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Merlin's Descendants #1
Guardian of the Balance
In volume one of Irene Radford's magnificent new saga, Merlin's Descendants, Merlin's daughter, Wren, is more powerful than even The Merlin can perceive. And she must learn to master these talents, for soon she will be called upon to serve as both sword and shield for The Merlin, for Arthur, and for the people who would be put in her charge...
608 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
21 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Irene Radford
127 books135 followersAlso uses C.F. Bentley, Phyllis Irene Radford, Julia Verne St. John, Rachel Atwood, Phyllis Ames, P. Irene Radford and P.R. Frost.
Irene has been writing stories ever since she figured out what a pencil was for. Combining a love for Medieval history and a fascination with paranormal, Irene concentrated on fantasy writing.
In her spare time, Irene enjoys lacemaking and is a long time member of an international guild. Check out THE LONELIEST MAGICIAN, The Dragon Nimbus #3 for an exploration of her favorite obsession. A piece of magic lace is the obvious patch for a dragon wing. She has published numerous magazine articles about the history and technique of lacemaking as well as self publishing two lacemaker's fairy tales with lace patterns that can be made up to illustrate the stories. When she isn't writing or making lace she enjoys exploring the back roads and many museums of the Pacific Northwest.
For many years Irene was active in Ballet du Lac, a semi-pro ballet company. She taught ballet to youngsters in her local community school program. At the same time she led a Cub Scout pack and frequently found her home the preferred playground in the neighborhood for many more children than she thought possible.
Irene has held many full and part time jobs from Insurance underwriter to assistant curator of a museum to clerk in a fabric store. Writing is now her “day job.”
Two years ago, Irene took up fencing as research for GUARDIAN OF THE FREEDOM, Merlin’s Descendants #5. She figured one quarter would give her some vocabulary and a feel for a weapon in her hand. But that wasn’t enough to write realistic battles on the Ottoman frontier or convincing duels. So she signed up for another quarter. And another. Now she’s addicted and needs to add fencing to more of her books and let her subjects range further afield.
A native Oregonian living in Oregon, Irene is a member of an endangered species. As a service brat, she lived in a number of cities throughout the country until returning to Oregon in time to graduate from Tigard High School. She earned a B.A. in history from Lewis and Clark College, where she met her husband, Tim. Historical research has remained a lifelong passion and finally became a part of her job with the historical fantasy series Merlin’s Descendants.
Irene and her husband currently make their home in Welches, Oregon where they share their back yard with deer, coyotes, bear (check the pictures), raccoons and too many bird species to mention.
Irene has been writing stories ever since she figured out what a pencil was for. Combining a love for Medieval history and a fascination with paranormal, Irene concentrated on fantasy writing.
In her spare time, Irene enjoys lacemaking and is a long time member of an international guild. Check out THE LONELIEST MAGICIAN, The Dragon Nimbus #3 for an exploration of her favorite obsession. A piece of magic lace is the obvious patch for a dragon wing. She has published numerous magazine articles about the history and technique of lacemaking as well as self publishing two lacemaker's fairy tales with lace patterns that can be made up to illustrate the stories. When she isn't writing or making lace she enjoys exploring the back roads and many museums of the Pacific Northwest.
For many years Irene was active in Ballet du Lac, a semi-pro ballet company. She taught ballet to youngsters in her local community school program. At the same time she led a Cub Scout pack and frequently found her home the preferred playground in the neighborhood for many more children than she thought possible.
Irene has held many full and part time jobs from Insurance underwriter to assistant curator of a museum to clerk in a fabric store. Writing is now her “day job.”
Two years ago, Irene took up fencing as research for GUARDIAN OF THE FREEDOM, Merlin’s Descendants #5. She figured one quarter would give her some vocabulary and a feel for a weapon in her hand. But that wasn’t enough to write realistic battles on the Ottoman frontier or convincing duels. So she signed up for another quarter. And another. Now she’s addicted and needs to add fencing to more of her books and let her subjects range further afield.
A native Oregonian living in Oregon, Irene is a member of an endangered species. As a service brat, she lived in a number of cities throughout the country until returning to Oregon in time to graduate from Tigard High School. She earned a B.A. in history from Lewis and Clark College, where she met her husband, Tim. Historical research has remained a lifelong passion and finally became a part of her job with the historical fantasy series Merlin’s Descendants.
