The Crystal Cave

The Arthurian Saga, Book 1

By: Mary Stewart

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

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)

Fantasy as literature.

In early HS, the only time our class went to the library was to learn the dewey decimal system. But once I found that room -- secluded from the hallways with large heavy double doors and filled with silence and books -- I went to school, but the library was my true destination. It's where I found Jane Eyre, and Dickens, and George Elliott, and Austen -- and that changed everything. And yes, Mary Stewart's Merlin series, too.

I remember reading it at the time, with an amazed sense of wonder. Wonder over the magical subject matter certainly, but also wonder at the literacy of the author. This was fantasy written at an adult level, with the beautiful language I had learned to love. But it was more -- it gave me magic for the first time, and I loved it. It set me on a path to find the best fantasy books I could, because now I knew they were out there.

I am so happy to say that I have listened to The Crystal Cave this week with my sense of wonder still intact, and it gives me hope. How can we despair of a world that has such wonders in it? My quest for beautifully written books in every genre will never end.

To finally have it on audio, read by the great Derek Perkins, is almost too good to be true. This series is a treat, a joy and an opportunity to pass it on to younger generations, and I couldn't be more thrilled to give it a 5 star review. I wish I could give it a thousand.


HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: For everyone.

(Thank you, Mary Stewart.)

Wonderful!

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is my first listen with Derek Perkins. He reads the story with heart and there are no huge breaths some narrators take between sentences, which i find so annoying.
just great!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

For sure.

Excellent storytelling

I read this novel years ago and was pleasantly surprised to find it as moving!

wonderfully read and a great story

like I said a great story well read and fun to listen to. I highly recommend it.

Liked it enough to get next book in series

I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to find this. What a great book and a very minor history lesson. Merlin has always been a favorite and this doesn’t disappoint. I loved the movie Excalibur as a kid and this is way better. First time experiencing the author and I enjoy her style. It’s very simple which makes it perfect. An enjoyable story for sure and one that I’m choosing to continue.

Such a Story, Such Good Writing

I read The Crystal Cave trilogy 45 years ago, twice, in a row, because it was so captivating. To listen to it now, with such a talented narrator, is a real pleasure that brought back so many memories. Everything about this audiobook, this story, is just about perfect. I ordered The Hollow Hills right before writing this.

Magically Wonderful!

Everything you could want and more. Excellent from beginning to end. The story everyone should know. It will make your heart heavy in parts and exulted in other parts! 💫Narrator Perfect ❤

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.