Rating: 
Summary: The Crystal Cave
Review: The Crystal Cave marks the beginning of a story that continues through the other two books in the trilogy, The Hollow hills, and The Last Enchantment. While it contains the same elements and characters as a variety of other Arthurian legends, Stewart's work stands apart as a character study. The Crystal Cave is the story of Merlin, beginning with his youth, and following him until he reaches manhood. Instead of the stereotypical portrayal of Merlin as a mysterious character who remains true to his mythical status, Stewart presents us with a boy who is very human. He remains separate from other boys more from his own perspective than from any supernatural powers. From a young age, Merlin is driven to understand the nature of things, and in this sense he is often an observer of activities rather than an active participant. This stance, and the adventures that Merlin does lead, compliment each other throughout the book, and create a complexity of character that is fascinating. His character imparts to the reader a desire to observe that which is happening around them with a new eye, and offers a stoic view when faced with adversity - to accept the things that cannot or should not be changed. The plot elements of the book include Merlin's kidnapping from his home, his reunion with his father Ambrosius and his uncle Uther, and his work for his father in preparing the way for him to rule Britain. On a more personal note, the story deals with Merlin's desire to understand the workings of the world around him, to understand religion and its different manifestations, and his transition into manhood. The work concludes with the stage set for the birth of Arthur, which is the focus of the next book in the series.
Rating:
Summary: A great story of a great man.
Review: I've always loved Arthurian legends. I've been fascinated with them ever since the first time I watched children movie of Sword and the Stone. I've always loved how the legends were laced with magic and mystery and how they always made me picture thick mists, bubbling cauldrons, and knights in shining armor. I ate up everything I could find on the subject, from Mists of Avalon (I haven't finished that one) to "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (one of my favorites). My mom had mentioned I read Crystal Caves by Mary Stewart, and I would have if anyone but my mom had recommended it to me. I gave in though, because my English teacher had assigned an Arthurian Legend Project, and I had to choose a book. Avalon was a little too hefty and many others were reading Sword and the Stone, so I chose Cave.It did take me a while to get into, but that's a problem that I seem to have with many books, but after I while, I found that I couldn't put it down. It's that kind of book that just enwraps you from head to toe. You loose track of time. You find yourself in another world. Now that's the kind of book I enjoy. The story is, basically, about young Merlin growing up in a harsh world where the weak find it hard to survive. He, being somewhat puny himself, is looked down apon as a little runt, only he knows he possesses something from within that is different from others. It is an unusual power that not even he himself understands, but it takes a wise man to bring out what lies within him. Merlin's journeys take him to far off lands, battles, and castles where he and his power become of great use. As he grows, so does his courage and strength, and isn't quite so puny anymore. I think this story is wonderful. I love the exciting action, drama, and magic. I love how the tale triggers a feeling o f adventure. What I also enjoy about this book is the wonderful descriptions. I love how the author makes you feel as if you are smelling that certain smell or touching that certain surface. It really draws the reader into the book. Sometimes the descriptions were a little lengthy, though, and I found my attention going in and out. There were also times when I found myself somewhat confuse with what was going on, especially when Merlin would see into the future as he looked into the crystal cave. I would have to reread the section a number of times before I finally under stood it, or I would just get fed up and quit. Even still, I found the book to read at a good pace. Another thing that I liked about this book was that the reading was a little bit of a challenge. Because I was so interested in Arthurian legends, I really did have the desire to read what would happen next even if I had a hard time following the book. As I have experienced so far, I found that if you don't read a lot (which I don't do, for instance), it is a good idea to pick up a somewhat difficult book and read it the whole way through. Then after your done, reflect on the story you have just read, and then you may find it easier to read the next difficult book you come apon. I feel that this book was great for that exercise. Well, I really enjoyed this book. I can't wait to set my hands apon Hollow Hills. I think that this book may be the most satisfying book I ever read, not only because I enjoyed the book, but the fact that I got something out of it. I hope I have convinced some readers to pick this one up . . . I guarantee you'll enjoy it!
Rating: 
Summary: I don't see what all the hype is about
Review: This is by far the worst book I have ever read. Steward does not bother to try and hold your attention. Her story is cluttered with unnecessary information and facts. The book could have been a good story, but the writings of Mary Stewart are little more than that of fourth graders. Perhaps a better education at the local preschool will improve her writing abilities. She makes unsuccessful attempts at imagery. Her wording seems as though it could have had more effort put into it. In general, she writes without a purpose and I'm guessing that when she got tired of writing, she decided to end the book. It's a shame, because the tale of Merlin could have been told as a good one in an exciting novel with wonderful details. This, however, is not The Crystal Cave. I do not at all suggest reading this book. And this book has disgusted me so much that I do not plan to read another book by Mary Stewart again. Because of the poor quality of this book, I would tell friends never to read or purchase books by Stewart. I would also not recommend using this book for class projects.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent account of Merlin's life
Review: The tale of Arthur has been told countless times, through books, movies, and even children's cartoons. The reality of who Arthur was is indetermineable, but it has made an excellent setting for Mary Stewart's Crystal Cave. Book one of the Arthurian Saga begins with Merlin, in fact, Merlin's childhood. This was an innovative approach that gave the story a unique design. Do not make the misconception that Crystal Cave is about King Arthur, instead it is about Merlin prior to Arthur. Arthur makes his appearance in the later books.
