Guardian of the Vision: Merlin's Descendants #3
The Merlin mystique and the fascinating rivalry of Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, underpins this entertaining blend of fantasy and history, which invites comparison with Mary Stewart and Marion Zimmer Bradley. In this third installment (after Guardian of the Balance and Guardian of the Trust), telepathically linked twins Griffin and Donovan Kirkwood are the stars, but the other main character, Roanna, a witch who suffers at the hand of the twins early in the story, steals the show. It is Roanna's summoning of Tryblith, the Demon of Chaos, for revenge against the barons of Kirkenwood that really sets the pace. Griffin refuses to accept the title of Pendragon with its inherited magical powers, instead choosing the priesthood. His gentle pacifist ways are at odds with those warlike fanatics who would claim absolute power in the name of religion. Acting as Tryblith's host, Roanna sows seeds of destruction amid various royal courts. Meanwhile Donovan tries to stir up his latent magical talents as Griffin searches his soul for salvation. The battle for good over evil is a common theme in fantasy, but Radford's comfortable command of history keeps this one from becoming boring. Familiarity with the first two books isn't essential thanks to a helpful list of characters at the start. Agent, Carol McCleary.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.