Merlin's Shadow

by Robert Treskillard

Blink Publishers

Betrayal. 

After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control, Merlin finds himself to be a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young ruler safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. Relentlessly pursued by his nemesis Vortigern, Merlin and his band make for the fortress of Dintaga. 

But dangers multiply when Merlin realizes that Vortigern is not his only enemy. Even his own sister appears bent on Merlin's destruction. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil.

My Review: 

The single thing that makes this book great is the fantastic attention to detail in laying the groundwork for the novel. Everything, no matter how large or small is brought to life by the Treskillard's wonderful depictions of everything. From the dungeons to the weather conditions, the words jump right off the page and soak into your subconscious as if it was really happening. 

It is not often that I feel a book that is part of a series can be read alone, but the author brings you up to date easily and without confusion. The clarity and vividness of the writing impressed me so much, I have to keep writing about it. You never feel as if you are reading another version of the oft-told tale, but as if you are reading it through new eyes, and as if you are discovering it for the first time.  

This novel is masterfully told, with an original voice that never once is repetitive or incessantly long winded. Merlin is a character you can actually respect and admire, not someone that is just part of the required reading for the tale. You live everything as it is happening, and it is a full body experience; not just an exercise of the mind.  

This book was provided by the publisher through CSFF for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Connect with the author through his blog and website:
http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php 
http://www.KingArthur.org.uk 

Check out some other blogs who reviewed this book:

http://tessbissell.wordpress.com; Red Bissell
http://www.oerkenleaves.blogspot.com; Thomas Clayton Booher
http://rbclibrary.wordpress.com; Beckie Burnham
http://jeffchapmanwriter.blogspot.com; Jeff Chapman
http://paulinecreeden.com; Pauline Creeden
http://projectinga.blogspot.com; April Erwin
http://vicsmediaroom.wordpress.com; Victor Gentile
http://realmofhearts.blogspot.com; Ryan Heart
http://fantasythyme.blogspot.com; Timothy Hicks
http://www.spoiledfortheordinary.blogspot.com; Jason Joyner
http://carolkeen.blogspot.com; Carol Keen

http://www.jlmbewe.com/index.php/blog; Jennette Mbewe
http://thewonderingsofoneperson.wordpress.com; Amber McCallister
http://www.shannonmcdermott.com; Shannon McDermott
http://www.bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com; Meagan @ Blooming with Books
http://rebeccaluellamiller.wordpress.com; Rebecca LuElla Miller
http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com; Joan Nienhuis
http://linalamont.blogspot.com; Nissa

http://asimplelifereally.blogspot.com; Jalynn Patterson

http://www.christsbridge.blogspot.com; Writer Rani
http://dadscancooktoo.com; Nathan Reimer
http://www.chawnaschroeder.blogspot.com; Chawna Schroeder
http://familyreads.blogspot.com; Jacque Stengl
http://www.jojosutiscorner.wordpress.com; Jojo Sutis
http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog; Robert Treskillard
http://stevetrower.com/blog; Steve Trower
http://www.shanewerlinger.com; Shane Werlinger
http://christian-fantasy-book-reviews.com/blog; Phyllis Wheeler