Irene and her husband currently make their home in Welches, Oregon where they share their back yard with deer, coyotes, bear (check the pictures), raccoons and too many bird species to mention.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 8, 2012
Please note: I read and reviewed this book in February 2012. I'm adding a disclosure and updating the formatting.
Disclosure: I won a copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's Program. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: Telling of the life of Wren, the daughter of Merddyn Emrys (the Merlin of Arthurian fame), this story also recounts details of the gradual take-over of Christianity in the British Isles and the relegation of the traditional religion and worship of the Celtic deities to secrecy. Wren also plays a significant role in the life of Arthur, who is known to her as Curyll. Fostered, as are many of the children that resulted from the traditional Beltane trysts, he grows up strong and smart, but held back by a ferocious stutter. Wren travels in the summer with her father, Merlin, but during the winter they stay with Curyll’s foster family. Through the years, Wren grows into her magic and goes to Avalon, where she becomes a priestess. She communes with faeries and learns mysteries. But the Saxons are converging on the land, and Uther Pendragon is near death, his disease causing damage to all of Britain through his covenant with the Goddess. Will Wren and Merlin be able to keep Uther alive long enough for Arthur to come into his own, as Pendragon in his own right? Will the balance and covenant between Pendragon and Goddess be honored, or will Britain be drowned in the darkness rising from the twin invasions of the Saxons and the followers of the White Christ, all intent on the destruction of the way of balance and Light?
My Thoughts: As far as I can tell, the details of the Celtic/Druidic religion seem to be fairly well researched, which is nice. I found it very difficult to read about the destruction of the belief system of the Druids, as I’ve always been drawn to that particular structure and their pantheon of Goddesses. The fact that the book affected me so strongly is a very good sign – well-written stories will dig into your brain that way. I did find that after a certain amount of time, I would become so angry at the insidious way that the Christians set about destroying the native belief systems, I simply had to stop reading for a time. These are all signs of a well-written book – one that causes strong emotional reactions in the reader. Because this covers a dark time in history in many ways, it is not a light-hearted book, so in that way also it was very difficult for me to read. However, fans of Arthurian legends, the Druids and well-written historical fantasy should enjoy this book.
Disclosure: I won a copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's Program. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: Telling of the life of Wren, the daughter of Merddyn Emrys (the Merlin of Arthurian fame), this story also recounts details of the gradual take-over of Christianity in the British Isles and the relegation of the traditional religion and worship of the Celtic deities to secrecy. Wren also plays a significant role in the life of Arthur, who is known to her as Curyll. Fostered, as are many of the children that resulted from the traditional Beltane trysts, he grows up strong and smart, but held back by a ferocious stutter. Wren travels in the summer with her father, Merlin, but during the winter they stay with Curyll’s foster family. Through the years, Wren grows into her magic and goes to Avalon, where she becomes a priestess. She communes with faeries and learns mysteries. But the Saxons are converging on the land, and Uther Pendragon is near death, his disease causing damage to all of Britain through his covenant with the Goddess. Will Wren and Merlin be able to keep Uther alive long enough for Arthur to come into his own, as Pendragon in his own right? Will the balance and covenant between Pendragon and Goddess be honored, or will Britain be drowned in the darkness rising from the twin invasions of the Saxons and the followers of the White Christ, all intent on the destruction of the way of balance and Light?
My Thoughts: As far as I can tell, the details of the Celtic/Druidic religion seem to be fairly well researched, which is nice. I found it very difficult to read about the destruction of the belief system of the Druids, as I’ve always been drawn to that particular structure and their pantheon of Goddesses. The fact that the book affected me so strongly is a very good sign – well-written stories will dig into your brain that way. I did find that after a certain amount of time, I would become so angry at the insidious way that the Christians set about destroying the native belief systems, I simply had to stop reading for a time. These are all signs of a well-written book – one that causes strong emotional reactions in the reader. Because this covers a dark time in history in many ways, it is not a light-hearted book, so in that way also it was very difficult for me to read. However, fans of Arthurian legends, the Druids and well-written historical fantasy should enjoy this book.
April 10, 2012
I have an academic interest in Celtic culture and mythology, and in Arthurian literature especially, so this is the framework I judge all literature set in that world by. This is why I am usually somewhat skeptical when picking up modern novels set in an Arthurian context, so when I started reading this I had my doubts.
