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The Pendragon Cycle #2
Merlin
He was born to greatness, the son of a druid bard and a princess of lost Atlantis. A trained warrior, blessed with the gifts of prophecy and song, he grew to manhood in a land ravaged by the brutal greed of petty chieftains and barbarian invaders.
Merlin: Respected, feared and hated by many, he was to have a higher destiny. for It was he who prepared the way for the momentous event that would unite the Island of the Mighty—the coming of Arthur Pendragon, Lord of the Kingdom of Summer.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1987
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5828 people want to read
About the author
Stephen R. Lawhead
103 books2,761 followersStephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium, Patrick, and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion.
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
Also see his fanpage at Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenlawhead...
Stephen was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. Most of his early life was spent in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological college for two years. His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.
After a brief foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he began full-time freelance writing in 1981. He moved to England in order to research Celtic legend and history. His first novel, In the Hall of the Dragon King, became the first in a series of three books (The Dragon King Trilogy) and was followed by the two-volume Empyrion saga, Dream Thief and then the Pendragon Cycle, now in five volumes: Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail. This was followed by the award-winning Song of Albion series which consists of The Paradise War, The Silver Hand, and The Endless Knot.
He has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, also a writer, with whom he has collaborated on some books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.
Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have been published in twenty-one foreign languages. All of his novels have remained continuously in print in the United States and Britain since they were first published. He has won numereous industry awards for his novels and children's books, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.
also write under the name Steve Lawhead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 401 reviews
February 15, 2022
Rating: 2.5* of five
The Publisher Says: He was born to greatness, the son of a druid bard and a princess of lost Atlantis. A trained warrior, blessed with the gifts of prophecy and song, he grew to manhood in a land ravaged by the brutal greed of petty chieftains and barbarian invaders.
Merlin: Respected, feared and hated by many, he was to have a higher destiny. for It was he who prepared the way for the momentous event that would unite the Island of the Mighty—the coming of Arthur Pendragon, Lord of the Kingdom of Summer.
My Review: Merlin's first-person narrative of how he makes Arthur into ARTHUR.
More Jesusy stuff. Now admittedly it's not the Roman Catholic horror that's called, very puzzlingly, Christianity (it's not); but the whole subject area grates on me when presented to me as An Undeniable, Inevitable Progressive Event. It wasn't. It made things a lot worse for a lot of people for over a millennium. (Religious wars pretty much non-stop from Western Imperial fall until...wait, until now! So TWO millenia!)
I liked Merlin's first-person narrative voice a lot more than the first book's omniscient narration. But the Atlantean horse pucky and the religious nonsense...well, had it not been for a cute boy wanting me to read his favorite books, I'd've dropped them fast.
The Publisher Says: He was born to greatness, the son of a druid bard and a princess of lost Atlantis. A trained warrior, blessed with the gifts of prophecy and song, he grew to manhood in a land ravaged by the brutal greed of petty chieftains and barbarian invaders.
Merlin: Respected, feared and hated by many, he was to have a higher destiny. for It was he who prepared the way for the momentous event that would unite the Island of the Mighty—the coming of Arthur Pendragon, Lord of the Kingdom of Summer.
My Review: Merlin's first-person narrative of how he makes Arthur into ARTHUR.
More Jesusy stuff. Now admittedly it's not the Roman Catholic horror that's called, very puzzlingly, Christianity (it's not); but the whole subject area grates on me when presented to me as An Undeniable, Inevitable Progressive Event. It wasn't. It made things a lot worse for a lot of people for over a millennium. (Religious wars pretty much non-stop from Western Imperial fall until...wait, until now! So TWO millenia!)
I liked Merlin's first-person narrative voice a lot more than the first book's omniscient narration. But the Atlantean horse pucky and the religious nonsense...well, had it not been for a cute boy wanting me to read his favorite books, I'd've dropped them fast.
February 16, 2022
Rarely have I had such a strong negative reaction to a book. I hated it. And part of the reason, I think, I that the first volume, Taliesin, was superb. But while in Taliesin Lawhead spun an intriguing tale that treated the source material with respect, Merlin quickly becomes a religious tract proclaiming how superior christianity is to the pagan religions that it displaces.
For me, Lawhead did two unforgivable things in this book. First, he makes Merlin a christian and a missionary. Yes, of course the Arthur cycle is part of European christian heritage - but Merlin is ALWAYS the link back to the pagan past, the holder of the magic of ancient knowledge and the oral tradition that stretches back before the christians and even the Romans. To co-opt him as a tool to preach the christianity that destroys that tradition, when almost every other aspect of the story already serves that purpose, is both pointless and offensive.
And even worse than this, the author turns aside from writing a fine, gripping, meaningful story with strong religious sentiments and begins to write a sermon.
For me, Lawhead did two unforgivable things in this book. First, he makes Merlin a christian and a missionary. Yes, of course the Arthur cycle is part of European christian heritage - but Merlin is ALWAYS the link back to the pagan past, the holder of the magic of ancient knowledge and the oral tradition that stretches back before the christians and even the Romans. To co-opt him as a tool to preach the christianity that destroys that tradition, when almost every other aspect of the story already serves that purpose, is both pointless and offensive.
And even worse than this, the author turns aside from writing a fine, gripping, meaningful story with strong religious sentiments and begins to write a sermon.
September 15, 2024
3.5⭐️
First Person
Merlin’s story.
There is gore and violent scenes within the context of medieval war.
Language: 7 ba, 2 bi, 1 d
1 fade to black scene? (I’m not really sure how to label it)
A quote that I really liked was simply, “ ‘if’ cannot change ‘is’”
First Person
Merlin’s story.
There is gore and violent scenes within the context of medieval war.
