Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myridden Emrys — or as he would later be known, Merlin — leads a perilous childhood, haunted by portents and visions. But destiny has great plans for this no-man’s-son, taking him from prophesying before the High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon . . . and the conception of Arthur — king for once and always.
The Crystal Cave (The Arthurian Saga Book 1)
By marystewart
The Arthurian legend told from a completely different vantage point. I found this so interesting in the alternative possible explanations for the lore that has been handed down. Of course we will never know how much may have been truth under the legend but this is a delicious spin!
I read Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga when I was in high school, but I revisited the first book in this series as an audiobook (thanks, Chirp!) and felt a renewed appreciation for her storytelling, which is incredibly vivid and detailed. The book is as much historical fiction as it is fantasy — in fact, I’d say this first book skews more history than fantasy for sure. The book follows Myrddin Emrys, the bastard son of a Welsh princess, as he comes of age, leaves home, and begins to understand both his origins and his own mysterious power.
The Arthurian Legend got its hooks into me when I was young, but I always thought Merlin was more interesting than Arthur. Mary Stewart proved me right when she wrote this 4-book series that starts with Merlin’s childhood. Told by a master story teller, this is, for me, the quintessential Arthurian story and I suspect it always will be.
Great first book. Read the whole series.
The Crystal Cave is yet another book in the library I inherited from my mother that I finally decided to read. I thought it was going to be a romantic mystery but was pleasantly surprised to find it is the historical fiction account of Merlin the Wizard, beginning with his birth in 470 A.D. Britain. Of course, I’ve read the story of Camelot and am familiar with Merlin’s role in raising King Arthur, but never knew Merlin’s personal story. Mary Stewart, a gifted writer, has taken historical facts and events and skillfully placed the wizard, then known as Myryddin Emrys, in the early days of war-torn Wales. Born a bastard, Merlin finds his father, Ambrosius, before he becomes king of Greater Britain, and with Merlin’s help, Ambrosius reigns for many years. During this time, Merlin grows into a man and renowned prophet. The story is absorbing and gives, yet another side to events leading up to the famous King Arthur and the knights of the round table legend. I recommend this book to historical fiction readers and fans of the supernatural.
One of my favorites. Writing is beautiful, story is captivating . I love the entire trilogy. Tells a mythical story in human terms, my favorite genre.
This series got me hooked on Arthurian fiction 40 years ago
The Crystal Cave is the first book told from Merlin’s point of view by Mary Stewart.
It is eminently re-readable with beautiful, lush descriptions. I feel as though I am really there, in Merlin’s world. This isn’t an historical re-telling of the Arthurian legends, it’s a brilliant, believable interpretation.
She deals with Merlin’s bastardy, his gift from the god and the practicalities of an invasion with care and style. If you’ve not yet read this book, buy it now!
This is probably the 5th time I have read The Crystal Cave. Mary Stewart has given a wonderful version of how Merlin grew up and the obstacles he faced. A wonderful read with characters so real you feel as though you know them. Fast paced and hard to put down.
If you are a fan of King Arthur and Camelot…you should read this book. If you aren’t a fan, read this book and become one.
If you haven’t read The Crystal Cave you are missing out. I’ve read it many times. It never gets old. Merlin comes alive in this tale. Mary Stewart breathed amazing life into all of the characters of the Arthurian myth. This is Book One. Read them all. Ten Stars!
King Arthur Like you never read in High School. I highly recommend the entire four book set. The Crystal Cave starts with the conception of Merlin and ends with the Conception of Arthur. Mary Stewart does enough research to make this almost an historic drama. It is a wonderful read which you will want to go back to time and time again.
I love this series. Mary Stewart is an excellent author.
Mary Stewart takes a departure from romance and turns to a masterful retelling of the legendary story of Merlin, it is an enchanting novel. I enjoyed the other novels in the series as well.