Review of Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
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Tiffany Sun
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- Latest Review: Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition) by Ayn Cates Sullivan
Review of Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
[Following is a volunteer review of "Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)" by Ayn Cates Sullivan.]
Nimue: Freeing Merlin is a uniquely intriguing stand-alone novel; a tapestry of a book interlacing modern days with ancient Celtic mythology. The reader follows Nina, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl, as she's caught in the spiraling whirlpool of fate and destiny, slowly re-discovering who she once was, and who she will, or let's say has to, become in the future. With uncovered powers and a hidden past as one of the most powerful figures during the Arthurian times, Nina's old tale of ill-fated romance with Merlin, and a destiny of sacrifice as a Mage and Merlina, unfolds before the reader's eyes. This book opens the door of Celtic mythology, educating one about everything from the Holy Grails to Mages, Merlins, and other mysteries left undiscovered by the common human mind; all whilst holding your interest as Nina embarks on her journey of self-discovery, and possibly saving the world.
Nina, a simple teenage girl living in Manhattan, who has recently experienced mystifying dreams, travels to Britain—the home country she's never been to before—at her mother's wish. There, she meets peculiar people with peculiar powers, who seem to oddly resemble those that appear in Celtic mythology. As Nina is threatened into embarking on a dangerous journey to rediscover her former life, she is tasked with the mission to awaken Merlin, a legend of the past, or risk letting the entire world crumble to pieces because of the harm humans have dealt throughout the years, out of ignorance and greed. Forced to jump head first into this mysterious mission by a stunning woman in a green dress—Morgen—Nina re-experiences her past life and uncovers the necessary information to awaken Merlin, who is her true yet unfated lover. Re-discovering her life as Nimue, a powerful Lady of the Lake, the readers perceive the love, friendship, heartbreak, mistakes, and dilemmas Nimue had to face.
As a reader with no prior knowledge regarding Celtic mythology, the book proved intriguing, albeit confusing at times. However, the author does provide an extensive glossary that helps clarify certain aspects. This is one of those books that both entertains and provides a great deal of knowledge to the reader, despite its nature as a fiction novel—an aspect I enjoyed. Mythical elements like the Arthurian legend, Holy Grails, and Merlins, as well as mystical places such as Ynys Witrin, spark my interest as a fantasy reader; and the interlacing of modern-day to ancient times is well written.
The plot is dynamic and charming, switching points of view from the modern-girl Nina, to her past self as Nimue, slowly revealing her complex and striking past, providing an element of interest and novelty to the reader. In the end, it all ties back together nicely with a deeper delve into the concept of identity and past lives. As a fiction book, it held all the common aspects, including a twisting plot, diverse characters, hidden secrets, and romance, making it a solid and enjoyable read.
However, this book was not always enrapturing or captivating. At some points, the tension was well-built, and I had the desire to continue reading, but those were on the rarer side, thus I would say this is a solid and only solid read. There was a smooth incorporation of Celtic mythology that interests the reader because of the originality, and a nice premise of past lives intertwining with future fates, as well as being well-written and well-edited, but it still lacks the quality that brings readers to the edge of their seats. Establishing a empathizing connection between Nina and myself, didn't prove very natural, thus I didn't feel the emotional rollercoaster a captivating fiction novel brings, as Nina experiences a whirlwind of self-discovery. Overall, I would rate Nimue: Freeing Merlin 3 out of 5 stars, for it is a solid and engaging read, with beautiful Celtic mythology woven throughout.
******
Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Nimue: Freeing Merlin is a uniquely intriguing stand-alone novel; a tapestry of a book interlacing modern days with ancient Celtic mythology. The reader follows Nina, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl, as she's caught in the spiraling whirlpool of fate and destiny, slowly re-discovering who she once was, and who she will, or let's say has to, become in the future. With uncovered powers and a hidden past as one of the most powerful figures during the Arthurian times, Nina's old tale of ill-fated romance with Merlin, and a destiny of sacrifice as a Mage and Merlina, unfolds before the reader's eyes. This book opens the door of Celtic mythology, educating one about everything from the Holy Grails to Mages, Merlins, and other mysteries left undiscovered by the common human mind; all whilst holding your interest as Nina embarks on her journey of self-discovery, and possibly saving the world.
Nina, a simple teenage girl living in Manhattan, who has recently experienced mystifying dreams, travels to Britain—the home country she's never been to before—at her mother's wish. There, she meets peculiar people with peculiar powers, who seem to oddly resemble those that appear in Celtic mythology. As Nina is threatened into embarking on a dangerous journey to rediscover her former life, she is tasked with the mission to awaken Merlin, a legend of the past, or risk letting the entire world crumble to pieces because of the harm humans have dealt throughout the years, out of ignorance and greed. Forced to jump head first into this mysterious mission by a stunning woman in a green dress—Morgen—Nina re-experiences her past life and uncovers the necessary information to awaken Merlin, who is her true yet unfated lover. Re-discovering her life as Nimue, a powerful Lady of the Lake, the readers perceive the love, friendship, heartbreak, mistakes, and dilemmas Nimue had to face.
As a reader with no prior knowledge regarding Celtic mythology, the book proved intriguing, albeit confusing at times. However, the author does provide an extensive glossary that helps clarify certain aspects. This is one of those books that both entertains and provides a great deal of knowledge to the reader, despite its nature as a fiction novel—an aspect I enjoyed. Mythical elements like the Arthurian legend, Holy Grails, and Merlins, as well as mystical places such as Ynys Witrin, spark my interest as a fantasy reader; and the interlacing of modern-day to ancient times is well written.
The plot is dynamic and charming, switching points of view from the modern-girl Nina, to her past self as Nimue, slowly revealing her complex and striking past, providing an element of interest and novelty to the reader. In the end, it all ties back together nicely with a deeper delve into the concept of identity and past lives. As a fiction book, it held all the common aspects, including a twisting plot, diverse characters, hidden secrets, and romance, making it a solid and enjoyable read.
However, this book was not always enrapturing or captivating. At some points, the tension was well-built, and I had the desire to continue reading, but those were on the rarer side, thus I would say this is a solid and only solid read. There was a smooth incorporation of Celtic mythology that interests the reader because of the originality, and a nice premise of past lives intertwining with future fates, as well as being well-written and well-edited, but it still lacks the quality that brings readers to the edge of their seats. Establishing a empathizing connection between Nina and myself, didn't prove very natural, thus I didn't feel the emotional rollercoaster a captivating fiction novel brings, as Nina experiences a whirlwind of self-discovery. Overall, I would rate Nimue: Freeing Merlin 3 out of 5 stars, for it is a solid and engaging read, with beautiful Celtic mythology woven throughout.
******
Nimue: Freeing Merlin (Barnes & Noble Edition)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