Language: 7 ba, 2 bi, 1 d
1 fade to black scene? (I’m not really sure how to label it)
A quote that I really liked was simply, “ ‘if’ cannot change ‘is’”
February 3, 2009
This second book in the series takes us from Merlin's childhood to his saving baby Arthur (I don't think that's a spoiler---don't we all know he did that?). Unlike Taliesin, the narration is first person, which I think is right. I like Merlin telling his own story. I liked this one more than I liked Taliesin, but that was to be expected. Isn't Merlin everyone's favorite Arthurian character? Merlin is a character who's taken on many forms. I like the old Once and Future King/Disney Merlin (though I've always struggled with the concept of him living backward), but I like a young and studly Merlin, as in this book, as well. He is sometimes presented as evil (after all, by most accounts he is the son of a demon---speaking of which, if you haven't seen Hellboys I & II, I highly recommend them). Anyway, Lawhead's Merlin is good and quite religious. Speaking of religion, of course Christianity is a big part of Arthurian legend---holy grail and all---and these books are no exception; however, the Christianity of Arthurian legend is a little weird and kind of pagan, which is certainly the case with these books, but I'm not bothered by it. Moving on, Lawhead clearly knows his Malory and his Geoffrey---he is obviously well versed in Arthurian legend, though he changes major aspects of more traditional versions---such things as Merlin's parentage (and Arthur's, for that matter) or having the character who has traditionally been Merlin's sister be his wife instead. Legends have no definitive source, so I don't mind him changing things up, as long as he doesn't brutalize the soul of the story a la that wretched travesty, First Knight.
February 16, 2016
As much as I liked the first book in the series, I liked this one more. The first book told two intertwining stories as it needed to do. This was done well, but Merlin is much more focused and I liked it better for that. This is really my favorite of the retellings regarding Merlin, especially since he is a man of virtue and humility.
November 20, 2018
After the major disappointment that was Patrick, it was refreshing to read Merlin. It reminded my why I still call Lawhead one of my favorite authors. Not to mention, the theology wasn't horribly suspect (always a plus).
Merlin is, for me, one of those books that breathes truth, beauty, and goodness. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, and awful things happen, but there is a definite Hope and Light to it that is missing from a lot of books, especially what I've read recently. It is now on the short list of books I reach for when I need hope and soul-refreshing.
Favorite Things
- Merlin. I love his character development and growth, and just of grouchy and done with everything (especially Uthur) he gets toward the end. Its like reading Lord of the Rings from Gandalf's perspective.
- Ganieda. Possibly one of my favorite female characters ever.
- Hafgan and Dafyd and Elfin and Charis and Maelwys and all the characters I fell in love with in Talisien.
- The prayers and hymns and poetry.
- It's an Arthurian retelling, and I'm mildly obsessed with those. Not to mention it's my favorite at the moment.
All in all, it is a book that is meant to be savored and a worthy sequel to Talisien. I probably won't pick up Arthur (the next book) immediately, since I've got two books going already and four out from the library, but I definitely look forward to it.
(As a small note, there is some language, though it is said by a literal demon so I wasn't too bothered. Also, a marriage happens and the narrative takes you closer to the event after that than some people might be comfortable with, though nothing is explicitly shown)
Merlin is, for me, one of those books that breathes truth, beauty, and goodness. It's not all sunshine and rainbows, and awful things happen, but there is a definite Hope and Light to it that is missing from a lot of books, especially what I've read recently. It is now on the short list of books I reach for when I need hope and soul-refreshing.
Favorite Things
- Merlin. I love his character development and growth, and just of grouchy and done with everything (especially Uthur) he gets toward the end. Its like reading Lord of the Rings from Gandalf's perspective.
- Ganieda. Possibly one of my favorite female characters ever.
- Hafgan and Dafyd and Elfin and Charis and Maelwys and all the characters I fell in love with in Talisien.
- The prayers and hymns and poetry.
Great Light, Mover of all that is moving and at rest, be my Journey and my far Destination, be my Want and my Fulfilling, be my Sowing and my Reaping, be my glad Song and my stark Silence. Be my Sword and my strong Shield, be my Lantern and my dark Night, be my everlasting Strength and my piteous Weakness. Be my Greeting and my parting Prayer, be my bright Vision and my Blindness, be my Joy and my sharp Grief, be my sad Death and my sure Resurrection!
- It's an Arthurian retelling, and I'm mildly obsessed with those. Not to mention it's my favorite at the moment.
All in all, it is a book that is meant to be savored and a worthy sequel to Talisien. I probably won't pick up Arthur (the next book) immediately, since I've got two books going already and four out from the library, but I definitely look forward to it.
(As a small note, there is some language, though it is said by a literal demon so I wasn't too bothered. Also, a marriage happens and the narrative takes you closer to the event after that than some people might be comfortable with, though nothing is explicitly shown)
May 18, 2024
This volume was a worthy successor to Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle. Merlin proved to be emotionally engaging, if not a bit long. I usually don't find long books to be a problem if they maintain a clear and easily followed trajectory of the narrative. However, the narrative of this book can be likened to a wavelength that gets increasingly intense as the story dips into troughs and rises to each vista, which felt rather wearying at times. There were little mini story arcs throughout the work that serve to keep the reader engaged, and added real epic weight to the novel, as you follow along the great joys and sadnesses of Merlin's life story. The love story between Merlin and Ganieda I found to be incredibly moving and warm and the sad ending to their story I found deeply devastating. Words cannot express how much I was moved by the period afterwards, in which Merlin spends several years in madness completely wrecked by his grief. The end of that period of his life, in which a mysterious figure (a not-so-subtle Jesus) comes to clean him and give him new clothes before sending him back into the world, I found to be such a powerful picture of the grace and patience of Christ.
Lawhead is unashamedly a Christ-follower, and it is apparent throughout this work that he wants you to be too. Merlin and his family are all steadfast followers of 'Jesu, Son of the Ever-living' and the way that is presented is both beautiful and meaningful. The Way of Christ is never presented in a glib fashion, or in a distasteful or dismissive way. Rather than seeing Christ as the dismissive answer to pain, rather, Lawhead presents a Christ who walks through deep pain with His children, joining them in the midst of it rather than standing far off.
