Very enjoyable read and a well thought out story line. Clearly indebted to the Margaret Stewart books, bit in an excellent way. If there are any more in the series I shall certainly want to read them!
It took a little bit of time to get used to the langauge in this book and the names were so unfamiliar that I found it hard initially to keep track of who was who. Saying that, there was a helpful list of characters at the front of the book and once I got into it I really enjoyed the book. The pace picked up and it was really easy to fly through it after the halfway point. I'm excited that it's a trilogy and I can't wait to read the next one when it's released.
Really enjoyable, easy to read!
I wouldn't usually read this kind of book but I picked it up and didn't put it down until I finished it. I lost some sleep a few nights when I realised I was still reading way too late in the night!
Highly recommended!
May 24, 2013
Linwe
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
authors-to-watch,
historical-fiction
May 22, 2013
Darcy
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
a-m-hist-fic,
historical-fiction
May 20, 2013
Cnorlien
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Jefg Grainger
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
science-fiction-fantasy-jeff
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient & Med...: JUNE 2013 (Group Read 1) Prophecy: Clash of Kings by M.K. Hume | 21 | 30 | 20 hours, 13 min ago |
Marilyn K. Hume is an Australian author, born in 1948, and based in Brisbane, Australia.
Hume graduated as a teacher in 1967, specializing in Art and Ancient History before commencing teaching high school students. While teaching, she studied university courses as an external student in English and Ancient History. Along the way, Hume obtained a BA, an MA, a Master of Literary Studies degree and a...more
More about M.K. Hume...
Hume graduated as a teacher in 1967, specializing in Art and Ancient History before commencing teaching high school students. While teaching, she studied university courses as an external student in English and Ancient History. Along the way, Hume obtained a BA, an MA, a Master of Literary Studies degree and a...more
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