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.
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