Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

Fifth century Britain is a country of chaos and division after the Roman withdrawal. This is the world of young Merlin, the illegitimate child of a South Wales princess who will not reveal to her son his father's true identity. Yet Merlin is an extraordinary child, aware at the earliest age that he possesses a great natural gift - the Sight. Against a background of invasion and imprisonment, wars and conquest, Merlin emerges into manhood, and accepts his dramatic role in the New Beginning - the coming of King Arthur.

I've been looking forward to this one. I haven't read any Arthurian stuff before and somebody recommended this to me.

This one is really good!

I’ve read this book and the series more than once. I’m joining in!

Glad to hear it.

I read this as a teenager and remember little of it. I'm a sucker for Arthurian stories, though, so I'm looking forward to revisiting this.

I love Arthurian tales! I read this one as a teen and re-read it earlier this year and enjoyed it!

I read a few years ago Arthurian Romances. It was a good reading for me.

I'm about a hundred pages in, reading about Merlin's youth. I'm enjoying it so far.

So I'm not really familiar with Arthurian legend except from various movies. I saw that Green Knight movie. Weird.
Does anybody know what's the earliest work it's all derived from?

One of the earlier works is Le Morte D'arthur by Thomas Malory, written in 1485.
Howvever, I recently finished Parzival by Wolfram von Eschenbach and Arthur(called Artus) is mentioned as well as the knights of the round table. This was written well before the Malory version.

Thanks, that's interesting.

I loved this series as a teen when I was in my King Arthur phase, but I'm not sure what would happen if I tired to reread it now. Sometimes rereading novels ruins the happy memories of reading it in my past.

The other one I remember reading is The Once and Future King which I loved when I was fifteen. I've never read the older ones.

I'm seeing a ton of inspiration for A Song of Ice and Fire in this.

I finished. Thought it was a great interpretation of the myth.
Another series I have to finish...

I finished today. I enjoyed the story. It brings me back to The Once and Future King by T.H. White, which I read almost 50 years ago. Maybe sometime I'll try some of the books mentioned above, Arthurian Romances or Le Morte D'Arthur: Volume I.

I read this book years and years ago when I was deep in my Arthurian obsession. Can't remember if I actually enjoyed my time with the book or if I didn't- though I still have the book (and the remainder of the series) on my shelves so I might give it a reread if I have the time for it.

I think I remember more of The Wicked Day which is from Mordred's perspective because I absolutely adored it. Has anyone given the book a read? I think it's a companion to the series but it can be read as a standalone.

Tiffany wrote: "I read this book years and years ago when I was deep in my Arthurian obsession. Can't remember if I actually enjoyed my time with the book or if I didn't- though I still have the book (and the rema..."

I enjoyed it when I was in my Arthurian stage, but have never read the fourth one because my mother didn't get that one. By the time I heard about it, I was no longer interested in Arthurian novels.

I've only read the first three, many years ago. The first two I really enjoyed. The third not so much.

I’ve read 4 books of the series and I thought that was all of them but Goodreads has The Prince and the Pilgrim as #5. I have not read it. I am enjoying rereading the Crystal Cave. Maybe I’ll keep going & add #5 this time.

Like several of you, I read this when I was young. I didn't remember much of it so on the second time around, I was surprised by some things that happened such as Merlin burning his servant's body, his discovery about Ambrosius, and the symbol of the 2 dragons appearing before Vertigern.
It's definitely classic fantasy with a mysterious magic system, a strong contrast between good and evil characters, and well used tropes such as the old wise character who guides the young Merlin (Galapas).
I found it interesting that Merlin seemed to be driven more at times by obedience than virtue. Though he is a very virtuous character (refusing the advances of the young nun as well as being kind to Dinais on his return), he obeys the various kings he encounters rather than preaches virtue to them. His wits also protect him more than good magic.
There is plenty of action so the pacing is good. I really enjoyed this

I didn't really see it as good and evil. Merlin knows he has a destiny to fulfil and he goes along with the kings to do what he needs to do.

I think Carmlach and Vertigern are painted as flawed, somewhat evil characters while Galapas and Ambrosius are more virtuous and kind. Also, Merlin avoids sex and swearing, as well as refuses to fight in several instances, making him a rather virtuous character

Yes I'd say Galapas, Ambrosius, and Merlin are virtuous and all the character are flawed. Again, it reminds me of ASOIAF.
I understand the original legends had a more straight good and evil theme but I thought this story was meant to make it more realistic and human while keeping a few minor magical elements.

I didn't understand why there was a scene of him saying no to sex. In the back of my book the author's note says:
"There is so strong a connection in literature(and indeed history) between celibacy, or virginity, and power, that I have thought it reasonable to insist on Merlin's virginity."

Book Nerd wrote: "Yes I'd say Galapas, Ambrosius, and Merlin are virtuous and all the character are flawed. Again, it reminds me of ASOIAF.
I understand the original legends had a more straight good and evil theme b..."
Interesting!

This was my first time reading this series of author. I've always enjoyed Arthurian media but don't think I've actually ever read a proper Arthurian book until now.

I enjoyed the pace and the characters and although I I sometimes found the descriptions of locations and journeys boring and hard to follow but overall the writing was good.

It would have been good if the female characters were more fleshed out but this was written in the early 70s so I will give some it some slack.

I look forward to continuing the series.

I hope you enjoy the next books as well, Jess.

Jess wrote: "This was my first time reading this series of author. I've always enjoyed Arthurian media but don't think I've actually ever read a proper Arthurian book until now.

I enjoyed the pace and the cha..."
Same. I've never read Arthurian legend and I look forward to reading the rest of this series...some day. lol

Yeah, maybe Guinevere will be a better female character.