In the last several decades of Arthurian fiction, it's become fashionable to associate Arthur with ancient Brythonic paganism. And while that movement has done much to recover a truly British vision of Arthur, it has obscured in a very unhelpful and inaccurate way the deeply-Christian nature of the Arthurian stories. Even at the time when we believe Arthur may have lived (post-Roman Britain, 5th and 6th century Britain), Britain was by no means a pagan stronghold. Arthur would have most likely been a Christian, and Christianity had by then most likely become the majority religion throughout Britannia. I appreciate Lawhead's recovery of the Christian ethos of the Arthurian myths. It is all too-easily forgotten that the tenets of what make King Arthur's reign so appealing, defence of the poor, raising up of the downtrodden, mercy over cold execution of justice, government over anarchy, the rule of law, respect for the dignity of women, and pursuit of holiness are all deeply rooted in Christian ethics.
All of these qualities abound in this volume and I look forward to continuing the read.
This was my favourite quote and one that I want framed and put on my wall:
Lawhead is unashamedly a Christ-follower, and it is apparent throughout this work that he wants you to be too. Merlin and his family are all steadfast followers of 'Jesu, Son of the Ever-living' and the way that is presented is both beautiful and meaningful. The Way of Christ is never presented in a glib fashion, or in a distasteful or dismissive way. Rather than seeing Christ as the dismissive answer to pain, rather, Lawhead presents a Christ who walks through deep pain with His children, joining them in the midst of it rather than standing far off.
In the last several decades of Arthurian fiction, it's become fashionable to associate Arthur with ancient Brythonic paganism. And while that movement has done much to recover a truly British vision of Arthur, it has obscured in a very unhelpful and inaccurate way the deeply-Christian nature of the Arthurian stories. Even at the time when we believe Arthur may have lived (post-Roman Britain, 5th and 6th century Britain), Britain was by no means a pagan stronghold. Arthur would have most likely been a Christian, and Christianity had by then most likely become the majority religion throughout Britannia. I appreciate Lawhead's recovery of the Christian ethos of the Arthurian myths. It is all too-easily forgotten that the tenets of what make King Arthur's reign so appealing, defence of the poor, raising up of the downtrodden, mercy over cold execution of justice, government over anarchy, the rule of law, respect for the dignity of women, and pursuit of holiness are all deeply rooted in Christian ethics.
All of these qualities abound in this volume and I look forward to continuing the read.
This was my favourite quote and one that I want framed and put on my wall:
'Bear witness, all you kings, these are the marks of the man who will make this sword his own:'He will be a man such as other men will die for; he will love justice, uphold righteousness, do mercy. To the haughty he will be a king such as has never been in this worlds-realm: the least man in his camp shall be a lord, and his chieftains shall be kings of great renown. Chief Dragon of Britain, he shall stand head and shoulders above the rulers of this world in kindness, no less than in valour; in compassion, no less than in prowess. For he will carry the True Light of God in his heart.
'From his eyes will fly fiery embers; each finger on his hand will be as a strong steel band, and his sword-arm judgment's lightning. All men alive in the Island of the Mighty will bow the knee to him. Bards will feast on his deeds, become drunk on his virtue, and sing out unending praises that the knowledge of his reign will reach all lands.
'As Long as earth and sky endure, his glory will be in the mouths of men who love honour and peace and goodness. As long as this world lasts, his name will live, and as long as eternity his spirit will endure.
'I, Myrddin Emrys, prophesy this.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2024
I’m continuing my buddy read of this series with my husband in preparation for the show coming out. This is old school fantasy, so it’s a lot slower pace of a at times, but still an awesome story with great faith content. I love Arthurian legend! The show on daily wire looks like it’s going to be really well done!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Content: I would give it an R rating just for the violence (it is Christian fiction). There is adescription of women being found who had been r*ped and a scene where a demon is cast out of someone. Also the “B” word.
⚠️Content: I would give it an R rating just for the violence (it is Christian fiction). There is adescription of women being found who had been r*ped and a scene where a demon is cast out of someone. Also the “B” word.
August 5, 2019
With the second book in the series, things started to get more interesting and more in-line with the legends we already know and love. What Lawhead does with the classic Arthurian myths is both original and true to their essence.
Hard to say more than I already did when reviewing Taliesin, but I'll repeat myself nonetheless: one of the best things about the book is how well-documented it is, both in terms of the legends and the historical old Celtic world of the 6th and 7th centuries AD.
Hard to say more than I already did when reviewing Taliesin, but I'll repeat myself nonetheless: one of the best things about the book is how well-documented it is, both in terms of the legends and the historical old Celtic world of the 6th and 7th centuries AD.
March 2, 2021
4.75. As the second book in the 5 part series, this one was much better than the first. The Pendragon series often reads more like historical fiction than fantasy, and this one has quite a bit of emotional turmoil.
May 4, 2017
Segundo libro y tan bueno o más que el primero. Si en Las Nieblas De Avalon caímos rendidos ante Morgana, en esta obra somos subyugados por este Merlin.
En esta obra seguiremos paso a paso el crecimiento de este legendario mago, conoceremos su origen, y entenderemos cómo fue que aquellos sucesos oídos en un sin número de canciones y leídos en igual cantidad de textos, forjaron su leyenda.
Comenzaremos por su infancia, el mismísimo Myrddin (nombre celta del mago), nos contará su historia. Volveremos a encontrarnos con el rey Avallach y su hija Charis, madre del protagonista, otra vez sentiremos ese cada vez más débil toque místico, característico de la primera entrega, en las enseñanzas que el chico recibirá por parte de Hafgan, antiguo mentor de Taliesin. Descubriremos una realidad tanto religiosa como políticamente nueva. Si en Taliesin pudimos encontrarnos con un detallado mundo druídico y romano, en Merlín veremos como aquellas antiguas y cada vez más débiles creencias y costumbres se verán ofuscadas lentamente por la aparición del Cristianismo como única y poderosa fuente de fe y de Jesús, el más grande hombre, digno de imitar e idolatrar. La narración continuará con la juventud y adultez del mago más grande de todos los tiempos, de esta forma, seguiremos la vida de Merlín, descubriremos aventuras, traiciones, amores y desamores, honor, oscuridad, penas y luchas, palabras, cantos y llantos en una fascinante y épica historia. Una historia que te atrapa y de la que ya no puedes escapar.
