Rating: 
Summary: Not just historical fiction -- Spiritual fiction!
Review: As it has been a few years since I first read "Guardian of the Balance", I decided to reread the first 3 books before finally diving into the 4th and final in the series. I came back to Amazon.com to browse the reviews of all 4 books, and I realized that one aspect of "Guardian of the Balance" was missing from the reviews -- Spirituality.
As a Wiccan, I enjoyed reading a story that so thoroughly incorporates the essence and practices of pagan spirituality. Respecting the forces of nature (particularly the four elements) and celebrating the Wheel of the Year was an important practice, not only to The Merlin and Wren, but also to villagers and warriors alike. Unless I am mistaken, the only sabbat that was never mentioned by name was Lughnasadh (Lammas). Throughout the story, we see the importance of the Spring and Fall equinoxes, the Summer and Winter Solstices, Imbolc, Beltane, and Samhain in the lives of these characters. Additionally, the dedication required to learn how to work true magic, and the toll that working such magic takes on the practitioner, is well described. As is the fact that in order for the universe to keep in balance, all magic comes with consequences, some of which may be undesirable.
Ms. Radford handled the conflicts between "the old ways" and the budding Christianity delicately and with respect to both forms of spirituality. While some characters (such as Carradoc and Archbishop Dyfrig) fought outright against any who held beliefs different from theirs, other characters (such as Wren and Father Tom) learned to value the similarities of their faiths and to respect individuals for their own worth. And yet other characters (such as Arthur and Kalahart) seemed torn between the old and new faiths.
Whether or not you like Ms. Radford's writing style; whether or not you approve of her adaptation of the legend and her handling of the characters; whether or not you find the sexuality appropriate or overdone; if you are interested in earth-based religions or follow a pagan path yourself, you might enjoy seeing pagan spirituality brought to life in the everyday existence of these characters.
Rating: 
Summary: ok but not great!
Review: I bought this book after reading the back and thought hey it was worth a read. But to my dismay it certainly fell short from other books that I have read featuring Arthur, Merlin and Avalon. I found some of it hard to believe and other parts so slow that it took me a long time to finish this book. It's ok but nothing to write home about. I liked the concept behind the story but unfortunately I just don't care for Irene Radford's writing style. I might give book#2 a chance but it would definately be the paperback version! I recommend Mists of Avalon that is an awesome story with rich characters.
Rating:
Summary: A new take on an old story
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely. I thought that it was very refreshing. Most of the Arthur accounts are told differently, but this is from the viewpoint of Merlin's daughter, a voice not previously heard. As such, I think that's part of the appeal. Obviously, the major themes in the story--sword in the stone, Gwenevere & Lancelot's betrayal, and Merlin's advice are the same. It's just the perspective has changed.Wren grew up with Arthur, Lancelot, Cai and the other Companions. They were her friends as she was traveling the length & breadth of Britain with her father. Soon, she was taken to Avalon to train as a priestess. However, the needs of the outerworld summoned her and she left Avalon to assist the Merlin. She comes to face her love of Arthur, the forced marriage to Carradoc, and betrayal by those closest to her father and Arthur. She also grows into her own role of advisor and mistress of her own household. Keep an open mind and be ready for the differences that await.
Rating:
Summary: A new take on an old story
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely. I thought that it was very refreshing. Most of the Arthur accounts are told differently, but this is from the viewpoint of Merlin's daughter, a voice not previously heard. As such, I think that's part of the appeal. Obviously, the major themes in the story--sword in the stone, Gwenevere & Lancelot's betrayal, and Merlin's advice are the same. It's just the perspective has changed. Wren grew up with Arthur, Lancelot, Cai and the other Companions. They were her friends as she was traveling the length & breadth of Britain with her father. Soon, she was taken to Avalon to train as a priestess. However, the needs of the outerworld summoned her and she left Avalon to assist the Merlin. She comes to face her love of Arthur, the forced marriage to Carradoc, and betrayal by those closest to her father and Arthur. She also grows into her own role of advisor and mistress of her own household. Keep an open mind and be ready for the differences that await.
Rating:
Summary: Deaply moving, fabulous writing -- EXCELLENT BOOK!!
Review: I have never before read an Irene Radford book -- oh what I've been missing! Ms. Radford's writing is so fabulous, that you can actually feel the ground beneath your feet when she describe's Wren's contact with nature. This not just a retelling of the Arthur story, so much more! It goes deeply into the heart of the main character, Merlin's daughter Wren. You learn to care about what happens to her and how she feels -- truly the mark of good writing! I highly recommend this book to anyone -- fantasy reader as well as all those who enjoy good fiction. Buy it, read it, you'll be glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: Worth Every Minute of your Time
Review: I just have to say that I could not put this book down. I read the entire thing in one night. If you are a fan of Arthurian Legend this is one of the better fantasy books I have read. The characters draw you in and then you're hooked!
Rating:
Summary: Worth Every Minute of your Time
Review: I just have to say that I could not put this book down. I read the entire thing in one night. If you are a fan of Arthurian Legend this is one of the better fantasy books I have read. The characters draw you in and then you're hooked!
Rating:
Summary: Cool idea, but-
Review: I think that the author had a really excellent idea, but I don't think it was developed very well. There were parts of it that didn't really make sense to me, like how Morgaine, who is in most cases called the Fairy, was against fairies. But there were also parts that were fully engrossing and I really enjoyed. To me, it read like a first draft. It was, however, one of the few King Arthur stories that I could stand to read all the way through. I would have liked to see Arylwren as a slightly more flawed character- she seemed too perfect and benign to be true, while everyone else was a bit of a mess. I think it had gaps, as well. I don't think I would recommend it to other people, but if you enjoy King Arthur tales, then maybe you'll find it better that I found it.
Rating:
Summary: Cool idea, but-
Review: I think that the author had a really excellent idea, but I don't think it was developed very well. There were parts of it that didn't really make sense to me, like how Morgaine, who is in most cases called the Fairy, was against fairies. But there were also parts that were fully engrossing and I really enjoyed. To me, it read like a first draft. It was, however, one of the few King Arthur stories that I could stand to read all the way through. I would have liked to see Arylwren as a slightly more flawed character- she seemed too perfect and benign to be true, while everyone else was a bit of a mess. I think it had gaps, as well. I don't think I would recommend it to other people, but if you enjoy King Arthur tales, then maybe you'll find it better that I found it.
Rating: 
Summary: I've read much better
Review: I'm usually a sucker for Arthurian Legends and was happy to discover this one. The idea to have the story told by Merlin's daughter is pretty cool - but not totally original. (Joan Wolfe's The Road to Avalon has Merlin's daughter as the main character. That book was ok. Better than this one). But to my dismay, the writing was poor, the characters not at all defined, and the book overall felt flat. I tried to read it fully but started skimming after a couple hundred pages. The descriptions of Wren's budding sexuality are pretty hysterical. Certain body parts are jiggling, clothes are chafing against them and other parts, and she keeps staring at certain body parts of others. I'm trying to keep this rating PG. Wren keeps wanting to get down on bel-tine and when she thinks of the festival these reactions start happening. And it all starts before she's 13! After being bemused the first couple of times, I just started laughing. The fact that several lines referring to certain body parts are repeated over and over made it even funnier. Unfortunately, I don't think that's the effect the author wanted to have on her readers. If you are a fanatic and must read every Arthurian legend out there, then perhaps its worth reading this novel. But otherwise, you wouldn't miss anything by skipping it...
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