While reading the first few pages my fears seemed warranted. It seemed to me like someone had taken all the bits of Arthurian legends and modern romantic (mis)conceptions about Celtic mythology out there trying to fit them together somehow. But the further I got into the story the more it grabbed me. I found a decent balance between historical facts and legend, brought together in a way I started to like more and more the further I read.
I liked the fact that the story was mainly concerned with side characters, and not the core of the Arthurian legends. It contained a few fresh takes on familiar elements making them shine in a new light.
In the end I came to realize that I enjoyed the book after all, and that my knowledge of the Celtic world is not a thorough as I thought it was.
On the more technical side, the constant switching between first person and third person narrative annoyed me at first, but I got used to it in the end. I came to see the point in it, but still it's not a choice I would make.
While reading the first few pages my fears seemed warranted. It seemed to me like someone had taken all the bits of Arthurian legends and modern romantic (mis)conceptions about Celtic mythology out there trying to fit them together somehow. But the further I got into the story the more it grabbed me. I found a decent balance between historical facts and legend, brought together in a way I started to like more and more the further I read.
I liked the fact that the story was mainly concerned with side characters, and not the core of the Arthurian legends. It contained a few fresh takes on familiar elements making them shine in a new light.
In the end I came to realize that I enjoyed the book after all, and that my knowledge of the Celtic world is not a thorough as I thought it was.
On the more technical side, the constant switching between first person and third person narrative annoyed me at first, but I got used to it in the end. I came to see the point in it, but still it's not a choice I would make.
August 8, 2023
Good pacing. Merlin having a daughter is fun.
August 16, 2014
I received this book for review from LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I wasn't sure about it, didn't know if I would like it or not, since I kind of hate the cover. But it was an ebook, so I really didn't have to look at the cover too much. I started it on the way back from a business trip to St. Louis and soon found that I couldn't put it down.
The book covers the life of Arylwren, daughter of The Merlin. Yes, that Merlin, sorcerer and advisor to Arthur, he of the Round Table. The book is the first in a series called Merlin's Descendants. I have not yet read Marion Zimmer Bradley's iconic series, and what little I know of Arthur is from childhood stories and maybe a little from my humanities classes in college (although I don't think we covered much about King Arthur). Wren, as Merlin's daughter is known, grew up with Arthur, then known as Curyll, and not yet realized as the future king of Britain. She helps Curyll overcome his stuttering, preparing him for leading men in battle and guiding the whole country as king. She herself is a powerful sorceress, and she uses her magic to heal others, rather than to control. Wren battles against Morgaine, a dark sorceress in her own right, for control of the realm. Will she succeed, or will Morgaine and her minions take over Britain, wielding their power for evil?
To caution the squeamish: there are some triggers in this book - the females are VERY young when wed; there are a few characters who engage in incest, and it is NOT skimmed over; there are many references to dark magic and demonic entities; and Wren is the victim of domestic violence at least twice. If any of the above give you pause, this book is not for you.
I, however, do not squick easily. So I LOVED it. I really didn't anticipate how much I would enjoy it. And I was more than pleasantly surprised. Recommended for fans of medieval literature, of the King Arthur tales specifically, and anyone who likes books with a strong heroine. I was sad that Wren could never be with her true love, but I did enjoy her healing ability and the other ways in which her life was fulfilling. Five out of five Whatevers.
November 12, 2025
This is the first book in a series of novels focusing on the mythical bloodline of Merlin. This story is set in the late 5th century and early 6th century. The protagonist of this first novel is Arylwren, nicknamed Wren, the daughter of Merlin and the goddess whom he serves. Wren grows up in the shadow of and falls in love with the boy who will one day inherit the title of Pendragon. Meanwhile, to protect her from political and religious intrigues, her father forces Wren into a loveless marriage. Wren has a long and difficult journey through life and pursues a destiny spun for her by the goddess of the land, but whose contributions to Briton behind the scenes make her as important as Arthur himself. Wren must balance the old with the new and her love with her duty.
