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Audiobooks >  > The Crystal Cave: The Arthurian Saga, Book 1 (Abridged)
The Crystal Cave: The Arthurian Saga, Book 1 (Abridged) Audiobook, by Mary Stewart Play Audiobook Sample

The Crystal Cave: The Arthurian Saga, Book 1 (Abridged) Audiobook

By: Mary Stewart
The Crystal Cave: The Arthurian Saga, Book 1 (Abridged) Audiobook, by Mary Stewart Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Nicol Williamson Publisher: Phoenix Audio Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 2.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.63 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: December 1999 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN:
4.00020687509722 out of 54.00020687509722 out of 54.00020687509722 out of 54.00020687509722 out of 54.00020687509722 out of 5 (4.00) - 19,287 listener ratings
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Publisher Description

Was Merlin an otherworldly being or just an ordinary mortal with extraordinary powers? Over the centuries there have been many stories about Camelot, but the mystery of the magician who nurtured, trained, and advised King Arthur has remained unexplored. Some have called Merlin a sinister, all-powerful Prince of Darkness. Others have described him as a merely a man, heir to the secrets of the Crystal Cave, possessed of rare and remarkable gifts. In this first part of her trilogy of Arthurian legend Mary Stewart delves into the mystery of Merlin. Visit the strange and mystical world of 5th-century Britain - a time and place made real through the dramatic reading of Nicol Williamson, the acclaimed British actor who played Merlin in the film Excalibur.

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"This is the first novel in my favorite re-telling of the Arthurian legend. Stewart concentrates her series on 3 figures: Myrddrin (Merlin), Arthur, and Mordred: each a young man raised without knowing one or more of his parents. The Crystal Cave focuses on Merlin's childhood, discovery of his parentage, and the eventual conception of Arthur. In this novel, Merlin is imbued with a humanity that is often lacking in the portrayals of him as a great or kooky wizard. Here, Merlin is a young man whose great abilities set him apart, leaving him at times profoundly lonely. Yet his life is devoted to helping others, particularly by bringing to England the great king that will protect it."

— Cara (5 out of 5 stars)

The Crystal Cave: The Arthurian Saga, Book 1 Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.15 out of 54.15 out of 54.15 out of 54.15 out of 54.15 out of 5 (4.15)
5 Stars: 5
4 Stars: 13
3 Stars: 2
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Read for book club. Interesting tale of Merlin. "

    — Kitty, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I wish Merlin had more magic and was able to use it whenever he wanted to, but I still liked the book. "

    — LazerWraith, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Mary Stewart spins a wonderfully epic Arthurian Tale in her own uniquely beautiful prose! "

    — Joseph, 12/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this book in Junior High. I remember loving it. I'm pretty sure I would still like it if I read it again. "

    — Chrysi, 11/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I've always loved the Arthur legend and she brings it to life and makes it seem almost plausible. Very entertaining. "

    — Stef, 10/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Definitely one of the best Arthurian re-tellings that's out there. Reminds me of Mary Renault in style - also definitely a good thing. "

    — Jenni, 9/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this so long ago but really liked it. Tells the story of Arthur and Merlin from a slightly different angle - Merlin's point of view. "

    — Janeen, 8/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read this first of a trio of Merlin books many years ago as a teenager. A great introduction to the Arthurian legends, and the author did an excellent job of conjuring up an authentically atmospheric Dark Age atmosphere. Will surely appeal to fans of Marion Zimmer Bradley's "Avalon" books. "

    — Derek, 4/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent book! Fantastical, historical, mystical fun!!!! "

    — Korlyn, 12/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " First read when I was in high school and the book that made me fall in love with Camelot. "

    — Connie, 11/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Nobody tells the story of Camelot better than Mary Stewart, a great series! "

    — Tricia, 8/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read this in High School. It was one of my favorite books and favorite authors. With a name like Gwendolyn I couldn't help but love anything that had to do with King Arthur and his Knights. I need to read it again to make sure it deserves the 4 stars... "

    — Gwendolyn, 3/16/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed it this second time as much as I enjoyed it the first time. On to book 2. "

    — Karen, 10/30/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A favorite of my teenage years - what first got me interested in the Arthurian legend. "

    — Emily, 10/8/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this, the entire series was excellent! "

    — Gregory, 5/8/2009
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Definitely my favorite telling of the Arthurian legends so far. I can't wait to get into the second one. "

    — Kendra, 1/15/2009
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series was my first introduction to the Arthurian legend saga. It makes Merlin much more personable and the story more realistic. Makes great fall reading material. "

    — Jason, 12/20/2007
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I re-read this with my daughter. I skipped over some of the romance details while reading aloud, but otherwise I loved it again. Merlin and all the characters seemed alive. "

    — C, 11/27/2006
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A favorite from Grade 5. Though, of the three Arthurian Series (I don't acknowledge the fourth...), this is my least favorite. "

    — Unit, 8/25/2004
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A beautiful story about how the famous character of myth, Myrddin (Merlin), came to be. "

    — Jessica, 6/27/2001

About Mary Stewart

Mary Stewart (1916–2014) was a popular, award-winning author of romantic mystery, suspense, and historical fiction. The author of twenty novels, a volume of poetry, and three books for young readers, she is admired for both her enchanting prose and detailed exotic settings. Eleven of her books reached the New York Times bestsellers list, and two made the #1 New York Times bestseller list. Born in England, she lived for many years in Scotland.