En esta obra seguiremos paso a paso el crecimiento de este legendario mago, conoceremos su origen, y entenderemos cómo fue que aquellos sucesos oídos en un sin número de canciones y leídos en igual cantidad de textos, forjaron su leyenda.
Comenzaremos por su infancia, el mismísimo Myrddin (nombre celta del mago), nos contará su historia. Volveremos a encontrarnos con el rey Avallach y su hija Charis, madre del protagonista, otra vez sentiremos ese cada vez más débil toque místico, característico de la primera entrega, en las enseñanzas que el chico recibirá por parte de Hafgan, antiguo mentor de Taliesin. Descubriremos una realidad tanto religiosa como políticamente nueva. Si en Taliesin pudimos encontrarnos con un detallado mundo druídico y romano, en Merlín veremos como aquellas antiguas y cada vez más débiles creencias y costumbres se verán ofuscadas lentamente por la aparición del Cristianismo como única y poderosa fuente de fe y de Jesús, el más grande hombre, digno de imitar e idolatrar. La narración continuará con la juventud y adultez del mago más grande de todos los tiempos, de esta forma, seguiremos la vida de Merlín, descubriremos aventuras, traiciones, amores y desamores, honor, oscuridad, penas y luchas, palabras, cantos y llantos en una fascinante y épica historia. Una historia que te atrapa y de la que ya no puedes escapar.
April 28, 2020
I read the first book of this quartet of Lawhead's reimagining of the Arthurian legends what feels like a lifetime ago and finally dredged up the motivation to continue. Entertaining enough and a surprisingly quick read for 500+ pages, but I do wish I'd read this in the original language rather than the German translation - at least then I'd know whether to blame the overly flowery prose on the author or the translator. Less religious babble might have helped, too... was all the "our lord and saviour Jesus Christ" blathering really necessary for this tale? Oh well. Since I happen to own the entire series, I'll continue it eventually... you never know, maybe I'll enjoy the latter half more.
December 17, 2022
4.5⭐️
It is very interesting to see from the previous book to this one how everything is fitting together to bring about the reign of King Arthur.
This book was a bit more violent than the last but I'm totally enamored by the storyline and am excited to start the next work.
Half a star off because some of the politics (although necessary to the story) got a little boring at times and a weird semi-graphic exorcist scene towards the end that I feel like contributed nothing to the plot. Lol
I listened to the audiobook for free on Hoopla. I actually hated this new narrator when it first started but got used to him after a while. Give me Wanda back!! 😭
It is very interesting to see from the previous book to this one how everything is fitting together to bring about the reign of King Arthur.
This book was a bit more violent than the last but I'm totally enamored by the storyline and am excited to start the next work.
Half a star off because some of the politics (although necessary to the story) got a little boring at times and a weird semi-graphic exorcist scene towards the end that I feel like contributed nothing to the plot. Lol
I listened to the audiobook for free on Hoopla. I actually hated this new narrator when it first started but got used to him after a while. Give me Wanda back!! 😭
January 8, 2024
Inconsistent writing and story. A bit of a slog. Ending was okay. Will eventually read Arthur but probably not the whole cycle.
January 20, 2026
I started reading Stephen Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle because of the new Daily Wire adaptation. Going in, I only had the most basic, surface-level knowledge of the Arthurian legends—the whole “sword in the stone” bit—so this review comes from the perspective of someone brand new to the story.
The second book, Merlin, sets up that legend in a post-Roman Britain where Christianity is still fighting for a foothold on a largely pagan island. Lawhead’s Merlin isn’t the typical wizard figure, but a man striving to live out a genuine Christian faith—even when his belief falters. Guided by heavenly visions, he clings to what is good and true, even when it costs him something.
The story blends faith, war, and politics in a way that feels vivid and real. It’s not exactly a “stay up until 3 a.m.” kind of page-turner, but it’s the kind of story that lingers with you—and by the end, I couldn’t wait to keep going with the series.
The second book, Merlin, sets up that legend in a post-Roman Britain where Christianity is still fighting for a foothold on a largely pagan island. Lawhead’s Merlin isn’t the typical wizard figure, but a man striving to live out a genuine Christian faith—even when his belief falters. Guided by heavenly visions, he clings to what is good and true, even when it costs him something.
The story blends faith, war, and politics in a way that feels vivid and real. It’s not exactly a “stay up until 3 a.m.” kind of page-turner, but it’s the kind of story that lingers with you—and by the end, I couldn’t wait to keep going with the series.
August 26, 2021
Mixed feelings on this one because I really struggled getting through parts 1 &2, and then absolutely flew through part 3. Now that we're finally getting to Arthur, we'll see what I think about the rest of the series.
March 13, 2011
I struggled with Merlin. While I loved Taliesin there were aspects of that book as well that I struggled with, mostly the names and places. I took my time reading it and then I took my time reading Merlin and with Merlin, I just ended up feeling completely out of my depths.
I felt while I was reading this story, that I should have come into it knowing a little more about the history. As it was, I was surrounded by names and places that I couldn't pronounce and a story that I just couldn't follow, no matter how many times I flipped back and forth trying to remember and put things together. I'm really unhappy about this too, because I desperately wanted to like this book as much as I liked the first.
I will probably give it another try another time. In the meantime, I don't think I'll be moving on to the next book in the series anytime soon.
I felt while I was reading this story, that I should have come into it knowing a little more about the history. As it was, I was surrounded by names and places that I couldn't pronounce and a story that I just couldn't follow, no matter how many times I flipped back and forth trying to remember and put things together. I'm really unhappy about this too, because I desperately wanted to like this book as much as I liked the first.
