Recent Reads {Merlin}

Merlin by Stephen R Lawhead - This is the second in Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, and is the story of the son of the great bard Taliesin and the Atlantean princess Charis.  Merlin tells his own story, of growing up with the "Fair Folk" of Atlantis, spending time with his Celtic grandparents and the Christian druid priests.  As a young man, he is kidnapped by the Hill Folk, and lives with them for several seasons.  The central part of the tale is quite dark, as Merlin withdraws into the forest by himself to mourn the loss of his wife and many of his friends and sword-brothers in a Saxon raid.   Many of the characters refer to him as being mad during this time, and he doesn't deny it.  However, he is able to return to those of his family still living and take up his place as Briton's prophet and kingmaker.  We are introduced to young Arthur before the story's end, and events are set in motion for Arthur to return as Briton's High King who ushers in the "Kingdom of Summer" foretold by Taliesin.  Throughout the story, there is an underlying theme of the One True God and Merlin is among the characters that find their purpose in serving God and doing His will.

By the same author:  Patrick, The Skin Map.  Other books in the Pendragon Cycle are: Taliesin, Arthur, Pendragon, and Grail.   My comments from the previous time I read Merlin are here.