Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

   

 

 

 

 

 

Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

"Arthur, now eighteen, is missing, and Merlin must find him before a shadowy pursuer catches him first.
With the High King and his kingdom caught in a trap of sinister deceit, Merlin has to find a way out before all is lost. Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxen hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west. At the same time, Morgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets a horde of werewolves loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?"

 

Leona's Review:

 

This is the third book of the Merlin series by Robert Treskillard.  The others are Merlin's Blade and Merlin's Shadow.

In this book Merlin now has two children by his wife, Natalenya.  The years have passed from the first books.  Any of the books can be read on their own. The author has The Story of Book 1, Merlin's Blade and  The Story of Book 2 , Merlin's Shadow  at the beginning of Merlin's Nightmare so the reader has an idea of what has happened in the previous books.

 

Robert Treskillard has such full descriptions of what is happening especially in the battles. This book had more war then the other two but necessary to accomplish the mission.  A werewolf is also part of this book which is interesting and unusual in the Arthurian books but the Voice is also different.

The reader finds many of the same characters in the first books of the Merlin Series.  Arthur, Merlin, Natalenya, Dwin, The Voice and Morgana. I liked the addition of the children in this third book; it helped make the book more personal.

 

Part One : Fear's Glance (page 21)

Ash, smoke, and flame: the young one looming.

Sin, spite, and hate: the sly shade luring.

Hand, soul, and heart: the black choice making.

Snare, lash, and trap: the death power waking.

Orb and fang, there at the dark demise.

 

Part Two: Terror's Grasp (page 159)

Battle, noise, and dust: the young one fighting;

Holy, pure, and strong:  the good God calling;

Spirit, hand, and heart: the white path choosing;

Gauntlet, shield, and torc: the kingship taking;

Skinned in death, there the moon will rise.

 

Part Three: Nightmare's Gallows (page 283)

Faster than crow, the bleak night coming;

Blacker than coal, the dread oath binding;

Stronger than steel, the great claws gripping;

Sharper than flint, the long teeth gnashing;

Sword and stone, there the prophet outcries.

 

Dedicated to: For Samantha Adele, Leighton, and Ness. Psalm 5:1-12

 

God is also a big part of the book as the characters pray often.

 

One similar chant I remember  when we spoke Latin in Church:

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus-Dominus Deus Sabaoth.

Pleni sunt caeli et terra gloria tua.

Hosanna in excelsis.

Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini.

Hosanna in excelsis.

 

A response in British:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord-the God of mighty warriors.

Heaven and earth are filled with Thy glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is He who cometh in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

 

There are maps in the beginning of the book and a glossary in the back (page 408). I used the glossary many times because  of so many names.  There is also a pronunciation guide. (page 407)

 

This was a harder book for me to read than the other two books in the series. It was good but so many names and activities. It still will get a  5 star rating.

This is not the end of the series; it continues with the  Pendragon Series.

 

I received a complimentary copy from booksneeze.com to read and review. The opinions are my own.

 

Robert Treskillard may be reached at:

 

www.KingArthur.org.uk

and https://www.goodreads.com/treskillard

 

Many characters and happenings  are based on  legends and history but Merlin's Nightmare is fictional. It is good reading for  young people as well as adults.

Leona Olson

www.mnleona.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Moon Cursed by Lori Handeland

Moon Cursed by Lori Handeland

Lori Handeland had me at the beginning with the words: "The first recorded sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was by Saint Columba in AD 565. The most recent occurred just last year."

Kristin Daniels was the host of a television program called Hoax Hunters, which has just been canceled.

She thought if she debunked the mystery for the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland, that would prove the world would want the film.

Kris has been alone since her mother died and her brother and father left, she did not know where they were but knew she would be fine all alone in Scotland.

Right away she meets Liam Grant by the Urquhart Castle. He kisses her and this is just the beginning of her adventures. Dead bodies, legends of the monster, strange tattoos, love, feelings, unusual happenings and so much more. Some other characters are Jamaica who has a coffee shop, Alan Mac the constable, Dougal Scott a native of the area but from America and her landlady, Effy and Effy's brother.

This is a good read and for those who have read Lori Handeland, this is another wonderful book. She has done a good job on the accents, the mystery and the description of the location brings me right back to the Loch. I have been there and it is very beautiful. I did not see Nessie that day but I did bring back a souvenir of a ceramic Nessie.

I give this a four star.
Leona Olson
http://mnleona.blogspot.com/2012/08/moon-cursed-by-lori-handeland.html