The Crystal Cave cover art

The Crystal Cave

Arthurian Saga, Book 1

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The Crystal Cave

By: Mary Stewart
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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About this listen

The spellbinding story of Merlin's rise to power.

This is what happened. I saw it, and it is a true tale.

So begins the story of Merlin, born the illegitimate son of a Welsh princess in fifth-century Britain, a world ravaged by war. Small and neglected, with his mother unwilling to reveal his father's identity, Merlin must disguise his intelligence - and hide his occasional ability to know things before they happen - in order to keep himself safe.

One beautiful afternoon, while exploring the countryside near his home, Merlin stumbles across a cave filled with books and papers and hiding a room lined with crystals. It is the home of Galapas, who becomes Merlin's tutor and friend, and who teaches Merlin to understand the world around him...and to harness the power of the crystal cave to see the future.

Merlin will rise to power and enter history - and legend - as advisor to King Arthur. But all stories must begin somewhere. And this is his.

The Crystal Cave is the first of Mary Stewart's brilliant Arthurian Saga, telling the story of King Arthur from the perspective of the extraordinary, mysterious Merlin.

©1970 Mary Stewart (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Fantasy Fiction Historical Fiction Medieval Arthurian Royalty Magic Middle ages

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Critic reviews

"Vivid, enthralling, absolutely first-class." (Daily Mail)
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Excellent telling of tale of Arturian legend. And I still have two books to go!

The first part of Arthurian legend

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pulls you along through the legend . love the mix mix of science, magic and common sense. thourghly enjoyable

legend alive

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I'm so happy I came across this gem of a book. Beautifully narrated too. Couldn't believe when it was over, I could've listened for many hours more of it.

Truly magical, brought to life by the narrator

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What a book ! I first remember reading this in the early 1970s, and was very impressed. It started an interest in the dark ages and the legendary Merlin, which I still retain.
A lot of research went into this book - it is so well written and developed. I find it very difficult to find anything I didn't like about it. And what can be said about the narrator ? He was absolutely superb !!!

Great

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This book was recommended to me by a friend who like me loved the stories of Merlin. I was not disappointed. It was amazing to learn the slightly different avenues this book takes, but it gives a wonderful depth to Merlin. The title "The Crystal Cave" really did excite me, Even though this is a work of fiction, I have over the years studied where the myths have come from. For all you Merlin lovers, I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. The narration was wonderfully read by Derek Perkins, he kept it totally believable. Enjoy fellow Audio listeners, your in for a treat

Fascinating

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If you're wondering whether to get these, just do it! Mary Stewart is an incredible writer and Derek Perkins a fantastic narrator. I read these books many years ago and loved them. With audible I can set the timer and listen to them in bed. I will definitely be re listening to these as the stories are so rich, they stay with you and you feel a part of them.

Love these books, love the audio version.

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So glad I read this as I knew little about Merlins story from childhood . Now the Arthurian stories mean so much more.

Fascinating and Enchanting

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Nothing! I’ve loved this story since I was a teenager which was many years ago!

Classic Arthurian read

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I read this when it first came out in the ‘70s and absolutely loved it. Re-read it so many times. Delighted to find this narration. Derek Perkins does a wonderful job. Smooth, clear, no annoying habits - and even a slight remembrance of Richard Burton’s voice - perfect! Thank you.

Brilliant!

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Very thorough we introduction to the story of Arthur. Very good narrator who takes nothing away from the story but adds it

Even better third time round

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