The Iron Grail: The Merlin Codex: 2: Book 2 of the Merlin Codex (Gollancz S.F.) [Import] [Paperback]

Robert Holdstock (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Gollancz (January 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0575079746
• ISBN-13: 978-0575079748
• Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,971,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celtika and Iron Grail, September 13, 2005

By 

HistoryShowsUs (TX, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Iron Grail (Merlin Codex) (Paperback)

Any fan of mythology will love this book. Brilliantly blends ancient Greek heroes with Arthurian Heroes and a Celtic backdrop. Fast moving story with larger than life characters. I wouldnt spoil the story for anyone but this is a must for any fantasy reader. The only fly in the ointment was Mr Holdstock's chronological displacement of Greek mythological events. The Argonauts came first and then the Trojan War because one of the argonauts was Peleus, Achilles father. In fact it was Peleus' wedding that leads indirectly to the Trojan war. When Eris was not invited to the festivities she cast a gold apple to the guests which was to be given to the fairest. That apple became the prize that Paris later awarded to Aphrodite in exchange for Helen of Sparta. That being said it in no way spoiled the story any more than the changes made to the recent movie Troy. I am eagerly awaiting the third book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Loved it, February 28, 2009

By 

J. Webster (CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Iron Grail (Merlin Codex) (Paperback)

I loved this book. Holdstock is a wonderful writter. I did like Mythago better, but highly recommend this talented writer.

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful fantasy, March 5, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: The Iron Grail (Merlin Codex Book 2) (Hardcover)

Seven hundred years have passed since Merlin and Jason (see CELTIKA) searched for the Golden Fleece, but now the magician resides in Alba where he receives three warnings including one about a man who wants him dead for betrayal. Also Merlin is warned to beware of a being used by a man and a ship that is more than a ship.

Merlin travels to Ghostland to rescue the children of the warlord Urtha at about the same time that Jason sailing the Argo arrives in Alba still seeking his son Kinos the "Little Dreamer" after failing in his reconciliation with his older boy. Merlin joins Jason on his quest to the Otherworld, where the latter's wife Medea probably has hidden Kinos from him. Jason believes the Mage is assisting him out of guilt because Merlin's first love Medea faked the deaths of the sons she had with Jason. Still the Argo captain wonders if he can trust the magician once they locate Medea who may have Merlin under her spell.

Combining English and Greek mythology, Robert Holdstock provides the audience with a delightful fantasy as the audience will enjoy the exploits of Merlin and Jason as they struggle to find the lost lad. Though some of the early fantasy scenes seem unnecessary, this epic tale is exciting non-stop action especially once Jason arrives on the scene. The second Codex tale is a treat for Camelot fans and Greek mythos readers who will want to hitch a ride on the Argo as the adventures in Otherworld are fun to follow as the two heroes each know that love can blind the purest.

Harriet Klausner