Merlin - The Old Magic Book

Merlin: The Old Magic is the first of a three part novelisation of the very successful Hallmark Entertainment Merlin mini-series starring Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, Isabella Rossllini, and Martin Short. Author James Mallory has long been fascinated with the Arthurian legends and their historical development, and he greatly expands upon the TV series, adding material derived from the original Celtic mythology, together with further invention of his own. Characters not seen on TV include Herne The Hunter and Idath, Lord of the Wild Hunt. Mallory also provides foundation for the later Grail Quest, which the mini-series left off-screen. The Roman Legions are abandoning Britain and Christianity spreading through the land. Mab, Queen of the Old Ways determines to fight the new religion, first placing her hopes in the tyrant King Vortigen, then creating the part-man, part-elemental Merlin. As a youth Merlin falls in love with the Lady Nimue, but as Mab's evil grows he vows to oppose her and the Old Magic. This is an off-beat version of the early part of an oft told tale. It works best as an introduction to the Arthurian saga for those who loved the Merlin mini-series, or for teenagers unfamiliar with the legends. Adult readers, or those who know the original stories will perhaps find more satisfying other retellings such as The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen Lawhead, or Rosalind Miles' Guenevere series. --Gary S. DalkinRead More