📖 Overview
Morgan has always been different from other teenagers, with an uncanny ability to see things others cannot. When she encounters a mysterious woman named Merlin who claims to be the legendary wizard, Morgan learns she has a connection to Arthurian magic that spans centuries.
The story moves between modern-day Canada and medieval Camelot, following Morgan as she discovers her role in an ancient conflict involving the three types of magic. She must navigate both worlds while trying to prevent forces that threaten to destroy the delicate balance between them.
This novel combines elements of contemporary urban fantasy with traditional Arthurian legend. Through Morgan's journey, the book explores themes of power, responsibility, and the sometimes blurry line between good and evil. The reimagining of familiar Arthurian characters in unexpected ways raises questions about how stories and myths evolve over time.
👀 Reviews
Readers report this is a unique take on Arthurian legend that weaves together modern and medieval storylines. The book appears to have a small but dedicated following among fans of YA fantasy.
Readers praised:
- Complex exploration of magic systems
- Strong character development for Morgan
- Fresh interpretation of familiar Arthurian elements
- Atmospheric descriptions of both time periods
Common criticisms:
- Slow pacing in first third of book
- Some confusion about rules of magic
- Secondary characters need more depth
- Ending felt rushed to some readers
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (132 ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (8 ratings)
One reader noted: "The parallel storylines click together in a satisfying way, though getting there requires patience." Another wrote: "Morgan's character arc makes the slower parts worthwhile."
The book remains in print but has limited reviews online, making it difficult to gauge broader reader response.
📚 Similar books
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
A young boy discovers his destiny as one of the Old Ones and must collect magical objects while battling dark forces in contemporary Britain.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin A young wizard learns to control his powers and face the consequences of his actions in a world where magic follows strict rules and names hold power.
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner Two children become guardians of an ancient magical stone and must protect it from dark forces while navigating British folklore and myth.
Wise Child by Monica Furlong A girl apprentices with a village healer who practices ancient magic and must choose between different paths of power.
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander An assistant pig-keeper becomes entangled in a quest involving Welsh mythology and must find magical artifacts to prevent the rise of an evil power.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin A young wizard learns to control his powers and face the consequences of his actions in a world where magic follows strict rules and names hold power.
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner Two children become guardians of an ancient magical stone and must protect it from dark forces while navigating British folklore and myth.
Wise Child by Monica Furlong A girl apprentices with a village healer who practices ancient magic and must choose between different paths of power.
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander An assistant pig-keeper becomes entangled in a quest involving Welsh mythology and must find magical artifacts to prevent the rise of an evil power.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔮 The author, Welwyn Wilton Katz, named her protagonist Morgan after the powerful sorceress Morgan le Fay from Arthurian legend, creating a modern parallel to the medieval character.
⚔️ The book won the 1988 Ruth Schwartz Children's Book Award, one of Canada's prestigious literary honors for youth literature.
🏰 While many Arthurian retellings focus on Camelot, this novel uniquely bridges medieval and modern Toronto, weaving together two distinct time periods.
📚 The "Third Magic" referenced in the title relates to an ancient power that predates both science and traditional sorcery, introducing a fresh perspective to Arthurian mythology.
🌟 The novel was among the early works of young adult fantasy to feature a female protagonist actively involved in magic rather than being a passive observer or victim of magical events.