Author:Mary Stewart Binding: Paperback Published: 2003-05-06 ISBN: 0449206440 Availability:
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ISBN13: 9780060548254
Condition: New
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Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myridden Emrys -- or as he would later be known, Merlin -- leads a perilous childhood, haunted by portents and visions. But destiny has great plans for this no-man's-son, taking him from prophesying before the High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon . . . and the conception of Arthur -- king for once and always.
Initially published nearly thirty years ago, Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave has been spellbinding readers and converting them into serious Arthurian buffs ever since. The first in a series of four books, this novel focuses on the early life of Merlin the magician, and the political developments of fifth-century Britain. Not for the fainthearted, this verbose text pays careful attention to historical details and methodical plot development.
Merlin's childhood is formed by the absence of his reticent, convent-bound mother and his unnamed and unknown father. As the bastard grandson of a local king, Merlin is the object of both envy and ridicule. His strange powers and predictions earn him greater status as a pariah, and he leaves home as a preadolescent. Returning years later as a young man--empowered by self-knowledge and magic--Merlin finds himself caught in the currents of the shifting kingdoms.
As an established classic in this genre, and the first in a popular series, The Crystal Cave introduces this familiar character with fresh sensitivity. While readers looking for the romance of First Knight will be disappointed, those happy with tight writing and a complex story line will be satisfied. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Arthurian saga true to the legend and good for all audiences:
It's always fun to revisit the legend of King Arthur once and a while. This book, the Crystal Cave, is the first book in a trilogy that details the Arthurian events from the point of view of Merlin. What impressed me most of all about this book is the respect it had for the actual legend and in the fact that it is a book that can be enjoyed by all. Historical fiction in a sense, it nonetheless leaves the magical abilities of Merlin a little bit open ended. In my opinion, there has to be some magic involved... more info
I was disappointed:
This book was recommended to me by a friend who knew I loved reading about sci-fi and fantasy. I did completely read the book because I kept hoping it would get better. However, I must say that I was disappointed in the book. If you are looking for the "magical" part of Merlin - this is not your book. Oh, Merlin had visions and the gift of sight, but it seems he used his mind to make them come true. Like moving the stones was because he studied engineering and Uther begetting Arthur was deception not... more info
The crystal cave:
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Anyone who likes Merlin will love this book. This was my 1st Mary Stewart book. I have since read all four books. I thought the book was amazing.
Wonderful book but Kindle edition is poorly formatted:
The story of Merlin's formation is told masterfully, almost poetically. I've always found this to be a great story. However, the Kindle edition is exceptionally poorly formatted. The prelude is missing. Where is the Edward Muir poem? And most importantly, where is the map? The map in particular makes the story easier to follow if you don't happen to be well versed in Welsh geography. The justification is so poor that it is difficult to differentiate between paragraphs. I think it is a shame that such... more info
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