Merlin's Shadow, Merlin Spiral Series #2

Merlin must lead despite his feelings of insecurity, insignificance, and failure. When everything is going wrong, has Jesu abandoned him? Even as I read and wanted to shake Merlin out of his wallow of self-pity, I knew I too struggled with the same feelings. The revelations of his journey pierced my own heart and shook me out of my wallow of self-pity. What a beautiful ending to this book. Be sure to continue the adventure when Merlin's worst nightmare (yes it can get worse) becomes his reality.

Forged in the fires of Britain, with the sword crafted by his dying father, Merlin impales the Druid Stone thwarting Morganthau's devious scheme to usurp King Uther and redistribute power to the Druidow. Destruction of the Stone forces the evil within to beckon another mortal vessel to its bidding. Feeding on hate, weaknesses, and selfish desires, the alluring power calls to the darkness of the soul. Sorrow-laden by her parent's death, plus the loss of the only home she has ever known, rage-driven Ganieda fights the pull of the darkness, but inevitably succumbs to the enchanting "Voice."

Yet, as warned by his mother, Merlin's quest was far from complete. Actually, it had just begun. Seeking a safe refuge from their pursuers, Merlin and his faithful companions constantly dodge dangers while eluding capture. From the forests of Kernow to the coast of Dintaga and through the valleys of Kembry, Vortigern hunts the ragtag group. However, at some point, the chase must end. Seized during a Pictish raid, Merlin and company head north escaping Vortigern, but march to an unknown fate.

Merlin's Shadow is a continuation of Treskillard's engaging story-telling and well-developed characters. It opens with a concise summary of Merlin's Blade allowing readers to immediately jump into book two with a good grasp of the previous novel; thereby, negating the lost feeling many readers experience upon starting a book in the middle of a series. Told from multiple points of view--that of Merlin, Ganieda, Morganthu, and King Uther's traitorous Army Captain, Vortigern--readers delve deeper into these characters enabling notice of personality changes from the earlier novel.

Throughout the book, readers experience Ganieda's incessant torment and conflicting emotions torn between wanting love, acceptance, and a place to call home or choosing a heart of malice. Merlin, on the other hand, regains his visual abilities, but looses sight of his unwavering faith. Though wallowing in self-doubt with each new hardship, Merlin refuses to give in to circumstance. Merlin's Shadow is a well-crafted tale wrapped in prophecy, adventure, faith, vengeance, perseverance, and tenacity.

On a side note: I thought Muscravel died in Merlin's Blade. If anyone else thought the same thing, please let know that I wasn't alone.

I received a complimentary copy from the author for an honest review.

Pursued relentlessly by enemies who wish to destroy them and take control of the kingdom, Merlin and his rag-tag band of friends and allies are still on the run, trying desperately to protect orphaned prince Aurthur. But the forces of evil are strong, seemingly insurmountable. When only God can save them, will Merlin trust Him or will all be lost?

This book was just as fascinating and irresistible as the first book in the series, "Merlin's Blade". The author weaves an intriguing tale blending Arthurian legend and history, making these books quite unique. The story is absolutely gripping, I could not put it down. It is a lot darker than the first book as the conflict and plot deepen; and by the end, I can hardly wait for book three because I can't see how the story can come out well. This is an excellent read, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys King Arthur stories, fantasy, and even pictic and druidic history.

I recieved a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Definitely was not disappointed with Merlin's Shadow! It continues the story right after Merlin's Blade ends and you join Merlin's crew as they're on the run. There's action at every turn and it makes you want to keep reading. I'm really looking forward to the next (and final?) book in the series!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was received.

Merlin's Shadow picks up right after Merlin's Blade ends. Merlin and his companions are on the run from Vortigern and his men, but they are not the only ones after Merlin. Old threats emerge along with new threats. It seems wherever they turn, someone wants to bring harm to either Merlin or Arthur. It is a non-stop ride following Merlin and his companions as they race away from these threats and try their hardest to keep the young Arthur safe.

Robert Treskillard is able to weave the mythology of King Arther and supernatural aspects with a bit of historical fiction from this time in Britain when it is out from under Roman rule, but still settling into what it will become. The world that is presented is a dark world that Merlin lives in, full of battles, and grabs a hold of you as you dive further into the story.

Merlin through the story, has pushed forward as the leader of this rag tag group of five. However, through his strengths he reveals his weaknesses. One weakness in particular, which is witnessed in the beginning, I wanted to slap him for. Merlin promised Natalenya and her mother that he would protect Natalenya at the end of Merlin's Blade. However, when times got hard for them, and their chase intensified, Merlin pulled away from Natalenya and in doing so, left her vulnerable. I would like to say it was Merlin being naive, but I don't know. His thoughts shifted from where I expected them to go.

All in all, I really enjoyed Merlin's Shadow. It was a fast paced book from the very beginning and it kept me questioning, "What will happen next?" I'm interested to see how things will wrap up in the third book, Merlin's Nightmare.

Thank you to Booklook (formerly Booksneeze), I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.