Guardian of the Trust (Merlin's Descendants #2) [Hardcover]

Irene Radford (Author)

Book Description

Series: Merlin's Descendants | Publication Date: March 1, 2000

The breakout series by the author of the Dragon Nimbus novels...

The second novel in Irene Radford's acclaimed new series--in which the magically gifted children of both Merlin's and King Arthur's bloodlines face the rebellious struggles of a new age....

Early thirteenth century England is a time of great unrest. But in Resmiranda Griffin, both Arthur's power and Merlin's magic runs strong. But she has precious little time to develop her special abilities, as evil forces move in to eliminate her. And without her full abilities, Resmiranda will never be able to free her beloved land and people from the evil that controls the kingdom.

First time in print--second in the acclaimed series

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

John Plantagenet rules an England beset by internal turmoil. At the heart of his court, demon-born Radburn Blakely plots to control the country and destroy the only person who can thwart his schemes--a young woman descended from both Arthur Pendragon and the wizard Merlin. Part love story, part historical fantasy, the second installment of Radford's fantasy series depicts 13th-century England in all its complex machinations. Fans of Arthurian legends, in particular, should appreciate this richly textured story of a young woman's courage in the face of dark powers. For most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 462 pages
• Publisher: DAW Hardcover (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886778743
• ISBN-13: 978-0886778743
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,124,965 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic combo of historical fantasy & romance, March 11, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Guardian of the Trust (Merlin's Descendants #2) (Hardcover)

Many believe darkness engulfs England due to the capricious, ironhanded leadership of the monarch. The Barons hate King John, who they blame for the Church Interdict that robs them of the grace of God. Neither John nor the Barons realize that an older force exists. John's half brother Radburn Blakely has the blood of Trylith, Demon of Chaos, running through his veins. Blakely plans to wrest control of England from his sibling and the Barons.

Other powers exist that run counter to Blakely's plan. Resmiranda Griffin descends from Arthur and Merlin, which gives her the power of the former and the magic of the latter. She is the Pendragon and the only living wielder of Excalibur. Blakely knows he must obtain her cooperation or exterminate his only viable opponent. Though he pulls the strings on his puppet John, she has allies such as her lover Robin Locksley. The fate of a nation and perhaps a world depend on the upcoming duel between Blakely and Resmiranda.

Gifted storyteller Irene Radford can hold her own with the giantesses of fantasy writing such as Norton, McCaffrey, and Kurtz. Using King John's Medieval England as a backdrop, Ms. Radford writes a delightful tale that freshens up Robin Hood and King Arthur in one brush. The novel works as the mundane blends with the magical into a novel that deserves an award even as it will provide a large cross- genre audience for Ms. Radford.

Harriet Klausner

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!!!, August 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Guardian of the Trust: Merlin's Descendants #2 (Paperback)

I just finished reading "Guardian of the Trust" and "Guardian of the Balance" in record time...and I am a fast reader! I found myself staying up very late because I just could not put these books down. I have read many versions of the Arthur legend and enjoyed Bradford's original perspective. Her characters are very well-developed with just the right amount of detail. Like Marion Zimmer Bradley, her female characters are strong, articulate women who know their mind. While I love the story of King Arthur I sometimes grow tired of the Eve-like portrayal of the female chracters. Usually the reader is left with the thought that if it wasn't for the women....Not so with these novels. I highly recommend their addition to any Arthurophile's library!

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guardian of the Trust (Merlin's Descendants,No2), April 19, 2002

By 

Beth Barnhill (Williamsburg, KY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guardian of the Trust: Merlin's Descendants #2 (Paperback)

I must say that this is one of the best books that i have read in a very long time!! Irene Radford draws you into the story,so it is like you are living the story yourself.I would and have recommended this book to everyone.And I have gave this book to family and friends for birthdays and christmas. Wonderful reading!!! I can't wait to read the next one!!