The Last Enchantment is the third book in Mary Stewart’s Arthurian Saga and picks up after Arthur has been crowned. Merlin has headed north to investigate potential rumors of Morgause being pregnant with Arthur’s child only to discover that Morgause has indeed given birth to a child whose timing would indicate Arthur is the father. This rather infuriates her new husband, King Lot, and he decides the child shall not live. With Morgause having hid the child, actually killing him is not that easy though he tries by killing all appropriately aged children in his kingdom. Merlin, unsure if the child is actually dead, returns to court where he counsels Arthur to be patient as the truth will out in time. Meanwhile, Arthur now has to negotiate a new marriage for his other sister Morgan and so he marries her off to an ally, King Rheged. All that is really left for Arthur to do is consolidate and defend his throne and marry to ensure an heir. With Ygraine’s input he decides to marry Guenever, a young woman working for Ygraine. Merlin remains in the background doing whatever is necessary to fortify Arthur’s reign and protect Arthur as well.
I find it rather interesting just how well this story can stick to the story and myth we are all familiar with while also coming across as drastically different at the same time. Obviously some of the bigger things are extremely familiar such as Arthur having been seduced by his half-sister Morgause and having a child together. It is some of the more minor things that are not entirely familiar such as how Arthur meets Guenever in this one as I don’t think that I have seen this version before. I am rather enjoying seeing such a different take on these kinds of things as it makes the story feel more original. The story continues being told entirely from Merlin’s perspective which means that we have limited insight into what Arthur’s court life was actually like. Playing off of this the plot is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time as it includes familiar elements but uses them in relatively unfamiliar ways. In many ways, this version feels more authentic than a lot of other versions I have read. Part of that is what I have already covered but perhaps a larger part is how much research was done in order to use authentic place names and terminology wherever possible. The mix of old Welsh, Latin and Saxon influences creates this interesting picture of how Merlin and Arthur might have really lived. It feels more historically accurate instead of the more romanticized version we normally get. This was an incredible read that I ended up thoroughly enjoying so I am happy giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Considering the topic for this book it is an odd blend of fantasy and historical fiction so it would hold the most appeal for readers who tend to already enjoy those genres. I think it would heavily appeal to those who like to read about King Arthur and Merlin specifically. The book is aimed at adult readers and while there is the expected violence and some adult references there is very little that is graphic so it could be read by older teens. I would recommend nobody younger than about fifteen or sixteen though. It is a good read and well worth trying so consider it if it sounds interesting. Remember to share your thoughts in the comments if you do.