Overall rating and opinion of "Nimue: Freeing Merlin" by Ayn Cates Sullivan

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Mary O Dougherty
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Re: Overall rating and opinion of "Nimue: Freeing Merlin" by Ayn Cates Sullivan

Post by Mary O Dougherty »

I'm glad so many others got great enjoyment out of it, but I was very surprised to see multiple grammatical and spelling errors in the first 100 pages. After I read the first few chapters, I had to go looking for other reviews on OBC to see how others felt about it - and kept seeing "exceptionally well-edited"! The last few chapters, deep in the mythology, are much better than the teenage Nina Part 1 - which is a shame, because I'm sure there are others who put the book down after a few pages or chapters.
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Jennifer Coxon
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Post by Jennifer Coxon »

Kathy Smith 16 wrote: 15 Sep 2023, 08:18 I did not enjoy the book as much as I had hoped. There were aspects of it that I really enjoyed but overall, it did not resonate with me as it seemed to with others. The descriptions and world building were beautiful, but sometimes felt lengthy. I had the opposite experience of Rushil; there were stretches where the plot felt like it wasn't moving forward, and I became bored and needed a break.
I think I agree with you Kathy, that sometimes the plot didn't seem to move forward, particularly in the Nimue section. However, I did still enjoy the book overall. As you said the world building was beautiful. I enjoyed the connection to earth and the elements and spirits.

The one thing I really found drawn out though was the content of Parts IV and V after the story had ended. I normally enjoy a bit of background information and glossary, but I found they really dragged on.
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Kutloano Makhuvhela
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Post by Kutloano Makhuvhela »

I found the book intriguing at first, but when it progressed my anticipation was a bit letdown. I didn't feel the writing as much as I thought I would. I appreciate the tone. It brought a different flavour that layered everything with kindness. The descriptions were the standout . I would give it three out of five. I would not recommend it vehemently. But I still would.
Chioma Oz
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Post by Chioma Oz »

I recently perused the book's summary and official review, and they piqued my interest. The book seems to encompass legends, mystery, and romance - all of which happen to be my favorite genres. I'm looking forward to sharing my review in the near future.
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Somtochukwu O Ezeme
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Post by Somtochukwu O Ezeme »

The official review attracted me to the book. I would love to read the book because of its connection to mythology.
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Sameeha Ismail
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Post by Sameeha Ismail »

I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed the book, especially the second act. But I've reduced a star because I found the act one to be slow and at times cliché, like the first chapter, it begins with a dream that was threadbare with overuse.
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Somtochukwu O Ezeme
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Post by Somtochukwu O Ezeme »

I recently purchased the book, I will come back to give my overall rating, what I like and dislike, positive aspects, and negative aspects.
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Gee-Q Mdluli
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Post by Gee-Q Mdluli »

I loved "Nimue: Freeing Merlin." It brilliantly combines ancient myths with modern storytelling, making it a unique and captivating read. The writing is vivid, and the book falls under the fantasy and mythology genres, with a touch of romance. The cover and title are visually appealing. The greatest lesson is the value of embracing our heritage. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mythology and fantasy, and I've rated it accordingly on the Bookshelf.
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Post by MehulPan »

I haven't read the book yet. But, seeing all the reviews and opinions, I'm hoping it's a good read and I can't wait to read it.
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Post by Enjani Matendeko »

I know London was a place filled with many art museums. However, I didn't know they had connections to the Celtic Druids. I thought the Scotts and the Irish had such a connection but never London. Nimue has taught me something new. I so enjoyed the author's master of Art and History. I can't wait to finish Nina's adventure, so to say, as Nimue.
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Olga Markova
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Post by Olga Markova »

I 'read' the audio version of this book, and I was completely enchanted from the beginning to the end. The London setting felt highly relatable at the start, and then the perilous dive into the Celtic myths made me wow. All stars from me for this magical fairy tale! The cover is awesome too. The main lesson I learned from this book is that there may be parallel worlds and reincarnations! :) I will highly recommend this book to all my friends who like top-quality fantasy.
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Olga Markova
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Post by Olga Markova »

Mary O Dougherty wrote: 22 Oct 2023, 16:35 I'm glad so many others got great enjoyment out of it, but I was very surprised to see multiple grammatical and spelling errors in the first 100 pages. After I read the first few chapters, I had to go looking for other reviews on OBC to see how others felt about it - and kept seeing "exceptionally well-edited"! The last few chapters, deep in the mythology, are much better than the teenage Nina Part 1 - which is a shame, because I'm sure there are others who put the book down after a few pages or chapters.
Mary, I listened to the audiobook of Nimue, so I was spared any eye-soring typos, and I absolutely loved this enchanting story! And, actually, I wanted more of the teenage Nina's story and her life in London, maybe because of the relatable setting. I loved the symbolism of the lilac roses too. But I agree that the mythology part was great.
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Post by Paavni Jain »

Overall, the book seems to appeal to readers who are interested in wise, intelligent, and imaginative literature, as well as in Celtic mythology and Arthurian legend. The book might not be suitable for readers who prefer action-packed, fast-paced, or realistic stories, or who are not fond of romance or spirituality. The book is a creative and original interpretation of the Nimue-Merlin relationship, and a thought-provoking exploration of the human potential and the natural world.
Mary O Dougherty
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Post by Mary O Dougherty »

Olga Markova wrote: 22 Nov 2023, 11:11 Mary, I listened to the audiobook of Nimue, so I was spared any eye-soring typos, and I absolutely loved this enchanting story!
I think an audiobook would have been fun to listen along to - it's possible that it would have helped with some of the awkward-reading parts, as well. The later parts of the book are definitely enchanting - and since it's part of a series, that always plays in as well. Thanks for your response!!
Nzube Chizoba Okeke
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Post by Nzube Chizoba Okeke »

I read this book two years ago and I can still relish the moments I had. I remember how I enjoy the journey back in time when Nina transformed to Nimue. I also like the uniqueness of the story, as only a few known aspects of the Merlin mythology was used in this book.
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