The Coming of the King
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The Coming of the King: The First Book of Merlin is a 1988 historical fantasy novel by Nikolai Tolstoy based on the Arthurian legend. The author is a relation of Leo Tolstoy. He had previously published a nonfiction book, The Quest for Merlin, in 1985.
The first of an unfinished trilogy, it is set in 6th century Europe after Arthur's death. Merlin and other characters live after Arthur's time. A second volume, tentatively titled The Thirteen Treasures, has yet to be published.
[edit] Plot introduction
Tolstoy's "Merlin mab Morfryn" is modelled upon Welsh legends of the prophet and madman Myrddin Wyllt (Wild Merlin), originally unconnected to Arthur, who contributed to the modern composite image of "Merlin the wizard" first found in Geoffrey of Monmouth.
Historical figures appearing in the novel include Cynric of Wessex and Maelgun Gwynedd, who battle near the novel's end.
The legendary hero Beowulf appears as Cynric's ally against the British.
[edit] Literary significance and reception
Publishers Weekly called it "an epic with the complex quality of nectar... once tasted, never forgotten".
