The Anvil Stone (Macsen’s Treasure, Book 3)

By Kathleen Cunningham Guler

Bardsong Press (2006)

Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (3/06)

“The Anvil Stone” is an unusual take on the age old Arthurian tale. We are
taken on a side trip of sorts. We meet the characters of Uther and Merlin the
magician in guises other than uncaring tyrant and all knowing mage. Uther is
given passion and doubt, Merlin, in the character of Uther cousin Prince
Myrddin Emrys is an eccentric man with visions and unknown talents. The
major forces of this story, the spy Marcus ap Iorwerth and his equally daring
wife Claerwen, wind their way through this tale of intrigue and war.

Marcus receives a cryptic warning in the shape of an effigy left by an elusive
stranger setting him and his wife on an adventure to uncover the truth behind
the effigy, a growing Saxon threat and the mystery of Claerwen’s growing
visions that lead to a missing sword of great importance.

“The Anvil Stone” is fresh look at a well loved tale. I found myself in a
believable world of warrior kings and Saxon invaders. The characters were full
had wonderful voices and individual points of view. There was less pageantry
and more grit, a behind the scenes approach that I truly appreciated. Even the
magic more dark and utilitarian than the usual pyrotechnic displays felt
possible. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of fantasy or the
Arthurian Tales.

Sondra Fowler is a reviewer for Reader Views.
http://www.readerviews.com