The Crystal Cave

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Summary: I must admit...
Review: . . .it is true that i do not normally enjoy reading about books concerning magic powers and things having to do with wizards. However, this book took me by surprise. By reading this book i really felt some true emotion and a sense of realism being expressed having Merlin been the narrator. While i personally do not believe in magic and hocus pocus, i did enjoy the mystery that was behind the book and how Merlin did in fact come to have his powers. It was definitely an enjoyable book, but on my scale, did not rate as a real "page-turner." I think that i would have enjoyed this book a bit more if one little arrangement were to be made. What i think would improve the comprehension and understanding of the book a bit more would be to place "The Legend of Merlin," which is currently at the back of the book, instead to be put in the beginnning. If it were to have been arranged this way, i feel that it would have given readers that have no real knowledge of the legend, such as myself, a better chance to have understood all of the little details of the book. The reason i think this would be a good idea is becasue after i finished reading the book, and then read the closing, "The Legend of Merlin," i was like "Oh, wow, i really didn't know that much about this." However, despite some confusion that i experienced while reading the book, i did enjoy it and am glad to have explored the realms of Mary Stewart.

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Summary: The Best Books I Have Ever Read
Review: I have read many different Arthurian novels, from where it all started: Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory, to The Squire's Tale by Gerald Morris, and I have always loved the stories about Arthur and his knights, and the magician Merlin. But to tell the truth, I was getting rather tired of reading the same stories over and over just in different books, and this trilogy (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day) by Mary Stewart is by far the best I have ever read.

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Summary: Just when I thought...
Review: ...that there wasn't another good Arthur book out there, I was blown away by THE CRYSTAL CAVE. I also thought I'd never like a book written in first person, but boy was I waaaayyy wrong. Centred around Merlin, the seris starts long before Arthur is even born, following the 'adventures' of young Merlin. Suprises are around every twist and it also offers a fun piece of British history to ponder. A must for all for all Arthur fans and for those who just want to read a good book.

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Summary: harry potter for grown-ups
Review: I'd wanted to read this book for a while, and finally picked up a copy while on vacation. I'm so glad i did. Stewart's portrayal of Merlin as a man with powers and problems, long on righteousness and short on sex drive, makes him a marvelous shadow hero. he's not the king on the mount, but he's the mystic on the hill, guiding, seeing and knowing while the blood flows below. Arthur doesn't appear in this volume, which is why i've purchased The Hollow Hills to read next. Can't wait.

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Summary: Good Pick
Review: I thought this was a great book. Everybody know's bits and pieces about Merlin and King Aruthur maybe from movies like Disney's the Sword in the Stone or other movies, but what about before Arthur? The book tells of Merlin growing up. From the time he first found the crystal cave to the telling of the white and red dragons battles to the rising of the Giants Dance this book has it's ups and downs where it's hard to put it down or pick it up, but a good book all in all with amazing descriptions and time lines.

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Summary: Amazing!
Review: The Crystal Cave is about Merlin when he's young. It goes from the time he's around 8 up until he's in his twenties. Because of this, the whole book is lots of fun to read. Even if you don't like the Arthurian novels because they're all the same basic story you might like this. Arthur plays only a minor role at the end. I say minor role because he isn't born yet; the only influence he has is that Merlin begins to prepare for his arrival. So it's not like The Once And Future King, The Sword In The Stone, or any of the others. So, if you're bored with the usual Arthur stories, try this. You'll probably like it.

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Summary: Quite interesting
Review: I found this book to be quite interesting in that it told us what was really "behind" the famed and feared Merlin. It has a very vivid description of the different settings which help you to really feel what it was like in the time period which this book was written. Stewart does a great job of drawing you into the story by setting a mysterious tone to the character of merlin. I think that she did a great job widening the Arthurian legend and recommend this book for anyone.

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Summary: a human point of view
Review: This book serves two purposes. Firstly, it is a pre-history to the arthurian legend that usually begins with a sword in a stone. Secondly, it tells things from the point of view of Merlin...not Merlin the magnificent, not Merlin the mysterious, just Merlin the guy who saw things before they happened every once in a while, and it got him a reputation. Heck, he didn't even LIKE the name Merlin! Anyhoo, this book is an adventure in itself, plus you get the added bonus that you know what will happen EVENTUALLY, i.e. some guy named Arthur becoming king. Oh, and after you read the book, please note my nickname, which corresponds to my email address which I have held on to for 8 years.

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Summary: The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart
Review: The book The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart tells of the life of Merlin the Enchanter from when he was six to about 24. His adventures are vividly described, whether its roaming the tunnels under his grandfathers castle or sneaking his uncle into the fortress of Cornwall. There is almost never a dull moment in this book. It takes awhile getting started, but it gets interesting around page 50, so hang in there. One part of the book I really enjoyed was when 13 year old Merlin takes a ride in the forest with his servant and catches his tutor up to no good. Overall, I'd say this book is excellent literature because it really describes everything. You can picture every scene and character in your head. I really felt like I knew each character and was genuinely upset when one died and outraged when one betrayed another. The book also teaches you a lot about the Middle Ages. There were castles, knights, maidens in distress, and all the usual stuff, but it also told about normal people. It tells of everyday life in medieval times. If you like this book, I recommend you read the 2nd and 3rd books in the Merlin Trilogy, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment. Both are just as good as The Crystal Cave. If you are fascinated with the legend of Arthur and Merlin, and are a patient reader who likes long, detailed novels like I do, you will adore this book!

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Summary: This is an inspired work
Review: I am NOT an avid reader, I am embarassed to say, and I get too distracted to finish many books that I start, but I could not put this book down. I read all 507 pages of it and it is undeniably one of the most excellent books I have read. The characters and story line are believable and compelling, and the book is filled with a light that is becoming less and less common in fiction. If you haven't read it, that should be ammended.