This is not the first book Radford has ever written, but it feels like it. The writing style in the first half of the book is rough, and the story line is choppy. The second half of the book things begin to move smoother as Radford's writing improves. During the first half of the book, Radford throws out details regarding many Celtic rituals and Gods with no real enhancement to the storyline, it seems almost as if she want to show off her knowledge rather than enhance her story. Thankfully, in the second half of the book the Celtic ritual details do enhance the story line and makes the reading much more enjoyable. It is the second half of the book that drew me in, and I had trouble putting it down. Radford kept most of the classic Arthurian legend details but her own spin on them that made the story seem fresh and engaging.
The personalities and reasons behind the actions of well known characters such as Morgaine and Merlin mad the story seem new and sometimes I wished for different outcomes than what I knew must happen. There are also new players to the legend working in the background that add some depth to the story and provide new antagonists to thwart Arthur, Wren and Merlin, and lead to the conclusion that we all know must happen. For example Nimue, is corrupted by her greed for power and her laziness to complete a task as instructed, if here flaws did not hinder her so, she could have been a larger threat than she was. But, if her father Carrdoc had not been such a brutal man, she may have been able to user her power for good, and at first I felt sorry for her, in the end she got what her deeds deserved, but I still felt sympathy for the character, which shows that when Radford choose to focus on the story and the characters she could weave a magical tale. I love that fact that “Guardian of the Balance†follows Arthur and Wren from childhood to death, and sets up the next book to be about their decedents rather than carrying the story of Arthur and Wren. I am looking forward to “Guardian of the Truthâ€
This is not the first book Radford has ever written, but it feels like it. The writing style in the first half of the book is rough, and the story line is choppy. The second half of the book things begin to move smoother as Radford's writing improves. During the first half of the book, Radford throws out details regarding many Celtic rituals and Gods with no real enhancement to the storyline, it seems almost as if she want to show off her knowledge rather than enhance her story. Thankfully, in the second half of the book the Celtic ritual details do enhance the story line and makes the reading much more enjoyable. It is the second half of the book that drew me in, and I had trouble putting it down. Radford kept most of the classic Arthurian legend details but her own spin on them that made the story seem fresh and engaging.
The personalities and reasons behind the actions of well known characters such as Morgaine and Merlin mad the story seem new and sometimes I wished for different outcomes than what I knew must happen. There are also new players to the legend working in the background that add some depth to the story and provide new antagonists to thwart Arthur, Wren and Merlin, and lead to the conclusion that we all know must happen. For example Nimue, is corrupted by her greed for power and her laziness to complete a task as instructed, if here flaws did not hinder her so, she could have been a larger threat than she was. But, if her father Carrdoc had not been such a brutal man, she may have been able to user her power for good, and at first I felt sorry for her, in the end she got what her deeds deserved, but I still felt sympathy for the character, which shows that when Radford choose to focus on the story and the characters she could weave a magical tale. I love that fact that “Guardian of the Balance†follows Arthur and Wren from childhood to death, and sets up the next book to be about their decedents rather than carrying the story of Arthur and Wren. I am looking forward to “Guardian of the Truthâ€
January 17, 2012
Irene Radford's master-work series Merlin's Descendants starts with the premise that Merlin had a daughter.
A simple idea that takes root in the opening passages of Guardian of the Balance, the single time when Merlin breaks his vows of celibacy.
The book follows Wren through the political, magical and religious intricacies of an age when the great shift between the old ways and new was happening amidst passion, blood and betrayal. It's a book steeped in legend and mythology, exceedingly well-researched, yet striking off into new territory, taking the threads of Arthurian history as recorded and knotting them into new directions.
I was thoroughly captivated by this epic fantasy and its strong love story/subplot. I recommend it.
Available in paperback
at Amazon and the usual suspects, or ebook, [.epub or .mobi] through Book View Cafe, with the other books in the series to follow one per month until complete.
A simple idea that takes root in the opening passages of Guardian of the Balance, the single time when Merlin breaks his vows of celibacy.
The book follows Wren through the political, magical and religious intricacies of an age when the great shift between the old ways and new was happening amidst passion, blood and betrayal. It's a book steeped in legend and mythology, exceedingly well-researched, yet striking off into new territory, taking the threads of Arthurian history as recorded and knotting them into new directions.I was thoroughly captivated by this epic fantasy and its strong love story/subplot. I recommend it.
