The Crystal Cave

The life of Merlin before he was interesting. A good story, but if you're looking for high fantasy, magic or even a god-like protagonist, this is not the book for you.

The author made Merlin look like an ordinary character in a historic fantasy tale. He is an unusual boy, but most of what makes him unique is not very relevant until the end of the book, and even then, it is downplayed to a large degree.

Merlin is the son of a princess in a pre unified Gran-Britain. His father is unknown as his mother refuses to reveal his name. Sometimes he is presented as the bastard son of the King in order to preserve the reputation of his daughter, but some rumors start going around that he is actually the son of a devil.

He doesn't play with other boys, because he would rather study than engage in physical activities. He sometimes seems to know things that he couldn't possible know, but that is because he usually sneaks around and overhear a lot of confidential conversations. At one point he manages to escape an assassination attempt because he was very perceptive.

One day while exploring the woods he finds an old man in a cave. The man appears to know who Merlin is and decides to teach everything he knows to him. Although described as an wizard, Galapas is basically a very smart individual, who teaches Merlin philosophy, languages, healing potions, and other sciences. At a later age, he would study finances and engineering with the best teachers in the realm.

So, none of the things that makes Merlin special requires magic to be explained. The author made an effort to give a rational explanation for all the exceptional feats attributed to the character. But there is some hints of magic every now and them. Most specifically, prophecies. Merlin does sometimes have visions of the future, but he has absolute no control over this power.

Overall I liked the book, but I really expected some more exciting things to happen. Merlin's special abilities, magical or not, are not very useful in the story. I know they will play a very important role in providing guidance for Arthur latter in his life, but for now, this is ma mostly typical, well written, historical fiction.