From AudioFile
Unlike other books about the Arthurian Legend, Mary Stewart's trilogy focuses on Merlin, the wizard. Stephen Thorne does a masterful job portraying the other characters, as well. From the gruffness of the soldiers, to the softness of the women, all the voices ring true. In addition, the pronunciation of the place names leaves no doubt that the reader knows Wales, Cornwall and Brittany. In this last story in the set, Merlin continues as King Arthur's councilor. Traveling in disguise, Merlin moves around Britain getting information for the king. In describing the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside, Thorne's delivery makes it come alive. As Arthur rises to new heights of power, we reach the twilight of Merlin's life when he finally has time to rest and tell his story. Thorne's versatility adds absorbing dimension to the trilogy. D.M.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Book Description

Arthur Pendragon is King! Unchallenged on the battlefield, he melds the country together in a time of promise. But sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause -- Arthur's own half sister -- ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven.


From the Publisher
If you haven't read Mary Stewart's Arthurian Saga, you don't know what you're missing. They are must reads for any romance reader, for any lover of Arthurian legend, for any history buff, for any voracious reader, and may be the books to get non-readers started. Basically, they should be read by everyone! Mary Stewart's research for these books is phenomenal. Her understanding of myth and its relationship to fact is remarkable. The books are complex, yet incredibly inviting and you will absolutely love the characters. They also weave together so beautifully that you won't be able to read only one. Two things I find particularly interesting in this series is the portrayal of Arthur and the fall of Camelot. Arthur represents all of humanity in these books as opposed to the more mythical figure you usually see. And the fall of Camelot is more internal rather than external--more about the passions and lusts in the heart rather than a more obvious loss of power. The books go in this order: The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, The Wicked Day. Shauna Summers, Senior Editor

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"The richest of the three...mighty...climactic...action and supsense constant, even harrowing."
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Arthur is King! But while unchallenged on the battlefield, sinister powers plot to destroy him in his own Camelot. When the rose-gold witch Morgause, Arthur's half-siser, ensnares him into an incestuous liaison—and bears his son, Mordred, to use to her own evil ends—a fatal web of love, betrayal and bloody vengeance is woven.

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile - Debra M. Whitney