Guardian of the Vision (Merlin's Descendants, Vol. 3) [Paperback]

Irene Radford (Author)

Book Description

Series: Merlin's Descendants | Publication Date: May 7, 2002

Now in paperback, the third novel in Irene Radford's acclaimed saga follows Merlin's descendants to Elizabethan England-where royal rivalries are complicated by the unexpected arrival of magic, witches...and the Demon of Chaos.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Merlin mystique and the fascinating rivalry of Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, underpins this entertaining blend of fantasy and history, which invites comparison with Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley. In this third installment (after Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust), telepathically linked twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood are the stars, but the other main character, Roanna, a witch who suffers at the hand of the twins early in the story, steals the show. It is Roanna's summoning of Tryblith, the Demon of Chaos, for revenge against the barons of Kirkenwood that really sets the pace. Griffin refuses to accept the title of Pendragon with its inherited magical powers, instead choosing the priesthood. His gentle pacifist ways are at odds with those warlike fanatics who would claim absolute power in the name of religion. Acting as Tryblith's host, Roanna sows seeds of destruction amid various royal courts. Meanwhile Donovan tries to stir up his latent magical talents as Griffin searches his soul for salvation. The battle for good over evil is a common theme in fantasy, but Radford's comfortable command of history keeps this one from becoming boring. Familiarity with the first two books isn't essential thanks to a helpful list of characters at the start. Agent, Carol McCleary.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood bear the blood of the Pendragon and have the duty to preserve the line of King Arthur. When Griffin renounces his heritage and takes holy orders, his brother Donovan must learn to draw forth the magic he needs to claim his birthright. Set in Elizabethan England, Radford's latest historical fantasy continues the tale begun in Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust and displays the author's meticulous research as well as her gift for graceful storytelling. A good addition to most fantasy collections.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: DAW; First Printing edition (May 7, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0756400716
• ISBN-13: 978-0756400712
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #649,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical and exciting saga, May 8, 2001

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Guardian of the Vision (Merlin's Descendants #3) (Merlin's Descendants) (Hardcover)

Since the time of King Arthur, a Pendragon has always guarded England and its shores. The descendants of Merlin also try to keep the peace, but when war occurs they react quickly to end the conflict as soon as possible. In 1553, Raven is the current Pendragon and will soon name her grandson Griffin, the older twin brother of Donovan as her heir.

During a border skirmish with the Scotts, Griffin has a religious epiphany that leads him to the abandonment of his powers, his titles, and his birthright. He becomes a Catholic priest. Donovan picks up the mantle of the Pendragon, but though he understands the role he does not have the power to perform the job. Roanna, descendent of the Sorceress Nimue, has called forth a demon, but her summons fails as the demon of chaos Tryblith controls her. Only a Pendragon can stand in their way of spreading chaos throughout the world.

The third installment in the Merlin's Descendents series places a magical spin to true historic events. Irene Radford enchantingly brings to life the early Elizabethan era so that the audience will think that the author contains Merlin's genes. The battles on the mundane and mystical planes propel the story line forward, but the characters make the novel so fascinating that the good, the bad, and the ugly compel the reader into a one sitting session.

Harriet Klausner

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Twin sons and heirs embroiled in Queen Elizabeth's world, June 6, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Guardian of the Vision (Merlin's Descendants #3) (Merlin's Descendants) (Hardcover)

Guardian Of The Vision is the third novel of Merlin's Descendants, and familiarity with the previous books will lend to a smooth transition in reading this story of the Elizabethan era in Great Britain. Twin sons and heirs become embroiled in Queen Elizabeth's world and face witches, demons and change in this story of a journey to fulfill magical heritage.