The Crystal Cave

Unlike other books about the Arthurian Legend, Mary Stewart's trilogy focuses on Merlin, the wizard. Here in the first book we hear Merlin as a boy. Stephen Thorne does a masterful job portraying the characters. From the gruffness of the soldiers, to the softness of the women, all the voices ring true. In addition, the pronunciation of the place names leaves no doubt that the narrator knows Wales and Cornwall. Although the book isn't new, listening to it adds dimension and pleasure. Thorne's versatility adds absorbing dimension to the trilogy. D.M.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

The opening volume of Mary Stewart's classic novels of Merlin and Arthur is at last available as an audiobook, and it was thoroughly worth the wait. Stewart was a scholar of the literature as well as a riveting and original storyteller, and Derek Perkins is her match. His delivery is faultlessly fine, conveying the heart-pounding excitement of Stewart's tale and the gorgeous atmosphere she has created, all while bringing to life a young Merlin who does not yet know what he is or will be. There are followers of many gods in Stewart's Dark Ages in Britain, with Mithras and Druid cults alongside the monasteries. Perkins is a marvelous interpreter of this fantastic and vividly imagined world and will leave listeners on tenterhooks for the next installment. B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine