Merlin's Blade

Gr 8 Up—In fifth-century Britain, during King Uther's reign, the druids attempt to rise once again and overpower their Christian monarch. A strange and deadly meteorite, able to bewitch anyone who gazes upon it, becomes central to the druid leader's plots. Only the mostly blind swordsmith's son, Merlin, is able to gaze upon the stone and hold off its dangerous powers. Only he can see with a clear head the deception and plotting surrounding the High King's visit to his small village. It is through Merlin's actions that perhaps Uther's family, including the young future King Arthur, can survive the pagan usurpers' designs on the crown. Treskillard crafts a new and unique prequel to the King Arthur legend, one that is rich in atmosphere and detail. Fantasy readers will find themselves beguiled by the young Merlin's story. Other readers, however, might find themselves somewhat overwhelmed, and the slow pace (the full tale will be told in three volumes) may leave reluctant readers unwilling to continue to the end. Though somewhat lengthy, the blending of history and religious mythologies makes this the start of an interesting perspective on Arthurian legends.—Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MA