8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy Review, May 17, 2009
This review is from: Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy (Paperback)
Arthurian legends are usually that, legends of Arthur, but most don't seem to spend as much time delving into the story of Merlin. Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy is an amazing introduction into the magical world of Merlin. Dee Marie beautifully sheds light on the beginnings of the beloved, magical, and mysterious Merlin.
Set in a post Roman Britain, this recovering nation was still fraught with turmoil and war. The reader is transported to a time long ago with sights, and smells of the era. The scenery unfolds in the mind with each word until you are there with the characters in peace or in battle.
The characters are rich and complex. The mysterious Merlin, Lionel, Lot, Ambrosious, and Uther take us through their journeys and struggles. Our characters, sometimes misunderstood, seem to make the wrong choices until the bigger picture is revealed with a life lesson intertwined. The difficulties and hardship of the time are clear, but not without humor throughout to remind us of the characters' youthfulness and humanity. We watch Merlin grow from infancy and become the leader and prophet he is meant to become.
Merlin's Prophecy isn't only filled with beautifully written folklore, there are lessons woven throughout that relate to readers of all ages. Just because the characters lived long ago doesn't mean that they weren't facing challenges we can relate to. My favorite moment from the story comes from a scene when Merlin was speaking to Ambrosious. This conversation came to me at a time when I needed it: " ...'Peace or discontentment comes from within. Man may not rule his destiny, but he does rule his soul. Your reaction to life comes from within you, not from the world around you.'" (Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy, p.199)
Dee Marie's novel is not just for fans of Arthurian legends, but for anyone who enjoys good literature. Personally, Merlin's Prophecy has been a great introduction into a genre and world I had previously not visited. I hold a new respect and interest in Merlin, and plan to look into reading other Arthurian tales. I anxiously await her sequel to Merlin's Prophecy.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful New Author, May 26, 2008
This review is from: Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy (Paperback)
Dee Marie is one of the best modern authors I have read in a long time. Her writing style is fast paced, yet her prose are very well written. She pays attention to character detail and gives the reader a visual picture of her characters through words.
Once I started the book, I could not put it down. I am waiting now for the rest of her series. I recommend this book not only for enthusiasts of the King Arthur time period, but for those who just want to read a well written, interesting, and exciting book.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adventure in the palm of your hand....., February 13, 2009
This review is from: Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy (Paperback)
This novel is so visually stunning, coming to life right off of the page. It is like a virtual pop up book as the scenery and characters dance around and the smells fill the room you are reading in. You will find yourself unconsciously wrapping the blanket tighter around yourself as the mist rolls in. It is as if when you put the book down the characters will get out and follow you around begging you to come back and finish the story. You can feel the fires, feel the heated roman tiles, smell the dust on the tapestry, feel the tangle in the horse's mane, hear the gallop and whinny as they run and buck back on two legs, and feel the wind of the dragon's wings. I can still hear the crackle of the burning walls, and the swords sliding across each other as the heroes struggle for justice. I still have flashes in my memories of the vivid blues, reds, and greens. Dee Marie has made the characters so endearing. You find yourself rooting for the good guys, hating the bad guys (while secretly admiring them), and wanting to wrap your arms around Enid after eating one of her apple pies. This is not rocket science people this book is awesome and should be read at all costs. I am not known to be a fan of Arthurian literature, I am more of a Victorian/Gothic kinda girl, but now I am hooked. I can't wait until the next book in the series is published. The cool part is neither can my teenage boys. Now you know if you can find a common bond with a teenager that some phenomenal words have been put to paper. This book has drama, pageantry, romance, adventure, war, politics, history and fantasy. What else do you want in a book? And why are you still reading this review? You should be reading Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy.
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