theatlantean's review
3.0
A bit of a disappointing ending to an otherwise solid trilogy. Without spoilers I can't say too much, but if it were a storyless journey, it would be all right, but the various story threads gradually fizzle away until you're left wondering what was the point of the details?
The other issue I had may be a perceptual one, but the emotional engagement with the protagonist (surely one of the more important reasons for running with a first-person account?) was, until the final few dozen pages, absolutely non-existent.
The story as a whole cannot finish, due to who Merlin is and what he will become, but I did expect some sort of dramatic denouement that would grip; me. It did not, I am afraid to say, which is very disappointing, because the first book in the trilogy was so good.
The other issue I had may be a perceptual one, but the emotional engagement with the protagonist (surely one of the more important reasons for running with a first-person account?) was, until the final few dozen pages, absolutely non-existent.
The story as a whole cannot finish, due to who Merlin is and what he will become, but I did expect some sort of dramatic denouement that would grip; me. It did not, I am afraid to say, which is very disappointing, because the first book in the trilogy was so good.
arbieroo's review
2.0
The third book of the Merlin Codex concludes the story of Medea, Jason and her sons but suffers the same problems as volume 2 - Urtha's land is under threat again but he is given very little to do and is something of a non-entity. The growing animosity between him and his own son never really goes anywhere and the plot rambles.
Only the first volume of this series shows Holdstock at his best.
Only the first volume of this series shows Holdstock at his best.
More...