From Publishers Weekly
The Merlin mystique and the fascinating rivalry of Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, underpins this entertaining blend of fantasy and history, which invites comparison with Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley. In this third installment (after Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust), telepathically linked twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood are the stars, but the other main character, Roanna, a witch who suffers at the hand of the twins early in the story, steals the show. It is Roanna's summoning of Tryblith, the Demon of Chaos, for revenge against the barons of Kirkenwood that really sets the pace. Griffin refuses to accept the title of Pendragon with its inherited magical powers, instead choosing the priesthood. His gentle pacifist ways are at odds with those warlike fanatics who would claim absolute power in the name of religion. Acting as Tryblith's host, Roanna sows seeds of destruction amid various royal courts. Meanwhile Donovan tries to stir up his latent magical talents as Griffin searches his soul for salvation. The battle for good over evil is a common theme in fantasy, but Radford's comfortable command of history keeps this one from becoming boring. Familiarity with the first two books isn't essential thanks to a helpful list of characters at the start. Agent, Carol McCleary. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood bear the blood of the Pendragon and have the duty to preserve the line of King Arthur. When Griffin renounces his heritage and takes holy orders, his brother Donovan must learn to draw forth the magic he needs to claim his birthright. Set in Elizabethan England, Radford's latest historical fantasy continues the tale begun in Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust and displays the author's meticulous research as well as her gift for graceful storytelling. A good addition to most fantasy collections. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Heirs to a legacy of ancient magic, the twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood have become embroiled in the political and religious conflicts of Elizabethan England. But there are darker forces threatening not only the Kirkwoods but the Queen as well. For a witch descended from Nimue has unleashed a terrifying force: the Demon of Chaos...

Praise for the Merlin's Descendants series:

An ambitious project that should have certain appeal for fans of Arthurian legend and goddess-centered magic. (Library Journal)

This well-conceived and nicely written version of what might have been should please fantasy fans. (Romantic Times)

A great King Arthur story! (Barnes & Noble Explorations)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Heirs to a legacy of ancient magic, the twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood have become embroiled in the political and religious conflicts of Elizabethan England. But there are darker forces threatening not only the Kirkwoods but the Queen as well. For a witch descended from Nimue has unleashed a terrifying force: the Demon of Chaos...

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

The Merlin mystique and the fascinating rivalry of Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, underpins this entertaining blend of fantasy and history, which invites comparison with Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley. In this third installment (after Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust), telepathically linked twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood are the stars, but the other main character, Roanna, a witch who suffers at the hand of the twins early in the story, steals the show. It is Roanna's summoning of Tryblith, the Demon of Chaos, for revenge against the barons of Kirkenwood that really sets the pace. Griffin refuses to accept the title of Pendragon with its inherited magical powers, instead choosing the priesthood. His gentle pacifist ways are at odds with those warlike fanatics who would claim absolute power in the name of religion. Acting as Tryblith's host, Roanna sows seeds of destruction amid various royal courts. Meanwhile Donovan tries to stir up his latent magical talents as Griffin searches his soul for salvation. The battle for good over evil is a common theme in fantasy, but Radford's comfortable command of history keeps this one from becoming boring. Familiarity with the first two books isn't essential thanks to a helpful list of characters at the start. Agent, Carol McCleary. (May 8) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood bear the blood of the Pendragon and have the duty to preserve the line of King Arthur. When Griffin renounces his heritage and takes holy orders, his brother Donovan must learn to draw forth the magic he needs to claim his birthright. Set in Elizabethan England, Radford's latest historical fantasy continues the tale begun in Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust and displays the author's meticulous research as well as her gift for graceful storytelling. A good addition to most fantasy collections. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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