Thursday, July 8, 2010

Review: Merlin's Harp by Anne Crompton

Merlin's Harp
Author: Anne Eliot Crompton
Publisher: Sourcebooks, March 2010
Genre: YA Paranormal (older teens)

With flowery prose, Anne Crompton gives us the classic tale of Arthur from a different perspective. Similar to "the Mists of Avalon", this story is told from a woman's point of view. Nivienne is Fey, daughter of Merlin, mother of Mordred, Lady of the Lake, and a few other things. She suffers the loss of her brother, a Fey who turns human (and becomes Lancelot), and becomes apprentice to Merlin and leaves her safe haven of Avalon to journey with him into the world. The story is about her adventures over the span of approximately twenty years. Though the coincidences that happen to her are aptly explained, there are times when the fantastic tale stretch the limit of believability.
Told in first person, the story is well written, though a bit slow at times.

Written on a higher level than most novels, some young adults, the proposed audience, may find themselves digging for a dictionary. It's a good story, but definitely not a light, easily-read book. If you are a fan of Arthur legends and more academic writing, you will enjoy this short novel. But if you're looking for a quick, light read, look elsewhere.

(This book was originally released as an adult Fantasy Mass Market PB in 1997)
 
~ Vicky Burkholder
http://www.vickyburkholder.com

No comments:

Post a Comment