Arthurian Saga

Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myrdden Emrys-or as he would later be known, Merlin-leads a perilous childhood, haunted by portents and visions. But destiny has great plans for this no-man's-son, taking him from prophesying before High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon … and the conception of Arthur, king for once and always. "Mary Stewart lightens the Dark Ages with legend, pure invention, and a lively sense of history." "The Arthurian legend is first and foremost defined by literary classics [such as] Mary Stewart's beloved Crystal Cave." "Vivid, enthralling, absolutely first-class." "Her style is simple yet vivid, displaying a love of words and the sounds they make, and her story is poetically imaginative." "Hearing this tale, splendidly read by Perkins, transports listeners to another time and place, and even those who have read this and others in the Merlin saga will be enchanted…For fantasy fans and any who appreciate a riveting story well told, this is addictive listening." "Perkins is a marvelous interpreter of this fantastic and vividly imagined world and will leave listeners on tenterhooks for the next installment." "With its mythic mists and galloping legends, fifth century Britain is fair game and Miss Stewart takes to whole cloth with a couturier's skill."

The spellbinding, suspenseful story of how Merlin, the Enchanter, helped Arthur become the king of all Britain-a magnificent novel set in a time when no life is safe, no law stable Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain. The prophetic voice of Merlin communicates not only the bristling atmosphere of the story's ancient setting but also its profound relevance to our own time. Once again, as she did in her bestselling The Crystal Cave, Mary Stewart provides a glowing re-creation of pre-Camelot England. "Narrator Derek Perkins is a perfect guide into the fifth century and the legend of King Arthur, told from magician Merlin's point of view…Perkins delivers appropriate solemnity to Merlin's remembrances, while his infusion of youth and urgency identify Arthur. He slips in and out of secondary characters deftly, gliding over difficult place names and showing remarkable dexterity with names that have almost no vowels." "A fascinating re-creation of the King Arthur legend." "It goes without saying that Mrs. Stewart tells a marvelous story." "Spectacular…A persuasive amalgam of history, myth, and magic." "A real spellbinder."

“The Hollow Hills” recreates the suspense and excitement of an ancient legend, how Merlin the Enchanter, prophet, visionary, and adviser to kings-keeps Arthur, the future king of Britain, safe. Merlin keeps watch over Arthur in remote secrecy, safe from the warring kings and Saxons who plot against his father, King Uther. Haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries, Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand. The regional kings look to the succession, and Merlin watches and waits, always providing for the security of the boy that his prophesies promise will become the greatest king of all.

Arthur Pendragon is king! With the great sword Caliburn in his hand and Merlin the enchanter at his side, Arthur comes out of hiding to claim the crown he was born to wear. Unchallenged on the battlefield, he melds the country together in a time of promise. But Merlin, Arthur's protector, sees the glories and horrors that await the new king. Sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause-Arthur's own half-sister-ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven.

Arthur Pendragon is king! Crowned and recognized as High King, Arthur is unchallenged on the battlefield, and he melds the country together in a time of promise, as Merlin works in the shadows. But sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause-Arthur's own half sister-ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven. "The richest of the three…mighty…climactic…action and suspense constant, even harrowing." "A perfect trip out of the present." "An absorbing and haunting novel." "A fascinating novel, a richly woven tapestry presented with a vividness that brings the characters from myth to real life." "Narrator Derek Perkins employs a conversational tone in this new production of the third book in Stewart's renowned Arthurian saga…Perkins illuminates the evolving role of Merlin as teacher, prophet, and advisor to Arthur in their dialogue…As Merlin ruminates upon events in his own life and his waning powers, Perkins adopts a reflective attitude tinged with sadness as well as full confidence that his apprentice will serve Arthur faithfully."