The Crystal Cave

Sometimes it feels like the Arthurian legend has been done to death. Because it has. But there are some retellings of the tale that are worth reading – if only to give you another perspective on a tale that – despite being over exposed – is captivating.Why it made the listThe difference in Stewart's Arthurian Saga is that it's written from Merlin's perspective. And, while Arthur is the hero of the legend, Merlin was always the most fascinating of the characters. There's no doubt that Stewart did her research before writing the series because it feels more like historical fiction than a strict fantasy. This is due to her ability to write settings that feel real – as if they exist.There are issues in the series: Stewart's Merlin isn't a great character and it's difficult to identify with him. It would've worked better if she'd written in third person instead of as first person. Fortunately, Stewart's fluid prose and talent for creating realistic environments redeem the book.