In Stephen Lawhead's Merlin (2): Pendragon Cycle, the son of a druid bard and an Atlantean princess continues his epic journey towards destiny. Born with extraordinary abilities, Merlin faces a world fractured by warring chieftains and brutal invasions. This second installment delves deeper into Merlin's arduous path, revealing the immense weight of his mission: to create the prophesied Kingdom of Summer, a task far exceeding even his father's legendary feats. Through trials that push him to his limits, both physically and mentally, Merlin unlocks the secrets to forging this new era and prepares the way for the arrival of King Arthur Pendragon, the legendary ruler of Britain. This captivating tale explores themes of fate, sacrifice, and the shaping of a nation.
Review Merlin
Oh my goodness, I loved Merlin (2) (Pendragon Cycle)! It's been years since I first listened to it on cassette – a Blackstone Audio rental, if I recall correctly – and revisiting it was like meeting an old friend. As a huge King Arthur fan, this book completely captivated me all over again. It's a truly great saga, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy.
What sets this book apart, for me, is the incredible depth of historical and cultural understanding. It’s the first fantasy novel I've read in ages that rivals Tolkien and Lewis in its attention to detail. Lawhead manages a masterful blend of faithfulness to the original Arthurian legends (understood within their proper historical context), and compelling modern storytelling that's accessible even without prior knowledge of the medieval versions. He somehow bridges the two seamlessly. It's a remarkable feat!
The portrayal of Merlin's gifted childhood is absolutely stunning; one of the best depictions I've ever encountered in fiction, honestly. It resonated deeply with me, prompting comparisons to other excellent works exploring giftedness like A Wind in the Door and even non-fiction resources on the topic. While I'm not a bard myself, the description of awen (poetic inspiration) reminded me vividly of an unexpected and successful improvised keyboard performance I once gave, despite being out of practice for a decade. Merlin's character is incredibly relatable, and his struggles are deeply human.
One minor point of potential criticism – and this is a tiny quibble in an otherwise magnificent work – might be the character's almost modern skepticism towards what "men call magic." It's a subtle shift from the typical portrayal, and some might see it as an anachronism. However, given the vast number of interpretations of Arthurian legend across centuries, Lawhead's choice to emphasize Merlin's pragmatism and restrained use of his powers feels almost like a refreshing take. It allows for a more nuanced understanding of Merlin, removing the typical "all-powerful wizard" trope and replacing it with a complex, thoughtful character who weighs his actions carefully. Similarly, Lawhead's portrayal of violence is a welcome departure from the often gratuitous depictions found in other Arthurian retellings. His Merlin isn't just a war hero; he understands the necessity of violence, but he's also reluctant to engage in it unless absolutely necessary, which I found refreshing.
In conclusion, despite any minor criticisms, Merlin is a phenomenal book. It's a fantastic blend of historical accuracy, engaging storytelling, and compelling characters. Lawhead's skill in weaving together these elements makes for an unforgettable reading experience that's both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying. The sheer scope of the story, the richness of its world-building, and the depth of its characters leave a lasting impression long after you’ve finished the last page. It’s truly a masterpiece of the genre.
Information
- Dimensions: 4.13 x 1 x 6.75 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 656
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Baen