The Crystal Cave Audiobook By Mary Stewart cover art

The Crystal Cave

The Arthurian Saga, Book 1

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The Crystal Cave

By: Mary Stewart
Narrated by: Derek Perkins
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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. Epic Epic Fantasy Fairy Tales Fantasy Historical Fiction Magic Arthurian Royalty Scary

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)
Captivating Storytelling • Historical Authenticity • Excellent Narration • Lyrical Prose • Vivid Descriptions
Highly rated for:
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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.)

Fantasy as literature.

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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.

Wonderful!

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

Excellent storytelling

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

wonderfully read and a great story

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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.

Liked it enough to get next book in series

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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.

Such a Story, Such Good Writing

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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 ❤

Magically Wonderful!

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I listen to this wonderful audio version often. An almost historical fiction take on the Merlin/Arturian legends.

Derek Perkins narration was perfect

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If you could sum up The Crystal Cave in three words, what would they be?

Mesmerizing, beautiful adventure!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Crystal Cave?

Merlin's most intense meeting with Ambrosias was so packed with emotion I had to listen three times.

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

His voice lends magic and pulls back the curtain on a time and people long passed. He is now a favorite narrator, alongside Donada Peters and Davina Porter. I will be looking for his other works, and pray that he continues with this saga. He deserves more than five stars as a wizard of the spoken word!

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

Oh yes! I listen to audio books when going to sleep. This is so enthralling I have to turn it off to get to sleep. I also listen while driving long trips, and may listen to this again in the car.

Any additional comments?

I read all of Mary Stewart's books when first published, but that was many decades ago, and it is just lovely to rediscover her mastery, especially in Audible format! I remember The Moon Spinners as a favorite among her many stories, and would love to see other books from other eras, such as the excellent recording of Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White.
,

Please! Continue the saga with Mr. Perkins!

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I've been reading this book since I was a young girl and this (and the follow books) are my favorite ever. The hard backs hold a place of honor on my bookshelves.

Favorite verson of the Merlin legend ever!

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