Review of Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
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- Latest Review: Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition) by Ayn Cates Sullivan
Review of Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
[Following is a volunteer review of "Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)" by Ayn Cates Sullivan.]
Nimue: Freeing Merlin by Ayn Cates Sullivan weaves a captivating narrative around a part of British folklore and Anglo-Saxon pagan mythology. It has the feel of mythological storytelling that is also in tune with the sensibilities of a modern audience and brings down to earth the realm of the divine. While it shares many characteristics with other fantasy tales, the style and message set it apart in its own sphere.
This story takes the tale of Nimue – traditionally called the Lady of the Lake – a step further and adds its own flourishes to provide a seamless flow for the readers. This lore, as well as the pagan traditions local to the story, are at the heart of the novel, and they are communicated to the reader in subtle and convincing ways; one is left with the desire to explore the possibilities of being, say, a Druid. We also see the motif of female empowerment and environmental responsibility present in a way that adds force to the storytelling.
While hammering out Nimue’s worldview, the author sneaks in a bit of philosophical nuggets, provoking thoughts about love as an art, the nature of consciousness, and the meaning of identity and self. These ideas are nurtured in the realm of Nimue, separate from the realm of humans that finds itself devolving into chaos because of the proliferation of Greco-Roman philosophy and Judeo-Christian values. The contrast between both worlds certainly leaves one feeling that the propensity humans have for inflicting cruelty on each other is truly inscrutable. However, the author ends the story with wisdom and hope, and with a call for all of humanity to wake up.
Two aspects of the story drove the narrative for me. First, the author’s ability to skillfully reinject energy into the plot was fully present. If the reader feels that a part is starting to drag, they can be sure that the story is going to abruptly pick up. The other aspect was the dynamic between Nimue and Merlin, which itself could’ve been turned into a book of similar length. However, the author only gives the reader enough detail and tension to leave them wanting more of and from this duo. The book was otherwise well-edited, and I found no errors.
This story was a fascinating and well-constructed tale from start to finish, and for that, I am giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who loves reading books grounded in mythological tradition. I would also recommend it to anyone who is looking for otherworldly hope in these turbulent times. I am certainly looking forward to reading it again.
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Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Nimue: Freeing Merlin by Ayn Cates Sullivan weaves a captivating narrative around a part of British folklore and Anglo-Saxon pagan mythology. It has the feel of mythological storytelling that is also in tune with the sensibilities of a modern audience and brings down to earth the realm of the divine. While it shares many characteristics with other fantasy tales, the style and message set it apart in its own sphere.
This story takes the tale of Nimue – traditionally called the Lady of the Lake – a step further and adds its own flourishes to provide a seamless flow for the readers. This lore, as well as the pagan traditions local to the story, are at the heart of the novel, and they are communicated to the reader in subtle and convincing ways; one is left with the desire to explore the possibilities of being, say, a Druid. We also see the motif of female empowerment and environmental responsibility present in a way that adds force to the storytelling.
While hammering out Nimue’s worldview, the author sneaks in a bit of philosophical nuggets, provoking thoughts about love as an art, the nature of consciousness, and the meaning of identity and self. These ideas are nurtured in the realm of Nimue, separate from the realm of humans that finds itself devolving into chaos because of the proliferation of Greco-Roman philosophy and Judeo-Christian values. The contrast between both worlds certainly leaves one feeling that the propensity humans have for inflicting cruelty on each other is truly inscrutable. However, the author ends the story with wisdom and hope, and with a call for all of humanity to wake up.
Two aspects of the story drove the narrative for me. First, the author’s ability to skillfully reinject energy into the plot was fully present. If the reader feels that a part is starting to drag, they can be sure that the story is going to abruptly pick up. The other aspect was the dynamic between Nimue and Merlin, which itself could’ve been turned into a book of similar length. However, the author only gives the reader enough detail and tension to leave them wanting more of and from this duo. The book was otherwise well-edited, and I found no errors.
This story was a fascinating and well-constructed tale from start to finish, and for that, I am giving this book 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who loves reading books grounded in mythological tradition. I would also recommend it to anyone who is looking for otherworldly hope in these turbulent times. I am certainly looking forward to reading it again.
******
Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
