I spent my childhood running through Sherwood Forest at Robin Hood’s heels and hunting the Holy Grail along with the Knights of the Round Table. Because of that, Robin Hood and King Arthur are some of my favorite heroes, which means I’m sometimes a little bit leery of picking up a retelling of one of their tales … because somehow it never quite manages to match my personal imagination.
I mean, why can’t the author picture it exactly as I picture it? That’s not an unrealistic expectation, is it?
Can anyone else relate?
Still I do love a good Arthurian retelling, so I’m excited that it’s the focus for the giveaways this month. For our first giveaway, I’ve selected Merlin’s Blade by Robert Treskillard. It’s unique in that it tells more of Merlin’s story than Arthur’s, and it’s written from a very historically rich point of view. Sound intriguing? Well, you can enter the giveaway for an ebook copy (and yes, this is open to international entries) through the Rafflecopter below, but first, a bit about the book …
Merlin’s Blade
Merlin’s Greatest Weakness Could Become His Greatest Strength
When a meteorite crashes near a small village in fifth-century Britain, it brings with it a mysterious black stone that bewitches anyone who comes in contact with its glow—a power the druids hope to use to destroy King Uthur’s kingdom. The only person who seems immune is a young, shy, half-blind swordsmith’s son named Merlin.
As his family, village, and even the young Arthur, are placed in danger, Merlin must face his fears and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil … without losing his life?
Find Merlin’s Blade on Goodreads
Meet the Author
Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri.
Sarah says
I read this one a while ago . . . wasn’t a fan of it at the time, but maybe that’s just me. I’ve been thinking about trying to reread it, since so many people I know love it so much.
My favorite Arthurian retelling . . . hmm. Most of my favorites are less “retelling” and more “Arthur’s return”. Of those, Dragons in Our Midst and Legends of Karac Tor are the best.
Clare says
I really like Stephen R Lawhead’s retelling.
Georgina says
Ah, yes, the legends of King Arthur are rich are satisfying fuel for the imagination! :) I liked the way C. S. Lewis incorporated the Once and Future King into his Space Trilogy, and I love the BBC TV series Merlin. ;)
Elizabeth says
My favorite by far would be in That Hideous Strength, when C. S. Lewis has Merlin come back, and weaves the Arthurian legend into the story. Such a fantastic book!
Olivia K. R. Fisher says
My favourite Arthurian retelling is actually the BBC show, “Merlin”! I haven’t experienced many retellings of the adventures of the knights of the Round Table (seeing as I am one of the many who finds some stories not quite fitting, enough). I do adore a good dose of medieval, though! :)
Victoria Grace Howell says
I’ve had my eye on this book for a while! Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
storitorigrace.blogspot.com
Claire B. says
I love Stephen Lawhead’s re-telling! And the Merlin BBC show is tons of fun! :) Sounds like a neat book. Thanks for hosting! :)
Susan says
I haven’t read many Arthur retellings, but my favorite book that includes some Arthurian legend and such is Magnus by Sigmund Brouwer. I have lost count of how many times I have read it.