Through a series of grave trials, Merlin the bard and holy man is readied for his life work--to bring about the Kingdom of Summer and prepare the w...
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reviews
Jan 21, 2011
Angie
rated it: 
This second book in the series takes us from Merlin's childhood to his saving baby Arthur (I don't think that's a spoiler---don't we all know he did that?). Unlike Taliesin, the narration is first person, which I think is right. I like Merlin telling his own story. I liked this one more than I liked Taliesin, but that was to be expected. Isn't Merlin everyone's favorite Arthurian character? Merlin is a character who's taken on many forms. I like the old Once and Future King/Disney Merlin (
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Jan 26, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
The second book in Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, Merlin continues the story where Taliesin left off. However, this book could be read as a stand alone and as such, it is not necessary to read Taliesin (the story of Merlin's parents) before reading this book.
We are shown Merlin as a young child, his teaching from the kindly druid Hafgan and the priest Dafyd, then to his capture by a small tribe and his years in imprisonment, to his adult life. His adult life is where most of the ac More...
We are shown Merlin as a young child, his teaching from the kindly druid Hafgan and the priest Dafyd, then to his capture by a small tribe and his years in imprisonment, to his adult life. His adult life is where most of the ac More...
Aug 09, 2010
Paul 'Pezski'
rated it: 
Rarely have I had such a strong negative reaction to a book. I hated it. And part of the reason, I think, I that the first volume, Taliesin, was superb. But while in Taliesin Lawhead spun an intriguing tale that treated the source material with respect, Merlin quickly becomes a religious tract proclaiming how superior christianity is to the pagan religions that it displaces.
For me, Lawhead did two unforgivable things in this book. First, he makes Merlin a christian and a missionary. More...
For me, Lawhead did two unforgivable things in this book. First, he makes Merlin a christian and a missionary. More...
Sep 02, 2007
Bianca
rated it: 
the second book of the cycle, but the first book of the cycle that i read.. :p
all i can say is, this book made me love merlin even more.. ^_^
a must read for those of you who loves arthurian legend.. there's a bit of religious stuff in all of stephen r. lawhead's books, which is fine with me.. :)
all i can say is, this book made me love merlin even more.. ^_^
a must read for those of you who loves arthurian legend.. there's a bit of religious stuff in all of stephen r. lawhead's books, which is fine with me.. :)
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Mar 12, 2011
Lydia
rated it: 
I struggled with Merlin. While I loved Taliesin there were aspects of that book as well that I struggled with, mostly the names and places. I took my time reading it and then I took my time reading Merlin and with Merlin, I just ended up feeling completely out of my depths.
I felt while I was reading this story, that I should have come into it knowing a little more about the history. As it was, I was surrounded by names and places that I couldn't pronounce and a story that I just c More...
I felt while I was reading this story, that I should have come into it knowing a little more about the history. As it was, I was surrounded by names and places that I couldn't pronounce and a story that I just c More...
Jan 06, 2011
Brian
rated it:
I continued my Arthurian travails with The Pendragon Cycle series. This is a modern sci-fi / fantasy take on the Arthurian legends. The first book started off as an interesting fantasy take on Arthur with some Atlantis thrown in. I thought it was pretty original and easy reading at first. However, the characters were pretty weak and didn't keep me totally engaged. As the series progressed, it dragged more and became a lot more preachy and the characters were just too shallow. The prose was
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Feb 11, 2011
Peter
rated it: 
Merlin is the second book in the "Pendragon Cycle". I enjoyed the first book "Taliesin," and for me this was an even better read. The story of the ageless Merlin...bard, druid, king-maker, warrior. From his youth he is the central figure to this story of the political machinations of early Briton. The story has plenty of energy and although characters rise and fall, come and go, with great regularity it does not fail to drag the reader in all the way to the proverbial sword-i
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Sep 30, 2011
Toby
rated it:
An incredible telling of the beginning of the Merlin legend. This 2nd book of The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen Lawhead was as energetic and inspiring as the first, Taliesin. While Taliesin is slightly edged with the lost 'sciences' of Atlantis, Merlin is strongly steeped in mysticism and mythology. Lawhead seamlessly integrates the various stories we all have heard of Merlin into a complex vision of the druid/bard king; incredibly human, divinely touched; passionate, yet passionless. Merlin's t
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Jul 24, 2011
Cindy
rated it:
Slow start with thisbook, but it ended with a bang. It was about Merlin's life and how he was constantly trying to protect Britian and its people. This book ends when High King Uther has died and there is fighting among the lesser kings for the title of High King. Merln is given the opportunity to become High King, but instead tells of the coming of the greatest King Britian has and will ever know. Merlin pledges his oath to this future king, who is only a baby at the time. This book also h
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Apr 25, 2011
Jeanne
rated it:
Merlin starts off quite closely to where Taliesin leaves off. It follows the life of Merlin; his growing up, his time as a warrior and King, and finally as a protector and advisor of Arthur.
