Mad Merlin [Hardcover]

This story has to be looked at in the same vein. There are a lot of gods, godesses, Celtic and Norse mythology and even some T. H. White thrown into this mix, all hung on the framework of what we "know" of Arthur. We Know there's going to be a Modred and that Morgan will bring him into being from her hate for Arthur becuase of what Uther and Merlin did. The story doesn't have to explain her motivation for that hate more than that because we Know that hate exists. It is not a "classic" Arthur, but it fits within the frameowrk. Jack Whytes wonderful "Eagles Brood" series or Godwin's superb "Firelord" aren't "classic" either, but tehy do fit within teh History and events of Arthur as we Know them. Does the retelling under inspection remain true to the legend even if the details vary? As long as a story does this, it is OK to look at the legend though a differnt lens.

This King does, and his take is marvelous. The other reviews talk a bit how he does this, but I will just recommend this book without reservation.

Unique plot twists include explanations for the origins of Merlin and Excalibur--each a stunning and poignant surprise--and the use of a host of gods, faeries, and other enchanted beings struggling for survival in the dawn of the Christian era.

The book opens with Merlin wallowing in the depths of complete insanity, unaware of his own origins. The quest for that identity provides an excellent element of mystery, with an utterly satisfying resolution. The magic in this tale is powerful and dramatic. King makes no attempt to explain his wizard as some kind of master of alchemy and sleight-of-hand--this is a mage in the classic Gandalf archetype (though, I suppose, it was originally Merlin who was the archetype for Gandalf!). In any event, he can fly, hurl fireballs, change his shape, and carry whole armies on swift, magical marches.

This book will have strong appeal to all lovers of the Arthurian legends, and also stands alone as an epic of high fantasy. One caveat: King does not recount all the elements of the classic King Arthur story...I have a feeling that readers might be waiting (rather impatiently) for a sequel.

The first thing that impressed me was Merlin's voice, and the way the deft characterizations swept me into the story. The second thing that hit me was the writing style. It's impressive. So are the underlying ideas, and the cohesive vision painted from the lore of many cultures. The author is unusually literate, both in his use of language and his wide-ranging knowledge of classic and mythic lore. This is not to imply that the book is stodgy and academic. To the contrary. This book has both depth and sparkle. Rob King's sense of humor is disarmingly off-beat. This is clearly the work of someone who loves the sounds and shapes and textures of words. As such, it offers a genuine and rare treat for like-minded readers.

I'm guessing that fellow Arthurian buffs, an admittedly varied and contentious group, will find much to enjoy here. The book is both fresh and familiar. I found myself sometimes nodding in recognition, and sometimes delighting in new explanations to well-known situations. The motivation behind the characters and events is cohesive and believable. The story behind Excaliber, in particular, was startling, but logical and resonant.

Although most of Rob King's previous work has been in game-related fiction, his fans will not be disappointed. There's enough action to please the most avid readers of adventure fantasy. The battle choreography is exciting and visual. And it's hard to imagine anyone who wouldn't warm to Merlin's sublime silliness.

A word about characterization: terrific. The scene that introduces a young and boastful Kay is both funny and spot-on. Guinevere's portrayal offered a nice respite from the usual tortured, adulterous queen. And although I love Arthurian lore, the portrayal of the central character occasionally leads me to wonder what all the fuss was about. (Tennyson's Arthur, for example. MZB's, for another.) Let's face it: Arthur is a tough character to portray. King's king makes you understand why men followed and bards still tell his tale.

I could go on, and usually do. But you've got better things to read than this review. Get the book. Get two copies, and give one to someone you really, really like.