Is 'The Hollow Hills' Worth Reading? Review Insights.

2026-03-24 17:27:48
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4 Answers

Flynn
Flynn
Plot Detective Cashier
If you enjoyed the first book, 'The Crystal Cave', this sequel deepens everything—Merlin’s vulnerabilities, the cost of his gifts, and the weight of shaping history. Stewart’s research shines in small details (like Roman roads crumbling back into the earth), though purists might balk at her creative liberties. Personally, I love how she reimagines Morgause not as a villain, but as a complicated woman navigating a brutal world. The ending left me itching to immediately grab 'The Last Enchantment'—the trilogy’s momentum builds like a perfect symphony.
2026-03-26 06:22:08
7
Rebecca
Rebecca
Ending Guesser Editor
Mary Stewart's 'The Hollow Hills' absolutely swept me away—it's like stepping into a misty, mythic version of Britain where every hill might hide Merlin’s secrets. I adored how she blends historical detail with Arthurian legend, making the familiar tales feel fresh. The prose is lush but never overwrought; you can practically smell the damp earth and hear the rustle of leaves in her descriptions. What really hooked me, though, was Merlin’s voice—world-weary yet witty, like an old scholar who’s seen too much but can’t resist a dry joke.

Some readers might find the pacing slow compared to modern fantasy, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a book to savor, not rush through. The political intrigue is subtle, and the magic feels organic—more whispers and visions than fireballs. If you love character-driven stories with atmosphere thicker than Welsh fog, this’ll be your jam. Bonus points for how Stewart handles Arthur’s childhood—it’s tender without being saccharine, and sets up the later tragedies beautifully.
2026-03-26 12:55:51
13
Ulysses
Ulysses
Plot Detective Nurse
What struck me about 'The Hollow Hills' is how Stewart makes sixth-century Britain feel alive—not just as a backdrop, but as a character. The way she writes landscapes is almost mystical; I kept picturing the rolling hills of Wales as I read. Merlin’s relationship with Arthur here is less mentor-student and more like a gardener nurturing a rare plant—patient, observant, but never forcing growth. Some passages about prophecies get repetitive, but the payoff when Arthur finally claims his destiny is worth it. Side note: Uther’s lingering shadow over the story adds such delicious tension!
2026-03-26 22:41:34
7
Xenon
Xenon
Responder Doctor
As a lifelong Arthurian nerd, I’ve read dozens of takes on Merlin, but Stewart’s version stands out because he feels human. No cartoonish wizard robes or booming prophecies—just a man burdened by foresight, trying to guide a future king without controlling him. The scene where Merlin helps young Arthur pull the sword? Chills. The book does drag a bit in the middle when focusing on lesser nobles, but even those sections build the world’s authenticity. Compared to T.H. White’s 'The Once and Future King', this feels grittier, more grounded in Dark Age realities than whimsy.
2026-03-28 22:01:31
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