Review: Merlyn's Raven by Rose Vanden Eynden

Merlyn's Raven (goodreads.com)

By: Rose Vanden Enyden (website)

eBook,
Published April 17th 2012 by Soul Mate Publishing
ISBN 13: 9781619350

Source: Tour, for the purpose of an honest review

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Stars: 5
Flames: 2

Summary from Goodreads

Falling in love is the ultimate magic. For Gwendydd, a young woman in 5th century Wales, it seems an unobtainable fantasy. She dreads the day her chieftain grandfather will marry her off to increase his allies among the warring tribes of Britain. When she meets the mysterious and handsome druid apprentice Myrddin, Gwendydd realizes just how difficult falling in love can be. The ire of her disapproving grandfather is not her only obstacle. Myrddin’s clairvoyant visions of a king who will unify the battling tribes and bring peace to the land become a dangerous obsession that threatens to obliterate their union. Can Gwendydd support her beloved, the man destined to become the world’s most powerful enchanter, King Arthur’s legendary Merlyn? Or will her devotion destroy her and everything she holds dear?

Review

This story is one we are familiar with but yet not. This is a story of Merlyn but instead of the wizard that he was so well known for being. We learn of him as a young man and the young girl who fell in love with him. I love this time period and sword play but the best thing about this time period is the magic. In this age everyone knows of magic some are scared and believe only a demon would wield such powers and others just believe. This story has both of those people.

This story takes place in 5th century Wales. I found this tale to be very well written and enjoyable. The plot kept you engaged and turning the digital pages to see what happened next. I am hoping the author will continue this story with a sequel as I am interested to see what will happen next.

The characters were well written, believable and enjoyable. Gwendydd is the girl who falls in love with Merlyn. She meets Merlyn in town and then later at her home where the druid that trains Merlyn is to become an adviser to her grandfather. Her grandfather is later convinced by the druid to allow him to train Gwendydd in healing so that she may be a more sought after wife. However it is not the druid who is to train her but Merlyn himself. When it is announced that she is to marry a man to bring two tribes together it is Merlyn who saves her from the marriage with a prediction. In turn when the High King spirits Merlyn off in the middle of the night it is Gwendydd that saves him. Their love was a more gradual love than love at first sight which also made it more believable.

Also the locations in this story were well described. I wish we were able to spend more time on Avalon. I have always loved hearing about Avalon. This time period has always been my favorite, I love castles, sword play and hearing about the general life of the people. The magic and superstition that was alive in this time period also was intriguing. As a child I used to read all I could about King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. That is why I had to check this book out since it is a never before read angle for me on Merlynn before he became a legendary character.

I must say that as far as secondary characters go in this story I am curious if Rhydderch will be in more stories.  Rose has said there will be another book but it is TBD date. I will be reading the next in the series as well. I give this book 5 stars.

Have you read this book yet? If so please feel free to leave me a comment and let us know how you felt. If you haven't read it feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts.

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