The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well

by Ann Chamberlin

Book Overview

A recasting of the story of Joan of Arc, in which Joan's astounding destiny was predicted by ancient prophecies attributed to Merlin.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312875916
• ISBN13: 9780312875916
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

EXCELLENT historical fantasy -- myth & magic gallore, great!

I borrowed this book from the library and found it so captivating and enjoyable that I plan to buy. It is definitely a book you would likely read more than once. The basis of the book is a story of pagan religion & magic in France -- it is told from the point of view of the main character (a child) who grows up seeing horrible violence and wonderful magic. He learns about life and love and the wonders of magic and the world. Ann Chamberlin tells the story with such clarity that you can picture what it was like during that century, you can picture the fantastic situations as they happen -- a wonderful writer! Any fantasy enthusiast will enjoy this story. Wonderful book! I look forward to book two with great enthusiasm!

Fantasy at its Best

It's not an easy feat to write a fantasy novel that will stand out from others, but that is exactly what Ann Chamberlain has done. She has adeptly managed to seamlessly blend truth, fiction and myth in a story that transports readers to another time and place. Although there are instances where the names and places were a bit confusing, it was easy to overlook that and focus on how skillfully the story was told. It read more like history than fantasy and at times I had to remind myself that the spells of magic in the book were fictional...or weren't they? That's what Ms.Chamberlain makes you think and feel. At some points in the book I felt the influence of pagan rites (for lack of a better term) and realized that she had successfully woven it into her story and managed to show it in a better light than others have previously done. In this story the heretical and heathenish behavior unfavored by the Catholic church was shown to the reader to have origins of good intentions--something that I'd never seen before in a book. Ms. Chamberlain's storytelling also was successful in creating characters that were extremely likeable and/or despicable. I pitied Jean Le Drapier and also liked and disliked Gilles, his milk-brother. I have yet to make a determination about his character until the next book, which unfortunately won't be out for several months. For me, this book is exceptionally good and I'll be sure to put it right next to my other favorite trilogy: The Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams.

A terrific blend of history, fantasy, and action/adventure.

Merlin of St. Gilles' Well blends Arthurian legend with the story of Joan of Arc's rise. History, fantasy and action blends in this opening book which represents the first of a focus on Joan of Arc. Here a boy's vision of a Maid and her powers slowly evolves to reality against a backdrop of change and discovery.

A Vivid Reminder of Out Vital Link to the Earth

Ann Chamberlain has given us a wonderful gift: a vivid reminder of our vital ink to the earth lace with a compellingly readable historical adventure. This book continues to resonate in the mind long after the last page. I can't wait for the next "tapestry."

Fascinating premise

By the middle of the fifteenth century, Christianity has strong roots in France. Most citizens, from the lowest peasant to Le Roi believe that pagan practices no longer exist in the nation. However, the ancient ways still keep the earth and related forces in harmony. Giles and Marie de Ross, two minor nobles, journey into a sacred forest and attempt to kill a stag.A peasant child, Yann Le Drapier receives the call of the king stag and intercepts the arrow with his hand. MERLIN OF ST. GILES WELL, a descendent from the great Merlin, saves the lad who has the gift of sight. When Yann goes into an epileptic fit, he sees visions of the future. Merlin has a disciple tutor the lad in the old ways. The magician knows they prepare Yann to play a major role in upcoming events.The "Joan of Arc" trilogy provides readers with a paradigm look at one of histories most courageous and renowned figures. Starting with the exciting MERLIN OF ST. GILES WELL, Ann Chamberlin focuses on a hypothesis that Marlin recruited Joan, a practitioner of the old ways. The clever intertwining of fantasy and history works extremely well as readers will fully relish this novel and foresee that the companion tales will be as great. Harriet Klausner