The Crystal Cave

The Arthurian Saga, Book 1

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

This book was my gateway to King Arthur

This book and series was my gateway into the world of King Arthur some thirty years ago. I really enjoyed it as a young adult and I wondered if I would be disappointed listening to it now. This book passed the test of time. I now have many other Arthurian books to compare it to, but this book is a solid entry in the genre. Stewart’s angle is to follow Geoffrey of Monmouth’s mythology and weave a story out of that. She focuses mostly on character development and telling a compelling story. She doesn’t get into period details of descriptions very much, nor does she delve into detailed accounts of battles and the like. In a way, she is the polar opposite of Bernard Cornwell. I found her adaptations of the legends to be very interesting and plausible. In her author’s note, she explains her usage of more modern geographical names, and I see her point, but I think this detracts from the book because it undercuts it’s historical nature. Overall the two things I liked best are the great storytelling and interesting character development. Together, these make for a great read.

Merlin’s Story Beginning

I liked hearing about Merlin’s early life and the gift he possessed. Stewart’s writing is clear and vivid, transporting the imagination of the listener or reader into early Medieval England in full color and three dimensions. Stewart also manages to bring out some philosophical points regarding the kind of magic and god directing the path of men and all England as well as the reason for pain and suffering in life in a way that is natural to the story and thought provoking. The narration is perfect and made for an enjoyable listen. However, I must confess that I never really liked the story of King Author because the story of seduction and affairs and rape disgusts me and distracts from the otherwise interesting story about the unification of all England and establishing of justice in the pagan world. In fact, Stewart’s version Merlin’s early life bears a great resemblance to Author’s in that he is fathered out of wedlock and initially rejected by his family. I liked the book for how Stewart wove together the mystical and historical so beautifully with well chosen words, but I dislike the sexual aspects of the story so much that I will not buy the rest of the books.

An old friend brought to life

I first read Mary Stewart’s Arthurian series almost 50 years ago, and was drawn irresistibly into the poetic prose and gripping imagery of the world it portrays. I’ve re-read it over again several times, and when I found it as an audiobook I checked the sample and then bought it. Derek Perkins’ reading is almost perfect for the mood invoked by this series; the only improvement possible would be if he had read it in a Welsh accent, as it is presented as the memoirs of Merlin, the bastard son of a Welsh princess. If you want adventure, poetry, and intellectual and emotional satisfaction in your audiobook experiences, it’s worth looking at this masterpiece of the storyteller’s art. It may become your lifelong friend, as it has been mine.

Could have been written today ...action, humor, romance, intrigue, ...

I first read this book in the early 1970s. It is as enchanting now as it was then. Blessings Mary Stewart for taking all of the historical data and imbuing it with action, romance, intrigue, mystery, sci-fi, and humor. In my mind it set up the possibility of Diana Galbadon's wonderful Scottish Outlander series. Although they share some Celtic/Gaelic/British history, they are completely different. And in different centuries. Yet, both authors are award winning historical novelists that stand alone without additional support.....other than their rabid fans and readers.

Amazing series.

I recently found off about Mary Stewart and this gym of a series.
I didn’t think anything could top Cornwell’s Arthur and Merlin series but she’s definitely given him a run for his money.
Amazing storytelling , kept me hooked throughout all 4 books.
Bravo

magical nostalgia

read the book at a young age. loved it then, and now. will definitely be reading it to my grandchildren.

Great book. Great performance.

This was one of the first books I willingly read in paperback out of school many years ago and I loved it. Perkins brought back the magic and the wonder. I had tears in my eyes more than once. Looking forward to the Hollow Hills!

Filled in the blanks

I love these type of stories. It was really nice to hear an account of what Merlin's life might have been. It brings together all the other stories I have read in a very nice way.

Waited for Years

I have waited for years for these books to be on Audible. Mary Stewart's Merlin is a wonderfully drawn character who Derrick Perkins performs admirably. The Crystal Cave is my favorite of the series. I highly recommend this one to every lover of the Arthurian legend!

Great book, narrated well!

Love this series. This is the unabridged version and the narration is done very well. Thoroughly enjoyable!