I will probably give it another try another time. In the meantime, I don't think I'll be moving on to the next book in the series anytime soon.
September 10, 2021
A solid sequel to Taliesin, though not as good as that book. This one has a heavier emphasis on Arthurian legend. For a book about Merlin, I expected more magic. The book is emotional, especially related to the pain of loss. The pace is too slow at times, and spends too much time on politics for my taste.
May 17, 2018
I don't know. Perhaps I was expecting more "Merlinish" things but there was little that happened in this book. It just felt like tons of filler to me, and I wasn't that interested in this characterization of Merlin.
August 30, 2012
La historia de Merlin, desde su tierna infancia, aprendiendo tanto de los druidas como de los curas cristianos que ya estaban en Inglaterra hasta que se convierte en adulto. Su romance con una princesa y después los años que pasa en el bosque hasta que descubre su destino.
November 14, 2009
I'm so tired of Rehashes of the Arthurian legend,(there seem to be thousands) but the Lawhead series is (I think) better than the norm.
February 5, 2020
I really love Lawhead's Merlin. There was a gruesome bit (fighting Saxons probably was), but I love seeing how a familiar legend is getting written about in the very real ancient Britain.
August 9, 2021
Ok, fun to read. Sometimes feels like a halfway house between myth and history, biased towards the latter, which makes physically wacking a sword into a stone feel out of place.
December 3, 2024
“This is where it begins: First there is a sword, the Sword of Britain.
And the sword is Britain.”
And the sword is Britain.”
May 17, 2016
The Pendragon Trilogy, by Stephen R. Lawhead, which includes Taliesin, Merlin, and Arthur. I read old paperbacks from Avon Books which I received as hand-me-downs from my aunt. The original publication dates were 1987, 1988, and 1989.
Turns out I was confused about these books. I had figured out the order of the trilogy as Taliesin, Merlin, and Arthur, but here and there I would see other titles in the series. So, once I had finished the trilogy, I researched and discovered that the “trilogy” was expanded, a few years after publication, into a “cycle,” with the addition of two more books: Pendragon and Grail. The problem? Because Lawhead released these after realizing the giant hole he left in the plot in the quick wrap-up of Arthur, he ended up writing into the hole. In other words, the books suddenly stop being (or working) chronologically. Called “more like an appendix” and “better than Arthur,” the latter books are now read by many in a makeshift order, which I wish I had done.
Sorta. Because even though I would have appreciated the whole thing in the chronological-event order without the gaping hole, I didn’t enjoy the first three books enough to want to continue to two more. I’m still torn on whether or not I should or want to continue the series.
In the words of Jessi from GoodReads, “If I were to go back in time, I would read the first book in Pendragon, then the first two books of Arthur, then go back and finish Pendragon, then finish Arthur. That’s how it actually goes sequentially.” Although, with Grail thrown in there, you would have to insert it before Arthur‘s third and final “book.” For a list of the chronological progression, see the Wikipedia article HERE. But how obnoxious do we want to get? How much does all this jumping around and amending take away from the quality of the series? I mean, reading it without knowing these tricks, I just got to the end and–through tiny little tears–thought, What?!? We worked our way (the entire time) up to the Kingdom of Summer and then it was SKIPPED?!?
But to be honest, it wasn’t as surprising as it should of been, because the whole trilogy has major issues with plot development. We’ll get to that in a minute.
First, let’s talk about another super-handy list at Wikipedia that–had I known then what I know now–I would have printed out to have hand while reading. This list is the modern character and place name equivalents of the ones that Lawhead uses. In his defense, the whole series is moved back several centuries (to fifth century Britain from medieval times) to line it up more closely with the demise of Atlantis and the Roman empire. From there, the books are highly history-inspired, which means that the names have been made more appropriate to the time period. However, I really fault Lawhead for not giving us a simple list by which to decipher the characters and places we have grown accustomed to, like the (obvious) Guinevere as Gwenhwyvar, or–the much less obvious–Excalibur as Caledvwlch.
Not to mention, it would have been helpful to know why I was beginning an Arthurian trilogy on Atlantis, with nary a character to recognize (or so I thought).
Basically, I love reading Arthurian legends, but–despite its fan-base and high recommendations–I have a lot to complain about this series. Some more:
The narrator changes. This wouldn’t be so bad if it happened on a consistent basis, but it doesn’t. And there were times I was wondering who on earth was talking to me, and why. Not only that, but the voice barely changes (or not at all) between the narrators. Only the perspective does.
The book was rampant with negative phrases like “no less than.” It drove me batty.
There were a lot of battles. Detailed. Especially in Arthur. Some people live for that type of fantasy writing. I do not.
The series just plain lacked excitement. The best bits were really the middle of Taliesin and the end of Arthur. In between, I was usually bored.
Lawhead has a really strange way of in-your-face foreshadowing. In and of itself, it’s a bit laughable. But when you pair it with lack of delivery, it’s downright infuriating. Like, he might say, “Their fears for the morning would prove to be true.” Then, in the morning, maybe it would drizzle and then they would win the battle. WHAT?!? This happened over and over and over. I would get all psyched up for some fore-told event, and the event itself would fizzle in a lake of mediocrity and ordinariness.
Specifically, Morgian’s (Morgan le Fay) evilness is talked up frequently and Merlin is always showing physical anxiety about her. But when she does show up–so rarely–she’s almost all talk and she accomplishes very little. The two truly vile things she actually does manage are off-screen and vague. The same is true for Guinevere (in the negative), but I am assured that she comes more into her own in the later books.
All in all, I felt very unfulfilled with character and plot development. I felt like there were a whole mess of words which took me nowhere. And the development that did happen came in fits and starts that trailed off into oblivion. (It’s hard to accurately describe this feeling. Because I know, literally, the plot did continue on. But it was like running in a dream. Or like you were reading an author’s plot notes. Or running on a treadmill. There was no zing. No exceitement.) Plus, it seems to me that Lawhead omitted many of the messier sides of his primary characters in favor of a glossier Christianity (and I say this as a Christian.) This is boring and inauthentic. Where is the affair? Where is the illegitimate son? It’s part of the legends, and it’s part of what would make these characters both relatable and–in the long run–heroes.
