Better than I remembered!

I read the hardback copy years ago,and the audio version is even better. I only read the trilogy back then so looking forward to the 4th and 5th also now on audio.

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Dated depictions of women sometimes yet memorable

I am 4.5 books through the 5 book Arthurian series by Mary now. I suspect that this series has had a wider impact than many modern Arthurian writers care to admit, maybe because Mary spent the rest of her time writing romance novels. This foray into Arthuriana at a time when nobody else was doing it (this is pre Mists of Avalon) must have seemed a bit left field at the time for her existing fan base. I loved the first book, particularly young Merlin, I could have happily stayed in young Merlin’s world for the entire series. Towards the end of the second book I decided to switch to Audible instead and found it easier to get through the third book. I’m now halfway through TWD but haven’t picked it up for a while. I’m struggling to understand why. It may be because the portrayals of women feel dated at times, and even two-dimensional. Yet the portrayals of men are rich and multilayered, particularly the leaders of men types. I do wonder if this series prompted the feminist retellings that came in the 80s. Mary really doesn’t do women justice, perhaps the final book will be slightly better in that way. Regardless of these criticisms, these books have a bizarre and uncanny magic. At times, I feel they are revealing little truths rather than telling a story. The level of detail and research is extraordinary. The insight into the past the books have given me for my spiritual journey into British mysticism has felt like sitting down for a lesson at times (and Mary was a former lecturer and schoolteacher). There is something here in these books that is rare and I’m not surprised they are largely forgotten by modern Arthuriana fans. I would say they are worth the time and perseverance, particularly if you are on a spiritual path. Also the narrator is excellent.

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Perfect end to the Merlin trilogy

I’ve really enjoyed rediscovering these books with Derek Perkins. As a child I remember being disappointed with this final book but listening to it now, as an adult, I appreciated it more. I was so relieved with the ending!

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Arthurian legend from Merlins pov

I enjoyed this book for the detail and description of everyday matters. Not an exact match to Mort de Artur, but this was written several centuries after the time of Arthur. Good story though.

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Great

+What can I say ? This brilliant novel completes the series. It takes me back to the early 1970's, when I read it for the first time. I remember being enthralled at such good writing, imbued with atmosphere and adventure. Merlin can appear somewhat arrogant - but who wouldn't be with such immense power. A great book and series that has retained its "pulling power " and enjoyment.
I still cannot praise the narrator highly enough. He made the book even better than it is.

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Red and white dragons

I live in North Wales. I was invited for High Tea at the home of a very close friend. She knows that I’m a follower of Arthurian Legend. She also invited a close friend, godmother to his daughters, who is one of the World’s leading authorities of Arthurian Legend who was at Oxford University. My friend lives on Anglesey,also known as Mona, which is one of the last strongholds of the druids. The extension of their home was built with nails and wood From the Spanish armada. We talked for hours in before we left I ask him where is the closest place that is mentioned in many the books …a place that kept falling down. He said there was a white and a red dragon living in a lake underneath where they were building the foundation.It is in snowdonia. We live in a secluded small holding with no neighbours that overlooks the mountains of Snowdonia. One day we made a day trip to Snowdonia and which is the place in clambered up the side of what used to be

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Enchanting. Entrancing.

I first read this series when I was young and impressionable and found them to be captivating and wonderful. Now that I am old and impressionable I am happy to find joy in these excellent spoken editions.
A wondetful author transformed by an excellent narrator telling timeless tales.
Thank you.

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A legend told in true style

Having listened to the three Merlin books in succession, I feel truly submerged in that history.
I first read these books as a teenager and still have my battered paperback of The crystal cave.
I was a bit worried that the story and the reading would not live up to fond memories, but no such thing.
Provided you can listen to long, in depth descriptions and explanations, this trilogy is a wonderfully immersive experience of Merlin's life.
Derek Perkins's narration is calm but never boring and thoroughly convincing.
Highly recommended all round.

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5 people found this helpful

A story revisited

I first read this book in the 80s it was nice to return.. to the Merlin story so well thought out.

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Best trilogy

Read this trilogy several times and really enjoyed it. The audible books are well read and enhance the drama of the Arthurian legend. Well worth listening to.

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1 person found this helpful