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Mary Stewart
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The Crystal Cave (The Arthurian Saga, Book 1) Paperback – May 6, 2003

by Mary Stewart (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,112 ratings
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Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myridden 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 the High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon . . . and the conception of Arthur -- king for once and always.

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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 5
    Arthurian Saga
  2. Print length
    494 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Eos (Trade)
  5. Publication date
    May 6, 2003
  6. Dimensions
    5.31 x 1.15 x 8 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0060548258
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0060548254
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mart Stewart is one of the most widely read fiction writers of our time. The author of twenty novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for young readers, she is admired for both her contemporary stories of romantic suspense and her historical novels. Born in England, she has lived for many years in Scotland.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eos (Trade); Reprint edition (May 6, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 494 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0060548258
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0060548254
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 1.15 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,112 ratings

About the author

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Mary Stewart

Mary Stewart

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Lady Mary Stewart, born Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow, was a popular English novelist, and taught at the school of John Norquay elementary for 30 to 35 years.

She was one of the most widely read fiction writers of our time. The author of twenty novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for young readers, she was admired for both her contemporary stories of romantic suspense and her historical novels. Born in England, she lived for many years in Scotland, spending time between Edinburgh and the West Highlands. Mary Stewart's legacy as an author is vast. She is considered by many to be the mother of the modern romantic suspense novel. She was among the first to integrate mystery and love story, seamlessly blending the two elements in such a way that each strengthens the other.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
2,112 global ratings
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2 Stars
Condition not as described.
Condition listed as Very Good but front cover had a tear, back cover corner was bent with splitting off of image and lots of edge wear all around and pages dogeared. Expected it to be used but this was disappointing to be sure.
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Top reviews from the United States

Harlo B
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Reading by Derek Perkins!
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
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I first read the Crystal Cave in 1971 (I was 24), and had to wait patiently for The Hollow Hills, The Last Enchantment and the Wicked Day. Mary Stewart is an incredible author, and masterful in engaging her readers. I have read this series 5 times (every 10-years), and pick up on things I missed during previous readings. I’m 75 now, and have decided to let Derek Perkins read me the series through Audible. I cannot express sufficient praise for his skill and artistry in presenting these marvelous volumes.

I highly recommend this wonderful series to young and old alike. TEN ⭐️’s as far as I’m concerned.
14 people found this helpful
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Ricsis
5.0 out of 5 stars Never loses it's magic
Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2024
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An different take on the King Arthur of Britain story by an excellent writer. This is the first in a 4 part series by Mary Stewart - one of my favorite authors ever. Though written long ago - it holds up and still fascinates every step of the way. If you are a fan of the King Arthur legend - don't miss this first one of the series.
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Dave
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2024
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When your grandson "must have" a certain book for school and it's not available locally, try Amazon 😉
Fast and affordable 👌
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fra7299
4.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting beginning to the Arthurian saga
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2023
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I’ll be the first to admit that, despite reading a few Arthurian-based tales in high school and college, I am not very well versed in the Arthurian legends and consider myself a novice. However, I found that The Crystal Cave was an enjoyable ride, filled with entertainment, fantasy and high drama.

It’s only my second novel from Mary Stewart, but I have a strong inclination and belief that she is just a really good writer who engages her audience. I think this is especially true with this novels because, while I had some criticisms, she overcomes them all by creating an interesting tale from young Merlin’s point of view and bringing this setting and world to authentic life.

The Crystal Cave is the first in a series of Arthurian retellings, and the initial focuses on a young Merlin’s vantage point and chronicles his adventures from childhood to becoming a young man. As a youngster, Merlin begins to become aware gradually that he has a gift if you will, of second sight. One of the more prevalent scenes begins when Merlin visits a cave and has a strange vision.

The crystal cave, the basis of the title, sort of comes to embody the overall symbol of Merlin’s strange, yet uncontrollable, powers that he has:

“A cave. The crystal cave. Sometimes I think it is death, and at other times it is birth or a gate of vision, or a dark limbo of sleep…I cannot tell. But some day I shall know. Till then, I suppose I am not afraid of much else. I shall come to the cave in the end…”

My main quibbles with The Crystal Cave were both the many, many characters and relations to keep track of, which I couldn’t begin to do, and the rather anticlimactic moments. There were so many deaths of key characters in this book, and many of them happen “off screen” if you will, and explained away in rather abrupt manners, which lessened the impact of the moment.

