(Paperback)
Chaos ensues as Rome abandons Britain, leaving native Britons alone to defend their shores from the growing Saxon invasion. Set in 5th Century Britain, this retelling of the traditional legends of Merlin, King Arthur, and Avalon, blends a mixture of historical fact with Arthurian fantasy. Refreshingly innovative, the tale spans the mysterious birth of Merlin, climaxing with the conception of Arthur, the legendary future king of Britain. A young Merlin advises three High Kings: to fight through the bedlam, fight for the right to rule, fight to save the future treasure of Britain! Interlacing love, revenge, mystery and murder, with a dash of humor, this coming of age adventure is a guide through the shrouded tales that embrace the Sons of Avalon.
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May 17, 2009: Arthurian legends are usually that, legends of Arthur, but most don't seem to spend as much time delving into the story of Merlin. Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy is an amazing introduction into the magical world of Merlin. Dee Marie beautifully sheds light on the beginnings of the beloved, magical, and mysterious Merlin.
Set in a post Roman Britain, this recovering nation was still fraught with turmoil and war. The reader is transported to a time long ago with sights, and smells of the era. The scenery unfolds in the mind with each word until you are there with the characters in peace or in battle. The characters are rich and complex. The mysterious Merlin, Lionel, Lot, Ambrosious, and Uther take us through their journeys and struggles. Our characters, sometimes misunderstood, seem to make the wrong choices until the bigger picture is revealed with a life lesson intertwined. The difficulties and hardship of the time are clear, but not without humor throughout to remind us of the characters' youthfulness and humanity. We watch Merlin grow from infancy and become the leader and prophet he is meant to become. Merlin's Prophecy isn't only filled with beautifully written folklore, there are lessons woven throughout that relate to readers of all ages. Just because the characters lived long ago doesn't mean that they weren't facing challenges we can relate to. My favorite moment from the story comes from a scene when Merlin was speaking to Ambrosious. This conversation came to me at a time when I needed it: " .'Peace or discontentment comes from within. Man may not rule his destiny, but he does rule his soul. Your reaction to life comes from within you, not from the world around you.'" (Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy, p.199)Dee Marie's novel is not just for fans of Arthurian legends, but for anyone who enjoys good literature. Personally, Merlin's Prophecy has been a great introduction into a genre and world I had previously not visited. I hold a new respect and interest in Merlin, and plan to look into reading other Arthurian tales. I anxiously await her sequel to Merlin's Prophecy.Reader Rating:
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May 06, 2009: From the moment I saw the strikingly impressive front cover of: Sons of Avalon, Merlin's Prophecy, the exhilaration of this enchanting tale began.
Dee Marie's solid grasp of the wondrous medieval time period; Arthurian, is highly evident as she takes us (readers) on a non-stop exciting tale. From the mystifying birth of Merlin, I was drawn into the magic. Dee Marie is successful in combining both early British history and mythical characters, masterfully weaved and brought to life. Merlin is no ordinary child, and throughout the tale he uncovers his life's purpose, while coming to terms with his special powers. I experienced the bloodiness of the battlefields, love, and humor infused in this captivating story. Sons of Avalon is not just a thrilling page turner, it is, a journey which is guaranteed to leave you anxiously awaiting the second book in the series - Absolutely Outstanding! If ever a book is worthy of a six star review, Sons of Avalon: Merlin's Prophecy is the book! Highly recommended.