Available in paperback
at Amazon and the usual suspects, or ebook, [.epub or .mobi] through Book View Cafe, with the other books in the series to follow one per month until complete.February 12, 2012
Received as an ebook as part of the January 2012 batch of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers. With the book originally published in 2000, I suspect that this edition was to mark the publication as an ebook. The epub edition I was given translated fine onto a Kobo (my ereader of choice).
This story is a take on the Arthurian legend, from the standpoint of Merlin's daughter Wren. Merlin is a Druid, who has brought up Arthur to be a warrior king and take his rightful place as High King when his father - Uther - dies.
Wren is a priestess of the old religion - the Christians beginning to make a mark on the country. It is her role to keep a balance in the world, between good and evil, the darkness and the light. She doesnt always do this well, and has to suffer the consequences.
This is not a book for the prudish - there's plenty of explicit sex, including those of an incestual nature, and not for those who dont like magic as the latter is one of the driving forces of the book.
Found it to be a fairly strong book (if a little long). It's the first of a series and whilst the majority of the major characters in this book were dead by the end (spoiler alert!) there's plenty of room for the sequels
This story is a take on the Arthurian legend, from the standpoint of Merlin's daughter Wren. Merlin is a Druid, who has brought up Arthur to be a warrior king and take his rightful place as High King when his father - Uther - dies.
Wren is a priestess of the old religion - the Christians beginning to make a mark on the country. It is her role to keep a balance in the world, between good and evil, the darkness and the light. She doesnt always do this well, and has to suffer the consequences.
This is not a book for the prudish - there's plenty of explicit sex, including those of an incestual nature, and not for those who dont like magic as the latter is one of the driving forces of the book.
Found it to be a fairly strong book (if a little long). It's the first of a series and whilst the majority of the major characters in this book were dead by the end (spoiler alert!) there's plenty of room for the sequels
August 28, 2015
I liked this book well enough, but it didn't have quite the pull and polish of the Dragon Nimbus series. I loved those books so much I was desperate for more Radford - but at the time, none of the 4, 5, 6, etc had been published. I picked up this and was it was a pleasant read, but it is not the best druid book or Merlin book I've read.
August 15, 2014
Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, betrayal - the same old story with a little twist - the daughter of Merlin is Arthur's true love. Great little summer romance
May 9, 2020
I had a terrible time putting this book down! Very good pace and I was totally immersed in the telling!
June 28, 2022
Vol. 1 of Merlin's Descendants. Arylwren (Wren) is Merlin's daughter and heir to all his magic. Arthur, Lancelot, Cai, and Bedewyr were her childhood friends. She loves Arthur, but she is married to Carradoc--a brutal man who has an incestuous relationship with his daughter, Nimuë. Nimuë and Morgaine consort with demons. Guinevere is half fairy and, therefore, sterile. Wren and Arthur spend one Beltaine together and conceive Deirdre. Wren's son by Carradoc is Yvain. Wren dies giving birth. She is buried with Arthur. Yvain is made Ardh Rhi. Dierdre is left to pass on the legacy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
An interesting and at times, enjoyable read. The beginning was slow to get going and while it did pick up, I never quite got too terribly invested. Names were difficult to keep straight and events would feel jumbled. Wren's story was fascinating and I did enjoy Radford's take on Aruther's story. But it just never quite clicked for me. I do have the 2nd book and will still give it a read some time. Kinda bummed that I couldn't enjoy it more and I'm sure many others have and will.
April 2, 2025
This is one of my favorites, I have reread it at least 5 times since I read it back in middle school and the series has stuck with me sense!
September 17, 2009
Radford deviates quite liberally from the Arthur legend we all know, but not enough so that the story isn't recognizable. And she takes one liberty that is essential to the plot of this and the other books in this series. In the actual legend Merlin never married, nor did he have any children - though the woman Nimue did indeed cause his downfall by seducing him. Here, Merlin breaks his vows of celibacy before the story of Arthur begins (which we learn in a brief prologue) and is punished for it by the gods.
The result of that breach of faith is his daughter, Arylwren (Wren for short), who is the actual central figure of this story. She wanders the country with her father, studies in Avalon for several years, and becomes a powerful sorceress in her own right - powerful enough to challenge both Nimue and the woman history will know as Morgan Le Fey. But her life is not a happy one. She is forced into marriage with a man she cannot love and who treats women like cattle, while the man she truly loves marries a lady named Guinevere. Nevertheless, Wren does her part to hold Arthur's Britain together for as long as she and her Da can - but in the end, as we all know, the Golden Age is doomed. Not, however, before Wren finds some happiness by perpetuating her family's line.
