"Delightful fantasy"
Seven hundred years have passed since Merlin and Jason
(see CELTIKA) searched for the Golden Fleece, but now the
magician resides in Alba where he receives three warnings
including one about a man who wants him dead for
betrayal. Also Merlin is warned to beware of a being used
by a man and a ship that is more than a ship. Merlin travels to Ghostland to rescue the children of the
warlord Urtha at about the same time that Jason sailing
the Argo arrives in Alba still seeking his son Kinos
the "Little Dreamer" after failing in his reconciliation
with his older boy. Merlin joins Jason on his quest to
the Otherworld, where the latter's wife Medea probably has
hidden Kinos from him. Jason believes the Mage is
assisting him out of guilt because Merlin's first love
Medea faked the deaths of the sons she had with Jason.
Still the Argo captain wonders if he can trust the
magician once they locate Medea who may have Merlin under
her spell. Combining English and Greek mythology, Robert Holdstock
provides the audience with a delightful fantasy as the
audience will enjoy the exploits of Merlin and Jason as
they struggle to find the lost lad. Though some of the
early fantasy scenes seem unnecessary, this epic tale is
exciting non-stop action especially once Jason arrives on
the scene. The second Codex tale is a treat for Camelot
fans and Greek mythos readers who will want to hitch a
ride on the Argo as the adventures in Otherworld are fun
to follow as the two heroes each know that love can blind
the purest. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted March 7, 2004
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"The first is a man who needs you and will use you. He will
weaken you dangerously. The second is a man you betrayed,
though you believe otherwise. He wishes to kill you and can
do so easily. The third is a ship that is more than a ship.
She grieves and broods. She will carry you to your grave." These three warnings greet Merlin on his return to Alba,
the future England, to the deserted fortress of Taurovinda--
-the Hill of the White Bull. He is not the only one making
the journey: Urtha, High King of the Cornovidi, is coming
home to reclaim his stronghold, and Jason is sailing in on
the Argo to seek his younger son, hiding somewhere in the
kingdom. But Urtha's fortress has been taken by warriors from
Ghostland; they claim it as their own. There will be war
against the Otherworld. In this sequel to Celtika, Robert Holdstock weaves myth and
history into a fabulous tale of honor, death, and magic. At
its center, moving along his never-ending path, is Merlin
himself, an enchanter in the prime of his life, reckless,
curious, powerful, yet a stranger to his own past---a past
that is catching up with him.
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