Robert Treskillard‘s Merlin Spiral is an outstanding series featuring meticulous research of Britain in the 5th century AD — language, customs, warfare — as well as the traditions of the Arthurian legends he uses as its foundation. I am going to leave it to others on the tour to discuss the symbolic and spiritual aspects of the book. What impressed me the most is that Merlin’s Nightmare is a man’s book. Yes, there is a lot of warfare described in bloody, if not gory detail, but it is the strong male characters and their development that stand out the most. In this time of marginalization of men, when even TV commercials depict men as silly and weak, it is refreshing to see men acting like men, real men.

First there is Merlin, a now experienced leader and advisor. He is also a committed man — to family, country and king. He struggles with fears (don’t we all) and is reluctant to face them head on. But it is his commitment to God’s will and leadership in his life that causes Merlin to step beyond himself, his yearning for peace and comfort, and into the purposes and plans placed before him.

Arthur is now an eighteen year old — brash, reckless and a bit naive. His emotions spur him into action. But as the book progresses, Arthur learns the true costs of being a man. He has to make tough decisions and put others ahead of himself. Although he has a long way to go, this servant-king is committed to his people.

Commitment is the keyword for Merlin’s Nightmare. Loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness are on display, and what great lessons for the young men in our lives. There are some great female characters as well, but in this book the men shine. So go out and get all three books in The Merlin Spiral and make sure your sons and daughters read them. Girls need to know what real men look like too! ;)

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Young adults and adults

(Thanks to Blink in conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour for a review copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )