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Taliesin  By  cover art

Taliesin

By: Stephen R. Lawhead
Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon
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Publisher's summary

It was a time of legend, as the last shadows of the mighty Roman conqueror faded from the captured Isle of Britain. Meanwhile, across a vast sea, bloody war shattered a peace that had flourished for 2,000 years in the doomed kingdom of Atlantis.

This is the remarkable adventure of Charis, the courageous princess from Atlantis who escapes the terrible devastation of her land, and of the fabled seer and druid prince Taliesin, singer at the dawn of the age. It is a story of an incomparable love that joins two astonishing worlds amid the fires of chaos, and spawns the miracles of Merlin, and Arthur the king!

This is the first book of The Pendragon Cycle.

©1987 Stephen R. Lawhead (P)1995 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Highly recommended... Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis." (Library Journal)

"A fine storyteller, he brings the Arthurian characters to life without sacrificing any of the haunting pleasures of the legends." (Omaha World Herald)

What listeners say about Taliesin

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Absolutely wonderful!

narrator was great! the story enchanting! I hope these books are published again! I want the set!!!

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Part 1 of the Arthur legend

I have many books about the "King Arthur" legend. This five book series which starts with "Taliesin" and narrated by Nadia May is a wonderful interpretation. I have read and listened to at least 6 times and have always found something I might have missed when I first listened. The next three books are narrated by another of my favorite narrators Fredrick Davidson, and the last book in the series "Grail" is narrated by Robert Whitefield. Each narrator does a brilliant job and if you enjoy the legend of Merlin and Arthur, you will enjoy this series. It is different and you should start with this book, then Merlin, Arthur, Pendragon and finally Grail. I have at least 6 other audio books about the "Arthur Legend" and most are enjoyable, but this to me takes the reader or listener to fantasy and legend that has not been touched upon before. Always try the free listen that Audible gives to see if you will like the narrator, I have only found maybe 3 in the entire ten and a half years I have been a member to annoy my ears, but if the story is truly good I can usually get past.

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8 people found this helpful

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Historic Fantasy take on Arthur

Lovers of Celtic mythology or Arthurian legend should read this, but be warned; while Lawhead's history, translation of legend to fantasy narrative, and grasp of subroman culture is phenomenal, his dialogue is not.

by turns fascinating and dry, The Pendragon Cycle is a rewarding slog. I know, contradictory, but such is the author.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Beginning to a Great Series

There is enough truth mixed with fantasy here to make this a truly enjoyable listening experience. You will want to follow through with all of the titles in this series. I have requested the Audible add 'Grail' to the series as well.

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1 person found this helpful

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great book

very good book, full of detail and entertaining through. there are numerous twists that keep you interested.

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Second time through

A beautiful blend of fantasy, lore, and truth. Full of imagination and a well crafted story full of believable characters.

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More than I could have guessed

I dove in to this not knowing anything, but it didn't take long before I became engrossed. Wanda McCaddon, through Stephen R. Lawhead's words, built a story and a world unlike any other. What a wonderful journey.

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Great story!

Please keep listening! I didn't care for the narrator's voice at first but I was weeping at the end. Well done!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Worthwhile

was a good storyline, I enjoyed it when I read it back at school 20 years ago, and found it as enjoyable today.

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Refreshing!

This was a surprisingly interesting story with a deeply touching look at the authors heart. I was so glad it gave Christ the glory as is right.

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