Lawhead is quite an author for telling, anyways. He’s more likely–at least in these books–to tell you that something is “majestic” than to help you feel its majesty.
In conclusion, if you like Arthurian legends or classic fantasy and are willing to persevere when things are less than perfect, then you should take a crack at this series. I would recommend having a list of the modern names, nearby, and also read the books in the order recommended above. Keep a keen eye on passing time (while understanding that some of the characters live much longer than mere humans), place, tribes/people groups, and people. With the cursory knowledge that you now have, of the series, I’m pretty sure you’ll have a much better experience than I did.
Oh, and Atlanteans = Elves.
(Please note that Lawhead would argue me on this last point, as well as give a much clearer explanation on why the books ended up in the state they did. See his comments at The Starving Artist review.)
_______________
QUOTES:
TALIESIN:
“‘Yes, and good fortune will require more of you than failure ever did'” (p155).
“‘That is where you are wrong, woman. There is never enough time for love-making. We must take it when we can'” (p330).
“‘That matters but little,’ Cuall reminded him. ‘They are here, and that is the meal that is on our plate'” (p336).
MERLIN:
“Yet, every man has two names: the one he is given, and the one he wins for himself” (p15).
“And as there is much evil in the world, there is much doubt also” (p15).
“Humility, if it comes at all, most always comes too late” (p21).
“…the twin fields of bed and battle” (p27).
“A city is an unnatural place” (p30).
“But as I said, men’s hearts remember long after their minds have forgotten” (p38).
“You must understand, Myrddin Bach, not every man will follow the Light” (p45).
“They did not trust writing, and in this showed remarkable wisdom” (p61).
“I believe that certain powerful events leave behind their own lingering traces which also color the land in subtle ways” (p135).
“…the seasons fly? Up they swirl, winging back to the Great Hand which gave them. They fly like the wild geese, but nevermore return” (p193).
“Be thankful you are knit with such strong stuff” (p324).
“To decide for one is to decide against another. I never imagined it would be this hard” (p328).
“This is our work in creation: to decide. And what we decide is woven into the thread of time and being forever” (p328).
“But remember the church is only men, and men can become jealous of another’s favor. Do not hate them for it” (p329).
“…even though I know the Light is ever found in the lost unlikely places” (p333).
“Hearing with understanding is perhaps the greater part of wisdom” (p347).
“Once spoken, a word can not be called back; once loosed, an arrow cannot return to the bow. What happens, for good or ill, happens forever, and that is the way of it” (p364).
“As I have said, the illuminating spirit, like the wind, goes where it will, and sheds a light that all-too-often obscures as much as it reveals” (p381).
“…you are not the first man to love a woman. Stop acting like a wounded bear and let us discover what can be done” (p385).
“It happens like this sometimes–and all the plans, all the reasons, all desires and possibilities fade to nothing. And all that remains is the single unwilled act” (p392).
“Of course, there is no certainty in following, either. That is what makes it faith” (p393).
“Unreasonable men are even unreasonable, and only become more so when threatened. Truth always threatens the false-hearted” (p393).
“…forgive yourself as you have been forgiven. Your failings are not unique to you alone” (p421).
“That she loved where she should rightly despise was her glory” (p439).
ARTHUR:
“If you feel maligned and impugned in his presence,’ he said, ‘no doubt it is the truth working in you'” (p35).
“It was, they discovered, the foundation stone of the worlds-realm, so they decided to lift it up and see what lay beneath it. This they did. And do you know what they found?’/’I cannot say. What did they find?’/’Love,’ replied Myrddin simply” (p148).
“…as if good men and brave did not sleep in turf houses in ground hallowed by their own blood… as if war were a word” (p197).
“Great Light! The enemy’s power is so fragile! The devils can use only what we ourselves give them” (p220).
“‘Then be worthy, boy. No one stands between you and your honor!'” (p330).
“That which is given to us to do, we will do,’ he said and turned his face away. ‘We are men and not angles after all'” (p404).
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
Turns out I was confused about these books. I had figured out the order of the trilogy as Taliesin, Merlin, and Arthur, but here and there I would see other titles in the series. So, once I had finished the trilogy, I researched and discovered that the “trilogy” was expanded, a few years after publication, into a “cycle,” with the addition of two more books: Pendragon and Grail. The problem? Because Lawhead released these after realizing the giant hole he left in the plot in the quick wrap-up of Arthur, he ended up writing into the hole. In other words, the books suddenly stop being (or working) chronologically. Called “more like an appendix” and “better than Arthur,” the latter books are now read by many in a makeshift order, which I wish I had done.
Sorta. Because even though I would have appreciated the whole thing in the chronological-event order without the gaping hole, I didn’t enjoy the first three books enough to want to continue to two more. I’m still torn on whether or not I should or want to continue the series.
In the words of Jessi from GoodReads, “If I were to go back in time, I would read the first book in Pendragon, then the first two books of Arthur, then go back and finish Pendragon, then finish Arthur. That’s how it actually goes sequentially.” Although, with Grail thrown in there, you would have to insert it before Arthur‘s third and final “book.” For a list of the chronological progression, see the Wikipedia article HERE. But how obnoxious do we want to get? How much does all this jumping around and amending take away from the quality of the series? I mean, reading it without knowing these tricks, I just got to the end and–through tiny little tears–thought, What?!? We worked our way (the entire time) up to the Kingdom of Summer and then it was SKIPPED?!?
But to be honest, it wasn’t as surprising as it should of been, because the whole trilogy has major issues with plot development. We’ll get to that in a minute.
