Book Review: Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard

Merlin’s Shadow by Robert Treskillard
Reviewed by: Lori Twichell
Genre: Fantasy/History
Publisher: Blink
Publication Date: October 2, 2013

Merlin is now the head of a small, rough and bruised band of outcasts who are determined to bring order and light back into the kingdom. Now that the babe Arthur, is an orphan, Merlin’s role as royal advisor looks more like royal body guard. With Uther’s former bard, Merlin’s fiancée, a knight and a friend, everyone is looking to Merlin to guide their next steps. And the choices are never easy.  There are few who can be trusted and none of them are really considered friends.

And so, in a constant escape, retreat and survive mode, Merlin and his group set off on a new set of adventures. Every moment of their days are filled with danger and there’s no time for any sort of bard training or royal etiquette. Only protecting the young king is paramount. Even Merlin’s love, whose health is deteriorating from an odd illness, has to take a back seat to Arthur’s protection.

I am absolutely in love with this series. Merlin’s struggles and his growing faith spoke to my soul. In the past few years, I’ve struggled through some really difficult times. I had some of the moments that Merlin did – questioning God and His intentions toward my life. Much like Merlin, I reached the end of my limit and yet God was still there. Not judging – just ready to pick me up and move me to the next place. I know, I know. You’re here to see a book review and not listen to a sermon, but it’s nearly impossible for me to separate the two.

These books are filled with fabulous adventure and twists that you’ll never see coming. It seems trite to call them great fantasy because they are deeper than that. This is more than a retelling of an old tale. This is a solid, gripping and steady reboot of a classic. Far more than just a fresh view or a new perspective, this feels like Treskillard shook a snow globe with all of the pieces of the story and waited for it all to settle before deciding a course. Completely new, beautifully fresh and breathtakingly fun, this is Merlin and Arthur like you’ve never seen them before. And it is with a thankful heart that I am able to say that Treskillard kept the bones of this story so as fresh as it may be, it’s still completely faithful to all that Arthurians know and love.

High marks on this adventure! I cannot wait for the next one!

Review copy provided by the publisher. Thank you!