The Death of the Wizard Merlin

by Barak A. Bassman

The wizard Merlin plays a key role at the court of King Arthur in Logres–healer, seer, and wise counselor–but has always been an outsider, shunned for his physical ugliness and tenacious loyalty to the old pagan gods. Yet when the lovely Viviane firmly rejects his advances, he cannot let go of his longing and desire for her. In desperation, Merlin engages in increasingly self-destructive behavior in his attempts to possess Viviane, leading to his eventual downfall and murder.

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2020

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I liked the premise of the book, and the back story of where Merlin came from, the synopsis of his life story. I didn’t like the intense dislike and distrust between Merlin and the Christians. The ending felt abrupt, would have liked a little more detail toward the end.

[pinkladyhaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark retelling of the Arthurian legend. Primarily focusing on shorts stories about merlin. Always been drawn to stories about merlin so I was excited to read.
Thank you for the opportunity to read! #goodreadsgiveaway

[Denisele · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was another short story I won on a Goodreads giveaway. It was a quick read, but fairly drawn out which made it mostly predictable. Also so heartbreaking and cruel the way Merlin feels about himself and how others contribute to that. Maybe I should've known by the title, but it's definitely not a feel good story. Just not my cup of tea...

[Lya´s Books Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The frustrations on the desires to be loved

That's the way I could describe this book.

It's simple, straight forward but so relatable on everyone's love life.


Barak A. Bassman did remind me how it was to have a unrequited love...

And also that I have not get over my crush; thank you Bassman

As the first story I read of Merlin or any story of Arthur and that universe I really enjoy this one, the parallel between Uther and Merlin was something I did not expect but I feel it was necessary for the story. To see both sides like a coin with two faces, the author make me feel empathy towards Merlin and makes me want to comfort the character, the sadness on the history did make cry a little not gonna lie. The history was short but worthy because we managed to see not only the life of Merlin but also many others characters as well. I enjoy to see how cunning Merlin was, to use his knowledge to his own survival, that makes us see the hardships of his life in this adaptation.


Feeling great to won this giveaway from Goodreads and have the opportunity to read it.

And thank you Barak A Bassman to write this book

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Always a sucker for a new telling of an Arthurian tale, I entered all of the Bassman giveaways and was pleased to get this one.

Bassman places the tale of Viviane and Merlin in a gritty, cutthroat world lacking honor or nobility. As others have noted, this might make Merlin more relatable. I found it a poor trade, exchanging the devoted and powerful wizard of legend, felled by a fatal flaw, for a base and greedy magician. This spin is not for me.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have read a bunch on Merlin and this one was very good. Liked how it went into what he might have felt and thought. Ended too fast for me - like POOF, dead and nothing much to follow up on that - what happened to the person involved? I heard all about every thought he had but not at his death. LIKED the story alot but it left me feeling there should have been more. thanks #goodreadsgiveaway

[Shelby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a few liberties

The first half or so is the story of Merlin. Last half, not so much. Merlin ages backwards. He mentored Arthur until he went to the crystal cave with Viviane/Nimue. I don't read Arthurian anymore for reasons like this.

[Tea Elle Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new twist on an old character, focused on unrequited love. Somewhat odd, but an enjoyable quick read. Author packs a lot of story into less than 100 pages.

The was a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do not trust a beautiful woman

The magician Merlin meets the beautiful woman who will be his undoing.

A decent retelling of the end of Merlin.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting tale of Merlin, his background story. Very enjoyable!

[Jenny K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to GoodReads and the author for a Kindle edition of this amazing book!

[Eliza Svihra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It was definitely an interesting read. This is the second book of the authors I have read, and it plays on old tales. I do not like this retelling of Merlin, just because of how it ends. This was definitely not one of my favorites.