I vastly preferred this over the first book. Reading from Merlin's point of view was much more exciting than Charis, or Taliesin himself. The book itself can still be quite preachy - people who are not religious may find it a bit much at times, however if you can get passed it you are in for a rea More...
I vastly preferred this over the first book. Reading from Merlin's point of view was much more exciting than Charis, or Taliesin himself. The book itself can still be quite preachy - people who are not religious may find it a bit much at times, however if you can get passed it you are in for a rea More...
Feb 03, 2011
Adam
rated it:
All in all it's not bad. I was really skeptical of the concept of Merlin being a Christian. Arthur, I have no problem being a Christian King, that's part of who he's always been. But Merlin always struck me as a tie to the paganism of old. However, Lawhead seemed to pull it off. I was entertained at the very least.
Beyond the christian aspects there was a nice blend of myth and history. I get annoyed when someone tries to tell an overly realistic Arthurian legend or one that seems it m More...
Beyond the christian aspects there was a nice blend of myth and history. I get annoyed when someone tries to tell an overly realistic Arthurian legend or one that seems it m More...
Jul 03, 2011
Elise
rated it:
Humility, if it comes at all, almost always comes too late.
This book follows the life of Merlin from childhood to Arthur's birth. Merlin is my favourite character from Arthurian legend so I was super excited to start reading this book and it didn't disappoint me!
I loved reading about Merlin as a young boy because he was so full of wonder and curiosity. A quote that I LOVE is the one from when he first uses his powers.
In the centre of the grove stood a small More...
This book follows the life of Merlin from childhood to Arthur's birth. Merlin is my favourite character from Arthurian legend so I was super excited to start reading this book and it didn't disappoint me!
I loved reading about Merlin as a young boy because he was so full of wonder and curiosity. A quote that I LOVE is the one from when he first uses his powers.
In the centre of the grove stood a small More...
Jun 12, 2010
Tori
rated it:
As the second book in the trilogy, I am suprised to say that I preferred it to the first. I enjoyed the character of Merlin more than his father, and I was glad to see Charis remained in the tale. Lawhead's choice of first person narration was a good one, even though the style was a bit rough at times.
This section of the tale had a bit more buy in from me, as I began readign with a greater appreciation for Merlin's role in uniting Britain. Additionally, the events unfolded in a le More...
This section of the tale had a bit more buy in from me, as I began readign with a greater appreciation for Merlin's role in uniting Britain. Additionally, the events unfolded in a le More...
Mar 09, 2011
Joseph
rated it:
I'm reading the older books by Lawhead before I read any of his new books. His book Byzantium is one of my favorite books. Merlin is an interesting take on the legend and story of this man. I definitely wanted to keep reading. There were some exciting and tense battle scenes. Lawhead is good at contrasting violence and treachery with things like hope and love. A
At times I felt that things happened abruptly. The death of Uther is an example of this. But other than that it was quite enjoyab More...
At times I felt that things happened abruptly. The death of Uther is an example of this. But other than that it was quite enjoyab More...
Oct 13, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I'm gonna like this, i think, Merlin is a pompous little thing. Only on page 21 so far, but he seems awfully full of himself. Also,I like the fact this book is in the first person. I wonder why the switch? The last book, was written from the third person's point of view, and at the last moment, switched to first person, I won't say whom, no spoilers, here. I think I'm really going to enjoy this series... Kind of reminds me of "Mists of Avalon" which I thoroughly enjoyed, even reading i
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Jul 31, 2011
Michael
rated it:
Another great work of historical fiction in the Pendragon Cycle series. Tells the story of "young" Merlin from a Christian perspective, tracing the history of Britain from the departure of the Romans to the birth of Arthur, setting the stage for the appearance of the High King and Excalibur. A great addition to the Christianized foundation of the epic Arthurian legend that was laid in Taliesin.
Jan 03, 2011
Brad
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. There was a total shift between Talesien and this second book. Switching to first person narration changed the feel of the cycle, but it wasn't a break by any means from the first installment. A masterful use of previous events and history weaves a compelling tapestry of history, mythology and theology. Very entertaining and engaging read, to be sure!
Sep 07, 2010
Douglas
rated it:
Lawhead is a Christian writer that has the ability to weave Christianity into the fabric of a story (even historical fiction) without cheapening the faith or ruining the story. This is what he has accomplished in his telling of Arthur story.
