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14th out of 300 books
—
879 voters
Merlin (The Pendragon Cycle #2)
It Is Roman Britain.Atlantis has been lost forever, and the reign of Arthur must be dreamed and fought into being.
Paperback, 484 pages
Published
May 21st 1996
by Zondervan Publishing Company
(first published 1987)
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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 (though...more
Originally published on my blog here in October 2001.
The second of the novels in Lawhead's Arthurian series is written from the point of view of Merlin, who is made a descendant of the Atlanteans who settled in Britain in the first novel about Merlin's father Taliesyn. The plot will be familiar - the traditional build-up to the accession o Arthur as king: the madness of Merlin, Vortigern inviting the Saxons to come to Britain as mercenaries, Ambrosius and Uther, the conception and hidden childho...more
The second of the novels in Lawhead's Arthurian series is written from the point of view of Merlin, who is made a descendant of the Atlanteans who settled in Britain in the first novel about Merlin's father Taliesyn. The plot will be familiar - the traditional build-up to the accession o Arthur as king: the madness of Merlin, Vortigern inviting the Saxons to come to Britain as mercenaries, Ambrosius and Uther, the conception and hidden childho...more
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 actions take...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 actions take...more
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. Yes, of cou...more
For me, Lawhead did two unforgivable things in this book. First, he makes Merlin a christian and a missionary. Yes, of cou...more
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.. :)
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 couldn't follow,...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 couldn't follow,...more
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 overl...more
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-in-the-stone-moment a...more
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 tale...more
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 has pa...more
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 real treat. Law...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 real treat. Law...more
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 might as we...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 might as we...more
The story of Merlin before Arthur. His journey to becoming the wise man who orchestrates the creation of the fabled Kingdom of Summer. He has much to do and learn before he can become the man Britain needs.
I always like reading about Merlin's early life and this was especially well explored here. Merlin can be a bit shadowy in many Arthur-legends and Lawhead gives us insight by having Merlin narrate the book. He is looking back on his life, but he does not shy away from the painful and his own m...more
I always like reading about Merlin's early life and this was especially well explored here. Merlin can be a bit shadowy in many Arthur-legends and Lawhead gives us insight by having Merlin narrate the book. He is looking back on his life, but he does not shy away from the painful and his own m...more
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 stone circle. The moment I set foot...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 stone circle. The moment I set foot...more
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 less predictable...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 less predictable...more
I started reading this immediately after finishing the first book in the series. I liked how Merlin was written, in the first person. I feel like it gave me a front row seat to his experiences - many of which are difficult - and I feel that is probably why the author chose to do so. It was very powerful and gives the reader a sense of empathy for Merlin. Yet there is definite continuity between the books in the series somehow. I am anxious to get started on the next!
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 enjoyable. An...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 enjoyable. An...more
It has a great story and a new take on the myth of Merlin. I love it! It was a fantastic read after I read the first book in the series, Taliesen. There were parts that drug out too much, that weren't need-to-know informational parts, but I realized where they were at an skipped most of them. Otherwise, it was a great read. Highly recommended for any King Arthur fan looking for a new twist to the tale.
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 it 3 or 4 t...more
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Jul 31, 2011
Michael Sechler
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
christian-fiction
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.
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 Hayes
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fiction-historical
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!
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.
I tried to get into Merlin last night. I did not like how he wrote. The old British was bad enough (I know there is a pronunciation list in the front) but his verbosity reminded me of James Michner. Here..."Did I say kings? There were more kings than sheep, more princes than crows on the battlefield, more ambitious little men than salmon in season;" and that is only the beginning of the sentence. Whew! Library today.
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.
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.
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...
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 saves...more
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 battles between Merlin and Mo...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 battles between Merlin and Mo...more
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| how is christianity portrayed in this book? | 3 | 33 | Jun 19, 2011 04:15pm |
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned...more
More about Stephen R. Lawhead...
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned...more
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“Perhaps it is how we are made; perhaps words of truth reach us best through the heart, and stories and songs are the language of the heart”
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24 people liked it
“Humility, if it comes at all, almost always comes too late.”
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20 people liked it
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Feb 04, 2009 07:25am