Loved the imagery in the very first paragraph of Book 3, about memory being like a smashed mosaic mended by someone who has almost forgotten the original picture.  Mary Stewart is a great writer.

Love Merlin's servant, Cadal, and enjoyed the reumion with Merlin's mother.  On to book 4.

Linda

I like Cadal, too. 

I didn't find his reunion with his mother satsifying, but overall, I think it was well-done.  In light of their overall relationship, anything "gushy" would have been out of character for her and them.

I liked her explanation of how Merlin knew of the underground water and pool.  It will keep me on my toes throughout the series knowing that some seemingly insignificant detail could have major plot significance down the road.

If I am remembering correctly, the author does lots of foreshadowing in this book or maybe it's the next one, The Hollow Hills

I just finished book 3 last night.   I love the 17 year old "wizard" who is so young and dramatic, and yet needs to be in order to survive.  I also like the fact that he cannot yet control his Sight.  That makes it more believable for me.

On to book 4!

Loving the book! I agree, though that I found the "reunion" with his mother less satisfying. If you didn't see your son for five years wouldn't you want a conversation with him before leaving for home? I love how she played the self-serving priests :-)

I just finished book 3. I'm enjoying the story more and more as the it goes along.

I,too was upset that the mother didn't speak to Merlin after not seeing him for 5 yrs! I did like Merlins answer about not wanting to put her in danger with too much info, but what was her excuse? She was brilliant in front of the king tho...

I think  there was a lot of pride involved from her (Niniane's) standpoint.  She was awesome with Vortigern.

I stayed up late to finish Book 3. :) I was so sad to see the cave destroyed and Galapas dead. I was so hoping for a reunion between them. :( I actually liked the reunion between Merlin and his mom. They both seemed to care about each others' safety, and I liked all of the hidden messages/glances they were trying to send between each other during the questioning. Merlin did sense that his mother was changed and figured it to be that she didn't have her power anymore. I think Niniane's reserved demeanor had a lot to do with that. I love how the two of them used Vortigern and his men's superstitions to get out of their predicaments. Pretty crafty, those two. :)

Yes, the return home was a sad event for Merlin.  I, too, had hoped for more with Galapas and Merlin.  Found how Merlin was able to get out from under King Vortigern most interesting.  Sometimes wonder where writers come up with their ideas.  On to Book IV.