The Crystal Cave

The Arthurian Saga, Book 1

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myrdden 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 High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon, and the conception of Arthur, king for once and always.

©2016 Mary Stewart (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Stewart was a scholar of the literature as well as a riveting and original storyteller, and Derek Perkins is her match. His delivery is faultlessly fine, conveying the heart-pounding excitement of Stewart's tale and the gorgeous atmosphere she has created, all while bringing to life a young Merlin who does not yet know what he is or will be.... Perkins is a marvelous interpreter of this fantastic and vividly imagined world and will leave listeners on tenterhooks for the next installment." (AudioFile)

Been waiting for this for decades

If you could sum up The Crystal Cave in three words, what would they be?

Timeless, enthralling, mesmerizing.

What did you like best about this story?

The Crystal Cave tells the story of Merlin unlike any other version. Mary Stewart brings Merlin to life in a way that is not just magical and mystical, making them real-life figures in a way that other Merlin tales have not been able to do.

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent narrator who drew me into a story that I am extremely familiar with. I first read this book in 1972 and have reread it more times than I can remember. I've been waiting for the audible version for decades and was thrilled that Perkins narration did not detract from the voice of Merlin that has been in my head for over 40 years.

Any additional comments?

I am anxiously awaiting the second and third books in this series for a complete telling of the story! Please bring on The Hollow Hills and The Last Enchantment.

LIKE AN ARTHURIAN TALE? - BUY THIS ONE.

So very well written & narrated, it is spell binding. One of the very best of this genre. A tale of a young Merlin growing up in ancient England, with kings, castles, & knights a plenty, all wrapped in a wonderful tale beautifully weaved to hold you interest throughout.

Mary Stewart paints this legend at it the best. She brings Wales, England and Brittany to life, with her extraordinary ability to paint a picture and tell a grand story. She makes Merlin believable and its fascinating to start the whole legend with a young boy, king's bastard Grandson and his tutor Galapas. The whole story is extraordinary and if you fancy a wistful tale in Ye Olde England mixed with the Arthurian legend start with this book.

BEST FANTASY FICTION EVER

This story and the two that follow are among the finest stories ever told. When I first joined audible 13 years ago I requested this many times. I wrote emails, I sent letters, I researched rights holders. Eventually they wore me down and I gave up. But look! Here it is. I can't write anymore, I need to go visit the cave. Thanks to whoever released this .

Enjoyable Arthurian Story

The Crystal Cave is the origin story of Merlin and the introduction of the characters that will be the foundation of King Arthur’s Camelot court….. or I hope so. For those looking for a deep dive into mysticism you will be disappointed but there is some magic that helps to develop Merlin into legend. Other reviewers correctly note that at times the story can become “wordy” but if you persevere I think overall it’s worth the listen. I eagerly look forward to listening to book #2 in the series and HOPE we get to King Arthur character arc and more of Camelot!! If the next book doesn’t pick up the story pace I will have to stop my quest of finishing the series.
Overall for the classic (1970) The Crystal Cave I found it definitely worth the listen with excellent narration.

Good but wordy

The story was great but the author goes into too much detail about scenery and other descriptions.