Book Review: Guardian of the Vision

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Guardian of the Vision     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Irene Radford
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   King Arthur
Series: Merlin's Descendants # 3
Daw, May 2001, $23.95, 544 pp.

Since the time of King Arthur, a Pendragon has always guarded England and its shores. The descendants of Merlin also try to keep the peace, but when war occurs they react quickly to end the conflict as soon as possible. In 1553, Raven is the current Pendragon and will soon name her grandson Griffin, the older twin brother of Donovan as her heir.

During a border skirmish with the Scotts, Griffin has a religious epiphany that leads him to the abandonment of his powers, his titles, and his birthright. He becomes a Catholic priest. Donovan picks up the mantle of the Pendragon, but though he understands the role he does not have the power to perform the job. Roanna, descendent of the Sorceress Nimue, has called forth a demon, but her summons fails as the demon of chaos Tryblith controls her. Only a Pendragon can stand in their way of spreading chaos throughout the world.

The third installment in the Merlin's Descendents series places a magical spin to true historic events. Irene Radford enchantingly brings to life the early Elizabethan era so that the audience will think that the author contains Merlin's genes. The battles on the mundane and mystical planes propel the story line forward, but the characters make the novel so fascinating that the good, the bad, and the ugly compel the reader into a one sitting session.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner