The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2 (Abridged) Audiobook, by Mary Stewart Play Audiobook Sample

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2 (Abridged) Audiobook

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2 (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 1.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 1.38 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: July 2009 Format: Abridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

Merlin the Enchanter, prophet and visionary, adviser to kings: Here is the story of how he rears Arthur, the future Christmas King, in remote secrecy, safe from the warring kings and Saxons who plot against his father, King Uther. Told in the voice of Merlin himself, this tale bristles with all the suspense and intrigue of fifth-century Britain. Ambrosius is dead, having brought order and progress to the kingdom during his reign. Now the regional kings look to the succession, and Merlin watches and waits, always providing for the security of the boy his prophesies promise will become the greatest king of all.

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"This is the second book in a series about Arthur and Merlin. It starts a day after the previous book ended, just after Arthur's conception. When Arthur is born, Merlin leaves him in the care of his old nurse in Brittany, and when he's four, sends him to be fostered by Ector, a local lord in Britain near Hadrian's wall. He doesn't see Arthur again until he's about 13. What I like about the series is that there's not much overt magic. Things happen strangely and Merlin has visions and premonitions, but it's mostly very naturalistic. The descriptions of places and people are very vivid."

— Vicki (4 out of 5 stars)

The Hollow Hills: The Arthurian Saga, Book 2 Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.88888888888889 out of 53.88888888888889 out of 53.88888888888889 out of 53.88888888888889 out of 53.88888888888889 out of 5 (3.89)
5 Stars: 7
4 Stars: 19
3 Stars: 9
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
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)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
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  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " The Mists of Avalon ruined any other Arthur legend tales for me. I know this is a famous and well-loved version of the story (written by a woman, even), but it's just too Christian and patriarchal for me. "

    — Tristy, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " By far one of my favorite series. If you love Arthurian legend, you have to read this. "

    — Erin, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Liked this one when I read it in Junior high. Good fantasy. I'd probably like it again. "

    — Chrysi, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Initially, this did not have the impact of "The Crystal Cave", but the author skillfully salvages the tale with a bang-up ending that makes the effort most worthwhile. "

    — Dolphe, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book is better paced than Mary Stewart's first, but I always felt as if I was waiting, waiting, waiting, until one little moment happened...and then I went back to waiting some more. This sequel is about Arthur's upbringing and his ascension to the throne. "

    — Kelly, 1/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This series is based on Arthurian legend and mostly focuses on Merlin. The novels are big enough for epic: lush landscapes, well drawn characters, engaging adventure that explains and expands the mythical stories of Merlin. "

    — Sandra, 1/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " You do need an Excalibur, if you have a Guneviere in your life! "

    — Gideon, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really remember this set of stories and I really enjoyed them when I was 12 or 13. Need to re-read them definitely. "

    — Mary, 1/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Mary Stewart continues the story of King Arthur and Merlin with her captivating writing style! "

    — Joseph, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very good and interesting story based on the legend of King Arthur. "

    — Donna, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Another good Merlin book by Mary Stewart "

    — Earl, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Read in sequence during my high school Arthurian phase. Continues the story, but from Merlin's point of view. I liked this different take on it. If you're looking for flashy magic, however; this is not the place to find it -- these are more about the political machinations than anything else. "

    — Sarah, 11/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The second book in this most excellent trilogy. The story develops beautifully with Merlin showing much more of his vulnerable side and the intriguing and politics makes for an amazing journey. "

    — Rachael, 11/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoy series books and this one didn't disappoint me. "

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

    " Slow starting and seemed to drag a bit through the first two sections, but picks up nicely after that. "

    — T.L., 5/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent Arthurian historical fantasy continues. "

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

    " I don't know much about the time of King Arthur. While I know this is only one person's ideas, I enjoyed this story and particularly Mary Stewart's writing style. "

    — Carol, 4/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Mary Stewart is a great storyteller. I recently re-read this series and enjoyed it as much as I did 25 years ago. "

    — Kendra, 8/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really liked this book, partially because Merlin travels to interesting places, but also because this is the part of the Arthurian legend I like best: Arthur as a boy, and how he becomes king. I have a small quibble with the way Stewart portrays Morgause, but other than that, an excellent book. "

    — Melissa, 6/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Marvellous read. "

    — Robin, 3/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It's pretty good, although it doesn't have too much unusual in it. I've only read the series once I think, maybe some books twice. An easy read, but a little too conventional to be worthy of priority on your queue. "

    — Astrila, 2/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It was a great ending to a memorable trilogy "

    — Bill, 1/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This whole series had be enchanted all the way through. Unlike many series', it's consistent in quality and reads like a continual story that you can't put down. One of these days I'll read some of Mary Stewart's other work. "

    — Erica, 1/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book. I was really into it. The first book in the series was a hard go at first, but this is a different aspect of the Arthur legend - mainly following Merlin. Very interesting, and very much enjoyed "

    — Jennifer, 1/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not much to add to my last review, but I will note: the latest editions of these books may have the worst covers ever. Seriously, who would want to read a book with those pictures on the front. That's one area where the book reader is useful. "

    — Christopher, 5/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite of the Arthurian Saga. I love the education of Arthur. Merlin knows who he is, is solid in his power, and ... it's my favorite. "

    — E, 5/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really enjoyed this book. I was really into it. The first book in the series was a hard go at first, but this is a different aspect of the Arthur legend - mainly following Merlin. Very interesting, and very much enjoyed "

    — Jennifer, 3/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The story of the young Arthur, told once more through the eyes of Merlin. "

    — Jessica, 2/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Part of the Arthurian stories...so, of course I loved it! "

    — Laura, 2/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Not much to add to my last review, but I will note: the latest editions of these books may have the worst covers ever. Seriously, who would want to read a book with those pictures on the front. That's one area where the book reader is useful. "

    — Christopher, 2/6/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great second book. Really looking forward to the rest of the series. "

    — Abigail, 2/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A great Arthurian trilogy that I read when I was younger. "

    — Melissa, 1/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I love how the legend of King Arthur is told from the view of Merlin. Great Read!!! "

    — Tracy, 12/3/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm not sure when I read it "

    — Pithee, 11/18/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This follows the Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart. The story of Merlin and Arthur continues; just wonderful. "

    — Sandra, 9/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I enjoy this author, so bought this used book when I found it. I enjoyed her take on the legend of Merlin and Arthur. This book is about the Arthur's young years before the sword, but from Merlin's point of view. "

    — Eevi, 8/30/2010

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.