What makes Crystal Cave such an amazing book is its realistic qualities. Merlin travels the lands that exist today, does not perform unrealistic magic, and even interacts with the real world to extents even as far as a corrolation to Stone Henge. Despite the fictional aspect of the Crystal Cave, Mary Stewart's account of Merlin's life is a realistic tale that will tantalize you with every turn of the page.
Mary Stewart exhibits excellent skills in writing, thorough plot and character developement, descriptive events and locations, and a quality of intrigue that enthralls a reader. Although lengthy, it is solid gold. If you're a Merlin fan, or just looking for a book to pass the time, this will fulfill your greatest expectations.
Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: I have read this book twice now and I am amazed at how great it was. Mary Stewart is so skilled a writer especially in the areas of description. Sometimes today, a few years after reading the book, out of the blue a picture comes to mind of some far away medieval or classical place. I ask myself what movie it could have come from and then I realize it is from a description of some place in the Crystal Cave or the following books in the same series. You can visualize everything so clearly with her technique.
This book alone made me interested in the Arthurian Legend and after reading it I began a long period of research on the topic, which led me to read other novels from the Arthurian Romance.
The characters in this book are also very well-developed and I found myself feeling sad when Merlin was sad and surprised when Merlin found something out and it was almost always Merlin who I sympathized with because the novel is written in the first person. At the end of the book I know that you will have to read the second one because it is a cliffhanger and you don't want to stop being iside of Merlin's head. You feel connected to him.
Although the book has the prophetic skill in the book it doesn't feel like anything impossible happens in the book. Everything seems like it could have happened that way. You are in no doubt that this book is absolute truth.
I would reccomend this book to anyone interested in the lifestyle of the older days, history, prophecy, or anything like that.
Rating:
Summary: Addictive
Review: A friend shoved this book into my hands, and as it was a hard back with the paper sleeve missing, I had no idea what it was. I opened it a few nights ago and began to read. I was hooked immediately. The writing style is very vivid and I was instantly interested in the characters. Weither you're into the Arthurian legend or not, this is a great book and I can't wait to read the whole series!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book!
Review: For once, Merlin feels like a real person. A really AMAZING real person. This book almost made me fall in love with him! I couldn't put it down! What a great book!
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Start
Review: Whenever I delve into a saga with sequels and prequels, the first book is the critical dertermining factor as to whether or not I continue the series. While I have read more compelling first books of the Arthurian legend, I did not find anything in this book to dissuade me from continuing onto Book Two. Merlin is honestly the single character in the Arthurian legend who holds very little interest for me. Much too much has been made of they legend and most stories stray into the realm of dragons and shape changing and such. Stewart is careful to keep Merlin in the realm of human life allowing him a sixth sense...and almost soothsayer-like ability ...but tempers it with a mystique that even Merlin does not understand nor control himself. I found the characters of Ambrosius and Uther well done; and I liked the connection between Merlin and Ambrosius. It finally gave a reason to Merlin's rational for being involved with these men at all...when often in the story it is clear he simply wishes for the simple life of a healer. So far, Igraine is developing well also - with a much stronger sense of herself than I think other authors have given her. She is not the typical "vessel for the birth of Arthur" and nothing more. I also find myself intrigued that no mention has yet been made of Morgause or Morgan. I'm eager to find out how they fit or do not fit into Stewart's telling of this old tale. Dialog seems to be realisitic - especially when it involves the slaves and servants. Stewart is descriptive but limits it to painting the backdrop and then moves on. Overly flowery and much too lengthy descriptions of scenery were a point I disliked in the Cornwell Warlord Trilogy books. I particularly like the descriptions of Tintagel. Having been there, I was able to build on my memories of the site and make it into an actual castle in my mind. Now - as I said -this was not the most compelling "first installment" I have ever read. In fact, I have opted to disrupt the continuation onto The Hollow Hills and will first read another novel - totally unrelated- that has come to my attention before I continue with the Stewart Series. That being said, I WILL continue...later.
Rating:
Summary: What a spellbinding story.
Review: i love the twists and turns i love how the story flew through many different aspects per chapter, it made the length of the book seem quite shorter than it was. although the names and places got me a little confused at times, i still caught on quite well... i am very excited about reading the next couple books in the series.
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Summary: My opinion of Crystal cave
Review: Im sorry i thought this was a horrible book! i was forced to read it for school! i always read what i was s'possed to but its soo confusing and boring that i never did well...sorry if you like trhis book--i really dont though
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