Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy
by Mary Stewart
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Read in October, 2007
recommends it for:
people who like this type of thing
Well, I’m starting to warm up to this “good reads” thing a little – it’s like Amazon, but you’re writing about books instead of writing “product reviews.” This isn’t the first time I’ve read the Merlin trilogy, but it’s been long enough that it’s poppin’ fresh to me. It’s not exactly a page-turner, but for the most part it’s very engaging. The plot moves along nicely and it’s easy to visualize. It’s also not really fantasy, more of a historical novel about the D...more
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My husband has been after me to read these books for years; they're some of his favorites. However, since I don't really like fantasy, I've resisted.
The first book is The Crystal Cave, the second is The Hollow Hills, and the third is The Last Enchantment. They are the story of Merlin the Magician and King Arthur. Mary Stewart, the author, is an excellent writer and, though the story is based on legend, it is historically accurate as far as possible.
I told a friend who had read these book...more
The first book is The Crystal Cave, the second is The Hollow Hills, and the third is The Last Enchantment. They are the story of Merlin the Magician and King Arthur. Mary Stewart, the author, is an excellent writer and, though the story is based on legend, it is historically accurate as far as possible.
I told a friend who had read these book...more
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Read in January, 1976
recommends it for:
fantasy/fiction fans
I was so happy to see this trilogy is in print again and available from Amazon for the low low price of $20!! I read it in paperback years ago, and bought hard covers at an antique book market.
I have read these books a number of times. They are beautifully written, exciting, and just all around wonderful. Mary Stewart makes the magic real. A must-read for Arthurian scholars.
The books are essentially the life story of Merlin, advisor and mentor to Arthur (King of the Britons). While ...more
I have read these books a number of times. They are beautifully written, exciting, and just all around wonderful. Mary Stewart makes the magic real. A must-read for Arthurian scholars.
The books are essentially the life story of Merlin, advisor and mentor to Arthur (King of the Britons). While ...more
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Read in July, 1972
recommends it for:
Any one who loves good historical fiction
If I were ever stuck on a deserted island, this is the book I would want with me. I read "The Crystal Cave," the first book in the trilogy, during the summer of 1972, before all the books were finished. I read "The last Enchantment," the last book in the series, during 1982 while I was in college. I re-read them whenever I feel the need for a trip back in time. Historical fiction at its absolute magical best...If you love these books and haven't read "The Wicked Day,&quo...more
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Perhaps my favorite books of all time. I've always enjoyed the Arthurian legends, but this telling of them, from Merlin's perspective, resonates perfectly with what I know of the history behind the myths.
Stewart tells her tale through the eyes of Merlin the Magician, Arthur's mentor and companion. The books are Merlin's own autobiography, starting with the first memories he can recall, and ending with the mundane tasks of his daily life as an old man setting his life down on paper. In betwe...more
Stewart tells her tale through the eyes of Merlin the Magician, Arthur's mentor and companion. The books are Merlin's own autobiography, starting with the first memories he can recall, and ending with the mundane tasks of his daily life as an old man setting his life down on paper. In betwe...more
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I haven't read anything else by Mary Stewart, mostly because I'm afraid it would spoil the effect of this book. I first read it as a confused pre-teen and it literally changed my world. Not to mention, no other rendition of the Arthurian legend would satisfy me afterwards. It may not be the most amazing book ever written, but it is (hands down) a defining book for me, because it hit me at the right time, at the right place and in the right way.
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Read in August, 2007
I haven't read this since high school, and I'd forgotten how good it is...all 900+ pages of it (but I'm only a little over halfway through). This is just the sort of thing I love--filled with historical detail, I am totally immersed in another world. A great retelling of the Arturian legend, told through the eyes of Merlin (who, in this version, is the sone of Ambrosius, thus Arthur's cousin).
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Mary Stewart's telling of this old legend is absolutely stunning. Stewart's Merlin is fully human and "earthy". She deftly weaves threads of the supernatural into her tale, yet she never depicts Merlin as resorting to the ridiculous and incredulous antics of wizardry that are found in other versions. If you like the Arthurian/Merlin legend, then this trilogy is worth your time!
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I read this twice, so I must have liked it, but it's been so long I don't remember it very well. Stewart writes an almost historical-fiction account of the life of Merlin, eschewing high-fantasy magic for political influence, spiritual inspiration, and character relationships.
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Read in January, 1988
Read this series a long time ago, but have read it several times. It is the King Arthur story written from Merlin's perspective. Great if you like fantasy - Mary Stewart is primarily known as a romance author, but she does a great job with this topic.
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recommends it for:
Anyone who loves the Arthurian legend
This is a great Trilogy of the tale of King Authur but more from the perspective of Merlins story. I read this 20 years ago as individual paper backs and recently purchased it as a complete hard bound. Just as good as I remember.
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Read in July, 1996
recommends it for:
Anyone who loves history combined with fantasy
I loved the development of the characters, she made them seem so real. After finishing the 3rd book, I was sad that there weren't more to read...
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Read in January, 1994
I've read these books at least three times a piece. As silly as it is, I prefer Stewart's version of Arthurian myth to any other.
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My favorite books of all time. I love them and named my farm after the second one. hee.
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Read in January, 1995
I loved this series! This is Merlin's story and a new look at his magic.
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Read in October, 1983
recommends it for:
everyone
My favorite books of all time
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