• The Crystal Cave

  • The Arthurian Saga, Book 1
  • By: Mary Stewart
  • Narrated by: Derek Perkins
  • Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,799 ratings)

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The Crystal Cave  By  cover art

The Crystal Cave

By: Mary Stewart
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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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)

What listeners say about The Crystal Cave

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not enough mysticism to Merlin for me to enjoy

I didn't enjoy this book very much I felt like a lot of the druid part of Merlin was not explored, I kept waiting for him to start doing something magical but he was just guided by a voice. It was a well written book just not for me.

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4 people found this helpful

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A Story Not To be Missed!!!!!

This audiobook is one of my favorites!! Mary Stewart brings this story alive!!
Her writing is exquisite! The narration is awesome! The characters are vivid
and wonderful. Don't miss this series!! 😊

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2 people found this helpful

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Awesome!!!!

Awesome!!! So happy!! Loved this series of books since I was 18. THAT was a very long time ago.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Classic Joy!

If you are a fan of the Arthurian legends this book is for you. The narration is wonderfully professional and Mary Stewart's writing leaves nothing to be desired. Enjoy!

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Stunning

Stewart shapes the English language into a masterpiece of art. And the narrator may be the best I have thus-far heard in audible. This book is a 100% win-win.

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Unimaginable!

Love love it! Incredible story writing! Takes your imagination great places.Narrator is great!
Best author on the planet in my opinion.

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Anything Arthur!

Love anything concerning the Arthurian legend. This book was a wonderful "back story" of Merlin's early life and how he came to be Arthur's guardian/mentor. One of the things I liked about listening to the story is that I finally found out how to pronounce some of the Welsh words! The narrator was the perfect choice for this story. Wonderful voice range and made each different character come alive.

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The Mystery of Merlin

I first read this book when I was a child. It always stood out as one of my favorites, including the other books in the Merlin Trilogy. I love the Arthurian legend and reading about it from Merlin’s viewpoint is enlightening.

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love these books!

I have read the entire Merlin Chronicles a few times,. This was a wonderful way to experience it again. great narration and easy on the ears. took me to a younger place in my life ( when I didn't have wear bifocals to read it).

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reader

I've always love this book. but this reader is incredible. I will look for more books read by him.

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