Merlin (The Pendragon Cycle , Book 2)

Rating:
Summary: As good as the first
Review: The second part of the Pendragon cycle is as captivating and enjoyable as the first part (Taliesin). This book expnads on subjects covered in Taliesin and takes the reader through a chronological procession of the groundwork for the coming of Arthur. Lawhead weaves many theories and legends together to make a completely believable and enticing account.

Rating:
Summary: An incredible book
Review: This book was amazing. Lawhead combined all the different versions of the Arthurian Legends as well as the myths of Atlantis so well it made sense, and it made a wonderful story at the same time. He also dealt well with Merlin and many of the book's other main characters being Christian. While that is probably not historically accurate, it was written into the story well. I definitely reccommend this book to anyone with an open mind who is the least bit interested in Arthurian fantasy or ancient Britain.

Rating:
Summary: Five Stars? Five hundred, more like!
Review: This is the greatest of the Pendragon Cycle(Taliesin, Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon, Grail). Told from the point of view of Merlin ap Taliesin, this book shows how Merlin, before he was venerable and famous, was a human like any other. He had many ambitions, all of which were fulfilled; he fell in love with a beautiful woman; he took compassion on young Pelleas; he was wise, though at times he doubted himself; he saved the life of an innocent babe, who would grow to be King Arthur! Merlin was the wisest of the wise, some may say. This is a great book, and I should know! Though I'm only 13, I've read so many books in the past year I can't count them all!

Rating:
Summary: Where do I start?
Review: This is the second book that I have been unable to finish in my life. I slogged trhough "Taliesan" hoping that the series would get better. It got worse. The characters are pitifully shallow, though Lawhead seems to think he's giving them depth and motivation by inserting a few temper-tantrums and pseudo-profound musings. There's quite a bit of pointless wailing and foreshadowing which only serves to confuse the reader, but what I really couldn't stomach was the unbelievably andro- and Christian-centric tone of the books. The only woman with any spine at all is the villian of the piece. How shocking. And the self righteous piety of Merlin and his merry band can only be stomached for so long. I reccomend that any female with an ounce of self-respect read Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon" if you're looking for Arthurian lore.

Rating:
Summary: Not just a Wizard
Review: Unlike many previous tellings of the Arthurian legends, Lawhead spins a tale of compelling realism that is powerful and entracing yet still very close to the historical situation of that time. There are no knights in shining armor here; nor is there an old white-bearded Merlin who casts spells in musty castles. Instead, here we see a young, strong bard who we watch grow in wisdom and stature into the man who helped ensure the survival of Britain by placing the greatest of all the kings on Earth upon the British throne. Lawhead tells an entracing tale, drawing you into the story with his rich prose and supplimenting this with a detailed knowlege of what things were like back then. Merlin has the responsobility of uniting the petty British kings under a single banner, the banner of Arthur. As he travels this path to the establishment of the Summerlands, he endures many trials and tribulations, all of which serve to prepare him for that which is to come. Lawhead is a fabulous writer, and the Pendragon Cycle is not to be missed. Completly unlike any other Arthurian legend, this story is one of the best ever written

Rating:
Summary: The Best!
Review: Without a doubt, Merlin is *the* best historical fiction book I've ever read. Actually, I could clarify and just call it the best fiction book I've ever read period! Truly great writing, along with an incredible story and a character you can't help but love! I strongly recommend reading the entire series, but if you have time for just one, then make sure this one is it!

Rating:
Summary: Mystical, Emotional, and Pleasureable
Review: Wow! I just finished re-reading Merlin for the umpteenth time and am so happy I can sing the book's praises at amazon.com. On this read of Merlin I heartly delighted in and pondered Merlin's musings as he tries to sort through grace and free will in his journey. I love watching the prophecies of Arthur unfold before his eyes as he and other characters try to discern the shape of the future. I also love the characters, each one so rich and vivid. I love Merlin and only wish he were real so I could actually meet him. This book will challenge and refresh your world weary soul. I highly recommend reading Merlin.

Rating:
Summary: Exactly how awesome Merlin is.
Review: You know, I could really dig into this book and pull out stuff like the symbolism of the hawk, and color symbolism of the golden eyes. I could give you the signifigance of the choice of diction, tell you about the underlying themes, but you don't want to hear about that. Merlin is the son of Taliesin the bard and Charis the Fair Folk princess. Merlin spends most of the year with his mother on Ynys Avallach and the summers with his grandparents in their caer training with the warriors and the bards. His father's people call him Myrddyn (pronounced Mur- then). The plot details his childhood and how he grows to be a warrior and a bard, and his life as he deals with his immortality. There are plenty of battle scenes for those of you who like that stuff, and also a bit of romance here and there for those of you who like *that* stuff. Lawhead paints realistic and vivid pictures of life in Celtic Britian. The character developement is nothing short of incredible. There are stories that you read, and then there are stories that you experience. This is one of those stories you experience. The story is so concrete, you feel yourself a part of the narrative. Words connot describe the emotions this book conjures. It is an incredible piece of literature. Read. And experience the wonder, the romance, and the battles of...Merlin.