Radford's first book in the series "Merlin's Descendants" is a grand beginning to what promises to be a wonderful story. This is by far the best feminist take on the Arthurian legend since Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" and its succeeding tales. I definitely look forward to the next book.
The result of that breach of faith is his daughter, Arylwren (Wren for short), who is the actual central figure of this story. She wanders the country with her father, studies in Avalon for several years, and becomes a powerful sorceress in her own right - powerful enough to challenge both Nimue and the woman history will know as Morgan Le Fey. But her life is not a happy one. She is forced into marriage with a man she cannot love and who treats women like cattle, while the man she truly loves marries a lady named Guinevere. Nevertheless, Wren does her part to hold Arthur's Britain together for as long as she and her Da can - but in the end, as we all know, the Golden Age is doomed. Not, however, before Wren finds some happiness by perpetuating her family's line.
Radford's first book in the series "Merlin's Descendants" is a grand beginning to what promises to be a wonderful story. This is by far the best feminist take on the Arthurian legend since Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" and its succeeding tales. I definitely look forward to the next book.
June 28, 2012
I take a train every morning and evening form and to my work. A great time to read, thus many books are read during this time. One of the parameters when deciding if I like a book or not, is really simple. Do I want to get of the train as soon as possible, or do I regret that the train has reached my station. Would I like to travel on and read on. [return]This morning, as I read almost a third of the book, I really regretted to put this book aside and start to work. The setting of this semi-historical tinted novel, the age of Arthur and Merlin, is compelling to many readers but has it enough body to be as good as [Terence White]'s [The once and future king] or the series of [Marion Bradley]? Well actually, almost yes. [return]The story shifts between a female view by the persona of the daugther of Merlin and a third person view in general. And it works. Obviously, it's maddening that women often were treated as cattle in those ages and that catholicisme had the power to ruin or bend any habit or worship for Mother Nature into their rules, and here you find a feisty plaintiff in the form of a novel. [return]I like the style of the book, a style somewhat submissive to the story itself but bold enough to keep reading. Some passages could be shorter and others could be less black/white but overall, it's a joy to read. It can't beat the The once and future king, but sure, it has enough exiting moments to keep you on that train.
March 10, 2012
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I had read this book (and those following) several years ago, but had never written a review. On seeing the ebook version on offer in the ER list, I decided to give the book another go and actually write a review this time. I'm glad I did! Ms. Radford's research into the culture and beliefs of the time period is quite evident, even more than I remembered. Her story-telling surprised me as it's not very often that I find myself truly wanting to know what comes next when I'm re-reading a book! The story begins with a wonderful pace and doesn't really let up until the end. I can see why some readers may find it "dragging," but I love the details Ms. Radford uses to truly set the scene, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (Then again, I love the details in Tolkein, and some of my friends think he drags on and on for far too long!)
This is definitely one of my favorite feminist spins on the Arthurian legend, ranking right up there with Marion Zimmer Bradley (maybe even surpassing Ms. Bradley in the historical details). It is decidedly not for those unprepared for the harsher realities of life in the times, especially attitudes toward sex, as we follow Wren's journey from the innocence of childhood to an adult understanding of the balance needed in all things.
I had read this book (and those following) several years ago, but had never written a review. On seeing the ebook version on offer in the ER list, I decided to give the book another go and actually write a review this time. I'm glad I did! Ms. Radford's research into the culture and beliefs of the time period is quite evident, even more than I remembered. Her story-telling surprised me as it's not very often that I find myself truly wanting to know what comes next when I'm re-reading a book! The story begins with a wonderful pace and doesn't really let up until the end. I can see why some readers may find it "dragging," but I love the details Ms. Radford uses to truly set the scene, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (Then again, I love the details in Tolkein, and some of my friends think he drags on and on for far too long!)
This is definitely one of my favorite feminist spins on the Arthurian legend, ranking right up there with Marion Zimmer Bradley (maybe even surpassing Ms. Bradley in the historical details). It is decidedly not for those unprepared for the harsher realities of life in the times, especially attitudes toward sex, as we follow Wren's journey from the innocence of childhood to an adult understanding of the balance needed in all things.
