Rating: 
Summary: Fantasy Meets History
Review: Ms. Stewart has condensed centuries of legend into an easily palatable 3 volumes. The prose is superb, the characters well rounded and likeable, and the plot realistic.I recommend this book for anyone new to Arthurian lore, (this book will give you a good grounding in the myth as well as the true history of Britain) anyone looking for a break from the same old 'Arthur and Lancelot go questing' story, (this book omits Lancelot, in favor of Bedwyr. Lancelot was invented during the 'courtly love' days of Aquitaine in the Middle Ages) or anyone who wants a story about a sorceror without explosions and ghosts and all manner of strange rituals. (sorry. no bubbling cauldrons here) I have read many volumes of Arthurian lore. This ranks as one of my very favorites.
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Summary: A glimpse at a truly golden age
Review: if you have never bothered to read Mary Stuart's Arthurian legends, I suggest you begin immediately. I've been pouring over these (The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, The Wicked Day) for the past two weeks, and I can't help but be readily consumed by these tales of old world romance and swirling intrigue. not only does the story embrace the haunting realm of kingdoms and castles, but there is also an engaging human quality that only Stuart could have accomplished so poetically. the character of Emrys (or Merlin, as he is more commonly known) is so well-painted, his dimensional layers revealed through truly melodic circumstanes and the wisdom by his humble narrative prose. he alone deserves a thorough character study, as enthralling and complex as his personality is. the story as a whole is a gorgeous representation of Kingdom life, and all of its mysteries and intricacies. it also poses a delicate thesis on the relationship between the servant and his master. due to the powerful parallels and situational drama that these legends present, I've been moved to a deeper place in my spirit than I could have imagined. I believe that I would run now without abandon to serve a master that I loved. these novels are far from conventional entertainment. there is a dark mystery and poetic light within these stories that captures your soul like a vivid dream. Stewart weaved these stories with pefect grace and detailed concern. the lines of complicated storytelling and Dickensesque plotting eventually come together in truly mighty, climactic mountain of trembling beauty. not to say that this collection is altogether flawless. there were many exchanges between characters that I looked forward to for pages ahead of time, only to be left hungry for more after the discourse was complete. there was room here, I think, for a work of brilliance on par with anything Shakespeare created. notably, the scene between Morgause and Merlin was an exceptional example of riveting passion, wit, and literary dichotomy. unfortunately, in our day and age, litereature has been forced into a far less passionate experience than it used to be. perhaps Stewart owned the potential, but she wasn't always willing to readily fulfill it. nevertheless, after exploring the depths and beauties of Mary Stuart's works, I am certain that she should be regarded as a pure artistic genius, despite what petty imperfections an excessive reader might encounter. I just can't believe it took me this long to figure it out.
Rating: 
Summary: Realistic "fiction"
Review: I have just recently gotten into the Arthurian Legends. Compared to other novels that I have read I was relieved to find this trilogy somewhat realistic. Merlin throughout the entire telling emphasizes that it is not magic that aides him in all his adventures, just luck and vision. Most novels descrive Merlin as a magician who is able to change, fly, etc. I really enjoyed this book, and Mary Stewart's way of knowing all the names of places that existed long ago is impressive also.
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Summary: Enchanting and different approach
Review: These are delightful books. If you enjoy Arthurian legends, and I certainly do, you will love these books. However they are somewhat diffferent to books in this genre as they have Merlin as the central character, and it is a very human and fallible Merlin to boot. Mary Stewart has shown some masterful skills with these novels. It is rare to read a book about a character and still be aware all along that he or she is not really what it is all about. The historical details are rich and finely painted, and Merlin himself is an entirely believable character - a loner, desperate for friends, and even more desperate to discover the identity of his father - tainted with the stain of bastardry as he is. All in all they are, in my opinion, the best books of their type.
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Summary: The Once and Future King of Arthurian Legend
Review: Ms. Stewart totally captures the magical essance of Arthurian Legends. Instead of the normal Merlin, the wizard, she presents a young man with a gift of seeing the future. As Merlin grows up we see his father is the High King and then his uncle, Uther. Soon we see Merlin tranning the young Arthur into what is truly the grtetest king all brittany has ever seen. I'm not one to give an amazing review but this was truly an amazing telling of the King Arthur and his "wizard" Merlin.
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Summary: MARY STEWART'S MERLIN TRIOLOGY
Review: My Mother introduced me to Mary Stewart's novels when I was a youngster. I have always been intrigued by anything dealing with King Arthur, Merlin, and the Knights of the Round Table, and Mary Stewart reaffirmed this interest. I feel this Triology is one of the best I have read. She seems to make the characters of Camelot human, as well as legendary. If you haven't read this one, you're missing something extraordinary.
Rating:
Summary: Old world, Classic styling.
Review: I am now thirty five years old and have known this series since I was a young teenager. I have been so spoiled by this telling of the Arthur legend that I am almost disappointed before I even begin to read any other account. This is truely second to none due to Mary Stewarts classic and human approach, her flair for suspense and attention to almost poetic detail. I have fondly read epic fantasies before but would guard against placing this tale in quite that catagory, rather I would call it a 'Classic' in its truest sense. It brings history, humanity and heart together in an inspiring, timeless tale. All of Merlins magic is where any of ours can be found, in his soul. If you love medieval but can do without elves and fairies, this is the one for you.
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Summary: Stewart has based much of her story on historical record
Review: I believe that no story has been told more often than the Arthurian legends. Stewart, however, has based much of her story on historical record, which lends a certain ring of truth that other versions do not have. The story is told from Merlin's point of view and begins with his childhood and the uncertain parentage that people believe gave him his extraordinary abilities. As the High King's advisor, his prophecies unfailingly come to pass, much to the surprise of some and despite the orchestrations of others. His intelligence helps guide the kingdom through the dark times and into the light. Through Merlin's eyes Arthur, Ygraine, Uther, Guenever and Morgause are created anew. He shows us their loves, their secrets, their treachery, and their lives. The magician shows us much that is hidden from plain view, and the scandalous truths that even Arthur himself does not know. The original heroic fantasy tale, I recommend it to both history and fantasy buffs alike.
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Summary: The best book with no exceptions!
Review: If you love fantasy books then this is your dream!!! I read this book when I was 12 and now I am 13 and this book has changed my life! I would say that I am more "at one" with myself. This book was recomended by my mom who is the bookmaster of them all. This story is fairly slow through the begining of each book, but for me I couldn't put it down!It is about merlin as a child who doesn't have a father and runs away from home to adventure. He runs into his father and is a prophet and tells the future for his father. his fathers brother has son and names him Aurther. As his father and his fathers brother dies off he tells the future for Aurther. What you should know is that I have a reading level of 12.9+ grade level which means I am capebele of reading at a collage students level so don't buy this for your son or daughter that likes harry potter because they won't understand it very well. I recomend this book for 15 or up years of age.IF YOU ARE 20 OR UP I GARENTEE YOU WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
Rating:
Summary: Addictive!
Review: These books are what got me started on a lifelong fascination with the Arthurian legend. I never expected to be so enthralled, but by the time I was done with the first book, I was glad I hadn't picked it up before the other 2 were out - the wait would have been excruciating!
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