Customer Reviews

The Merlin Mystery

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Books like this one, that appeal to the diehard puzzle-solver and treasure-hunter, are few and far between... especially here in the US, where the most complex puzzle you'll usually get is a scratch-and-sniff beer cap contest. The artwork in this book seems to have recurring symbols and objects from page to page, which serves to make the illustrations a little busy... but, nevertheless, I've got the book in my lap as we speak, about to begin another bout of puzzle-solution-searching. If that isn't a positive review, I don't know what is!

This is the best treasure hunt book to print in years. It features exquisitely detailed and colorful pictures, as well as the fiendish, MENSA approved puzzle of the Pendragon Alchemy. A great grab for the seasoned puzzler and the child alike.

This is truly the first challenging mystery that I have ever encountered. It is only enhanced by the superb illustrations. The story of Merlin and Nimue is truly timeless and tragic. If only the magic had not been lost. Or has it?

Looking at the cover of this book; I thought ' Ah, a story about Merlin - the great magician '. You see, I am into articles involving Merlin. When I opened the book; I was greeted with symbols and pictures; I had no idea why they were here... Until I reached the end of the book, and saw the 'Rules and Conditions to entry'... What I had here was a puzzle book, and a bllody good puzzle at that!!!

Obiviously, I gave up on the puzzle ages ago, but I am still fascinated by the text on the back cover of the book... It is said that this puzzle can be solved equally by a determined child as an expert puzzler... I would like to meet this determined child.

Nethertheless, a great story; it's a pity I got distrcted by all the symbols.

Don't be dismayed by pretenders to the throne, the Wand and the treasure still remain at large and up for grabs.

The book is exciting and exhilirating and filled with many levels of intricate puzzles. The beauty of it is that it's not language dependant so players around the world can exchange ideas and thoughts even if they are looking at different language versions of the book. The Merlin Mystery community is as diverse as you'll find in any culture or large city and are pretty much a friendly group of folks.

This book is not only fun but connects you with good people all over the world.

This is a puzzle book and a fantastic one at that. Brilliant Authorship combined with equally brilliant illustrations. I had long ago thought that this medium was long gone, then came the discovery of Jonathan Gunson's greatness in 'The Merlin Mystery.' Jonathan Gunson deserves two thumbs up for releasing this enigma. Fun to try and solve. Worth your time. Can be shared with friends at gatherings.

the book is terrific, the illustrations are just beautiful and it was just plain fun...of course I have yet to figure out the mystery!

This book rules! I bought it yesterday, and it is sitting on my computer desk as I am typing. I went to a party and stayed up all night with my friends attempting to solve it. I just went to the website; it wasn't much help. My advice : ye of little patience, do not buy this book.

This book is not for the faint at heart. This book is hard and I mean hard. you might think, like me on the first day, "Oh I'll finish this book in a day..", well you won't. I've been told by a few friends of mine of that this book has taken 10 years for devlopment so don't go expecting them to just give this money to anybody..this is hard...just be prepared

As happy as I was to see the "treasure hunt puzzle book" genre resurface, I was not happy with the form it takes here. Previous works in the genre, like Kit Williams' "Masquerade" and Dan James' "Treasure," feature both clever puzzles and beautiful art--so even if the mysteries elude you, you can still enjoy the creativity and artistry that went into creating the overall work. That's simply not the case with "The Merlin Mystery," a garbled wreck of a treasure hunt with artwork that does not hold up on its own.

Crammed with dozens of intentionally confusing symbols, paintings that look like the work of a talented high school student who has watched "Excalibur" too many times, an outright abuse of Photoshop, and a hackneyed, melodramatic story that alternately shoves and drags the reader forward, Merlin Mystery is a confusing cacophany that simply doesn't appeal as a puzzle or a picture book. Neither the art nor the text inspires an emotional connection with the reader--the creators come off less as storytellers and more like mercenaries with paintbrushes.

If, however, the point of the work is not emotional but intellectual, then sadly its baffling puzzle elements are no less appealing. The multi-layered enigma been so intentionally over-constructed that nobody but its creators knows--or cares--what the method to the madness may be.

Never mind locating the treasure--there's no soul to be found here.