April 2, 2012
If I'd have read the author's notes (at the end of the book) at the beginning, I probably would have enjoyed this much more than I did! And I did enjoy it. Some of the things I didn't like were the name changes, (or variations from the norm) and things that I thought differed from my own view of Arthurian legend. Having read the author's notes though, and understanding where she was coming from, would have made a big difference to the way I read the book.
Despite that, it was enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters - some more than others, and I found the story very good. Considering the pace at the beginning of the book, and the middle, I think the end was a little fast. It seemed like there was a chunk missing.
Despite that, it was enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters - some more than others, and I found the story very good. Considering the pace at the beginning of the book, and the middle, I think the end was a little fast. It seemed like there was a chunk missing.
January 21, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Guardian Of The Balance. I found it hard to put the book down. It was so engrossing. This is Book 1 of a series of 5. Can't wait to read the rest.
The tale of King Arthur and Merlin, rewritten. Merlin's daughter Alywren plays a major part in the success of Arthur. The two are friends when children. Then find a taboo love with each other as adults. There are many characters in the story which aren't likable. But that only bring Wren, Merlin & Arthur so much closer to perfection. You can overlook their slight sins compared to all the happenings around them.
Lancelot's rule wasn't very big but was important. I loved the magical aspect (the fairies, witches, gods & goddesses).
The tale of King Arthur and Merlin, rewritten. Merlin's daughter Alywren plays a major part in the success of Arthur. The two are friends when children. Then find a taboo love with each other as adults. There are many characters in the story which aren't likable. But that only bring Wren, Merlin & Arthur so much closer to perfection. You can overlook their slight sins compared to all the happenings around them.
Lancelot's rule wasn't very big but was important. I loved the magical aspect (the fairies, witches, gods & goddesses).
May 6, 2014
J'ai adoré ce premier tome. J'ai adoré le personnage de Wren, adoré la voir grandir, devenir femme, devenir la "mère" dont on se souviendra malgré tous ses autres visages. En règle générale, j'aime ce qui touche au mythe arthurien. Il semblerait que j'aime encore davantage ceux écrits par des femmes et mettant en scène des personnages féminins. Pour dire, j'ai aimé ce livre comme j'avais aimé celui des Dames du Lac de Marion Zimmer Bradley. Je pense qu'il est assez méconnu et c'est bien dommage.
May 28, 2011
Very well written, I enjoyed this better than the author's Dragon Nimbus books. It includes the story of Arthur but from a point of view that is not usually seen and inlcudes a main character that has a very subtle effect on the whole outcome, something you don't normally see in Arthurian tales.
February 13, 2015
This was a slog. Somehow it took a tale that has entertained generations and made it boring. Most of the interesting history happened off screen while we followed the main character, Wren. Wren was uninteresting and seemed to only exist as wish fulfillment for the author. By the end I was just hoping for her to die so that it could be over.
August 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and the author's spin on both Arthor and Merlin's characters. I'll admit that half way through this book it got a boring and I totally lost interest but I'm glad I finished the book, it was absolutely worth it. I appreciate the balance of evil characters in contrast to Merlin's not so perfect but lovable ways. I definitely recommend this book :)
September 22, 2015
Maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind when I started this (and I can't remember if I DID in fact read it years ago) but the prologue was jarring and then the rest of the story seemed like a set-up to a saga of unrequited love (by Wren for Arthur) that I didn't want to slog through. Might try again another time.
August 16, 2008
A decent cross between fantasy and historical fiction for fans of Arthurian legends and the British isles.
April 5, 2009
Spolers:
This series begins with the Merlin mythology and follows a very interesting blend of fantasy and legend/history (in later volumes).
This series begins with the Merlin mythology and follows a very interesting blend of fantasy and legend/history (in later volumes).
Read
November 19, 2009This was an excellent series. I love anything that incorporated the Arthurian myth and druids. It was a nice blend of the generations as well as the history through the times.
February 8, 2010
I love Merlin but this book made him out to be creepy.
April 5, 2012
fascinating retelling of the Authurian legend from the point of view of Wren, daughter of Merlin. Recommended for anyone who eants a more historical version of the tale.
June 25, 2012
Surprisingly good read and original take on the Arthur mythology.
March 31, 2013
I needed a little escapism reading recently--this fit the bill. It builds nicely on Arthurian legend.
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