Ask the Author: Robert Treskillard
Answered Questions (5)
Robert Treskillard
Thanks for the question, Abby! The books are written for the YA market yet enjoyed by many adults. The books are clean and without sex or nudity, although they do have violence for the era and can be a little dark.
Robert Treskillard
I tell people the books are for ages 12 to 112 ... but that of course depends on how sensitive someone is. The Merlin Spiral can be dark at times (especially the last book). They are clean in all respects except for violence related to the era, as well as some focus on the evil pagan practices that Merlin is fighting against. Some kids as young as 9 have read them with parental involvement and had no trouble. I hope that helps!
Robert Treskillard
I'm currently about half done with book 1 of The Pendragon Spiral: ARTHUR'S BLADE. Here's a very short description of the novel:
A love lost—a kingdom divided—and the dragon is hunting Arthur
Arthur’s woes mount when Gwenivere rejects him and Mórgana enchants the nobles of Britain. So when the invaders conquer more of the island and Arthur is caught, can he save Gwenivere and kill Mórgana’s dragon ... without making the ultimate sacrifice?
A love lost—a kingdom divided—and the dragon is hunting Arthur
Arthur’s woes mount when Gwenivere rejects him and Mórgana enchants the nobles of Britain. So when the invaders conquer more of the island and Arthur is caught, can he save Gwenivere and kill Mórgana’s dragon ... without making the ultimate sacrifice?
Robert Treskillard
Thanks for the question Sabrina! I think what you're seeing is my attempt to make Merlin a very normal and human character that anyone can relate to, with frailties, doubts, and fears. As part of that I'm trying to stay a little closer to what a historical Merlin might have looked like, and at the same time try to honor the oldest legends about him being more of a prophet than a wizard (in the Gandalf sort of way). Even so, I do like to add some fantasy elements to the story, and I think it stacks the odds against Merlin and Arthur that they don't have magic on their side. Still, you can expect a few surprises in the next series, which I can't give away here!
On the question as to whether everything goes someone's way in the end, keep in mind that, ultimately, the King Arthur legend is a tragedy. I try not to shirk from painful, and difficult things happening to my characters, including death. Merlin even deals with a touch of madness as per the legends, and I will revisit that theme at the end of the next trilogy, THE PENDRAGON SPIRAL, which is under development.
On the question as to whether everything goes someone's way in the end, keep in mind that, ultimately, the King Arthur legend is a tragedy. I try not to shirk from painful, and difficult things happening to my characters, including death. Merlin even deals with a touch of madness as per the legends, and I will revisit that theme at the end of the next trilogy, THE PENDRAGON SPIRAL, which is under development.
Robert Treskillard
I just saw your question for the first time ... sorry it took me so long!
I'm approaching 40% finished with ARTHUR'S BLADE, book 1 of The Pendragon Spiral ... no release date set, but I am working on it!
Oh, and it's going to be really fun, more like Merlin's Blade than the other two. Arthur's romance with Gwenivere will also take some fun twists and turns, and a new character is introduced ... a shepherd boy named Brastias who will play a major role in the novel.
I'm approaching 40% finished with ARTHUR'S BLADE, book 1 of The Pendragon Spiral ... no release date set, but I am working on it!
Oh, and it's going to be really fun, more like Merlin's Blade than the other two. Arthur's romance with Gwenivere will also take some fun twists and turns, and a new character is introduced ... a shepherd boy named Brastias who will play a major role in the novel.
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