CSFF: Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

Today the CSFF is touring:

Merlin's Nightmare 

(The Merlin Spiral #3)

by

Robert Treskillard

MY TAKE:

Book 3 is finally here! I've been hooked on Robert Treskillard's Merlin saga since book one, Merlin's Blade. I'm a big fan of the Arthur/Merlin mythology and an even bigger fan of Celtic lore and history. It's not so uncommon to see the two linked together, but Robert did it in a truly new and unique way that has had me scrambling to keep reading ever since. Merlin's journey begins in book one with him as a nearly blind teen. Certainly not a version I'd imagined, but his path to courage and eventually guardianship of the prince Arthur is truly captivating. Book two Merlin is faced with some seriously dark choices and must once again battle evil to save the kingdom and still keep his faith. Now in this next book Merlin faces his biggest challenge yet. A nightmare coming to life, and a kingdom to help rally or watch it all be destroyed by evil.

It seems like with every book Merlin is faced with the same choice over and over. Choose faith and light, despite feeling like you stand alone, and fight the evil - Or give in to the darkness and let it take your soul and be miserable for eternity. Watch everyone sink into darkness. It's a tough challenge and although it seems like one only in fiction, it's one we all face everyday in ways we don't even realize. Merlin is a great example of each or us as humans, called to fight for Jesus and forced to face evil at every turn.

They're great, exciting reads but so much more than surface reads. If that's all you're looking for - you're good, the read is excellent. If you want something that can make you think, then look a little deeper. It's still there.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A King In Danger 

 Arthur, now eighteen, is missing, and Merlin must find him before a shadowy pursuer catches him first. With the high-king and his kingdom caught in a trap of sinister deceit, Merlin has to find a way out before all is lost.

A Bleeding Kingdom 

Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxenow hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west.

And Merlin’s Nightmare Stalks The Land 

 Mórgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets it loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?

To read a sample, Click Here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri. It all began when Robert’s son wanted to learn blacksmithing and sword-making. The two set out to learn the crafts and in the process were told by a relative that they were descended from a Cornish blacksmith. This lit the fire of Robert’s imagination, and so welding his Celtic research to his love of the legends of King Arthur, a book was forged—Merlin’s Blade, book one of The Merlin Spiral, now published by BLINK Young Adult Books and available wherever books are sold.


Please visit the other tour members for more great info and fun!

Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Vicky DealSharingAunt
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Emileigh Latham
Jennette Mbewe
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Audrey Sauble
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams

Merlin's Shadow by Robert Treskillard

Today I'm touring on behalf of the CSFF:

Merlin's Shadow

           (The Merlin Spiral book 2)           

 

by

 

Robert Treskillard

MY TAKE:

The long awaited sequel is here, YAY! Gifted author Robert Treskillard was featured here with his first book, Merlin's Blade, in May, 2013. I knew then that the wait was going to be worth it, I hope you agree with me.

Merlin's story is as old as time and yet completely fresh and exciting in this series. He's young, only the beginning of his career as advisor to Arthur. Here we see him become the man we all admire and respect. His human weaknesses aren't hidden, he's easy to connect with in many ways, and yet you still see the faith and loyalty woven so tightly into his character rising to the top and leading you on.

The words are so well written, I feel like I'm actually there with the young group of protectors. The characters themselves so well written they give me chills. Merlin's sister particularly. She creeps me out even more than her grandfather, the leader of the druids.

It's a fast paced, high intensity, can't sleep until you put it down story that will suck you in and leave you wanting more. Be sure you read Merlin's Blade first though, reading a series in order is helpful. :)


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Betrayal. After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control, Merlin finds himself to be a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young ruler safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. Relentlessly pursued by his nemesis Vortigern, Merlin and his band make for the fortress of Dintaga.

But dangers multiply when Merlin realizes that Vortigern is not his only enemy. Even his own sister appears bent on Merlin's destruction. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil.

“Turn the pages, and you can almost feel the fog rolling in off the moors, smell the low heather, and catch a glint off a blade.”— Best selling author Wayne Thomas Batson

“Treskillard builds a real person in Merlin … whose belief in honor and family make him a figure to cheer for.”— Christy Award winning author Jill Williamson

Read a Sample Chapter HERE.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri.

It all began when Robert’s son wanted to learn blacksmithing and sword-making. The two set out to learn the crafts and in the process were told by a relative that they were descended from a Cornish blacksmith.

This lit the fire of Robert’s imagination, and so welding his Celtic research to his love of the legends of King Arthur, a book was forged—Merlin’s Blade, book one of The Merlin Spiral, now published by Zondervan / BLINK Young Adult Books and available worldwide wherever books are sold.

Visit the author's blog at: http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php

Be sure to pop by the other blog tour members as well:

Red Bissell
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Pauline Creeden
Victor Gentile
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Jennette Mbewe
Amber McCallister
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Jalynn Patterson
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jacque Stengl
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler
Deborah Wilson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

CSFF: Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard

Today I'm touring on behalf of : Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

Merlin’s Blade

by

Robert Treskillard

MY TAKE:

I'm a big fan of Merlin/King Arthur tales and there are a lot of them out there. Some better than others and each presenting Merlin in a completely different lights. Some as a druid, some as a magician or mystic, some as a bard. His age and beliefs vary as often as his part in the tale. I think in a lot of ways that's what makes his stories so intriguing. His story, fable or not, has made a deep impression on us and even after all of these years we're still trying to make sense of his role. Or, maybe because he is such a vivid figure, he makes a good allegorical character. A man that can both represent the common man and his challenge to overcome life's evils, and represent the hero/wise one that guides others to safety.

Robert Treskillard has started his trilogy with a truly unique look at Merlin. He's young and partially blinded, scarred from an attack and still carries those emotional wounds. He's not the hero yet we know and love. He's also a Christian. One of few in his community. Because of the druid's enchanting stone, his community is falling to evil and he must find the courage to stand up and fight for Jesu. That's hard for a young man who has a hard time even telling the girl he cares for how he feels.

It's inspiring and full of action and intensity. Merlin's faith is strong, but it's put to the test over and over. It's a journey that will lead him places he never imagined. I loved the story, the fresh take on Merlin's life as a young man. I highly recommend it to all ages and I can't wait for the next book.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Strange Meteorite

A meteorite crashes near a small village in Britain and brings a mysterious black stone. Two worlds collide—Druids and Christians—and the stone is at the center of the conflict.

A Sinister Enchantment

Its lurid flames tempt and ensnare everyone who see it. Only Merlin, the eighteen-year-old son of a swordsmith who is mostly-blind, is immune. Soon his family, his village and all of Britain will be under the control of the druids who seek to use the power of the stone for their own purposes.

And Only Merlin Can Destroy It

Merlin must face his fear, his disfigurement, and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, with hope nearly lost, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil … without losing his life?

The Author is holding a Contest! You could win your own Excalibur made by the author himself! There are other prizes available as well, be sure to visit his contest page for more details on how to enter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri.

Read more about the author at his website or visit his blog at http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php

VISIT THE OTHER TOUR MEMBERS:
 

Noah Arsenault
Beckie Burnham
Keanan Brand
Jeff Chapman
Laure Covert
Pauline Creeden
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Kathleen Smith
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Shane Werlinger
Nicole White


In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.