This is the first in a series of three books that uses Arthurian Legend to tell the life story of Merlin. Merlin is known as: The Enchanter, The Prophet, Magician, Advisor to Kings, a mythical figure of King Arthur's time. This book tells of his parents and heritage. We see a young boy grow into a man and see him swept up by fate (a demanding God) to play a key role in the begetting and life of King Arthur. This book takes us through Merlin's days from late childhood, through meeting his true father (Ambrosius), whom he helps in his special way to become King of all England. We see Merlin become the scholar, the medical man, the engineer, the advisor to his father the king, and then to his uncle (Uther), the next king. The book culminates its wonderful story with Merlin aiding his uncle, the king, by magic (and deception), to become the father of the greatest King England would ever know - Arthur. Merlin's part in the overall Arthuian story is taken to its conclusion in the last two books of this series, The Hollow Hills and The Last Enchantment. All three books are masterfully written and very entertaining.Read full review
I first read this back in High School and I loved it. Now, not so much. It dragged. Merlin was not a compelling character at all at this reading. In fact I liked Ambrose (Ambrosius), his father, way more than the magician himself. The ending was a major let-down, showing Merlin as a man of little character, so I came away bitterly disappointed.
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Timeless - read it in my childhood and it never fails to just take you away.
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Needed this book to complete the trilogy
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Enjoyed this series from Merlin’s experience
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