Tag Archives: The Merlin Spiral

Review: Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

Merlin's Shadow by Robert TreskillardMerlin’s Shadow (The Merlin Spiral #2)
Robert Treskillard
Blink YA
Published October 1, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

After vowing to protect young Arthur at all costs, Merlin and his companions flee from the army of Vortigern, the new self-proclaimed king of Briton. Merlin’s faith falters along the difficult road, as does his confidence in the love of the fair Natalenya. Now that his sight has been restored to him, he can’t help but despise the terrible scars that mar his face. He decides to ask Natalenya to break her vow to marry him and return to her family. Heartbroken, Natalenya fears the mysterious illness that plagues her has driven away Merlin’s love for her. A vicious tribe of Picts corners Merlin and his companions and forces them to choose between death and slavery. Desperate to save Arthur, Merlin chooses slavery and endures cruel treatment at the hands of his master and tribal leaders. When help finally comes, Merlin fears the price may be too great, and all the sacrifices he’s made may prove worthless.

This second novel in the Merlin Spiral picks up immediately following the first installment. Unfamiliar readers (or those who’ve lost track of some of the finer plot points since reading the first book) will be thrilled to find a brief synopsis of the series’ debut in the opening pages of this tale. In addition, Treskillard also provides a character glossary with pronunciation notes, which is a great help to readers who struggle to remember the roles for each character in the large cast.

While some stories seem to lose steam in the second book, the Merlin Spiral only ratchets up the action and intensity, propelling readers through action and danger. Characters continue to grow as they face new threats and challenges. Fans of the classic story of Arthur and Merlin will continue to enjoy the fresh, imaginative twists to the tale and find themselves eager for the third installment.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Beneath the familiar story of King Arthur and Merlin lies a raging war between Christianity and Druidism for the Isle of Briton. Some Druidic rituals are referenced, including human sacrifice and use of powerful artifacts. A young girl falls into a burial pit and sinks to the bottom where she encounters a Druid deity. Merlin sees God-gifted visions and finds the Sangraal (Holy Grail.)

Violence
Battles between Merlin’s companions and Druids or soldiers following the self-proclaimed British king Vortigern are described with moderate detail.

A savage tribe of Picts carries Merlin, the young Arthur and their band of companions off into slavery and treats them cruelly. A Druid ritual nearly costs a young boy his life.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Merlin’s Blade by Robert Treskillard

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Clean Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

Merlin’s Blade
Robert Treskillard
Blink YA
Published April 16, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Scars from a wolf attack leave young Merlin’s eyesight damaged almost to the point of blindness, making it difficult for him to assist his father the blacksmith or find his way around the small village alone and leaves him an easy victim to trickery. When two druid leaders bring a glowing stone into the village, Merlin’s blindness saves him from falling into the stone’s enchantment. As the druids whisper sweet lies to the townsfolk, further bewitching them, Merlin must find his courage and stand up to the powerful men, even if he is forced to stand alone.

The druids’ plans are far more nefarious than to distract a few poor farmers, however. Merlin uncovers a terrible plot meant to murder and betray Arthur, the future king. As Merlin braces for battle, he is faced with a terrible choice: with the lives of his love, family and the king in jeopardy, he must choose whom to save.

The story of Merlin and Arthur is retold as a tale of battle between druid and Christian. Instead of the mighty sorcerer, Merlin emerges as a Christian prophet, one voice shouting against a bewitched and angry crowd. In this first book in The Merlin Spiral, Merlin meets Arthur as a very young child and only begins his journey as a part of Arthur’s life. Treskillard weaves a fascinating tale and leaves the reader piqued for the next installment in the series. The last hundred pages moved especially quickly, pulling the reader through the tale with scarcely time for a breath. Readers who enjoy Christian fantasy will likely enjoy the fresh retelling of this familiar story.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
A powerful druid leader uses a magical stone to enchant the people and turn them away from Christianity. Several scenes describe various druid rituals or sacrifices. Merlin passionately opposes the power of the stone and clings to his Christian beliefs in the face of threats and injury from the druids. Angels visit and speak with one character. Another character reveals prophecies.

Violence
Wolf attacks and battle scenes appear throughout the story, sometimes told in detail. Descriptions are not overly gory, but the scenes are important to the story, so they are not usually brief.

Drug Content
A man betrays another by placing poison in his mead.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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