This aside, The Crystal was an entertaining, enchanting story for the most part, and it is easy to see why this novel has quite a following. This is a novel that a reader can enjoy it they do not worry too much about the characters and their relations and the world building and instead just take it all in. I would be interested in checking out the sequels in this series.
3 people found this helpful
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Sacred Chapel
5.0 out of 5 stars I like to think that Merlin existed (he did see the ...
Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2014
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This book takes you away into another time and place. Reading an interview with Mary Stewart about the Merlin books, it ws brought out that yes she did her homework and got maps and even visited sites. But it is all made up out of her own mind. PUre fantasy.
But It turned out that some places where she wrote about the terrain and added her own 'well" or path or whatevers, they existed!
The interviewer said that it seemed as if she had "the sight" .
I like to think that Merlin existed (he did see the Real Merlin) and that maybe she was being guided by Merlin.
Then I want to take it further --and aside from Merlin being a Discoverer kind of like Tesla was, but more magical --no that is misused so much!
In tune with the Spiritual nature of all creation (matter is a myth) and thereby able to do all the things that we are all supposed to be able to do
but were told we better not --by others who were not as spiritual. Until Jesus came along and said:
You will do everything I did and greater things will you do --john 14:12
---if He truly created us, in the beginning --where he gave us dominion--and then had to show us and tell us what he created us to do.--
--but only He could resurrect himself and save our souls.
Would it not be nice to be able to do loaves and fishes for the hungry or manifest water in a drought situation, or step iinto the boat in the middle of the sea and "immediately" be at land? Weather control -weather is a blessing --not dangerous or an inconvenience.
but that is another book and another Science. You might look up Christian Science Class Instruction Arthur Corey and read it online -find out you can't live without it --and buy it--on amazon of course!
3 people found this helpful
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Ygerne Bishop
5.0 out of 5 stars A very good book to readd
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2019
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not once was I bored and reached the end quicker than what I expected. Yes! The subject of the book..... the first book of the Autherian legend......is facinating, I find, but Mary Stewart definately has the gift of writing a good novel without having to use smut, sex and swearing....Yay! I am already reading book number 2 and still have number 3 to go, but I am very keen to read her other books. Best book I have read so far. Thank you Mary Stewart!
7 people found this helpful
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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written stories that keep your attention while staying true to history
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2021
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I Loved This Series of books. Mary Stewart is the most amazing author...the best I have ever read. I am an avid reader and am in my 70’s so I’ve read a few books. These books are filled with amazing stories, the kind that keep you guessing and wondering what will happen next. She knows how to keep your attention from the start while touching everything with her wonderful prose and occasional poetry. A feast for the mind and spirit!
3 people found this helpful
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Jennifer's 3rd Kindle
3.0 out of 5 stars Boring
Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2023
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Couldn't get into it. My whole bookclub couldn't get through it.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2021
Verified Purchase
Mary Stewart was a gifted writer. ( She passed away in 2014). Her use of language is a joy to read. Her words paint a vivid picture which transports the reader to the time and place. Added to that this book is a brilliant, fascinating read. It brings to life all the legends of Merlin to life in a way that is imaginative but believable. I am looking forward to reading all the others in this series. I highly recommend this book as an imaginative and engrossing read.
3 people found this helpful
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Lynn B
5.0 out of 5 stars As Entrancing as Ever
Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2018
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I read this book many, many years ago, but had forgotten how good it was. I have always been intrigued by the stories of King Arthur and Merlin , and this is a wonderful tale of Merlin's young life and how Arthur came to be. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. If you haven't read about Merlin, this is a great way to start and if you read this years ago ad I did, it is time for a reread. Enjoy!
3 people found this helpful
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Oscar Corona Amezcua
5.0 out of 5 stars Una bella y ágil narrativa que nos permite acompañar la infancia y juventud del mítico Merlin.
Reviewed in Mexico on May 20, 2017
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Escrito con elegancia y hermosos detalles que nos hacen sentir como testigos cercanos de los hechos a través de los cuales Merlin entreteje la trama de la leyenda artúrica.
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Manuel Rodriguez Gonzalez
5.0 out of 5 stars Buen libro
Reviewed in Spain on March 22, 2013
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Muy chulo. La verdad es que me ha gustado mucho y encima trata la temática de Merlin, muchas veces olvidada.
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S
5.0 out of 5 stars The crystal cave. A great title.
Reviewed in Australia on May 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
It is a strange fact that when music CDs came out, people found themselves replacing much of their vinyl music libraries with the same music but on CDs. I have been doing the same with kindle books. I remember reading this novel many years ago (now well out of print I should imagine) and was delighted when I searched for, and found it on Amazon. It is a really well written book in a series of Arthurian legends. A must have for anyone who enjoys Merlin and Aurthur historical books.
2 people found this helpful
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