From AudioFile
Unlike other books about the Arthurian Legend, Mary Stewart focuses on Merlin, the wizard. Stephen Thorne does a masterful job portraying the other characters, as well. Here in the second bookof the trilogy, we hear Merlin as a youth who travels widely. Thorne captures the accents and voices of people from different countries. Later Merlin becomes tutor to Arthur as he grows into manhood. The scenes of battle, feasting and Arthur's drawing the king's sword from the stone are made vividly real. Thorne's versatility adds absorbing dimension to the trilogy. D.M.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
Book Description
Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain.
From the Publisher
If you haven't read Mary Stewart's Arthurian Saga, you don't know what you're missing. They are must reads for any romance reader, for any lover of Arthurian legend, for any history buff, for any voracious reader, and may be the books to get non-readers started. Basically, they should be read by everyone! Mary Stewart's research for these books is phenomenal. Her understanding of myth and its relationship to fact is remarkable. The books are complex, yet incredibly inviting and you will absolutely love the characters. They also weave together so beautifully that you won't be able to read only one. Two things I find particularly interesting in this series is the portrayal of Arthur and the fall of Camelot. Arthur represents all of humanity in these books as opposed to the more mythical figure you usually see. And the fall of Camelot is more internal rather than external--more about the passions and lusts in the heart rather than a more obvious loss of power. The books go in this order: The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, The Wicked Day. Shauna Summers, Senior Editor
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