The Crystal Cave - a Review

The Crystal Cave, by Mary Stewart, is the first of four books about the legend of Merlin and King Arthur. A stunning historical fiction novel, The Crystal Cave introduces us to Merlin as a young boy, as a child who likes to be alone in the dark.

Merlin's mother, the daughter of the king, has not let it be known who fathered her child. This remains a secret, even from Merlin. He becomes known as the boy without a father. Since he loves to be alone in the dark, there are many things that he overhears, many things that he knows about those around him that he should not know. People begin to look upon him with fear. How does he know these things? Those around him believe he must possess some sort of magical power.

Merlin has a tutor to school him, but the tutor has a drinking problem. He knows that Merlin sneaks out sometimes, but he always returns and works hard to keep up with his work. Because of this, he says nothing. Neither does Merlin report his tutor's drinking problem. When seven years old, Merlin discovers the cave. Galapas, an old wizard, lives in this cave. He and Merlin become pals and he begins giving Merlin lessons.

Galapas quickly discovers that Merlin's abilities to see what is going to happen have already surpassed his own. This book takes you on a journey with Merlin as he discovers just what he is capable of. Merlin has been portrayed in other works of literature as a being from another world full of untold power. He has been shown as a prince of darkness. But was he any of this? Or was he just an intelligent man, one who could see into the future and, with his occult powers, manipulate current events to make what he wanted to happen occur?

The rest of the books in this series are The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment, and The Wicked Day. Journey back to 5th-century England in all of its glory, all of its turbulence, all of its magic. Experience the battles, the deceit. In this first book, you meet one of the greatest legends of all time and watch as he manipulates events so that the birth of King Arthur, who is to be raised by Merlin himself, takes place. You will get the chance to see Merlin as a person, not a wizard. And you do learn the identity of Merlin's father.

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