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Emry Merlin and her twin brother, Emmett, are the children of the famous wizard who served in King Uther’s court. Emmett has some magical skill, but Emry is much better. However, Emmett got more training when they were growing up (before their dad disappeared) because Emry’s a girl. Now, all she uses her magic for is special effects at the theater.
When Emmett gets a summons to appear at the king’s court to become an apprentice, Emry takes his place (dressed up as him) when he can’t go last-minute. Pretending to be a boy all the time is tricky, but being able to learn more magic is amazing. And being at court, getting to know Prince Arthur, is definitely an adventure. She’s learning not just magic but all about the politics and intrigue among the nobles.
What’s easy to see is that, while Arthur pulled the sword out of the stone, he’s not much of a fighter; he’d rather live a quiet life as a scholar. And the two get along really well. But despite all they have in common and their growing friendship, Emry knows that it can’t go further than that. She’s falling for him, but he’s a future king, and she’s just a commoner. And … he thinks she’s a boy.
Some danger is lurking, not just in the form of severe punishment if Emry’s deception is discovered, but also from another powerful magician and a neighboring king intent on taking over the whole region. Emry will have to decide how to respond.
The Other Merlin is a fun take on Arthurian legend. The book plays fairly loose with history but is not intended to stick closely to some generally accepted facts. It is intended to be entertaining and a more modern, gender-bending take on the story everyone is familiar with. I’m looking forward to reading the next two books.
Rated: Moderate. Profanity includes around 10 instances of moderate profanity (plus 7 times using the word for illegitimate in its literal sense, rather than as profanity), a dozen uses of mild language, and less than 10 instances of the name of Deity in vain. Sexual content includes regular talk about it, some crude; some kissing, and a sex scene with some brief erotic detail. Violence includes some injuries and blood.
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