First, let’s talk about another super-handy list at Wikipedia that–had I known then what I know now–I would have printed out to have hand while reading. This list is the modern character and place name equivalents of the ones that Lawhead uses. In his defense, the whole series is moved back several centuries (to fifth century Britain from medieval times) to line it up more closely with the demise of Atlantis and the Roman empire. From there, the books are highly history-inspired, which means that the names have been made more appropriate to the time period. However, I really fault Lawhead for not giving us a simple list by which to decipher the characters and places we have grown accustomed to, like the (obvious) Guinevere as Gwenhwyvar, or–the much less obvious–Excalibur as Caledvwlch.
Not to mention, it would have been helpful to know why I was beginning an Arthurian trilogy on Atlantis, with nary a character to recognize (or so I thought).
Basically, I love reading Arthurian legends, but–despite its fan-base and high recommendations–I have a lot to complain about this series. Some more:
The narrator changes. This wouldn’t be so bad if it happened on a consistent basis, but it doesn’t. And there were times I was wondering who on earth was talking to me, and why. Not only that, but the voice barely changes (or not at all) between the narrators. Only the perspective does.
The book was rampant with negative phrases like “no less than.” It drove me batty.
There were a lot of battles. Detailed. Especially in Arthur. Some people live for that type of fantasy writing. I do not.
The series just plain lacked excitement. The best bits were really the middle of Taliesin and the end of Arthur. In between, I was usually bored.
Lawhead has a really strange way of in-your-face foreshadowing. In and of itself, it’s a bit laughable. But when you pair it with lack of delivery, it’s downright infuriating. Like, he might say, “Their fears for the morning would prove to be true.” Then, in the morning, maybe it would drizzle and then they would win the battle. WHAT?!? This happened over and over and over. I would get all psyched up for some fore-told event, and the event itself would fizzle in a lake of mediocrity and ordinariness.
Specifically, Morgian’s (Morgan le Fay) evilness is talked up frequently and Merlin is always showing physical anxiety about her. But when she does show up–so rarely–she’s almost all talk and she accomplishes very little. The two truly vile things she actually does manage are off-screen and vague. The same is true for Guinevere (in the negative), but I am assured that she comes more into her own in the later books.
All in all, I felt very unfulfilled with character and plot development. I felt like there were a whole mess of words which took me nowhere. And the development that did happen came in fits and starts that trailed off into oblivion. (It’s hard to accurately describe this feeling. Because I know, literally, the plot did continue on. But it was like running in a dream. Or like you were reading an author’s plot notes. Or running on a treadmill. There was no zing. No exceitement.) Plus, it seems to me that Lawhead omitted many of the messier sides of his primary characters in favor of a glossier Christianity (and I say this as a Christian.) This is boring and inauthentic. Where is the affair? Where is the illegitimate son? It’s part of the legends, and it’s part of what would make these characters both relatable and–in the long run–heroes.
Lawhead is quite an author for telling, anyways. He’s more likely–at least in these books–to tell you that something is “majestic” than to help you feel its majesty.
In conclusion, if you like Arthurian legends or classic fantasy and are willing to persevere when things are less than perfect, then you should take a crack at this series. I would recommend having a list of the modern names, nearby, and also read the books in the order recommended above. Keep a keen eye on passing time (while understanding that some of the characters live much longer than mere humans), place, tribes/people groups, and people. With the cursory knowledge that you now have, of the series, I’m pretty sure you’ll have a much better experience than I did.
Oh, and Atlanteans = Elves.
(Please note that Lawhead would argue me on this last point, as well as give a much clearer explanation on why the books ended up in the state they did. See his comments at The Starving Artist review.)
_______________
QUOTES:
TALIESIN:
“‘Yes, and good fortune will require more of you than failure ever did'” (p155).
“‘That is where you are wrong, woman. There is never enough time for love-making. We must take it when we can'” (p330).
“‘That matters but little,’ Cuall reminded him. ‘They are here, and that is the meal that is on our plate'” (p336).
MERLIN:
“Yet, every man has two names: the one he is given, and the one he wins for himself” (p15).
“And as there is much evil in the world, there is much doubt also” (p15).
“Humility, if it comes at all, most always comes too late” (p21).
“…the twin fields of bed and battle” (p27).
“A city is an unnatural place” (p30).
“But as I said, men’s hearts remember long after their minds have forgotten” (p38).
“You must understand, Myrddin Bach, not every man will follow the Light” (p45).
“They did not trust writing, and in this showed remarkable wisdom” (p61).
“I believe that certain powerful events leave behind their own lingering traces which also color the land in subtle ways” (p135).
“…the seasons fly? Up they swirl, winging back to the Great Hand which gave them. They fly like the wild geese, but nevermore return” (p193).
“Be thankful you are knit with such strong stuff” (p324).
“To decide for one is to decide against another. I never imagined it would be this hard” (p328).
“This is our work in creation: to decide. And what we decide is woven into the thread of time and being forever” (p328).
“But remember the church is only men, and men can become jealous of another’s favor. Do not hate them for it” (p329).
“…even though I know the Light is ever found in the lost unlikely places” (p333).
“Hearing with understanding is perhaps the greater part of wisdom” (p347).
“Once spoken, a word can not be called back; once loosed, an arrow cannot return to the bow. What happens, for good or ill, happens forever, and that is the way of it” (p364).
“As I have said, the illuminating spirit, like the wind, goes where it will, and sheds a light that all-too-often obscures as much as it reveals” (p381).
“…you are not the first man to love a woman. Stop acting like a wounded bear and let us discover what can be done” (p385).
“It happens like this sometimes–and all the plans, all the reasons, all desires and possibilities fade to nothing. And all that remains is the single unwilled act” (p392).
“Of course, there is no certainty in following, either. That is what makes it faith” (p393).
“Unreasonable men are even unreasonable, and only become more so when threatened. Truth always threatens the false-hearted” (p393).
“…forgive yourself as you have been forgiven. Your failings are not unique to you alone” (p421).
“That she loved where she should rightly despise was her glory” (p439).