Imagine beginning with the destruction of Atlantis, the conversion of the Druids and Christianization of the British Isles. A fantastic story!
Imagine beginning with the destruction of Atlantis, the conversion of the Druids and Christianization of the British Isles. A fantastic story!
Feb 19, 2010
One of the books I can't technically claim to have read myself, but heard the entirety of read aloud (by my mother mostly) during the sacred family reading time that happened each night. I didn't like Lawhead as much for some reason, but I think that stemmed from a general dislike for fantasy which, as luck would have it, was a genre my parents (or at least Dad) seemed to like a lot.
Dec 11, 2010
JC
rated it:
I didn't like this book quite as much as the previous one in the series, but it was still an interesting read and fun to follow Merlin as he learns of his mission and begins to grow and ultimately make the great prophecies of things to come. This book felt a bit like a filler at times in preparation for the third book which at this point I am really excited to read. On to that next.
Aug 07, 2011
Gwenhwyfar
rated it:
Merlin is one of the most interesting characters in Arthurian literature and this book is a good look at his life before he came to mentor Arthur and his reign. I liked this book and the way it describes young Merlin but, as with Lawheads other book I've read, there are some scenes that drag on entirely too long and are overly descriptive.
Jun 18, 2010
Wayne C
rated it:
If you want to learn of the waring in the spirit for liberty and freedom as well as kingdom unity, and if you want to do so in a fun and exciting way, this Pendragon Series by Stephen Lawhead is a wonder way to do it. This is some serious soldiering herein.
I enjoyed all five books and will probably read them again in a couple years...
I enjoyed all five books and will probably read them again in a couple years...
Dec 27, 2011
Rusty
rated it:
Merlin tells his own story in this novel, the second in the Pendragon series. I loved the tale which begins with Merlin's musings about his life, his various educational experiences, his chosen isolation in the wilderness after the murder of his beautiful wife and child and his recovery from his grief to become a force in his world. Lawhead writes so well as Merlin that the transitions from one portion of the novel to another flow effortlessly and keep one turning page after page. When he sav
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Aug 22, 2008
Somnite
rated it:
What a book!
The second installment in the Pendragon Cycle left me just as eager for more as the last one did. Carrying on Lawhead's standards of vivid descriptions and British heritage, Merlin focused on the life of Merlin Ambrosius and his preparation for the coming of the Pendragon.
Lawhead skillfully kept his books consistent in histories, leaving a reader feeling as if this could have indeed happened. I loved the fact that there was no outright magic/spellcasting battl More...
The second installment in the Pendragon Cycle left me just as eager for more as the last one did. Carrying on Lawhead's standards of vivid descriptions and British heritage, Merlin focused on the life of Merlin Ambrosius and his preparation for the coming of the Pendragon.
Lawhead skillfully kept his books consistent in histories, leaving a reader feeling as if this could have indeed happened. I loved the fact that there was no outright magic/spellcasting battl More...
Jul 18, 2009
Julia
rated it:
While not as much a favorite of mine as Taliesin, this was a good book. I was very sad for the loss Merlin experienced. It was very regrettable to me. Admittedly, this book is far removed from my understanding of who Merlin was, but then, I have not studied the topic, even though it interests me.
Sep 23, 2008
Parisa
rated it:
If only you could do partial stars on goodreads, but you can't. I would give this book 3.5 stars, I think. It was pretty good. Way better than Taliesin (book 1 in this series), in my opinion. Things that were confusing and unexplained in Taliesin founds their explanation in Merlin. Unlike Taliesin, Merlin was written in first person, which allowed us to know Merlin's character and relate to him somewhat.
I thought this book highly entertaining, though a little preachy at times. I tried not More...
I thought this book highly entertaining, though a little preachy at times. I tried not More...
Aug 16, 2011
Joshua
rated it:
The story of Merlin retold, and who better to do it then Lawhead? There is one particular scene that is more powerful emotionally than I have ever read. An excellent piece of work filled with adventure and thrill this is a must read!
Jan 27, 2011
Bernard
rated it:
Part 2 in the series and it's only speeding up. I love how they've revamped Merlin, making him more believable and yet, still slightly ethereal. This book doesn't disappoint and we see the birth of Arthur, the once and future King!
Jul 09, 2011
Aaron
rated it:
A Strong followup to Talisen, I think by far this is the best version of the King Arthur Legend I have ever seen or read. A MUST Read for any fan of the Arthurian Legend
Nov 13, 2009
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it:
I'm so tired of Rehashes of the Arthurian legend,(there seem to be thousands) but the Lawhead series is (I think) better than the norm.
