The Anvil Stone

Macsen's Treasure #3

by Kathleen Cunningham Guler

In fifth-century Britain, only a few souls believed Merlin the Enchanter’s prophecy, that the “once and future king” called Arthur would one day rescue them from fierce and deadly Saxons. In a world where “king” simply meant “warlord,” many would there even be a Britain left for Arthur to rule once he was born and old enough to wield a sword of his own? One man refused to let that dream fade into nightmarish despair… “Freedom is all that matters.” So says spy and master of disguise Marcus ap Iorwerth of his greatest dream. For years, he has courageously struggled to unite Britain’s feuding internal factions and derail the ever-encroaching Saxon threat that has made his homeland a deadly place. So when a mysterious stranger delivers a gruesome, bloodstained effigy fashioned to look like him, Marcus immediately knows it’s both a warning and a challenge. He and his wife Claerwen—whose gift of second sight makes her a target as well—run headlong into the daunting fray. Rival factions are instigating war both among themselves and with the Saxons, and while Marcus sets out to quash their treachery, Claerwen discovers another crisis. Those same factions have mounted a desperate search for one of Britain’s most cherished symbols—a magnificent sword of the ancient high kings that has been lost for decades. She knows the sword must be found; it is part of Britain’s future and will pass to a great king called Arthur who has been prophesied to come. With battle about to erupt all around, Marcus learns the stranger, an assassin bent on killing him, may be one of the last sources that could lead him and Claerwen to the sacred sword. The Anvil Stone brings the volatile tribal nature of Dark Age Britain to life and deftly interweaves it with its mystical Celtic roots and the promise of hope found in the Arthurian legend. A stunning display of the storyteller’s craft, this book is the third in the spectacular four-part Macsen’s Treasure series that began with Into the Path of Gods and In the Shadow of Dragons.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

416 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

About the author

Novelist Kathleen Cunningham Guler is the author of the multi-award winning Macsen’s Treasure series that includes Into the Path of Gods, In the Shadow of Dragons, The Anvil Stone and A Land Beyond Ravens. She has studied Celtic history and Arthurian legend for almost thirty years in both the United States and Great Britain and has published numerous articles, essays, reviews, short stories and poetry. A descendant of the Celtic nations of Wales and Scotland, the author is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the International Arthurian Society.

See my blog: http://kathleenguler.blogspot.com

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters and story

[Graziano · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Death to you. Two sons of the North or two of the White Dragon. Your choice. Beware … Excalibur.’ (page 373)

Marcus ap Iorwerth follows his dream to unite Britain and fights Saxon’s threat. Marcus is helped by his wife Claerwen, who foresees the future with what is called ‘fire in the head’.

‘The light burst inside Claerwen, firing magnificent and hot and raging, and from its center she saw a hand ran up through the water’s surface. It was the woman of the lake’s hand, and her graceful, slender fingers clutched a sword’s hilt as sure as strong as any warrior’s. The blade, long and slightly tapered, was forged of fine steel; the hilt, pommel and cross-guard of brilliant, chased gold. Light radiated from it …’ (page 92)

Rival fractions fight each other to impose a new king on Britain, they are also searching another piece of Macsen’s Treasure: the sword Excalibur. Uther, present king, already holds parts of Macsen’s Treasure: the crown, the spearhead, and the torque; but Excalibur is waiting for the new king: Arthur.

Marcus gets injured, so follows a long exile and separation from Claerwen.
Eventually many mysteries are revealed, but Arthur is still a boy …

The Anvil Stone also fights against an enemy: Arthur’s legends and hundreds of books already written about his adventures (legend or truth).
Arthur and Excalibur are the winners.
King Arthur lived in the early sixth century, according to legends he defended Britain from the invaders Saxons. Legends and history tells a story where magic is important and necessary.
The Anvil Stone lacks of magic, fantastic scenery, supernatural events.
Myrddin (or Merlin the Enchanter) spreads a bit of fantastic on Marcus’s life, but insufficient to bear an entire book (it comes at the end of the story): ‘He will be the light that comes out of the darkness. You (Marcus) are a blacksmith. You know of dark and light, fire and iron.’ (page 401)

Marcus and Claerwen’s story is a thoughtful passage of their life. They clarify each other of previous fears, nightmares, dreams.
Marcus’ dark side (Iron Hawk) is unveiled when his past is narrated to Claerwen.
Claerwen: ‘Is this your true nature? Is the disdain for killing just a mask to hide it, a nature you won’t admit to himself except through the Iron Hawk?’ (page 369)

[Thalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Three of Four. Were moving along the timeline, getting closer to the birth of the Arthur, future High King if Britain. In this story we get more of the adventures of Marcus and Claerwen. There's vivid nightmares and eery visions. There's intrigue at court, overpowering lust, and evil back room deals. More undercover, more disgiuises. This part of the story sees Marcus and Claerwen apart for large parts of the story, both doing there best under trying circumstances to discover the truth and save the day. Face paced and entertaining as I have come to expect. The next book slightly better than the one preceding it. Enjoyable, slightly unique portrayal of 5th century Arthurian legend.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I love this tale, and it is one of my favorite book series. It is a great blend of Arthurian legend, history, fantasy, romance, and adventure. The characters are magnificently written where the reader absolutely loves some while despising others.

The second and fourth book are definitely my favorites in the series. This one had an intriguing start and enjoyable ending. I did think the plot dragged in the middle for awhile. Marcus and Claerwen work much better together than separated. Myrddin (Merlin) continues to add his own entertaining intrigue to the story.

[Nicole Diamond · Rating 1 out of 5]

If it has one star I liked it a lot
If it has two stars I liked it a lot and would recommend it
If it has three stars I really really liked it a lot
If it has four stars I insist you read it
If it has five stars it was life changing