Review of Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)

[Oleabhiele Joseph]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)" by Ayn Cates Sullivan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition) by Ayn Cates Sullivan is a historical masterpiece that illustrates Celtic culture at its finest. This bestselling publication opens with the introduction of Nina, a seventeen-year-old American who just recently lost her dad due to issues arising from alcoholism. Seeking closure and connection to their British heritage, her mother, Diana, arranges for a trip to the UK, hoping to heal wounds while being closer to her roots. Back in the States, Nina had been having numerous dreams in which she saw a lady in a green dress calling her "Mage." Upon getting to British soil, Nina, a passionate enthusiast of all things related to ancient Celtic culture, embarks on a journey to decipher the significance of her dreams. What she discovers profoundly alters the course of her life.
 
Kidnapped by Morgen, the legendary sister of King Arthur, Nina learns that she is the reincarnation of Nimue, a powerful sorceress and "Lady of the Lake" known for imprisoning Merlin in a tree. Morgen assigns her the task of finding the Pair Dedani, a grail, and eventually freeing Merlin from his confinement, as the time has come for him to restore the balance between light and darkness. Lacking clear knowledge of the events leading to her current dilemma, Morgen’s magic and hidden memories in Nina's subconscious lead her to relive her life as Nimue, the powerful mage. Her goal is to unravel the mystery of why and how she imprisoned Merlin in the Hawthorn tree, discovering the precise means to liberate him and ultimately fulfil her destiny.
 
To be completely honest, I’ve always loved Celtic myths, as their mystery and uniqueness highly captivate me. Given that, it's unsurprising that I felt a strong affinity for this book right from the start. The initial aspect that caught my attention was the storytelling style employed in recounting this enchanting tale. The narrative began with a short poem, subtly signalling to readers that they were in for an immersive journey into the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology. It actively immerses you in the story, where you feel like an onlooker witnessing the initiation of mages, the wild hunt of the underworld cronies, and Nimue's training with the immaculate priestesses of Ynys Witrin, among other enthralling events.
 
Acknowledging the positive aspects of this book wouldn't be thorough without noting the beautiful romance that ensued between Merlin and Nimue. Somewhat crucial to Nimue's quest to liberate Merlin from his tree prison, this refreshing element added to the story's enjoyment and heartwarming appeal, as it created a richer reading experience. It's evident that this book was exquisitely crafted, skillfully presenting Celtic myths and legends with remarkable realism.
 
I appreciated the blend of fiction and reality in the story, particularly with the introduction of Nina, the young American reincarnation of Nimue. Her lack of knowledge of her powerful mage past added an essential touch of realism to the narrative. The glossary at the end was also of significant help, as it lightened the tremors in my head caused by the ambiguous Celtic and “Atlantean” words. Furthermore, the author included an engaging exercise at the end of the book to facilitate a connection with Avalon, a serene place of beauty and light, offering a potential healing impact on the soul and mind. Given these elements, it's unsurprising that the book has achieved bestseller status at Barnes & Noble.
 
 
I must emphasise the fact that I found nothing significantly negative in this book. Even though it made use of numerous Celtic words like Gwyn Ap Nudd, Efnisien, glefiosa, and Atlantean sentences such as "Muardo Ake Badra Rada," the majority of these terms were thoughtfully explained in the glossary. However, navigating through those words and phrases did pose a bit of a challenge. Despite that, the writing itself is flawless—a kind of story that lingers with you, replaying in your subconscious—and no other aspect of the book bothered me in the least.
 
This book contains some sexual content, although the depictions are not very detailed. This commentary is intended to convey the notion that the book is best suited for a mature audience.
 
Without an inkling of doubt, I'm certain that this book underwent professional editing, as I only managed to find two errors in it. From my perspective, Ayn Cates Sullivan has created a masterpiece that belongs on the top shelf, and I’m delighted to rate this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. I wholeheartedly recommend it to history enthusiasts, especially those with a keen interest in Celtic culture and early British myths. If you enjoyed the "Merlin” series or revelled in the legends of King Arthur, this book is a must-read for you. Get your copy and complete the cycle!!

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Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
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[Gerry Steen]

Hi, Oleabhiele, you did a thorough review of this book. I am sold on the quality of this book and the good reading experience it will give me. I want to get lost in a book that is full of Celtic mythology. I am interested in the story about Nimue and Merlin.