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 in the ring of stones I could feel ancient power, flowing like an invisible river around the hilltop, which was an eddy in the ever-streaming current. The feeling of being surrounded by swirling forces, of being picked up and carried off on the relentless waves of this unseen river nearly took my breath; I laboured to walk upright against it, my flesh tingling with every step.

It was so brilliantly described!

I love how Morgian was introduced as a sort-of friend/powerful enemy. When Merlin and Morgian first meet he believes she is offering friendship, she believes it to, but they both know that they are each others worst enemies.

As the book goes on and Merlin grows up he falls in love with Ganieda and I was completely in love with their relationship, but my heart was broken when he found his dear wife dead and her pregnant belly slashed open. He holds the hand of his dead, unborn child and I wept so much I couldn't read the book for a few days. And yes I know that was a spoiler but tough luck I had to share it because it was a heart breaking moment that really got to me.

Eventually we meet Uther and we get some back story on him, which I loved! I always love reading about Uther because he is an interesting character and one I love to hate and this book made me hate him a fair bit but love him all the same.

The only thing that bothered me about this book was the parts that dragged on, the countless battles and camping that could have been shortened down a fair bit. Nonetheless I loved it and I especially loved how it ended!

I thrust the Sword of Britain down towards that unyielding stone . . .
The astonishment on their faces made me look as well. The sword had not broken: it stood upright, quivering, buried nearly to the hilt and stuck fast in the stone.

( . . . )

Some claim a hand appeared to grasp the naked blade and guide it into the stone; others say a flash of light blinded them for a moment and that when they looked the sword stood in the stone. However it was, all agree the sharp stench of burning stone filled the air and stung their eyes.
'You ask for a sign,' I shouted. 'Here it is: whosoever raises the sword from this stone shall be the true-born king of all Britain. Until that day the land will endure such strife as never known in the Island of the Mighty to this time, and Britain shall have no king.'

It goes on for another two paragraphs after that but I loved this part of the ending.

Overall a wonderful look into my favourite Arthurian character.