Merlin's Blade

May 20, 2013
Making his debut, Treskillard delivers a sweeping, deeply detailed fantasy that re-imagines the adven-tures of figures from Arthurian legend in a battle between "new" Christian ideology and the ancient rites of the druids. In his fifth-century British village, Merlin, a nearly blind teenager and son of a blacksmith, quickly emerges as the empathetic and courageous hero following the teachings of Jesu. Merlin is the only one who can resist the temptations and mystical enchantments that emanate from a glowing stoneâpart of a "Dragon Star" that had crashed in flames to Earth; he desperately encourages others to reject the stone's evil and take up his path under God's protection. A toddler King Arthur and the famous sword Excalibur are thrilling elements of the tale for fans of the genre. The author skillful-ly crafts intense action scenes and vivid settings. But the book's length, large cast of characters, and period vernacular tend to slow the pacing in places and may prove a challenge for some younger read-ers less keen about comprehensive detail. Those who follow Merlin to book's end, however, are re-warded by hints at what's to come in the sequel in the Merlin's Spiral series. Ages 13-up. Agent: Les Stobbe, Leslie H. Stobbe Literary Agency

December 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-In fifth-century Britain, during King Uther's reign, the druids attempt to rise once again and overpower their Christian monarch. A strange and deadly meteorite, able to bewitch anyone who gazes upon it, becomes central to the druid leader's plots. Only the mostly blind swordsmith's son, Merlin, is able to gaze upon the stone and hold off its dangerous powers. Only he can see with a clear head the deception and plotting surrounding the High King's visit to his small village. It is through Merlin's actions that perhaps Uther's family, including the young future King Arthur, can survive the pagan usurpers' designs on the crown. Treskillard crafts a new and unique prequel to the King Arthur legend, one that is rich in atmosphere and detail. Fantasy readers will find themselves beguiled by the young Merlin's story. Other readers, however, might find themselves somewhat overwhelmed, and the slow pace (the full tale will be told in three volumes) may leave reluctant readers unwilling to continue to the end. Though somewhat lengthy, the blending of history and religious mythologies makes this the start of an interesting perspective on Arthurian legends.-Jessica Miller, West Springfield Public Library, MA

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