ARTHUR:
“If you feel maligned and impugned in his presence,’ he said, ‘no doubt it is the truth working in you'” (p35).
“It was, they discovered, the foundation stone of the worlds-realm, so they decided to lift it up and see what lay beneath it. This they did. And do you know what they found?’/’I cannot say. What did they find?’/’Love,’ replied Myrddin simply” (p148).
“…as if good men and brave did not sleep in turf houses in ground hallowed by their own blood… as if war were a word” (p197).
“Great Light! The enemy’s power is so fragile! The devils can use only what we ourselves give them” (p220).
“‘Then be worthy, boy. No one stands between you and your honor!'” (p330).
“That which is given to us to do, we will do,’ he said and turned his face away. ‘We are men and not angles after all'” (p404).
***REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG***
March 6, 2024
《Many years have come and gone since I awakened in this worlds-realm. Too many years of darkness and death, disease, war, and evil. Yes, very much evil.》
☆merlin: king, madman, prophet
Darker than Taliesin, Merlin is not without hope. Told in first person past tense, Merlin's narrative voice is at the same time despairing and hopeful. As a true bard, he sees what will come, yet cannot stop it. This book brings in more of the Arthur story, with Uther, Ygerna, and Arthur's birth, as well as the sword in the stone. Looking forward to book 3, Arthur.
Content:
Some kissing. Married couples enjoy being married, including a (non-detailed) fade-to-black wedding night scene.
Language: a- once, b- twice, the longer b word and wh- a handful of times.
Much violence - historically accurate battle violence.
Invaders brutally murder a group of women (off-page), their bodies are found by Merlin and his friends, and some wounds are described/mentioned, including that some women were assaulted before being killed. A pregnant woman and her unborn child are brutally murdered off-page, wounds are described by the person that finds their bodies.
A woman is possessed by a demon and is exorcised.
It's mentioned another woman is possessed.
Druidic magic, general mythological magic, mostly of the elemental variety (manipulating natural materials).
A kidnapping.
A mention of human sacrifice.
A child is almost sacrificed.
Mention of a woman having two husbands at the same time, this is viewed as acceptable by her culture.
Ages 17+
☆merlin: king, madman, prophet
Darker than Taliesin, Merlin is not without hope. Told in first person past tense, Merlin's narrative voice is at the same time despairing and hopeful. As a true bard, he sees what will come, yet cannot stop it. This book brings in more of the Arthur story, with Uther, Ygerna, and Arthur's birth, as well as the sword in the stone. Looking forward to book 3, Arthur.
Content:
Some kissing. Married couples enjoy being married, including a (non-detailed) fade-to-black wedding night scene.
Language: a- once, b- twice, the longer b word and wh- a handful of times.
Much violence - historically accurate battle violence.
Invaders brutally murder a group of women (off-page), their bodies are found by Merlin and his friends, and some wounds are described/mentioned, including that some women were assaulted before being killed. A pregnant woman and her unborn child are brutally murdered off-page, wounds are described by the person that finds their bodies.
A woman is possessed by a demon and is exorcised.
It's mentioned another woman is possessed.
Druidic magic, general mythological magic, mostly of the elemental variety (manipulating natural materials).
A kidnapping.
A mention of human sacrifice.
A child is almost sacrificed.
Mention of a woman having two husbands at the same time, this is viewed as acceptable by her culture.
Ages 17+
March 1, 2024
I have finished book 2 in the cycle and now I am finally ready for Arthur! Stephen Lawhead does an excellent job at setting the stage by giving us the back story of Merlin. His novels have deep historical accuracy as he molds both fact and fantasy together which makes me feel that these events truly could have taken place. The Merlin wizard imagery from my youth is replaced with a flesh and bone man who, though wise, has earned his wisdom through the pain and tragedies of life, just as every human before or after him. From his youth to his time at war with kings and as king, with priests and against witches, we are now left with a man, of human form that each of us sorrow with, cheer for, and admire. I am now excited to read the final book in the trilogy and get to know how he portrays the flesh and blood Merlin preparing the young Arthur to become the King who will one day "be a man such as other men will die for; he will love justice, uphold righteousness, do mercy" that "all men alive in the Island of the Mighty will bow to the knee to..."
Do remember to start with Taliesin to learn the story of Merlin's family history. He comes from a line of great people which holds the key to much of the mystery and mythology we find in Arthurian legend.
Do remember to start with Taliesin to learn the story of Merlin's family history. He comes from a line of great people which holds the key to much of the mystery and mythology we find in Arthurian legend.
March 18, 2024
Thoughtful musings and long, brooding conversation amidst travel between exotically named locations occupy the first half of the story until a jarring moment that shocks in its cruelty. A moment that forever transforms the protagonist and shifts the tone, momentarily at least, from introspective to violent and vicious.
The author’s skill in writing emotions of longing and desire as easily as wrath and revenge leaves one only feeling sympathy for Merlin as he unleashes devastation on those that have wronged him.
It’s a bit of a grind and the pacing threw me off at times (large spans of time passing in brief passages within the book) but after a long, hard journey, the payoff comes in the end.
The author’s skill in writing emotions of longing and desire as easily as wrath and revenge leaves one only feeling sympathy for Merlin as he unleashes devastation on those that have wronged him.
It’s a bit of a grind and the pacing threw me off at times (large spans of time passing in brief passages within the book) but after a long, hard journey, the payoff comes in the end.
May 15, 2020
I'm very much enjoying the series although I wouldn't say I'm loving it. Quarantine is really messing with my reading so these books are taking much longer than normal. Even mostly knowing all the story, the unique flavor of the writing is keeping me wanting more. Unsure if I will read all 6 books in the series but I can't imagine stopping yet.
September 27, 2024
Enjoyed this. I’d be inclined to give this 3.5 stars but will round up due to Lawhead’s incredible prose and writing style. The plot was a bit slow for me, but I appreciated the overall retelling of this chapter of the Arthurian myth. Enjoyed the new point of view here, and hearing the story from Merlin’s voice was fun.
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