Synopses & Reviews
Centuries before he meets Arthur, Merlin wanders the earth, eternally young, a traveler on the path of magic and learning. During his journeys he encounters Jason and joins his search for the Golden Fleece. It is a decision that will cost him dear...
Hundreds of years later, Merlin hears of a screaming ship in a northern lake and divines that it is the Argo...that Jason still screams out for his sons, stolen by the enchantress Medea and thought dead. But death is not the end, and Merlin's trek to the north leads to the revival of both man and ship, and a new quest, with new companions-to find Jason's sons.
Roving from the frozen north to the blighted island that will become Arthur's realm, from the deep forests of ancient Britain to the sun-washed shores of ancient Greece, Merlin's journey is an epic tale of mystery and enchantment. Celtika begins a retelling of the Arthurian legend unlike any other.
Review
"[A] dazzling reframing of Arthurian myth and Greek legend....With this remarkable work, Holdstock...more than lives up to his billing as one of the finest living crafters of myth." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Does any of this, notwithstanding Holdstock's prodigious and impressive mythological cutting, pasting, and reinvention, really add up? Maybe not, but it astonishes nonetheless: stay tuned." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Readers may...feel conflicted over whether splendid individual scenes and fine, deep characterizations compensate for a narrative so laden with mythic and folkloric references that it is hard to follow." Roland Green, Booklist
Review
"Although replete with magic, animal sacrifice, and gory combat, this muddled story lacks much in the way of a believable plot or characters. It is recommended for very dedicated fantasy readers only." Rayna Patton, VOYA
Review
"[A] new series that...give[s] a new and refreshing turn to the tale of Arthur and Merlin. Holdstock's graceful, literate narrative style makes this a good addition to most fantasy collections." Library Journal
About the Author
Robert Holdstock's novels include
Mythago Wood, which won the World Fantasy Award;
Lavondyss; and
Gate of Ivory. He lives in London.
Table of Contents
Prologue 1
Part 1 Resurrection 7
Part 2 The Spirit of the Ship 69
Part 3 In Ghostland 109
Part 4 Hawk Watching 193
Part 5 The Hot Gates 265
Afterword 350