Merlin’s Shadow

And so Merlin wrestled with his desire to free all of the slaves, and not just his own little band – but decided it was too risky. His oath and been to Arthur, and to that he would be true – even if he was a fool to try even that. Could Arthur really come to the throne of his father? Could the island be ruled by justice, and every slave set free? Deep down, Merlin doubted, for the months of suffering and the sickening stupidity of his decisions had grown a callus so thick that he could barely feel his soul breathe anymore. The only dim hope he had was to escape.

Book: Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard, Blink Publishers, 2013

Genre: Fantasy

Target Audience: Boys 14+

Subjects: Truth, Trust in God, Power

Summary: The stone has been destroyed, the king has been killed, the land has fallen apart. And Merlin is on the run. Who is friend and who is foe? No one even knows any longer. While Merlin runs, a young girl finds objects of power and holds her hate closer to her heart, letting it grow in power and depth. Captured and turned into slaves, Merlin and those following him seek a way, not only out of slavery, but a way to guarantee the safety of the young child who is to be the next king.

Notes: A story based on the legends of King Arthur, Merlin’s Blade is the second book in The Merlin Spiral series. This story contains many of the traditional elements of the legend – the names, the fantasy elements, the objects. It is a well written adventure story, packing in so many events that a few days in the story seem like a few weeks. The spiritual elements are there but not as strong as in the first book.

The focus in this one is the despair and hopelessness that is growing in each of the main characters. Merlin starts to recognize how unworthy of love he is, his sister feels that all those she cares about are gone, Natalenya feels rejected by the one she loves, all those on the side of good feel there is little to no hope. All have to put their hope in something that is beyond the world they see. Merlin especially has to learn to start putting his trust in Christ rather than in himself or others.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Psalm 43:5 – Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

1 Corinthians 15:19 – If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.

Thank you to Booksneeze for providing me with a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.