Merlin's Shadow by Robert Treskillard

This is the second in the Merlin Spiral series, following Merlin's Blade. Treskillard is exploring the historical background of the relationship between Merlin and King Arthur in an imagined story of the time leading to the Arthurian legends.

In this novel, Merlin and his friends travel north with the orphaned infant Arthur, hoping to protect him from their enemies. His own half-sister is captivated by an evil Voice and determines to see Merlin dead.

Merlin's devotion to Arthur's safety is immense. He faces one challenge after another as he continues his task. It is said of Merlin, “If it was in his power he would give everything he possessed to save Arthur.” (332)

There is a definite battle between good and evil in this series. Merlin is a Christian but his faith is severely tested as he encounters various obstacles. He faces betrayal and deception time and again yet continues his sacred responsibility. It is gratifying to see Merlin grow into the spiritually perceptive and capable leader he needs to be.

This is a well written novel. The characters come alive and grow as the story develops. The action scenes are vivid and realistic. The sea voyages, storms and battles are intense. True to the nature of the druids, there are magical happenings in this novel. That might be a concern for some but they certainly follow in the tradition of the Arthurian tales.

Treskillard has done an excellent job of weaving a compelling story around the few facts known about Merlin and Arthur. This is an epic presentation of life and faith in the fifth century, the time after the Romans had left Britain but before the arrival of the Saxons. I look forward to the third and concluding book in this series. I've been introduced to the Sangraal (Holy Grail) and I want to know what happens to it and young Arthur.

Visit the author's website and blog to find out more about the book, the author, and the legend.

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast, a software developer, a graphic artist, and a sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and live in the countryside outside St. Louis, Missouri.

I am taking part in a Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy blog tour of this book. Below is a list of the participants. Click on each name to read another review of this book.

Red Bissell  Thomas Clayton Booher  Beckie Burnham  Jeff Chapman  Pauline Creeden  April Erwin  Victor Gentile  Ryan Heart  Timothy Hicks  Jason Joyner  Carol Keen  Jennette Mbewe  Amber McCallister  Shannon McDermott  Meagan @ Blooming with Books  Rebecca LuElla Miller  Nissa  Jalynn Patterson  Writer Rani  Nathan Reimer  Chawna Schroeder  Jacque Stengl  Jojo Sutis  Robert Treskillard  Steve Trower  Shane Werlinger  Phyllis Wheeler  Deborah Wilson 

Blink (an imprint of Zondervan), 432 pages. Please visit your local Christian bookstore to buy this book.

I received a complimentary galley of this book through the CSFF Blog Tour for the purpose of this review.